The Letter | Full Episode

A letter written by a suspicious young mother helps solve her own murder. "48 Hours Mystery" correspondent Erin Moriarty reports. Watch more full episodes of "48 Hours" on Pluto TV.
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True crime. Real justice. "48 Hours" investigates the most intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all areas of the human experience including greed and passion. "48 Hours," which premiered in 1988, has developed a rich history of original reporting and impact journalism that has helped exonerate wrongly convicted people, caused cold cases to be reopened and solved, and along the way changed lives.
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[@48hours]

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[@acc4465]

people who are juries who are liberal - people who vote democrat - people who think anything is possible - in other words - people who lack common sense - need to be weeded out by the prosecution. you can ask basic questions like - who is stronger - men or women? if they hesitate at all - they are liberal morons and you have to get them off the jury.

[@SweetT601]

How ironic his parents are disappointed in Julie for an affair but, never mention their son’s affair.

[@alisong2328]

Of course they think Julie drove him to it. They are delusional.

[@SweetT601]

@ Definitely. She sounds so smug when she says My family has never dealt with depression! And then to put her brother on the stand and make him tell about what he done at age 16 was extremely cruel.

[@AnnHelenaSchlueter]

This Parents are terrible

[@ViggoMJ]

The question to them was how did they feel about Julie's affair. His parents have nothing to do with it anyway. However Julie's mother has a lot to do with it. She was unstable and so was Julie.

[@SweetT601]

@ Yea it was Julie’s fault he killed her. SMH. Being depressed doesn’t equal unstable. Of course you may come from the same line of people that have never had anyone depressed in their family.

[@OnikaSly-p3v]

The way he kept smiling with so much confidence 😂 the shock on his face when he heard the verdict gave me so much joy

[@pierrefab7185]

Dummest comment on the entire thread….

[@kameeI]

@@pierrefab7185 which one of mark’s relatives are you?

[@stitchbiatch3715]

Not so much smiling as smirking

[@beatrijsvannuffel1922]

What a stupid remark.

[@kameeI]

@@beatrijsvannuffel1922 are you also a relative of mark?

[@no_prisoners1]

‘Our family knows nothing about depression’ SAYS ALOT

[@SC.......]

Exactly 💯

[@janislf7584]

I thought that remark was also rather snide and arrogant.

[@MissWobbles]

Snooty

[@bigbadlust4403]

Narcissists, like their son.

[@paxetbonum7270]

Because they cause it.

[@dilapoudel4429]

She was so lucky to have those brothers. Everything sister deserves brothers like them Julie had.

[@nethravathidr]

True!

[@alexthedeal1827]

wouldn't it be better if they saved her..

[@djc9755]

@@alexthedeal1827 It would be lovely if no one was a victim ever but alas, we're not there.

[@SweetT601]

@@alexthedeal1827 How exactly would you suggest that they could have done that? Wow some people.

[@liseklerekoper2441]

@@alexthedeal1827- What the heck kind of statement is that?! Shameful of you.

[@ljBloomington]

Those kids were so brainwashed by their dad that they referred to Julie as their “ birth mother”. That disgusted me

[@SidewaysInTraffic]

Or she took after her mother and tormented her kids. Because she was a victim in this case doesn't mean she was a good person.

[@giniviva672]

I think there’s an innocent explanation that for the past years they had called Mark’s second wife their mother and they had to make a distinction, when speaking of their birth mother.

[@ljBloomington]

@@giniviva672 Yes, but that would depend entirely on whether he is actually guilty or not.

[@lanafedorova2317]

exactly! Just like in the Giver book. They were called birthmothers.

[@ilovebrandnewcarpets]

@@SidewaysInTraffic This.

[@shelleynobleart]

The judge was utterly correct. The husband's parents are in severe denial about their son's actions.

[@jeweliedee4299]

I have compassion for them. Denial is not a sin or a crime. It is a coping mechanism. It is sometimes seems the only way to survive a terrible tragedy.

[@MamaBarnhouse918]

@@jeweliedee4299it’s not ok to not have compassion for a family who lost a daughter and sister because of their son. They need to own up to their son killing her. The court found him guilty, they need to accept that. Making inappropriate comments about her having anorexia or having depression isn’t ok.

