Dateline NBC: Talking Dateline – “Deadly Entanglement”

Release Date: March 19, 2025

Introduction to the Case

In the gripping episode titled "Deadly Entanglement," Dateline NBC delves into the perplexing 2013 murder of Desiree Sunford in Yakima County, Washington. Host Josh Mankiewicz guides listeners through the tangled web of relationships and motives that culminated in this tragic event.

Suspect Profiling and Investigation

From the outset, suspicion fell on Desiree's husband, Scott Sunford. Scott's behavior immediately raised red flags during the investigation. As producer Susan Leibowitz explains:

“From the very beginning, investigators looked at Scott and said, what in the world is up with this guy? I mean, this man was somebody who is military trained. He's a tall gentleman. He was carrying a firearm at the time...” (03:00).

Scott's military background and proficiency with firearms made his reluctance to enter the crime scene unusual. Instead of attempting to secure the house, he urged the police to find Desiree's body, displaying behavior that deviated from typical reactions to such a traumatic event.

Josh further observes:

“If this guy did it, he didn't think this part out terribly well...” (04:19).

Despite mounting suspicion, Scott was never formally charged, leaving many questions unresolved.

The Role of Paige Blades

The narrative takes a complex turn with the introduction of Paige Blades, a woman intricately connected to both Scott and Desiree. The relationship dynamics become increasingly convoluted, challenging listeners to piece together the true motive behind Desiree's murder.

Susan elaborates on the complexity of the relationships:

“Once we get into this marriage, and then there is another woman and then there's another man... It takes a lot to kind of pull together this convoluted motive.” (03:52).

Text messages between Desiree and Paige reveal tension and unresolved issues within the relationship, further clouding the investigation. Susan notes:

“Desiree at some point grew tired of Paige being in their relationship. She was very concerned about her marriage to Scott...” (08:26).

Interview Clip with Paige Blades

An exclusive interview with Paige Blades provides deeper insight into her relationship with Marty, a friend who assisted in the investigation. Paige discusses her fears and the unraveling of her trust:

Kayla (Paige Blades): “Absolutely. That has been a concern since day one.” (15:19)

Kayla: “Any amount of safety that I felt surrounding Marty... It was life-changing. It was shattering.” (15:28)

This segment highlights the emotional turmoil faced by those entangled in the case and raises questions about Paige's true intentions and connections.

Social Media Q&A Session

In the latter part of the episode, producer Susan Leibowitz addresses listener questions sourced from social media, providing clarity on lingering mysteries:

1. Unknown DNA Found Under Desiree's Fingernails:

   “They have no idea whose DNA it is, and they have no plans to follow up on it.” (22:49)

   Investigators believe the DNA may have been inadvertently collected during Desiree's activities prior to her death, with no suspects identified.

2. Family's Reaction to Alford Plea:

   “Their family was not happy, but they felt they had no choice.” (22:10)

   The use of an Alford plea, where Scott maintained his innocence despite sufficient evidence for conviction, left Desiree's family distressed.

3. Scott's Involvement and Potential Manipulation:

   Listeners probed whether Paige influenced Marty to commit the murder, but Susan confirms:

   “They couldn't find any evidence... phones were where they were supposed to be.” (25:38)

   No substantial evidence links Scott and Paige directly to the murder beyond circumstantial suspicions.

Conclusion

“Deadly Entanglement” masterfully navigates the intricate and emotionally charged facets of Desiree Sunford's murder. Through in-depth interviews, expert analysis, and listener engagement, Dateline NBC presents a compelling narrative that underscores the complexities of human relationships and the elusive nature of truth in true-crime investigations.

For those intrigued by this case, listening to the full episode is highly recommended for a comprehensive understanding of the events and individuals involved.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Susan Leibowitz (03:00):

  “From the very beginning, investigators looked at Scott and said, what in the world is up with this guy? I mean, this man was somebody who is military trained..."

• Josh Mankiewicz (04:19):

  “If this guy did it, he didn't think this part out terribly well..."

• Kayla (Paige Blades) (15:19):

  “Absolutely. That has been a concern since day one.”

• Kayla (Paige Blades) (15:28):

  “Any amount of safety that I felt surrounding Marty... It was life-changing. It was shattering.”

• Susan Leibowitz (22:49):

  “They have no idea whose DNA it is, and they have no plans to follow up on it.”

• Susan Leibowitz (22:10):

  “Their family was not happy, but they felt they had no choice.”

• Susan Leibowitz (25:38):

  “They couldn't find any evidence... phones were where they were supposed to be.”

Timestamps Reference:

• 03:00: Discussion on Scott's suspicious behavior
• 03:52: Complexity of relationships and motives
• 04:19: Analysis of Scott's behavior during interrogation
• 08:26: Desiree's concerns about her marriage
• 15:19: Paige expressing concern about Marty
• 15:28: Paige on the impact of Marty's involvement
• 22:10: Reaction to the Alford plea
• 22:49: Unknown DNA findings
• 25:38: Lack of evidence linking Scott and Paige to the murder