Dateline NBC: "Missing Marie" (Dec 23, 2025)

Host: Lester Holt
Correspondent: Josh Mankiewicz

Overview

"Missing Marie" unravels the decades-old true-crime mystery of Marie Singleton—devoted mother, government worker, and secret CIA code clerk—whose 1994 disappearance led to a labyrinth of suspicion, parallel investigations, family heartbreak, and, eventually, justice. The episode explores family bonds, government secrecy, and a son’s struggle between truth and love, charting the slow, painful journey from mystery to a long-delayed courtroom resolution.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Portrait of Marie Singleton

• Marcus Singleton, Marie's young son, describes her as a loving, selfless mother:
  • "We used to have a debate about who loved each other more. Mommy, I love you more. No, I love you more..." (01:05, 23:25)
• Marie’s friends and family recall her warmth, ambition, and desire for a complete family (03:16–04:09).
• She was quietly working for the CIA as a code clerk, a fact known to only a select few (07:32).

2. Family Life and Sudden Changes

• Marie meets Andre Jackson; a whirlwind romance leads to a blended family (05:01–06:19).
• Marcus reflects on the joy of having a "complete family," which makes his mother's sudden disappearance all the more devastating (06:31–07:05).

3. Disappearance and Early Investigation

• November 11, 1994: Marie vanishes, last seen by Andre as he leaves for his son’s football game (08:43–10:00).
• The discovery process: friends, police, and eventually the FBI (due to her classified work) join the search (11:05, 11:25).
• Marie’s government role raises suspicions of espionage, leading to multiple investigation tracks:
  • "It could turn into an espionage investigation..." (07:32, 11:25).

4. The Discovery at Dockweiler Beach

• Four days into the search, a coincidental encounter at Dockweiler Beach leads to the discovery of Marie’s abandoned car and, in its trunk, her body (16:21–18:29).
• "I couldn't believe that I was seeing the car..." — Tim Caniff, witness (17:27).
• Marcus: "We walk in the room and everybody's in there crying...they found your mom's body in the trunk of her car. She's dead." (18:29)

5. Suspicion Falls on Andre

• Family and friends notice inconsistencies in Andre’s stories:
  • Bruise on Andre’s lip, shifting explanations (20:10–20:51).
  • "There was a big hole in the wall...like someone had put their fist through it.” (21:15)
• Police share with the family that Andre is a suspect, but no immediate arrest (21:38). The investigation languishes.

6. Cold Case and Renewed Efforts

• Years pass with no arrest. An anonymous letter (likely from a co-worker) fans suspicions about CIA involvement and police inertia (23:56, 25:08).
• FBI agent Rick Hadle and detectives, with advances in DNA technology, revisit the case in the early 2000s (26:08–28:05).
• DNA under Marie’s nails and blood on the car point to a male suspect closely related to Andre Jackson’s son (30:58–31:37).

7. Legal Wrangling and Marcus's Dilemma

• Andre is arrested and charged, but evidence isn’t ironclad (32:18).
• Marcus, now grown, is deeply conflicted about testifying against Andre, whom he still views as a father figure (33:58, 36:45).
  • "I hated the fact that I didn't go and call the cops myself..." (36:20)
  • Prosecutor John Lewin subpoenas—and has Marcus arrested when he refuses (37:31).

8. The Trial

• 2012: Andre Jackson stands trial for Marie’s murder, nearly 18 years after her death (38:07).
• Marcus, a reluctant but decisive witness, describes a violent altercation weeks before the murder, in which Andre was seen choking Marie (34:25–35:41; 39:19).
• Andre testifies in his own defense, denying everything and attributing Marcus’s testimony to family manipulation (40:13, 42:45).
  • "Did you kill your wife, Marie Jackson?" — "No, I did not." (40:13)
• The prosecution methodically points to physical evidence and inconsistencies; the defense argues insufficient proof (43:28, 44:00).

9. Verdict and Aftermath

• The jury quickly finds Andre Jackson guilty of first-degree murder (44:24).
• He is sentenced to 25 years to life.
• Marcus reflects on honoring his mother by finally seeking justice, despite immense personal conflict (44:55–45:07):
  • "I'm never going to give up, never going to give up on anything that I feel is important.”

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Family Bonds:
  "That's the kind of stuff a kid never forgets. Ever.” — Marcus Singleton (23:43)
• Discovery:
  "I couldn't believe that I was seeing the car that this man was just looking for." — Tim Caniff (17:27)
• On Guilt:
  "I hate the fact that I can remember that it was a Bugs Bunny movie on the television, but I can't even remember the last words that my mom said to me." — Marcus Singleton (36:35)
• On Speaking Up:
  "I try to live my life to make her proud of me. I'm never going to give up, never going to give up on anything that I feel is important." — Marcus Singleton (44:55)
• Prosecutor’s Closing:
  "There's only one person who left a fresh drop of blood on Marie's car. There's only one person that murdered Marie Jackson and he's sitting right there." — John Lewin (43:28)
• Defense Closing:
  "The actual evidence does not support the allegation that Andre killed Marie…Andre didn't kill Marie." (44:00)

Important Timeline & Timestamps

| Timestamp | Event | |-------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:05 | Marcus’s memory of his mother’s love | | 07:05 | Marie’s disappearance (Nov 11, 1994) | | 11:25 | FBI involvement due to her secret job | | 16:59–18:29 | Discovery of Marie's car and body at Dockweiler Beach | | 18:29–18:57 | Family learns of Marie’s death | | 23:25 | Marcus reflects on his mom’s love | | 25:08 | Family receives an anonymous, unsettling letter | | 26:08–28:05 | Renewed investigation with new DNA technology | | 30:58 | DNA sample links André's family to the crime | | 34:25–35:41 | Marcus recounts witnessing violence between mom and Andre | | 36:20–36:45 | Marcus expresses guilt over not helping more as a child | | 40:13–41:49 | Andre testifies, denies killing Marie | | 43:28 | Prosecution’s powerful closing argument | | 44:24 | Guilty verdict delivered in court | | 44:55 | Marcus’s final reflection on honoring his mother |

Episode Tone & Language

• Intimate and Raw: Marcus’s narrative is vivid, heartfelt, and full of childlike honesty, even as an adult.
• Investigative & Methodical: Law enforcement, prosecutors, and family members provide clear, step-by-step recollections of the investigation.
• Emotional & Reflective: The podcast does not shy away from exploring grief, survivor’s guilt, and conflicted loyalties.

Conclusion

"Missing Marie" is a poignant, suspenseful, and ultimately cathartic journey. Through detailed storytelling and emotional honesty, Dateline untangles a chilling murder, the shadows of government secrecy, and a broken family's perseverance. In the end, it is Marcus's difficult but resolute testimony that brings the truth to light—and provides bittersweet justice for his beloved mother, Marie Singleton.