[@drunkardsdream]

@@jeweliedee4299 thank you. denial is indeed a coping mechanism and we are all capable of it. there is no need to shame parents who are dealing with a terrible situation that they had no control over. it's best to understand why they feel the way they do and have compassion for them, as you say

[@liseklerekoper2441]

@@MamaBarnhouse918- Exactly, & you can only imagine what his parents told those two boys as they were growing up about their mother. Husband’s parents were horrible.

[@ellecee453]

I believe I would have chosen the word collusion, even if after the fact, in my opinion.

[@dreamofmermaids]

His smile says so much to me. 👿 Julie's children calling her the "birth mother" breaks my heart.

[@janhodgson1740]

Wow.. I thought that too.. what a slap in the face of her family…

[@infidollady826]

Yes that was a terrible thing to say.

[@TamiTribbiani-im1go]

@@infidollady826 Maybe she wasn't the mother everyone thougth she was? Kids don't turn on their parents for no reason.

[@maysantos641]

​​@@TamiTribbiani-im1goThe oldest child was around 10 when his mom died. Imagine 10 years listening to his grandparents, and dad, and step mom discussing about their mother's depression and her supposed plan to frame Mark. I think that's enough reason.😊 I sadly think the kids have been manipulated.😢

[@Southamericangirl42]

@maysantos641 Hear, hear. 👌🏼

[@aym280]

With parents like these, you know why he's a murderer. He had affairs, his list, search history. Thank heavens for Julie's raising her concern with appropriate people.

[@alisong2328]

I'm so happy he didn't get away with it.

[@btrueeth]

How do you know she didn't write that list or she didn't make those searches? What if her admissions were orchestrated?

[@RJ1234-d1s]

I'm sure prosecutors checked his handwriting..​@@btrueeth

[@Faristol7]

He had a 'sketchy' look during the trial ...l wouldn't trust Mark as far as l could throw him. That looks in his eyes.....

[@SweetT601]

@@btrueeth why should we think he didn’t. Wasn’t it proven in a court of law that he was guilty.

[@inthechairwithcloochy8102]

When the son said 'My Birth Mother' I wanted to throw up. She likely endured immeasurable levels of pain staying with the husband in order to keep those boys in a "family unit". And 'Birth Mother' is the label she is being given? Horrific. Father and Son, both horrific. RIP Julie.

[@beewest5704]

Just the fact that he astranged the boys from their mother makes me side eye him.

[@alexandraayeone1470]

The father is vile

[@btrueeth]

May be her relationship with her kids was not that much as she claims. Have you thought of that?

[@fandomfan2800]

@@btrueeth no and i wont lol

[@maggiebrooks2550]

As a mother myself, that breaks my heart for Julie. I don't claim to know what Julie's relationship was like with her children but knowing my close relationship with my two children, I have to give Julie the benefit of the doubt. Most mothers' motivation for living is for their children to be healthy, happy & successful in all of their endeavors.

[@lisas2538]

I’m so relieved he was found guilty. His parents are terrible people so I can see why he turned out the way he did. My condolences to her brother and her family.

[@Faristol7]

Why do you say his parents are terrible people? There's nothing wrong with them. They're just defending their son, which is only natural. That doesn't mean their son isn't a murderer - just that they don't believe he is because they are in denial. Let them off the hook, will ya?

[@meera2531]

Her mother also seems terrible which made Julie predisposed to attracting a narcissist like Mark

[@Faristol7]

@meera2531 Very true. A bad mother can do a lot of damage.

[@graciethfaria3184]

Yes😢

[@Southamericangirl42]

@Faristol7 Defending your child is fine but why do it at the expense of a woman who cannot speak up thanks to your child? In a perfect world the tactics she employed would be natural but, we live in a fallen, broken world and sensible parents see their children's character flaws and their praise-worthy traits. Not doing so is very...unnatural.

[@arsenicandlace7689]

His parents are absolutely sickening. It's quite easy to see why he's the way he is!

[@teddyjam8134]

They tried to say she set him up. 🤣

[@stss2442]

Sure about that?

[@vr5787]

I wonder if they would have felt the same way if it was their son that died.

[@arsenicandlace7689]

@vr5787 Exactly!

[@VW-uk6cp]

His parents are awful!

[@KJ-ut4rw]

Her children referring to her as birth mother and him as a dad in the letter to the judge at sentencing speaks volumes.

[@gabye.]

Exactly...he poison his kids against their own dead mom. Monstrous!

[@Kari.F.]

