20/20 True Crime Vault: "Do No Harm"

Podcast: 20/20 (ABC News)
Episode Date: August 19, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of 20/20’s True Crime Vault, “Do No Harm,” delves into the chilling true crime story of Dr. Robert Berenbaum—a brilliant Manhattan plastic surgeon, pilot, and “Renaissance man”—whose wife Gail Katz vanished without a trace in 1985. Through intimate interviews, forensic investigation, insider accounts, and courtroom drama, the episode reconstructs the journey from idyllic romance to chilling suspicion, culminating in a murder conviction decades after Gail’s disappearance—and Berenbaum’s shocking confession before a parole board. The episode also explores themes of domestic violence, the challenges of circumstantial cases, and the remarkable persistence of one family in their pursuit of justice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Charismatic Doctor and the Ill-Fated Marriage (00:41–15:13)

• Robert Berenbaum's Dual Identity: Renowned as a “pilot, surgeon, brilliant guy” and “gourmet chef, expert skier, top of his class,” Berenbaum swept Gail Katz off her feet with his charm and flying skills ([01:15], [01:30], [08:32]). Yet beneath the surface, troubling red flags emerged.
• Early Warning Signs: Friends and family recount controlling, odd behaviors—such as feeding Gail at restaurants, extreme possessiveness, and violence toward pets ([09:30], [10:07], [11:21]).
  • “He had the cat in the toilet, choking it with its head submerged underwater.” – Elaine Katz [11:21]
  • “He was offended because she seemed to love the cat more than she loved Bob. And so he wanted the cat dead.” – Friend [11:50]
• Escalating Abuse: Bob’s violence culminated in strangling Gail to unconsciousness after catching her smoking ([18:55]). Despite police and psychiatric warnings, including a chilling “danger letter” from Dr. Michael Stone, Gail remained in the marriage ([19:59]-[22:39]).

2. The Disappearance (23:16–29:43)

• Timeline Leading Up to Gail's Disappearance: Gail prepared to leave Berenbaum, looking for apartments and confiding in friends ([25:23]). On July 7, 1985, after a loud argument, she was never seen again ([26:31]).
  • “At that moment, I know that my sister’s dead.” – Elaine Katz [27:44]
  • Friends and family immediately suspected foul play, notably Bob’s involvement ([28:03]).

3. Early Police Investigation, Bob’s Actions, and Suspicion (28:51–37:03)

• Bob's Alibi & Deceptive Behavior: Bob claimed Gail left for Central Park to sunbathe; he later joined a family birthday party in New Jersey ([28:51], [29:31]), showing little grief and instead partying in the Hamptons ([31:13]).
• Flight Records Break the Case Open: Investigators discover Berenbaum flew a private plane the afternoon Gail disappeared ([35:07]-[36:39]).
  • “Oh, my God. There’s the explanation why Gail is not around anymore.” – Detective [13:13], [60:15]
  • The theory: Berenbaum killed Gail, transported her in a duffel bag to his plane, and dumped her body in the Atlantic ([36:39]).
• Frustrating Lack of Evidence: Despite suspicions and flight logs, absence of physical evidence or a body initially stymied prosecution ([37:03]).

4. Years of Setbacks and Gail’s Family’s Relentless Crusade (37:03–47:16)

• Family’s Determination: Elaine Katz tirelessly campaigned to expose Berenbaum, warning others and mailing clippings ([38:25]).
  • “My intent was to make every day of his life miserable. To make him walk down halls and have people think, oh my God, he’s a murderer.” – Elaine Katz [38:44]
• Berenbaum’s New Life & Ongoing Violence: Bob relocates to Las Vegas and reinvents himself, ultimately moving to North Dakota, remarrying, and becoming a respected community figure ([42:05]-[53:31]). Yet, in new relationships, former patterns of rage and control resurface ([48:05], [48:39]).

5. The Long Cold Case Thaws (59:10–66:14)

• Case Reopened: Spurred by guilt and new cold case protocols, detective Andy Rosenzweig and a new team reexamine the case ([59:28]). Key evidence: flight records, history of abuse, and powerful testimony about Dr. Stone’s warning letter ([70:13]).
• DNA Blow: The family’s hope for closure deflates after exhumed remains—once identified as Gail’s—are disproven by DNA ([61:47]).

