Dateline NBC - Episode Summary Release Date: February 13, 2025

Host: NBC News
Episode Title: A Murder Suspect's Brother Under Scrutiny. Breakthrough in Parents' Quest for Answers. And Should Jurors Question Witnesses?

I. International Murder Investigation: Anna Kanesevic

The episode opens with a gripping international murder investigation involving Anna Kanesevic, a Florida woman who disappeared in Spain. A year after her disappearance, significant developments have emerged:

• David Kanesevich's Arrest: Initially charged with Anna's kidnapping in May 2024, David Kanesevich's charges were elevated to murder six months later. Prosecutors allege that David tracked Anna to Madrid amidst their contentious divorce and subsequently killed her. Despite these allegations, Anna's body remains undiscovered, and search efforts in Europe have been unsuccessful. As Brian Sheehan notes, "He could potentially face the death penalty" if convicted.

• Investigation Expands to David's Family: The FBI has turned its attention to David's brother, Ugessa Kanesevic, following suspicious activities. On February 3rd, a search warrant revealed that Ugessa's laptop and phone were seized for possible involvement in aiding David, including alleged efforts to obstruct the investigation by locking David's phone with Apple. Additionally, Ugessa reportedly traveled to Sevilla, near Anna's last known location, raising further suspicions.

  "We're looking at Ugesa Kanesevic for aiding and abetting, accessory after the fact, wire and bank fraud, and destruction of records." – Alex Lar [07:06]

• Legal and Familial Implications: Despite these allegations, Ugessa has not been arrested or formally charged. His defense challenges the seizure of his devices, claiming attorney-client privilege, though prosecutors contend no data has been extracted. Furthermore, federal investigations are probing payments Ugessa made to inmates, potentially to facilitate clandestine communications with David.

• Wrongful Death Lawsuit: In response to these developments, Anna’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against both David and Ugessa, citing claims of conspiracy and emotional damages due to David's refusal to release Anna's body for burial.

II. Philadelphia’s Ellen Greenberg Murder Case Breakthrough

A heart-wrenching segment covers the 14-year pursuit by Ellen Greenberg's parents to uncover the truth behind their daughter's mysterious death:

• The Tragic Night: On January 26, 2011, during a severe nor'easter in Philadelphia, 27-year-old first-grade teacher Ellen Greenberg was found dead with multiple stab wounds, including 10 to her head and neck. Her parents, Josh and Sandy Greenberg, have long contested the investigation's findings.

  "There's a hole in our life. Our life is not complete." – Josh Greenberg [13:01]

• Controversial Investigation: Initially ruled a suicide by medical examiner Dr. Marlon Osborne after allegations of no forced entry and Ellen's expressed non-suicidal statements, the ruling was met with intense skepticism from Ellen's family. Experts later testified that the nature and number of stab wounds could not align with a self-inflicted act.

• Recent Developments: Just days before the scheduled civil trial, Dr. Osborne reversed his stance, acknowledging that Ellen's manner of death should be reconsidered. Consequently, the case has entered a settlement phase where an independent medical examiner will review Ellen’s death, potentially reopening the investigation.

  "Ellen Greenberg did not kill herself." – Sandy Greenberg [20:08]

• Emotional Impact: The Greenbergs remain steadfast in their belief that justice will prevail, emphasizing their unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth.

III. DATELINE Roundup

A. Eric Thompson's Trial in Hawaii

Eric Thompson stands accused of murdering his wife's former lover, Takahara, an FSU law professor and acupuncturist. In his second trial after a hung jury in the first:

• Defense Strategy: The defense emphasizes the lack of concrete evidence, including no eyewitnesses, missing murder weapon, and insufficient electronic data tying Eric to the crime scene.

  "Murdering someone would be extremely out of character." – Michael Thompson (Eric’s brother) [24:06]

• Character Testimony: Eric’s brother, Michael, testified to his brother’s peaceful nature, aiming to cast doubt on the prosecution’s narrative.

B. Dana Chandler's Third Trial in Kansas

Dana Chandler faces her third murder trial for the 2002 homicides of her ex-husband Mike Sisko and his fiancée Karen Harkness:

• Trial Dynamics: Representing herself, Dana maintains her innocence, with standby counsel appointed to assist if needed. Her previous convictions were overturned due to prosecutorial misconduct, leading to this retrial.

C. Donna Adelson’s Situation in Florida

Donna Adelson, a 75-year-old matriarch accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot against her son-in-law, Dan Markell, seeks release from protective custody:

• Defense Argument: Adelson's attorneys argue that she is not a flight risk, despite her attempted one-way flight to Vietnam. They also contend her aggressive actions in custody are self-defense against inmate assaults.

D. Juror Questions in Trials

Jurors in several high-profile cases, including Jason Chen’s trial for murdering Jasmine Pace and Neema Momeni’s trial for killing Bob Lee, have posed numerous questions to witnesses during proceedings. This emerging trend has sparked discussions on its impact on trials.

IV. Interview with Judge Boyd Patterson on Juror Questions

To delve deeper into the phenomenon of jurors asking questions during trials, Host Kelly Moody interviews Judge Boyd Patterson:

• State-Level Variations: Judge Patterson explains that while 34 states and the federal system permit juror questions, some states like Minnesota, Texas, and Nebraska prohibit them. Ultimately, the decision rests with the presiding judge.

  "How does blood spatter tell the story? What does DNA really mean? How long can it last?" – Judge Boyd Patterson [31:45]

• Courtroom Procedure: When allowed, jurors submit written questions after witness testimonies. These are reviewed for relevance and appropriateness before being addressed in court, ensuring they enhance understanding without disrupting the trial's integrity.

• Benefits and Criticisms:

  • Benefits: Increases juror engagement and understanding, analogous to a classroom setting where questions facilitate learning.
  • Criticisms: Potential for speculation if questions are denied and concerns that juror questions might undermine the prosecution's burden of proof.

• Impact on Verdicts: Judge Patterson opines that juror questions do not necessarily reduce the incidence of hung juries, as they do not alter the foundational evidence presented.

V. Upcoming Segments and Concluding Remarks

The episode wraps up with teasers for upcoming stories, including a new podcast series "Murder in the Moonlight" and a special episode featuring an interview with Susan Smith’s ex-husband, David Smith, discussing her infamous case from 30 years prior.

Notable Quotes:

• "Ellen Greenberg did not kill herself. She did not kill herself." – Sandy Greenberg [20:08]
• "How does blood spatter tell the story? What does DNA really mean? How long can it last?" – Judge Boyd Patterson [31:45]
• "They're questions that people from outside the system would be curious about." – Judge Boyd Patterson [31:45]

This comprehensive episode of Dateline NBC delves into complex murder investigations, highlights breakthroughs in longstanding cases, and explores evolving courtroom dynamics, offering listeners a thorough and engaging true-crime narrative.