Special Preview: "The Sing Sing Chronicles" Documentary Series

Summary

Dateline Originals: Special Preview of "The Sing Sing Chronicles"

Introduction

In the latest episode of Dateline Originals, NBC News presents a special preview of the highly anticipated documentary series, "The Sing Sing Chronicles." Hosted by Josh Mankiewicz, the episode offers listeners an exclusive glimpse into the extensive investigative work undertaken by Dateline producer Dan Slapian over two decades. This preview sets the stage for a deep dive into five harrowing homicide cases in New York City, questioning the validity of the convictions and uncovering startling truths.

Documentary Series Overview

"The Sing Sing Chronicles" chronicles Dan Slapian's relentless pursuit of justice as he investigates five distinct homicide cases within New York City's jurisdiction. Over a 20-year period, Slapian has meticulously examined each case, aiming to determine whether the individuals convicted were truly guilty or victims of miscarriages of justice. The series is built upon more than a thousand hours of footage captured by Slapian himself, promising an in-depth and revealing exploration of each case.

Special Preview Highlights

Hosted by Josh Mankiewicz (00:00)
Josh introduces the series, emphasizing its significance and the personal journey of Dan Slapian. He highlights the premiere dates—November 23rd and 24th at 9 PM Eastern Time on MSNBC—and sets the tone for an engaging two-night event.

Dan Slapian’s Journey (00:53)
Dan Slapian shares his initial foray into homicide investigation following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Inspired by the heroism of the NYPD, he sought to gain insider access to understand the intricate processes behind solving murders.

Dan Slapian (00:53): "It was right after 9/11. The NYPD were the heroes of the city, the rock stars of the country. And I thought, maybe I can have access to the NYPD to follow these detectives as they investigate homicides."

Embedded with Detectives (01:11)
Dan details his experience being embedded with Bronx homicide detectives, providing a raw and authentic look into their daily operations.

Dan Slapian (01:13): "Bobby Delrato and his partner, John Schwartz."

Bobby Delrato’s Perspective (02:28)
Detective Bobby Delrato recounts the haunting case of the Palladium nightclub shooting on Thanksgiving night in 1990. Delrato asserts that the wrong individuals were convicted, a conviction he believes will forever trouble him.

Bobby Delrato (02:31): "Marcus Peterson, a bouncer, was shot and killed. Another bouncer was wounded. Witnesses identified a couple of guys, David Lemis and Omado Hidalgo. They were arrested, tried, and convicted for the murder of Marcus Peterson. But they convicted the wrong guys."

Dan Slapian’s Doubt (02:55)
Dan confronts Delrato about his certainty regarding the wrongful convictions, reinforcing the gravity of their investigation.

Dan Slapian (02:55): "You think they had nothing to do with this crime?"

Bobby Delrato (02:57): "I know they had nothing to do with this crime and they still sit in prison."

Key Insights and Revelations

The preview underscores the emotional and ethical weight carried by law enforcement officials like Delrato, who grapple with unresolved cases and the possibility of innocent individuals being wrongfully convicted. The partnership between Slapian and Delrato exemplifies the documentary's commitment to uncovering hidden truths and seeking closure for both victims and those wrongfully imprisoned.

Conclusion

Josh Mankiewicz wraps up the preview by reiterating the premiere dates and encouraging listeners to tune in to "The Sing Sing Chronicles." This special two-night event promises to be a compelling exploration of justice, truth, and the complexities of the criminal justice system in New York City.

Josh Mankiewicz (03:02): "The Sing Sing Chronicles will air on MSNBC as a special two-night event on Saturday and Sunday, November 23rd and 24th at 9 PM Eastern. I hope you'll tune in to watch."

Final Thoughts

"The Sing Sing Chronicles" is poised to be a groundbreaking addition to the Dateline Originals portfolio, offering listeners and viewers a chance to engage with investigative journalism at its finest. By delving deep into cases that question the very foundation of justice, the series not only informs but also challenges audiences to reconsider preconceived notions about guilt and innocence.

Transcript

[Josh Mankiewicz]

Hi, Dateline listeners. It's Josh Mankiewicz and I'm here to tell you about a very special documentary series premiering this weekend on msnbc. It's called the Sing Sing Chronicles and it follows my Dateline colleague, producer Dan slapian, and his 20 year journey investigating five different homicide cases in New York City. Dan was on a quest to determine whether the men convicted in those cases were actually guilty. The series is built on more than a thousand hours of videos he himself shot. And what Dan uncovered will surprise you. So don't miss this special two night television event airing Saturday and Sunday, November 23rd and 24th at 9pm Eastern Time on MSNBC. Now here's an exclusive preview from the Sing Sing Chronicles.

[Dan Slapian]

It was right after 9 11. The NYPD where the hero of the city, the rock stars of the country. And I thought, maybe I can have access to the NYPD to follow these detectives as they investigate homicides. I was embedded with Bronx homicide detectives.

[Bobby Delrato]

Why don't you come down, open the door.

[Dan Slapian]

Bobby Delrato and his partner, John Schwartz.

[Bobby Delrato]

This is a crime scene.

[Dan Slapian]

So you've been a cop a long time?

[Bobby Delrato]

Almost 20 years.

[Dan Slapian]

This is the twilight of your career.

[Josh Mankiewicz]

Supposedly.

[Dan Slapian]

I walked into that building so young, eager, so unbelievably nai. These were tough guys and I was ready, you know, to see how they solved murders. That's why I was there. We were out at dinner one night and I said to Bobby, you must bring this job home with you, everything that you see. And he says, I really don't. Except this one case. This one case has been bothering me for about a decade. And I said, what's that about? You told me that this is going to haunt me.

[Josh Mankiewicz]

It's going to haunt you, you think?

[Bobby Delrato]

Oh, without a doubt.

[Josh Mankiewicz]

Because it's not only going to haunt you, it's going to haunt you till there's closure. And even after the closure, it's still gonna haunt you.

[Bobby Delrato]

Thanksgiving night of 1990, there was a shooting at the Palladium nightclub. One man is dead and another injured after a shooting at a Manhattan hot spot. It happened early this morning at the Palladium after some customers were thrown out for fighting.

[Josh Mankiewicz]

Police say some customers were thrown out, but they returned shooting.

[Bobby Delrato]

Marcus Peterson, a bounce, was shot and killed. Another bouncer was wounded. Witnesses identified a couple of guys, David Lemis and Omado Hidalgo. They were arrested, tried and convicted for the murder of Marcus Peterson. But they convicted the wrong guys.

[Dan Slapian]

You think they had nothing to do with this crime?

[Bobby Delrato]

I know they had nothing to do with this crime and they still sit in prison.

[Josh Mankiewicz]

The Sing Sing Chronicles will air on MSNBC as a special two night event on Saturday and Sunday, November 23rd and 24th at 9pm Eastern. I hope you'll tune in to watch.