05-04-2025
Topeka double homicide on ‘Dateline': Trials lead to justice for Mike Sisco and Karen Harkness
(NBC) — Friday's 'Dateline' is an all-new two-hour episode focused on the double homicide case of Mike Sisco and Karen Harkness out of Topeka, Kansas and a three-trial odyssey to bring the killer to justice.
Here is a preview of Andrea Canning's report:
The Fourth of July exploded that year — parties everywhere. One couple had a good reason to celebrate.
LINDA BRIDEN: They were especially happy that night. They were in love.
MICHELLE DELGADO: I thought that I heard gunshots and even though it was July, they didn't sound like firecrackers.
OPERATOR: 911, what's your emergency?
HAROLD WORSWICK: Yes. … She's downstairs, and she's dead.
Who would want to kill Mike and Karen? And even more baffling — why?
CHAD HARKNESS: When he told me what had happened, I said, 'This is that crazy psychopath.'
It would take years to make an arrest. It would take cunning from a victim's daughter.
HAILEY SEEL: I was recording our conversations.
And it would take trial after trial.
JUDGE: The jury … is unable … to reach a unanimous verdict.
After trial, to get justice. In the meantime, was anyone really safe?
HAILEY: I was afraid for my safety. For sure.
Watch 'Dateline: Deadly Obsession' Friday at 9 p.m. on NBC4.
'Dateline NBC' is the longest-running series in NBC primetime history and is in its 33rd season. Dateline is anchored by Lester Holt and features correspondents Blayne Alexander, Andrea Canning, Josh Mankiewicz, Keith Morrison and Dennis Murphy.
The stories range from compelling mysteries to powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. When major news breaks, they go to the scene, putting the pieces together to bring the viewer the full picture. And in every story they tell, they help the real people who lived the events share their journeys with the viewer.
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