Dateline NBC Dateline Presents: Deadly Engagement
Sep 16, 2025
A promising photographer’s life is cut short in a tragic shooting outside her home. The story unravels a complex love triangle filled with betrayal, secrets, and shocking reveals. Tension mounts as the investigation dives into audio tapes that could change everything. Listeners will be drawn into a narrative that explores how one impulsive choice can lead to devastating consequences.
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Young Photographer Found Shot
- Danita Smith, a 25-year-old grad student and photographer, left her apartment early for a magazine internship and was shot descending the stairs.
- She lay unnoticed for nearly two hours until another student found her and called 911.
Busy Life Before Tragedy
- Danita juggled grad school, volunteering, a magazine internship, and wedding planning while finishing her master's degree.
- Her disciplined routine had her at her desk by 8:15 a.m., explaining why she left early that morning.
911 Call Describes Scene
- A student discovered Danita's scattered pocketbook and called 911, describing her as "head busted up in blood" and not moving.
- Emergency dispatch confirmed an ambulance was en route while the caller hesitated to touch her.