Dateline NBC Podcast Summary: "A Crack in Everything"

Title: A Crack in Everything
Host: NBC News
Release Date: December 24, 2024
Description: This episode delves into the harrowing true-crime story of Brad Jennings, whose conviction for the murder of his wife Lisa Jennings was later overturned. The narrative explores the complexities of the case, investigative oversights, and the enduring impact on the Jennings family.

Introduction

The episode opens with serene imagery of the Jennings family during the 2006 Christmas Eve, setting the stage for the ensuing tragedy. Keith Morrison narrates the scene, emphasizing the facade of a happy family disrupted by hidden tensions.

[00:58] Amanda Jennings: "I see her laying there. My dad is kneeling. That was the first time I'd ever seen him cry."

The Incident

On Christmas Eve 2006, in Buffalo, Missouri, Lisa Jennings was found dead in her bedroom. Initially, her death was ruled a suicide by local authorities, despite Brad Jennings' distress and the family's doubts.

• Family Dynamics:
  The Jennings household, while outwardly stable, was marred by frequent arguments and underlying issues. Brad Jennings ran the family farm and a used car dealership, while Lisa worked at a local internet company.

[01:05] Marsha Jennings: "They had a tumultuous marriage."
[05:39] Amanda Jennings: "We would do lots of things, go on vacation a lot, go out and eat. I mean, my dad made pretty good money, so we were good on that end."

Aftermath and Rising Suspicion

Lisa's sudden death left the family reeling. Initial police reports indicated suicide, supported by gunshot residue (GSR) tests showing Lisa's right hand had residue, while Brad and Lacey did not.

• Community Reaction:
  The small-town nature of Buffalo meant the news spread quickly, but doubts lingered among family members.

[11:04] Paul Bryan: "Nothing made sense to me that night. Yeah, I had heard statements, you know, that she was troubled about reaching 40."

Investigative Flaws

Detective Dan Nash, the lead investigator, was brought into scrutiny when inconsistencies emerged. Notably, the GSR tests on Brad's bathrobe were never properly reported or documented, raising questions about the thoroughness of the investigation.

[19:09] Brad Jennings: "He was either grossly negligent or he suppressed it deliberately."

The Trial

In July 2007, Brad Jennings was apprehended and charged with Lisa's murder. The trial was swift, lasting just over two hours, culminating in a guilty verdict.

• Prosecution's Case:
  The prosecution argued that Lisa's alleged affair and her intent to leave Brad were motives for murder. They presented blood spatter analysis, albeit from an inexperienced expert, Dan Nash, who mistakenly testified as a blood spatter expert.

[25:35] Shawn Jennings: "So the prosecutor says it's a logical inference from the facts of the case that Mr. Jennings, after he shot his wife, before he called 911, he washed his hands and washed his forearms and blood."

• Defense's Shortcomings:
  The defense failed to highlight critical evidence such as Lisa's previous suicide attempts or missing GSR results, which could have exonerated Brad.

[27:13] Shawn Jennings: "If they had tested that."

Conviction and Sentencing

Brad Jennings was sentenced to 25 years in prison. The family remained steadfast in their belief of his innocence, feeling abandoned by the justice system.

[31:12] Paul Bryan: "Not even once."
[31:14] Amanda Jennings: "If you know him even, like, at all, he's just not that kind of a person."

The Appeal and Overturned Conviction

Years of relentless pursuit by Brad's sister, Marsha Jennings, and private investigator Dwight McNeil uncovered significant investigative oversights. Critical missing evidence, such as the unreported GSR test results, undermined the original verdict.

• Breakthrough Evidence:
  Marsha discovered two canisters labeled "robe," confirming that GSR tests were conducted but the results were withheld. Expert analysis later proved the absence of GSR on Brad's bathrobe and hands.

[35:24] Marsha Jennings: "And I had to go through the rest of those boxes Like I was still looking for something else and act like it wasn't a big deal. And I was ecstatic."

• Judicial Response:
  In November 2017, nearly 11 years after the incident, Brad's conviction was overturned due to the suppression of exculpatory evidence, marking the first such positive outcome in his case.

[42:26] Brad Jennings: "My first reaction was to go right to the last paragraph and see what the result was."

• Release:
  Brad was released from prison the day after the ruling, reuniting with his supportive family while facing continued skepticism from some relatives.

[42:47] Paul Bryan: "It's the first time that we had had a positive outcome. It was wonderful."
[43:35] Lester Holt: "Yeah."

Family and Community Impact

The ordeal left the Jennings family fractured. While Brad, Marsha, and some members staunchly believe in his innocence, others like Lisa's sister Sean and daughter Lacey remain unconvinced.

[45:04] Paul Bryan: "I have a kid now. He missed that."
[45:37] Paul Bryan: "I knew Brad was innocent. The only thing I've ever wanted was for finally everyone to hear the truth."

Conclusion

"A Crack in Everything" highlights the profound miscarriages within the criminal justice system, emphasizing the critical importance of thorough investigations and the peril of overlooked evidence. The Jennings family's relentless pursuit of truth underscores the human cost of judicial errors and the enduring quest for justice.

[45:53] Brad Jennings: "That's all for now."

Host Closure:
Lester Holt wraps up the episode, leaving listeners reflecting on the intricate layers of truth and deception that can unravel in the face of tragedy.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the pivotal moments and emotional undertones of the "A Crack in Everything" episode, providing a clear and engaging narrative of Brad Jennings' journey from conviction to exoneration.