The Mystery in Rock Hill
- Feb 8, 2022
- 1:19:40
- Full Episode
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In this Dateline classic, one thing is clear in a case of disputed evidence and contradictory testimony: 12-year-old Amanda Cope was brutally murdered, and she deserved justice. Her father confessed to her murder, but was he really a killer? Keith Morrison reports. Originally aired on NBC on July 9, 2010.
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Brief Summary
Billy Cope was wrongfully convicted of murdering his daughter Amanda, despite evidence pointing to another suspect and issues with his confessions.
Key points
- A Father's Nightmare. Billy wakes up to find something is off, leading to a horrifying discovery.
- Confessions Under Duress. Billy's confessions to the murder raise questions about their validity and coercion.
- DNA Evidence Shifts Blame. New DNA evidence points to another suspect, complicating the case against Billy.
- Conspiracy Theory Emerges. Prosecutors suggest a conspiracy between Billy and the real killer, James Sanders.
- The Discovery of DNA Evidence. James Sanders' DNA is found on Amanda Cope's body, raising questions about Billy Cope's guilt.
- A Mother's Dilemma. Billy Cope faces a heartbreaking choice regarding his parental rights amidst his murder trial.
Episode highlights
- A Father's NightmareBilly wakes up to find something is off, leading to a horrifying discovery.“Maybe the rapture took place. Maybe I did get left behind.”2:58Feb 8, 2022
- Confessions Under DuressBilly's confessions to the murder raise questions about their validity and coercion.“I didn't do this. This is not me.”11:01Feb 8, 2022
- DNA Evidence Shifts BlameNew DNA evidence points to another suspect, complicating the case against Billy.“Police now knew whose DNA it was.”12:32Feb 8, 2022
- Conspiracy Theory EmergesProsecutors suggest a conspiracy between Billy and the real killer, James Sanders.“Billy must have let him in.”23:47Feb 8, 2022
- The Discovery of DNA EvidenceJames Sanders' DNA is found on Amanda Cope's body, raising questions about Billy Cope's guilt.“It seems that a couple of the officers may have wired your client's wife for sound.”27:36Feb 8, 2022
- A Mother's DilemmaBilly Cope faces a heartbreaking choice regarding his parental rights amidst his murder trial.“I have promised to my girls, and I feel like if I done that, I'd be breaking that promise.”41:21Feb 8, 2022
- A Disturbing ConfessionBilly's defense is shaken when he allegedly confesses to a family friend in a letter.“God told me to tell you that I killed Amanda.”44:03Feb 8, 2022
- The Spy Among UsAmy Simmons, a family friend, is suspected of leaking information to the prosecution.“A girl is the leak.”48:47Feb 8, 2022
Tension
85/ 100High tension