Yes, it speaks volumes about the father's parental alienation campaign against their mother. They were young, and he was the only parent they had left. Young children in that situation are easily manipulated by adults that they trust. Parental alienation is sadly very common in divorces, and with children who have to testify in court.

[@ilovebrandnewcarpets]

@@gabye. OR, she was a mean mother. We don't know.

[@FreeMindScoop]

@@ilovebrandnewcarpetsthat’s what I would think lol

[@Lucky-vx5gm]

Yes I stick with that... I was shocked by the term birth mother, as if she meant nothing.. this broke my heart... the fact the sons say their father gives them support etc.... is because he now as them to himself and out of guilt he gives his sons everything... by giving his sons everything and supporting them.. he doesn't need to feel guilty that he murdered their mother... mother role is equal to any child in this world... each parent fills a role... to take one parent away.... destroys a child life and map of life... it us so vital to have both parents... as each one plays a role in each child. That's why we call it mother and father... oneday when the lads are much older they will acknowledge the importance of their mother had she been alive. Its a very sad case, and the jury were amazing how they cracked open the letter compared to his list. It's do sad how is taken in a split second 😢... yet how for 9 months a mother carries a child and the charges she has to endure to keep child healthy and the immense pain she endures giving birth.... if a man gave birth, he would appreciate as God's. She was a beautiful mother and didn't deserve to die. They should have sorted professional help or divorce as today the lads would gave both parents. The lad back then have missed out and will miss the love of a mother😢 🙏 no one can take the place of a mother....

[@TAGMZs63]

Mark's mother is awful. She says her family knows nothing about depression like it's the plague. Shame on her

[@lucyhassett2852]

Maybe she simply just meant that she didn’t know how to help her daughter-in-law while she was going through depression.

[@uhsaywhatnow]

When she said “it was a beautiful wedding…except for Julie’s mother!” was telling. No empathy for her new daughter in law on her wedding day?

[@jacquelinedeblue5231]

@TAGMZs63 Yes, that REALLY rubbed me the wrong way.

[@liseklerekoper2441]

His mother seemed very cold & controlling. I’m sure she was a very difficult mother in law.

[@kathleenhebert2278]

I bet she knows depression now, that her son is in prison.

[@erikaleonard2848]

2 trials, 2 juries, and the same verdict. That says everything. The song by piano was beautiful and a very sweet tribute ❤❤❤

[@patriciaoreilly8907]

Beautiful brothers who loved their sister so much was very moving.

[@Franaflyby]

I bet those parents will soon understand that there is depression in their family...

[@clivematthews95]

@@Franaflyby oh how the wheels turn, they made light of Julie and her family’s depression

[@LovefromYemiTheBoyKing]

They will soon become depressed themselves

[@valerieroy2714]

They’ll learn the hard way .

[@RoyalPurpleStar]

Great comment!!!👍

[@encoravivo]

There are two mainstream directions, as regards mental health: Depression and narcissism/ psychopathy Depression is much more common in women and the second one much more in men That alone tells you a lot… Plus he’s a stockbroker, usually clever, practical and very ambitious… Definitely wouldn’t understand or want a depressed woman beside him… So he found another and made sure he wouldn’t have to pay alimony or share his kids… So common with men 😡 His boys have probably turned out just like him and denied their mother, especially since they are manipulated to believe other reasons for her death…

[@taghiabiri3489]

The parents are one of a kind.. „she wanted the kids, the house, everything“. So why did she killed herself then?

[@Eirini1]

Right!!

[@staggerlee6794]

It is mentioned more than once in the video that the alleged suicide was an accident or "misadventure"

[@Craftistemv]

Perhaps, because the dose wase so small, she didn't mean to...

[@Susiehighschool]

That medical examiner just did the hardest thing I’ve ever seen in a trial. Taking a sip of that antifreeze is LEGEND behavior period.

[@jimwerther]

Less than a sip, and she spit it out. No big deal.

[@MadMomma-kj9ks]

@@jimwerther Green Kool Aid.

[@jimwerther]

@@MadMomma-kj9ks Lol

[@ricrid]

I'm a car mechanic and have been under cars working on hoses and have gotten in my mouth lots of times I spit it out and go on

[@uhsaywhatnow]

@@jimwertheryou do it then. 🤣🙄

[@dianna1979]

Wow. Narcissistic parents blaming the dead victim for “framing” their narcissistic spawn.

