Dateline NBC Podcast Summary: "Talking Dateline: Deadly Obsession"

Release Date: April 9, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In the "Deadly Obsession" episode of the "Talking Dateline" series, hosts Keith Morrison and Andrea Canning delve into a chilling true-crime case from 2002. The discussion centers around the brutal murders of Mike Sisco and Karen Harkness in Topeka, Kansas, exploring the intricate investigation that spanned over two decades and culminated in three separate trials before justice was served.

Case Overview: The Tragic Murders

The episode begins with Keith Morrison setting the stage for the "Deadly Obsession" case. On July 4, 2002, Mike Sisco and his wife Karen were found murdered in their home. The investigation initially lacked concrete evidence, making the case particularly perplexing.

Keith Morrison (00:00): "This is back in 2002 when Mike Sisco and Karen Harkness were found murdered in Karen's home in Topeka, Kansas."

Investigation and Suspect Identification

As the investigation unfolded, suspicion eventually fell on Dana Chandler, Mike's daughter. However, the evidence against her was largely circumstantial, relying on vague connections rather than solid proof. Andrea Canning highlights the challenges faced by investigators:

Andrea Canning (02:44): "No one saw her in Topeka. There was one gas station clerk who thinks they said 70% sure it was her."

The defense capitalized on the lack of concrete evidence, emphasizing reasonable doubt. Dana's alibi—that she was hiking in the Rocky Mountain National Park—was scrutinized due to the significant distance from Topeka.

Keith Morrison (03:11): "An eight-hour drive away from Topeka, Kansas."

The Three Trials: A Relentless Pursuit of Justice

The case against Dana Chandler was marked by persistence, leading to three separate trials. Andrea Canning notes that three trials are exceptionally rare, underscoring the district attorney's determination not to relent despite the shaky evidence base.

Andrea Canning (02:05): "Three trials. Two is frequent, but three hardly ever."

In each trial, the prosecution struggled to present definitive evidence linking Dana to the murders. The jury's skepticism was evident, often hinging on Dana's perceived obsession and erratic behavior rather than tangible proof.

Jury Deliberations and the Mistrial

A pivotal moment in the episode is the interview with Benjamin Alford, a juror from the second trial in 2022. Alford provides an inside look into the jury's deliberations, revealing the challenges they faced in reaching a unanimous verdict.

Benjamin Alford (12:21): "We were at a 50. 50 split. 6. 6."

The jurors utilized playing cards to anonymously vote, with red representing guilty and black for not guilty. The stalemate highlighted the absence of compelling evidence, leading to a mistrial.

Benjamin Alford (13:35): "There was nothing tangible. Everything was circumstantial."

The primary factors influencing the jurors who leaned towards guilt were Dana's alleged rage and jealousy. However, the lack of concrete evidence made it difficult to convict beyond a reasonable doubt.

Dana Chandler's Defense and Final Conviction

In the third trial, Dana Chandler chose to represent herself, a decision that significantly impacted the outcome. Andrea Canning suggests that this move reflected Dana's narcissistic tendencies and ultimately weakened her defense.

Keith Morrison (15:35): "She did not do herself any favors by representing herself."

The culmination of these trials saw Dana Chandler finally being brought to justice, but not without significant emotional and psychological tolls on all parties involved.

Impact on the Victims' Family: Haley's Struggle

The episode also sheds light on Haley, Dana's daughter, who has been deeply affected by her mother's actions. Andrea Canning describes Haley's ongoing battle with uncertainty and the absence of closure.

Andrea Canning (16:53): "Like, what is going on? Did my mom do this? Didn't my mom do this?"

Haley's attempt to rebuild her life, including moving to Colorado for a fresh start, was complicated by Dana's persistent attempts to reconnect, further destabilizing her sense of security.

Andrea Canning (17:43): "She starts recording their phone calls, just on her own."

The emotional strain on Haley is compounded by witnessing her mother's erratic behavior, both during her upbringing and the aftermath of the murders.

Audience Questions and Host Insights

The latter part of the episode features interactions with the audience, where fans pose questions about the case and the behaviors observed in Dana Chandler.

1. Narcissistic Tendencies of Dana Chandler

   Question from Lucy Tavares (21:28):
   "How many of you thought that Dana had such narcissistic tendencies, especially when she took over her own case and defended herself?"

   Andrea Canning responds by acknowledging Dana's overconfidence and the detrimental impact it had on her defense.

   Andrea Canning (22:35): "Yeah, absolutely."

2. Character of Mike and Karen Sisco

   Question from Ike H. (22:35):
   "Mike and Karen seemed like people you would have wanted to be friends with."

   Andrea and Keith reflect on the Siscos' vibrant personalities and their hopes for the future.

   Andrea Canning (22:45): "They like to have fun. They met at a bar, from what I was told."

3. Courtroom Technology Query

   Question from Murder Mystery X (23:06):
   "What was that court clerk doing with that device over her mouth during the trial?"

   Andrea explains that the device is a speech-to-text tool, essential for accurate transcription.

   Andrea Canning (23:24): "They're just repeating everything. It's over their mouth, repeating every word."

4. Advice on Legal Representation

   Question from Rawhide Velvet (24:38):
   "Talk to the cops all you want, but to do it without a lawyer is just stupid."

   Andrea and Keith strongly advocate for legal representation when dealing with law enforcement.

   Andrea Canning (24:40): "And even at the very least, just to calm your nerves and have someone there just for you."

Conclusion: The Lingering Effects of a True Crime Case

"Deadly Obsession" serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact true-crime cases have on victims' families and the complexities involved in seeking justice. Dana Chandler's three trials highlight the challenges of prosecuting cases with limited concrete evidence, while Haley's story underscores the personal toll such tragedies exact on innocent family members.

The episode also emphasizes the importance of professional legal representation and the detrimental effects of self-defense in court. Through engaging discussion and insightful interviews, Keith Morrison and Andrea Canning provide a comprehensive exploration of a case that remained unsolved for years, ultimately offering closure while acknowledging the lasting scars left behind.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Keith Morrison (00:00): "This is back in 2002 when Mike Sisco and Karen Harkness were found murdered in Karen's home in Topeka, Kansas."

• Andrea Canning (02:44): "No one saw her in Topeka. There was one gas station clerk who thinks they said 70% sure it was her."

• Benjamin Alford (12:21): "We were at a 50. 50 split. 6. 6."

• Andrea Canning (13:35): "There was nothing tangible. Everything was circumstantial."

• Keith Morrison (15:35): "She did not do herself any favors by representing herself."

• Andrea Canning (16:53): "Like, what is going on? Did my mom do this? Didn't my mom do this?"

• Andrea Canning (22:35): "Yeah, absolutely."

Final Thoughts

"Deadly Obsession" offers an in-depth examination of a perplexing true-crime case, blending investigative journalism with personal narratives to provide a holistic view of the events and their repercussions. For those interested in understanding the nuances of long-term investigations and the human stories intertwined with them, this episode of Dateline NBC's podcast series is both informative and emotionally compelling.

For more episodes and exclusive content, subscribers can visit DatelinePremium.com.