Dateline NBC: "Talking Dateline: Secrets in the Mist" Summary

Release Date: June 18, 2025
Host: Dennis Murphy
Guest: Keith Morrison
Episode Focus: The mysterious disappearance of Carol Lubont and the subsequent investigation leading to her husband, Mike Lubont's, conviction.

1. Introduction and Episode Overview

In the "Talking Dateline: Secrets in the Mist" episode, host Dennis Murphy engages in a comprehensive discussion with veteran journalist Keith Morrison about one of Dateline NBC's compelling true-crime stories—the disappearance of Carol Lubont in 1981. The conversation delves into the intricacies of the case, the challenges faced during the investigation, and the eventual resolution that led to Mike Lubont's conviction.

2. Case Recap: The Disappearance of Carol Lubont

Dennis Murphy initiates the discussion by providing a succinct recap of the case:

Dennis Murphy [01:29]: "I really enjoyed this story. I think of it as not so much as who done it as aren't they going to be able to get him?"

Carol Lubont, a 27-year-old woman, vanished in the middle of the night in 1981. Initially, her family believed she might have moved away to start a new life. However, years of silence raised suspicions of foul play. The investigation, which spanned decades, ultimately led to the conviction of Carol's husband, Mike Lubont, through a combination of traditional detective work and modern tools like social media.

3. Investigation Techniques: From Cold Case to Digital Evidence

Keith Morrison elaborates on the innovative methods used to crack the cold case:

Keith Morrison [02:16]: "Well, exactly. And this is one of the cases we did with a Los Angeles ADA named John Lewin. He specialized in, and I think still does whenever he can. In, you could call them high motive, low evidence cases himself. So they're very difficult to prove. No body case."

The investigation faced significant hurdles due to the lack of concrete evidence, typifying a "no body" case. However, ADA John Lewin and investigator Jim Wallace employed a novel forensic strategy by leveraging Facebook—a platform Carol would have inevitably used had she been alive. They posted a query on Facebook to see if Carol would respond, and the absence of interaction served as indirect evidence of her demise.

Keith Morrison [03:56]: "But it was Jim Wallace who was able to come up with this forensic idea where you put out a Facebook post...and that was used as one of the pieces of evidence to prove that she was dead."

This approach, although unconventional, played a pivotal role in moving the case forward after remaining cold for nearly three decades.

4. The Trial: Building the Case Against Mike Lubont

Dennis highlights the strategic presentation of evidence during the trial:

Dennis Murphy [09:17]: "When I step back and when I think about Mike, he seems to be a guy who gets in trouble the more the time goes by and the more that his story changes incrementally."

Mike Lubont's inconsistent accounts of the night Carol disappeared became a critical factor in his conviction. Initially, Mike denied any involvement, presenting himself as a dependable and kind individual. However, as the investigation progressed, discrepancies in his testimonies began to surface.

Keith Morrison [09:28]: "They do. And that was really, I think that was probably more important than any other piece of evidence, the fact that he would change his story in different times."

Prosecutors capitalized on these inconsistencies, undermining Mike's credibility and suggesting his attempts to fabricate alibis over time.

5. Confession and Conviction: Unraveling the Truth

The breakthrough came when Mike Lubont eventually confessed to the crime, albeit in a convoluted manner:

Dennis Murphy [11:36]: "Well, in 2000, it was 2013, when he was finally convicted and he was sent away for 15 to life. In the end, eventually Mike Lubon confessed."

Initially, Mike claimed that he had unintentionally caused Carol's death by pushing her, resulting in her falling onto a coffee table. Later, he altered his story to admit that he punched her, which led to her fatal fall. These incremental admissions were instrumental in securing his conviction.

6. Aftermath: Mike Lubont's Release and Reintegration

Despite his conviction, Mike Lubont was released from prison after successfully appealing his sentence. The process involved reclassifying his offense from murder to voluntary manslaughter, allowing for parole eligibility.

Keith Morrison [16:24]: "So this originated in the DA's office and not with an appellate lawyer?"

Dennis Murphy [17:31]: "And I think a lot of people are surprised thinking of chapters that Mike Sr. And Mike Jr. Would actually get extra chapters together, apparently."

Post-release, Mike has been rebuilding his life, securing painting jobs, and maintaining a close relationship with his son, Mike Jr., who appeared emotionally prepared for his father's confession:

Mike Jr. [12:33]: "Oh, I think it was. I was sad, but I was also relieved to finally hear this come out of his mouth...I was accepting it."

7. Personal Reflections and Behind-the-Scenes Insights

The episode also offers a glimpse into the rapport between Dennis Murphy and Keith Morrison, highlighting Morrison's unique interviewing style and his connection with the audience.

Dennis Murphy [18:00]: "As a viewer and a great fan, it totally works for you. It's a wonderful. And it's not style, it's you talking to the viewer."

Morrison emphasizes the importance of a conversational approach, ensuring that listeners feel personally engaged:

Keith Morrison [19:26]: "It's a one on one thing. There's one person watching. Maybe there are several million one persons, but they're all one person."

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

"Secrets in the Mist" stands out as a quintessential Dateline episode, weaving together meticulous investigative work, emotional narratives, and insightful commentary. The episode not only sheds light on a decades-old mystery but also showcases the evolution of investigative techniques in the digital age.

Dennis Murphy [19:34]: "You know, and I think we're going to put a, put a bow on this. For now, this has been Talking Dateline."

The conversation wraps up with acknowledgments and a nod to the enduring partnership between the hosts, leaving listeners with a profound understanding of the case's complexities and resolutions.

Notable Quotes:

• Dennis Murphy [01:29]: "I think of it as not so much as who done it as aren't they going to be able to get him?"

• Keith Morrison [02:16]: "They are very difficult to prove. No body case."

• Dennis Murphy [03:53]: "That really was a leg of evidence in the trial."

• Keith Morrison [09:45]: "Listening skills that make all the difference."

• Dennis Murphy [11:31]: "He remained popular with the family for quite some time."

• Mike Jr. [12:33]: "I was accepting it."

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the "Talking Dateline: Secrets in the Mist" episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the dramatic investigation and its implications.