Digest

This Dateline episode, "The Professor and the Poet," investigates the murder of Sumarkham, a university professor, by Jorge Landeros, a Spanish teacher and poet. The podcast details their complex and ultimately fatal relationship, highlighting Sumarkham's "blind spot" for Landeros and her friends' ignored warnings. Landeros, after the murder, went on the run, even writing poetry about his fugitive status. The episode covers his eventual arrest in Mexico and discusses suspect behavior in custody. Rocio, Landeros's girlfriend in Mexico, shares her experience of his controlling and abusive behavior, and her courageous decision to contact the police, which helped prove his serial conduct. The discussion also touches on relationship red flags, narrative tropes in crime reporting, and listener engagement with Dateline.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction to Dateline's "The Professor and the Poet"

Craig Melvin introduces "Glass Half Bowl," focusing on optimism. Kate Snow hosts "The Drink" with celebrities. Keith Morrison and Josh Mankiewicz discuss the Dateline episode "The Professor and the Poet," centering on the victim, Sumarkham, and her relationship with Jorge Landeros.

00:02:11

Victim's Blind Spot and Landeros's Manipulation

The discussion delves into Sumarkham's "blind spot" for Jorge Landeros, her unreciprocated feelings, and how she ignored warnings from friends about the one-sided relationship. The prosecution's theory suggests a fight led to her death and Landeros's subsequent cover-up. Josh Mankiewicz shares a personal connection to the crime scene in his childhood neighborhood.

00:10:13

Landeros on the Run and His Arrest

The podcast explores Jorge Landeros's poetry written while on the run and his taunting interactions with law enforcement. His dramatic arrest in Mexico is described. The significance of suspect behavior in custody is discussed, contrasting expected anxiety with potential calm.

00:13:54

Rocio's Testimony and Relationship Red Flags

Rocio, Landeros's girlfriend in Mexico, shares her experience of his controlling and abusive behavior. She explains her motivation for contacting the police, believing her experience could help prove his serial conduct. The importance of recognizing red flags, like isolation from friends, is emphasized.

00:17:20

Listener Engagement and Case Details

Josh Mankiewicz shares his experience with a jailhouse interview. Keith Morrison recounts an unexpected encounter. Audience interactions and common questions are discussed. Dateline producer Rachel White answers social media questions about the episode, clarifying details about friends' lack of prior police involvement and filming locations. The surprising number of crimes by yoga instructors is noted, with speculation about Landeros's lifestyle and financial support. It's confirmed Landeros did not receive a life insurance payout.

00:25:51

Sue Markham's Legacy and Dateline's Call to Action

Listeners praise Sue Markham for her engaging teaching style and vibrant personality, highlighting her positive impact and legacy. Keith Morrison addresses a viewer's question about his pronunciation of "macabre." Dateline encourages listener questions for future episodes and previews an upcoming episode.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the Dateline episode "The Professor and the Poet" about?

  "The Professor and the Poet" is a Dateline NBC episode that investigates the murder of Sumarkham and her complex, ultimately fatal, relationship with Jorge Landeros, a manipulative individual with a history of controlling behavior.

• What was Sumarkham's "blind spot" regarding Jorge Landeros?

  Sumarkham had a "blind spot" for Jorge Landeros, overlooking warnings from friends and family about the one-sided nature of their relationship and his potentially dangerous behavior, driven by her desire for a romantic ideal.

• How did Jorge Landeros's poetry play a role in his fugitive status?

  While on the run, Jorge Landeros wrote and published poetry, some of which alluded to being pursued by the FBI. This unusual act provided a creative outlet but also revealed his awareness of being sought by law enforcement.

• What are the key red flags in relationships highlighted in the podcast?

  A significant red flag in relationships is when a partner attempts to isolate you from friends and family. This behavior suggests an effort to control and manipulate, preventing you from receiving objective advice or support.

• Why did Rocio decide to contact the police in Maryland?

  Rocio contacted the police in Maryland because she recognized similarities between her experiences with Jorge Landeros and what had happened to Sumarkham. She believed her testimony could help prove his pattern of serial conduct.

• What is the significance of a suspect's behavior while in custody, according to the podcast?

  The podcast discusses how law enforcement observes a suspect's behavior in custody. Innocent individuals are expected to be anxious and seek release, while guilty parties might appear calmer, anticipating a long prison sentence.

• What common question do people ask Keith Morrison?

  A common question people ask Keith Morrison is, "What's Keith really like?" This reflects audience curiosity about his personality beyond his on-air persona.

• How can listeners engage with Dateline for future episodes?

  Listeners can engage with Dateline by submitting questions for future episodes via social media (@datelinenbc) or by leaving a voicemail at 212-413-5252, with a chance to be featured on the show.

• Did Jorge Landeros receive a life insurance payout?

  No, Jorge Landeros did not receive a life insurance payout, and his attorneys stated he did not attempt to collect it.

• What is Sue Markham's legacy?

  Sue Markham is remembered for making accounting and studying enjoyable, her unique role at the Ringling Brothers Circus, and her ability to make complex topics engaging. She is depicted as a vibrant person with a large circle of friends and a constant smile.

Show Notes