[@Eirini1]

Well said!

[@jeannelederman8992]

“Our family knows NOTHING about depression!” So arrogant…like anyone who suffers from depression chooses it. The music is so beautiful…for Julie.

[@Sinclair80]

The husbands family is very good at stigmatising mental illness. ALL the problems were because of Julies depression, according to them. And they were very indelicate when talking about her mothers alcholism. They are just throwing all they can at Julie and her side of the family. These aren't good people. That's my feeling, anyway.

[@no_prisoners1]

They’re as cold as he turned out to be

[@CHEREKA98]

Exactly. The condescending remarks. The dad sitting sideways for this interview/conversation. Both praising their perFecT son. We say yikes, but the producers were like these are our money shots, keep the cameras rolling! 😅

[@Elizabeth-yg2mg]

I have the same feeling about them!

[@sugaredwards6207]

@@Elizabeth-yg2mg as did i.

[@m3li55a5]

The mental acrobatics his parents are doing to try to blame Julie instead of their killer son are amazing. The denial is real.

[@Southamericangirl42]

@m3li55a5 Mental acrobatics. 😃

[@embr4065]

When a woman writes a letter like that, it is because she is fearful, not to set up her husband. Period.

[@Xydorf]

How do you know that?

[@sammyb1651]

@@Xydorf She doesn't.

[@lcam9241]

I'm only halfway through the video. But it's not unheard of for one spouse to set the other up......especially when there's a history of mental issues. I'm just not sure what to think in this case.

[@Susiehighschool]

I’ve been there. I didn’t write the letter but I told people once i realized my husband was having an affair & started planning my escape. He also strangled me. I’m just lucky some sense of self preservation kicked in or something, or maybe he didn’t realize how long you have to squeeze bc he was looking me in the eyes (the only time I’ve ever seen eyes turn black) & he finally let go. Maybe there’s levels to evil, I don’t know. I still have trouble reconciling with everything that happened & it’s been years since I got out. Trust me, women know when someone switches in their partner. You can’t fake that closeness & intimacy once it’s lost, especially not a narcissist. They begin to hate you & blame you for their unhappiness. They don’t experience emotions in the same way so when we ask what’s wrong they just gaslight us & tell us it’s all in our heads. It can be so confusing to a genuine loving person, but the gut doesn’t lie. That said I do believe there are evil women as well capable of such, that’s just not what I saw here ❤

[@SidewaysInTraffic]

@@Susiehighschool Speaking of a narcissist. It's very interesting that Julie called the man she had an affair with a "creep" in her letter and mentions it was a "brief" affair. She's took no accountability.

[@dearmakeupdiary]

His parents are in absolute denial. It was hard to watch. He obviously did it

[@dianawright8334]

I watched both Trials. He murdered Julie. Special Prosecutor Bob and his wife are Heroes. Parents are in denial and full of vitriol for Julie. Mark is a monster.

[@Eirini1]

Yes!

[@parissinclair6513]

Were there any differences between the two trials?

[@dianawright8334]

@ first trial the letter was in. Mark got a new trial on Appeal over the letter. Second Trial no letter, a lot of people had passed away so they used their taped testimony. Special Prosecutor came out of retirement and his wife helped him sock that monster back in prison where he belongs.

[@doglife3543]

I only watched the second trial. I loved the interview the prosecutor gave after the verdict. The parents are awful people

[@dianawright8334]

@ sure were

[@pamelaleannefreeland9025]

Those parents are despicable. Addendum: As if what that murderer did wasn’t horrible enough, it’s obvious that he and his new wife (his mistress) turned the victim’s sons against her after her death. For them to refer to her as their “birth mother” in the letter to the court pleading for leniency for their father is extremely telling. How infuriating.

[@SweetT601]

@@pamelaleannefreeland9025 The sons if they truly wrote the letter didn’t do their Dad any favors with it. I can imagine the Judge knew immediately that Mark and his family had turned her kids against her.

[@RoyalPurpleStar]

Totally!!! I wouldn’t doubt that those disgusting and despicable parents also brainwashed the children into thinking that their poor mother was just a person that gave births to them. Makes my blood boil listening to those despicable parents!!! No wonder their son’s also despicable and a murderer.

