DeepSummary
Josh Mankiewicz and Andrea Canning discuss Canning's 'Dateline' episode called 'Chameleon', which investigates the case of John Smith, a man suspected of murdering multiple wives over several decades. Despite seeming obviously guilty from the beginning, the episode explores the challenges law enforcement faced in building a solid case against him.
The episode delves into Smith's ability to deceive and manipulate the women in his life, presenting himself as whatever persona appealed to their vulnerabilities at the time. Canning shares an exclusive audio clip of a phone call where Smith remains calm and evasive when confronted about the disappearance of one wife.
Canning and Mankiewicz analyze key moments like the discovery of skeletal remains by Smith's brother, question why he committed these crimes without an obvious financial motive, and address the prosecution's controversial decision to grant Smith immunity for one murder in order to try him for another.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- John Smith was a master manipulator who could adapt his personality to appeal to vulnerable women's desires
- Despite appearing guilty early on, building a prosecutable case against Smith took decades due to his deception and lack of obvious motive
- Key breaks like the discovery of remains and Smith's own lies enabled law enforcement to finally apprehend him
- The prosecution's deal granting immunity for one murder to try another was controversial for victims' families
- Domestic violence experts warn leaving an abuser can be the most dangerous time for victims
- The case highlights how serial killers can compartmentalize lives and evade detection for years
- Extensive investigation by victims' families was crucial in cracking the case alongside official police work
- Smith's ability to keep up lies even when confronted directly enabled his crimes to go unsolved for so long
Top Episodes Quotes
- “And that's what led to the search warrant, by the way, was the lie about the luggage.“ by Andrea Canning
- “Your brother would be like, you know, he'd have a podcast. He'd be like, he would have a show about it already, your brother.“ by Andrea Canning
- “I'm concerned about me now.“ by Sheila
- “But, yeah, I mean, you see moments where you see or hear things, and you know that the viewer at home is thinking, what exactly did that sound like?“ by Andrea Canning
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Episode Information
Dateline NBC
NBC News
5/1/24