Evil Intent
Digest
This episode of Dateline delves into the tragic murder of Jessica Nelson, a young mother in Omaha, Nebraska. The episode begins with the discovery of her body in the bathtub by her mother, Missy. We learn about Jessica's life, her loving relationship with her son, Dominic, and her outgoing personality. The investigation initially focuses on her ex-boyfriend, John McDowell, but he is quickly ruled out as a suspect. The episode follows the detectives as they explore other leads, including Jessica's sister's ex-boyfriend and a man who attended a party at Jessica's house. Eventually, the investigation leads them to Matt Kitter, a close friend of Jessica's family. While Matt initially appears to be grieving Jessica's death, his behavior raises suspicions. Detectives discover that Matt's cell phone was near Jessica's house the night she was killed, and they find his DNA under her fingernail. Matt Kitter is subsequently arrested for Jessica's murder. The episode details the evidence against him, including his cell phone records, DNA evidence, and his confession to a cellmate. The episode also explores the impact of Matt's arrest on Jessica's family and friends, who are shocked and devastated by his betrayal. The episode features Patricia Springborg, a woman who accused Matt Kitter of rape. Patricia's testimony sheds light on Matt's violent tendencies and provides further evidence against him. The episode concludes with Matt's conviction and sentencing to life in prison.
Outlines
Jessica Nelson's Murder
This episode of Dateline investigates the murder of Jessica Nelson, a young mother in Omaha, Nebraska. The episode begins with the discovery of her body in the bathtub by her mother, Missy. We learn about Jessica's life, her loving relationship with her son, Dominic, and her outgoing personality.
The Investigation Begins
The investigation into Jessica's murder begins with detectives questioning her family and friends. They focus on John McDowell, but he is quickly ruled out as a suspect. The episode follows the detectives as they explore other potential leads, including Jessica's sister's ex-boyfriend and a man who attended a party at Jessica's house.
Matt Kitter Emerges as a Suspect
The investigation leads detectives to Matt Kitter, a close friend of Jessica's family. Matt initially appears to be grieving Jessica's death, but his behavior raises suspicions. Detectives discover that Matt's cell phone was near Jessica's house the night she was killed, and they find his DNA under her fingernail.
Matt Kitter's Arrest and Trial
Matt Kitter is arrested for Jessica's murder. The episode details the evidence against him, including his cell phone records, DNA evidence, and his confession to a cellmate. The episode also explores the impact of Matt's arrest on Jessica's family and friends.
Matt Kitter's Conviction
The episode features Patricia Springborg, a woman who accused Matt Kitter of rape. Patricia's testimony sheds light on Matt's violent tendencies and provides further evidence against him. The episode concludes with Matt's conviction and sentencing to life in prison.
Keywords
Jessica Nelson
Jessica Nelson was a young mother who was murdered in Omaha, Nebraska. She was known for her outgoing personality and kind heart.
Matt Kitter
Matt Kitter was a close friend of Jessica Nelson's family. He was eventually arrested and convicted of her murder.
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha is a city in Nebraska where Jessica Nelson was murdered. The episode takes place in Omaha and features interviews with people who knew Jessica.
Dateline
Dateline is a long-running true crime television program that airs on NBC. This episode of Dateline focuses on the murder of Jessica Nelson.
Homicide
Homicide is the unlawful killing of another human being. The episode explores the investigation into Jessica Nelson's homicide.
DNA
DNA is a molecule that carries genetic information. DNA evidence played a key role in the investigation into Jessica Nelson's murder.
Cell Phone Records
Cell phone records can be used to track a person's location. Cell phone records were used to place Matt Kitter at Jessica Nelson's house the night she was killed.
Trial
A trial is a legal proceeding in which a court hears evidence and determines whether a person is guilty of a crime. Matt Kitter was tried for the murder of Jessica Nelson.
Conviction
A conviction is a finding by a court that a person is guilty of a crime. Matt Kitter was convicted of the murder of Jessica Nelson.
Q&A
What were the circumstances surrounding Jessica Nelson's death?
Jessica Nelson was found dead in her bathtub with a phone cord around her neck. The investigation revealed that she had been strangled and sexually assaulted.
Who was the main suspect in Jessica Nelson's murder?
The main suspect in Jessica Nelson's murder was Matt Kitter, a close friend of her family.
What evidence led to Matt Kitter's arrest and conviction?
The evidence against Matt Kitter included his cell phone records, DNA evidence, and his confession to a cellmate.
What was the impact of Matt Kitter's arrest on Jessica's family and friends?
Jessica's family and friends were shocked and devastated by Matt's arrest. They had trusted him implicitly and were struggling to come to terms with his betrayal.
What was the outcome of Matt Kitter's trial?
Matt Kitter was convicted of Jessica Nelson's murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Show Notes
When a young woman fails to show up to work, her mother rushes to her home to try to find her. What she discovers begins an investigation that leads to a suspect no one imagined. Keith Morrison reports.