Dateline NBC The Dateline Correspondents' Year in Review: Year of The Cold Case
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Dec 25, 2025 The hosts dive into a surge of cold-case investigations in 2025, highlighting the hope and persistence that families bring to these unresolved mysteries. They share gripping stories, including a long Wisconsin case with a surprising verdict. Technology's role in solving these cases, like DNA phenotyping, is explored. Memorable road stories from Albania to Palm Springs add a dash of adventure. The conversation touches on high-profile trials and the denials of infamous cases like the Menendez brothers, wrapping up with holiday traditions and upcoming sneak peeks.
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Cold Cases Dominated 2025 Reporting
- Many major Dateline cases in 2025 were long-running cold cases resolved after years of persistence.
- Andrea Canning highlights that piecing together small leads often creates enough momentum to prosecute after a decade or more.
Waupaca Case Reached Trial After 30 Years
- Keith Morrison told the decades-long Waupaca case where DNA led to a local man being tried.
- The jury ultimately found Tony Hayes not guilty despite DNA and palm print evidence connecting him to the scene.
Two Forces That Solve Cold Cases
- Cold cases break when circumstances change or forensic technology improves.
- Lester Holt notes that shifts in relationships and new DNA tools are the two main drivers of breakthroughs.