Dateline NBC — Talking Dateline: The Professor & The Poet
Aired: March 11, 2026
Host: Keith Morrison
Guest: Josh Mankiewicz (episode reporter), Rachel White (Dateline producer)
Overview of Episode Theme
This episode dives into the behind-the-scenes of the Dateline story "The Professor & The Poet," centered on the true-crime investigation involving Sue Marcum, a respected university professor, and her complicated, ultimately fatal relationship with Jorge Landeros—a yoga instructor and self-styled poet. The discussion explores the psychology of both victim and perpetrator, the quirks of investigative work, and how close relationships can turn tragically wrong. The episode also includes a social media Q&A segment with producer Rachel White.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Sue Marcum’s Blind Spot – The Victim’s Psychology
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Victim Profile:
- Sue Marcum was described as "smart, accomplished, together... no pushover" ([02:04], Josh Mankiewicz).
- Despite her strengths, she developed a “blind spot” for Jorge Landeros, her Spanish teacher-turned-yoga instructor and eventual love interest.
- Their relationship was mostly one-sided; Sue was more invested than Jorge ever was ([02:30]).
“She recognized that the relationship was all one way, that he was never gonna return her affection. But many people would stop at that point... She could not stop."
— Josh Mankiewicz ([02:21]) -
Isolation:
- Sue began to withdraw details of this relationship from friends, anticipating their concern or disapproval ([03:38]).
- Friends later regretted not being more forceful or involved.
"She stopped talking to her friends about it because she knew what the reaction was going to be."
— Josh Mankiewicz ([03:38])
The Suspect – Jorge Landeros and His Double Life
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Perpetrator Profile:
- Landeros was outwardly charming, intelligent, and even a published poet.
- He had a pattern of attracting women, filling emotional voids, and was later shown to have a violent, controlling side.
"They're able to attract women, maybe, as you say, bright, smart women... They know how to fill a gap in a person's life."
— Keith Morrison ([03:11]) -
After the Crime:
- Landeros tried to cover up the murder by moving Marcum’s car, staging a theft ([05:30]).
- Investigation included a red herring: another man initially suspected because he’d stolen the car, not committed the murder.
The Neighborhood – Reporter’s Personal Connection
- Josh has a personal history with Montgomery County, Maryland, the crime scene:
- Grew up in the same neighborhood, covered it as a TV reporter, and felt a deep, strange connection returning for this story ([06:45], [07:47]).
- Keith notes the almost "old-fashioned British detective story" air about Josh returning home to solve a murder ([08:29]).
Landeros as a Fugitive & Poet
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While on the run, Landeros published poetry about being pursued by authorities ([11:18]).
- His verses contained references to the FBI chasing him, suggesting either daring or denial.
"You don’t often see fugitives from the FBI write poems about being pursued by the FBI."
— Josh Mankiewicz ([11:47]) -
He taunted police during communication, at one point inviting would-be interviewers to “bring your Kevlar”—a not-so-subtle hint about his awareness of the cat-and-mouse game ([11:50]).
His Arrest & Psychological Observations
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Landeros was arrested in Mexico, nonchalantly picked up while walking for a soda ([12:49]).
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Behavioral notes post-arrest:
- Landeros displayed calm, even slept on the plane during extradition ([13:54]).
- Contrasts with the high agitation innocence usually brings, per police insight.
“Innocent people are climbing the walls… Guilty people … can doze off.”
— Josh Mankiewicz ([13:54])
Voices of Survivors – Rocio’s Perspective
Rocio’s Experience with Landeros
- Girlfriend after Sue, met in Mexico through yoga ([14:46]).
- Described initial charm that devolved into control, abuse, and eventual separation:
- Emotional abuse, physical aggression (notably choking during sex), and isolation tactics ([15:27]).
“She says… he was very sweet to me, and he was very interested in me. And then things change… She says during sex, he would choke her in a way she found particularly alarming.”
— Josh Mankiewicz ([14:49]-[15:27])
- Rocio ultimately got an order of protection and was praised for her bravery in coming forward once she realized there was a dangerous pattern ([16:19]).
“I thought that this person was having a serial conduct, and maybe my experience could help to prove that.”
— Rocio ([16:26])
- The hosts underscore the importance of not letting isolation happen and listening to friends’ concerns with relationships ([17:34]).
Key Takeaway
When a relationship grows isolating and friends are shut out, that’s “the biggest red flag of all” ([17:58]).
Memorable Quotes & Moments
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On Sue’s vulnerability:
"She was no pushover, but she had a blind spot.”
— Josh Mankiewicz ([02:04]) -
On the perpetrator’s dual persona:
"They're able to attract women... who are nevertheless, they know how to fill a gap in a person's life."
— Keith Morrison ([03:11]) -
On the poetry:
“Very, very purple prosy, let me just say. But… he wrote poems… while he was on the run… about being pursued by the FBI.”
— Josh Mankiewicz ([11:18]) -
On red flags:
"When somebody [is] trying to isolate you… that is a giant red flag, and you should not do that. Talk to your friends.”
— Josh Mankiewicz ([17:58])
Notable Segments & Timestamps
- Introducing the Story and Main Characters: [01:08]–[02:50]
- Sue Marcum’s Relationship and Blind Spots: [02:04]–[03:38]
- On Landeros’ Motives and Post-Crime Actions: [04:59]–[05:59]
- Personal Connection to Montgomery County: [06:45]–[08:29]
- Fugitive’s Poetry: [11:09]–[11:47]
- Arrest and the Nature of Guilt: [13:31]–[14:38]
- Rocio’s Story & Interview Clip: [14:38]–[17:27]
- Red Flags and Relationship Advice: [17:27]–[18:04]
Social Media Q&A with Rachel White (Producer)
(Starts at [23:12])
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Why didn’t Sue’s friends warn police about Jorge sooner?
- Friends thought the relationship had ended years prior; surprised at ongoing contact ([23:49]).
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Location of team’s photo in Mexico:
- Mexico City, not Juarez; team was filming B-roll ([24:44]).
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On Yoga Instructors as Perpetrators:
- Perceived as trustworthy, but several recent cases involve yoga teachers as perpetrators ([25:52]).
- Discussion on whether certain professions attract people with hidden motives ([26:14]).
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Did Landeros attempt to claim life insurance?
- No; attorneys say he never tried ([27:30]).
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On Sue’s personality and resonance:
- She was greatly loved, made accounting fun, and had a rich, full social circle ([27:49], [28:39]).
Listener Question Highlight
- Keith Morrison’s Pronunciation:
- A listener asks about Keith’s unique pronunciation of "macabre" ([29:42]); Keith humorously attributes it to Canadian upbringing.
"Putting the -re at the end is something I grew up with. So my mother was always a stickler about pronouncing all syllables of words..."
— Keith Morrison ([30:19])
Overall Tone
Conversational, with the signature Dateline blend of wry humor, empathy for victims, and an eye for the macabre details of human behavior. The hosts bounce between serious analysis and lighter banter, engaging listeners whether or not they've heard the original true-crime story.
Takeaway Messages
- Even the brightest and most accomplished can fall victim to predatory, manipulative personalities.
- Isolation from friends and family in intimate relationships is one of the starkest warning signs.
- People in positions of perceived trust (teachers, instructors) can sometimes hide ulterior or dangerous motives.
- Community, connection, and speaking up can save lives.
For Further Listening
- Listeners are invited to watch the main “The Professor & The Poet” episode and to keep asking questions or submitting feedback via Dateline’s social media channels.