[@dheider9109]

How hurtful for Julie to be called " birth mother" by her sons. My heart breaks for her and her family

[@kayde4483]

That screamed at me when I heard it. What child who was raised by his biological mother refers to her as his mother ‘birth mother’?? Something odd there.

[@liseklerekoper2441]

Totally agree. It’s clear the husband & his new wife painted Julie in a negative way to the boys. Not to mention that they kept the boys from their grandparents & uncles.

[@missverovallejo]

My thoughts exactly!!! Birth mother??? Not "mom"??? What!

[@heidistanton4583]

Dad did a good job warping their perspective

[@dawnramirez565]

Agreed!!! I repeated that out loud several times! That's so awful!

[@heezypeasy8611]

His parents are disgusting. "Our family knows nothing about depression," in that condescending tone. Well, good for you and your family. It doesn't make you better than others.

[@dragonmummy1]

They never said they did. They intimate that this was an illness they had no experience of dealing with. Nothing wrong with that.

[@pamelaleannefreeland9025]

I caught that too. They are in utter denial that their precious son could have been responsible. The way they tear her down is disgusting. Like parents, like son.

[@heezypeasy8611]

@@dragonmummy1 You have your opinion, and i have mine.

[@heezypeasy8611]

@@pamelaleannefreeland9025 Exactly. They were degrading her and praising him. Their tone the entire time just rubbed me the wrong way.

[@siameseninja24]

I caught that too. They clearly said it with an underlying air of superiority.

[@maryodonoghue9222]

So many parts of this are crucial. Anyone who says that they don't know what depression is, are delusional, some form or another of depression affects everyone. The murderer's parents are haughty and arrogant. RIP Julie

[@danaclark7437]

It was nice to see the smirk finally off his face after the sentencing ...

[@no_prisoners1]

He was grinning up until the verdict

[@bobgillis1137]

indeed, smirking. hmm

[@JJ-iq8mi]

Duper's Delight

[@emberdo]

Very satisfying to see his smirk disappear in one second.

[@Southamericangirl42]

@no_prisoners1 I noticed the reMARKable change on Mark's face.

[@no_prisoners1]

@@bobgillis1137 😅😅that’s actually the word I was looking for. I actually initially thought ‘nah maybe that’s just his face’ but when the verdict was read the face was fixed

[@SpacecatMoonbeam]

Ain’t no delusion like parental delusion.

[@alisong2328]

I agree. Why was their perfect son searching for poisons on his work computer?

[@maggiebrooks2550]

🎯

[@clivematthews95]

@@alisong2328 great question

[@MoroMoro1]

seriously lmaoo

[@juniorjohnson5961]

My son would never do such a thing 🥺

[@سارهاحمد-ت2ش]

He killed her. The motive is the kids,the house,new girlfriend and he couldn't forgive her for having an affair. RIP Julie.

[@CC-xn5xi]

He had affairs. But narcissists don't remember their own errors.

[@btrueeth]

Or or or....she killed herself because she was depressed and found out about his affair..... Works both ways.

[@dorindadouglas2847]

​@btrueeth Why are you so adamant he's innocent? I keep seeing your comments all over this thread. You related to him?? 🤔 That man killed her. You're blind if you can't see that.

[@melissagray8138]

“Our family doesn’t understand depression” like suffering from depression is something to be ashamed of! We’ve seen parents like Mark’s before with Scott Peterson and Chris Watts. It’s never their baby boy’s fault. There affairs don’t matter, their patterns of abuse are always because of the “evil wife”. Mark’s parents are really delusional. Thank goodness for Julie’s loving brothers!

[@candycandy5810]

Scott Peterson didn't do it---the Judge didn't allow VERY important evidence---watch the documentary---I KNOW dog behavior---the dog wasn't there----

[@JennyLeigh5309]

I cannot with this mans mother. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@artetface]

And they have an absolute answer for everything 🙄

[@good1day726]

Yep.

[@TheGrt45]

Right?!😠

[@ceebee8255]

My MIL is the same way unfortunately. Her sons are perfect angels and can do no wrong. Every time I’ve been in a conflict with my husband (her son) I’m the bad guy. Today she called me a bad parent. She’s absolutely insufferable.

[@JennyLeigh5309]

@ I’m so sorry you have to deal with that. My ex MIL was the same way. She may have addressed their problems but not before making it all my fault.

[@HettiedeKorteDiplomaat]

So Julie planned it but she's the one who's dead. Ridiculous. So cruel to accuse the victim. Those parents are blind for the real Mark.

