Talking Dateline: Malice
Digest
This podcast features discussions from Dateline's "Malice" episode, focusing on the murder of Jake Embert and the conviction of his wife, Susan Embert. Initially ruled a suicide, the family fought for years to prove it was murder. The episode details the investigation process, the role of a private investigator, and a significant interview with Susan Embert by Blaine Alexander. It highlights inconsistencies in Susan's testimony, legal strategies, courtroom dynamics, and the impact on Jake's son, who is pursuing law enforcement to improve the justice system. Viewer questions address investigative shortcomings and specific case details, while the family advocates for systemic changes. The podcast also briefly mentions other series, including Kate Snow's "The Drink" and "The Road to Milan" Olympic podcast.
Outlines
Podcast Introductions and the Jake Embert Case Overview
The podcast begins with introductions to various series, including Kate Snow's "The Drink" and "The Road to Milan" Olympic podcast. The main focus then shifts to Dateline's "Malice" episode, discussing the murder of Jake Embert and his wife Susan's conviction. The initial ruling of suicide was contested by the family, who believed it was murder, leading to a lengthy legal battle.
Dateline's Investigation and Coroner's Role
Producers detail Dateline's discovery of the Embert case and the challenges of its delayed production. The discussion covers the initial investigation, the coroner's quick suicide ruling, and the varying qualifications of coroners versus medical examiners. A private investigator hired by the family uncovered crucial details about Susan Embert's past relationships.
Interviewing the Suspect and Analyzing Testimony
A podcast-exclusive clip features Susan Embert's defiant Facebook post. The team discusses Blaine Alexander's significant first interview with Susan before her second trial, exploring legal risks and her attorney's stance. Analysis focuses on inconsistencies in Susan's testimony, including her use of the word "ecstatic" and claims of PTSD, contrasting with the insinuation of sexual orientation.
Courtroom Dynamics, Viewer Questions, and Family Advocacy
The tense courtroom atmosphere during the trials is described, emphasizing the importance of judicial transparency. Jake Embert's son is pursuing law enforcement to prevent similar injustices. Viewer questions probe the investigation's thoroughness and evidence collection. The family expresses satisfaction with the verdict but advocates for broader justice system reforms, including improved coroner qualifications and victim notification.
Keywords
Dateline
American television news magazine covering true crime and investigative journalism, with a corresponding podcast.
Malice (Dateline Episode)
A Dateline episode focusing on the murder of Jake Embert and the conviction of his wife, Susan Embert.
Jake Embert Case
The murder investigation of Jake Embert, initially ruled a suicide, leading to his wife Susan's conviction.
Suicide ruling
The initial determination that Jake Embert's death was self-inflicted, which was contested by his family.
Susan Embert
Wife of Jake Embert, convicted of his murder after the case was reclassified from suicide.
Coroner qualifications
The varying requirements for coroners, which can impact the thoroughness of death investigations, especially in rural areas.
Private Investigator
Professionals hired to conduct investigations; Lee Wilson investigated the Embert case for the family.
Blaine Alexander
Dateline correspondent who conducted a key interview with Susan Embert.
Justice system transparency
The principle of openness in legal proceedings, often facilitated by media presence.
Legal reform
Efforts to improve the justice system, including coroner qualifications and investigation protocols, advocated by the Embert family.
Q&A
What was the initial ruling in the Jake Embert case, and why was it contested?
The initial ruling was suicide. However, Jake Embert's children and sister from a previous marriage did not believe this and fought for years to prove it was murder.
What are the potential issues with coroner qualifications in some areas?
In some rural counties, requirements to be a coroner are minimal, potentially leading to less experienced individuals making crucial determinations like suicide or homicide, unlike trained medical examiners.
How did Dateline discover the Jake Embert case?
Dateline producers found a small news article about the case in 2018 and contacted the private investigator hired by the family, initiating their involvement.
What was significant about Blaine Alexander's interview with Susan Embert?
It was Blaine Alexander's first interview as a Dateline correspondent with a murder suspect, conducted before Susan Embert's second trial, which carried significant legal risks.
What inconsistencies were noted in Susan Embert's interview?
Susan Embert used the word "ecstatic" multiple times to describe finding her husband dead and made factual errors, such as misstating the length of her marriage.
Why did Jake Embert's son decide to pursue a career in law enforcement?
Jake's son, Will, aims to ensure that the mishandling of his father's case and the initial law enforcement response do not happen on his watch, seeking to improve the system.
What are the family's goals beyond Susan Embert's conviction?
The family seeks to prevent similar injustices by advocating for changes in coroner qualifications, better victim notification, and increased attention to cases with inadequate investigations.
Show Notes
With Blayne on assignment, Lester Holt talks with Senior Producer Allison Orr and Producer Ann Preisman about Blayne’s latest episode, "Malice." Just over a year into his new marriage, Jake Embert was found dead from what would quickly be ruled a self-inflicted gunshot. Jake’s family did not accept the ruling, believing he had been killed by his new wife. They hired a private investigator who presented his findings to authorities, resulting in Jake’s manner of death being changed to homicide. Susan Embert was charged with her husband’s murder and eventually found guilty and sentenced to life. Allison and Ann discuss the credentials needed to become a coroner and play an extra clip of Blayne confronting Susan about a Facebook post she made in the days following her husband’s death. Plus, Lester and Ann answer your questions from social media.
This episode discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for more resources.
Listen to the full episode “Malice” on Apple: https://apple.co/3PcKoLI
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vQ1hNSjEf6GUKiNTvEfV0
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