Forensic Files

The Secrets of Birch View Drive

Dateline NBC

  • Jan 10, 2023
  • 1:23:07
  • Full Episode
Synchronizing the audio with the ad breaks and transcriptThis takes a brief moment, please wait.

<p>After an apparent brazen home invasion in a quiet Connecticut community leaves Connie Dabate dead, investigators discover a silent witness that cracks the case wide open. Andrea Canning reports.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Brief Summary

Rick DeBate was convicted of murdering his wife Connie, with evidence from a Fitbit contradicting his alibi and revealing his affair.

Key points

  • The Silent Witness. A Fitbit captures the last moments of Connie's life, aiding investigators.
  • The Intruder's Description. Rick describes a masked intruder with a deep, recognizable voice.
  • The Aftermath. Rick shares the devastating news of Connie's death with their young sons.
  • The Contractor as a Suspect. Detectives uncover a troubling connection between Connie's murder and a contractor dispute.
  • Rick's Odd Behavior. In the wake of Connie's death, Rick's actions raise eyebrows among friends and family.
  • Community Vigil for Connie. Friends and family gather to honor Connie's memory, reflecting on her impact.

Tension

85/ 100High tension

More from Dateline NBC

Solve the Crime

Read a real case one clue at a time, then see how your call held up against the investigators.

Start a Case

Join Team Forensic Files

Regular case drops, breaking crime news, and podcast premieres, straight to your inbox.

or

Forgot your password?