Dateline NBC Talking Dateline: Deadly Obsession
Apr 9, 2025
Keith Morrison and Andrea Canning delve into the shocking 2002 murders of Mike Cisco and Karen Harkness in Topeka, Kansas. They discuss the complex investigation that revealed a suspect with obsessive tendencies and the challenges of circumstantial evidence during three trials. The conversation highlights the psychological intricacies of the case, including the dilemmas jurors faced while deliberating. They also reflect on the risks of self-representation in court and share insights from audience questions, all while weaving in personal anecdotes.
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Circumstantial Evidence
- The evidence against Dana Chandler was largely circumstantial, lacking concrete proof like DNA or witnesses.
- This weakness in the evidence made reasonable doubt a central argument for the defense.
Trampoline Incident
- Dana Chandler was seen jumping on a trampoline in Mike Sisko's backyard, laughing hysterically, after a custody hearing.
- This erratic behavior, reminiscent of Fatal Attraction, contributed to suspicions about her involvement in the murders.
Playing Card Jury Vote
- In Dana Chandler's second trial, the jury used playing cards for anonymous voting, with red for guilty and black for not guilty.
- A 6-6 split led to a mistrial, highlighting the challenges of the case based on circumstantial evidence.