Dateline NBC Podcast Summary: "Deadly Obsession"
Introduction "Deadly Obsession," an episode of Dateline NBC released on April 8, 2025, delves into a harrowing true-crime story that spans over two decades. Hosted by Andrea Canning and Lester Holt, the episode explores the brutal double homicide of Mike Sisko and Karen Harkness in Topeka, Kansas, and the relentless pursuit of justice by their families and a dedicated detective.
The Crime Scene On July 4, 2002, amidst the festivities of Independence Day, Mike Sisko and Karen Harkness were found murdered in Karen's basement bedroom. Initially presumed to be a murder-suicide, Detective Richard Volley quickly dismissed this theory due to the lack of a weapon and the extensive gunshot wounds inflicted on both victims. The crime was ruled a “crime of passion” [00:59].
Investigative Challenges Detective Volley faced significant obstacles, including the absence of DNA evidence and fingerprints. The only leads were two coffee cups traced back to a nearby gas station and a casino visit the couple made the night before their deaths. Despite thorough investigation, no immediate suspect emerged, leaving the community and the victims' families in despair [03:23].
Family Turmoil and Suspicions Mike and Karen's families grappled with the shocking loss, particularly Hailey Sisko, Mike’s teenage daughter, who sensed underlying tensions within her family. Hailey began suspecting her mother, Dana Chandler, a divorced mother with a history of obsessive behavior towards her ex-husband Mike. Hailey noted, "I knew who did it. I mean, I know that this is that crazy psychopath Dana Chandler that did it" [21:23].
Dana Chandler: The Prime Suspect As Detective Volley honed in on Dana Chandler, her behavior raised red flags. Her cell phone records showed a significant blackout during the time of the murders, and testimonies revealed her obsessive fixation on Mike and Karen. Despite her calm demeanor and seemingly airtight alibi, inconsistencies in her story and relentless harassment towards Mike and Karen painted a troubling picture [33:02].
The Trials and Retrials In 2012, Dana Chandler stood trial for the murders, with Hailey Sisko testifying against her mother. Despite a compelling case from the prosecution detailing Dana’s motive rooted in jealousy and obsession, the lack of direct evidence led to a unanimous Verdict of guilty. However, in 2018, the Kansas Supreme Court overturned her conviction due to prosecutorial misconduct, specifically the use of a non-existent protection order against Dana [62:17]. Undeterred, prosecutors retried Dana in 2022. During the third trial, Dana shocked the courtroom by representing herself, leading to a dramatic and prolonged trial process. Ultimately, in February 2023, Dana was found guilty of both counts of first-degree murder, securing two life sentences [86:31].
Impact on the Families The prolonged legal battles left the Sisko and Harkness families emotionally drained. Hailey Sisko, now a mother herself, found closure only after Dana’s final conviction, though the scars of the ordeal lingered. She reflected, "I wanted the jury to know how much she hated them, what she put them through" [60:25]. Meanwhile, Detective Volley fulfilled his promise to never give up on the case, highlighting the complexities and challenges inherent in seeking justice without concrete evidence.
Notable Quotes
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Hailey Sisko [21:39]: "I was really nervous about her getting out on bond. I felt better because she was supposed to stay in Kansas and she'd have an ankle monitor."
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Detective Richard Volley [07:13]: "It was a long search and we searched a lot of places. It was a needle in a haystack."
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Dana Chandler [76:59]: "I am innocent. I did not kill Mike and Karen."
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Hailey Sisko [55:26]: "I have thought about killing him."
Conclusion "Deadly Obsession" encapsulates a gripping narrative of love, betrayal, and the quest for truth. Through meticulous investigation and unwavering determination, the Sisko family and Detective Volley navigated the murky waters of suspicion and legal hurdles to bring Dana Chandler to justice. This episode underscores the profound impact of true-crime on families and communities, illustrating the enduring pursuit of closure and the resilience required to overcome unimaginable loss.