6. Building the Murder Case & The Trial (68:31–75:42)

• No Body, All Circumstantial: Prosecutors acknowledge the case’s daunting weaknesses to jurors ([69:00]). But witness testimony, the altered flight log, and dramatic recreation of pushing a body from a plane solidify the theory.
  • “We thought, what better way to show somebody it can be done than by doing it ourselves?” – Detective [71:25]
  • “The sergeant showed that not only was it possible…it actually was very easy.” – Narrator [71:44]
• Defense Strategy: Characterize Gail as unstable and claim sightings after the fact; place unlikely faith in a single “eyewitness” ([73:24], [73:47]).
• Guilty Verdict: After 15 years, Berenbaum is convicted of second-degree murder ([76:38]).
  • “I was in shock.” – Elaine Katz [76:51]

7. The Stunning Confession & Lasting Impact (78:10–81:12)

• Confession at Parole Hearing: In a shocking parole board appearance after decades of denial, Berenbaum finally confesses ([79:25]–[80:04]):
  • “I wanted her to stop yelling at me and I attacked her…I strangled her. I went flying. I opened the door and then took her body out of the airplane over the ocean.” – Parole hearing transcript [79:25]
• Aftershocks for Family and Community:
  • “The earth shifted. I was in shock. He admitted killing Gail and I cried.” – Elaine Katz [80:14]
  • The murder sparks ongoing education and advocacy about domestic violence, with Gail’s memory honored at the Pace Women’s Justice Center ([81:12]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dr. Michael Stone's Warning:
  “I further understand that if I do not heed this advice, I must accept the consequences, including the possibility of personal injury or death at the hands of my husband.” [21:12]
  —Read by Dr. Stone and Legal Expert, discussing the unprecedented “warning letter” delivered to Gail.

• On the Flight as the Murder Mechanism:
  “He folded her up, put her in a duffel bag, came out…rented his plane, loaded her in the plane, flew out over the ocean and dumped her in the ocean.” – Detective [36:39]

• Guilty Verdict and Emotional Triumph:
  “Then the foreperson said, guilty. And there was a buzz in the courtroom…Then I knew it was true. I was in shock.” – Elaine Katz [76:26–76:51]

• The Parole Board Confession:
  “I wanted her to stop yelling at me and I attacked her… I strangled her. I went flying. I opened the door and then took her body out of the airplane over the ocean.” – Parole Board Transcript [79:25–80:04]

Important Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Berenbaum’s passion for flying & early romance | 00:41–01:30 | | Early signs of violence & controlling behavior | 09:30–11:21 | | Psychiatric warning letter explained | 20:14–22:39 | | Gail’s preparations to leave, disappearance | 23:16–27:44 | | Flight record discovery and cold case breakthrough | 35:07–37:03 | | Jury trial and the flight demonstration | 70:55–71:44 | | Guilty verdict announced | 76:26–76:51 | | Parole board confession | 79:25–80:42 | | Reflections and advocacy against domestic violence | 81:12–82:09 |

Tone and Language

The episode blends empathy, intimate family testimony, and chilling forensic detail. The language is strikingly candid and deeply personal—especially from Elaine Katz, who provides both a window into her sister’s beloved qualities and the ever-present trauma of loss. Narration and investigator commentary maintain a brisk, journalistic style, punctuated by legal and psychological insights. Despite the clinical trappings of both surgery and the law, the human impact—on both Gail’s family and the broader understanding of domestic violence—resonates throughout the episode.

Final Reflection

“Do No Harm” chronicles the tragedy of Gail Katz—brilliant, creative, and gentle—whose hope and potential were cut short by someone who pledged to protect her. Through tireless advocacy, groundbreaking investigative work, and, at last, the perpetrator’s own words, this episode not only secures justice for Gail but also catalyzes ongoing work in her name to prevent further needless loss.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, resources and support are available.