[@Southamericangirl42]

@HettiedeKorteDiplomaat Inderdaad ronduit belachelijk. Er zijn diverse manieren om met het feit dat je zoon een moordenaar is, om te gaan, maar dit is echt erg fout van zijn ouders.

[@charitykabi4877]

I felt their brother's love for her, continue resting in peace Julie

[@Eggrah-m1g]

Commit suicide to setup someone?? the thinking of his parents is just craaaaazy

[@w1s86]

There are cases where the deceased killed themselves to frame their partners. One woman shot herself to death to frame her cheating husband -- I think it's on an episode of Forensic Files.

[@JennyBrie2006]

​That in no way explains away his not taking her to the hospital ​@@w1s86

[@btrueeth]

​​@@w1s86 exactly.... I believe there is a reasonable doubt here in this case.

[@stitchbiatch3715]

@@btrueeth I don't see how you can get past the note she found in his planner. It's pretty damning. Why would anyone make a note to bag their hands? Wow. Did they even try to explain this?

[@scottwills8539]

The parents think she accidentally killed herself, not suicide. I don't buy it though.

[@Redeemed_1989]

Jurors were “beyond exceptional” 👏 to put together HER “letter” with HIS “scratch note list” to come to the verdict! 👏 👏Great ending!

[@lucinamendez4566]

It must be nice to have a brother that actually loves you.

[@jen2076]

It must be.

[@jhonnp9280]

The only thing right that the parents said, “She doesn’t want her husband” Well who would? 😅

[@josiannedarmanin499]

Good one!

[@Dagger_323]

Who would? Maybe you forgot about the fact that she cheated on him. He'd have every reason not to have wanted _her_ after that. Women can do no wrong though, in typical fashion.

[@jhonnp9280]

@@Dagger_323 and he didn’t.? That became his motive. They both cheated but only one died. How’s that.

[@Dagger_323]

@@jhonnp9280 she didn't want him long before he killed her, and long before she had any valid reason for it. She cheated and filed for divorce and wrecked the marriage. Neither party is innocent here.

[@oddlovediver]

You didn't live with them to state 'she didn't have any reason'. Cheating is trashy, but, is it cheating if you only stay because you feel like you need to? ​@@Dagger_323

[@akuakua9143]

His parents disgust me

[@crystalberns7888]

She wanted everything... and then killed herself. Goodness they are delusional

[@cyberchetnik]

WHo is giving the right to any woman who did not work a day to take everything for herself ???

[@Southamericangirl42]

@cyberchetnik She was a stay-at-home mother. It has been recognised as a job and as such consists of various different and changing tasks. It requires a vast amount of commitment plus learning while performing one's duties. Mothering is among the harder or hardest jobs a woman could have, it is also among the most rewarding. Don't cheapen it with your bitter comment. (The short answer to your question is: the law.)

[@maxxedtfout]

No one more ready to defend a terrible man’s mistreatment of a womanthan his own mother.

[@blondieb91390able]

Nicely said.

[@jfraklin]

There’s been several mothers of murderers on this and other shows where the mom admitted what was done and was sad for losing a son to their behavior… but it does seem most are like this one.

[@nicwelch]

She cheated on him. What evidence do you have that he mistreated her??

[@MaryBrowne-i5v]

His father is there too but your misogyny is noted .

[@sammyb1651]

@@nicwelch She cheated on him. She wanted to take his kids. She wanted him to just disappear (but pay for everything) once she had no use for him. Let's be accurate about what she wanted. Now let's see how many women would be happy with that outcome if the roles were reversed.

[@VW-uk6cp]

I think his parents are sociopaths too.

[@wburke121]

Apple/ tree

[@cherievivian9830]

Another set of parents who praise sonny boy. Reminds me of the delusional Watts mother who defends her innocent baby boy Christopher, and slams the daughter-in-law.

[@AlexAndra-iy5zu]

Not totally true They believe Shannon killed their children and that’s why Chris took her life. I think NK took the children away from earth and Chris took his wife’s life. Chris will tell the truth, again.

[@josmclove4426]

Indeed

[@jgirlinluv55]

I can't stand her

[@parissanaidoo9272]

1000%

[@jolo3118]

Well, you can tell that Mark grew up not being held responsible for anything. Parents like these two make me sick.

[@SeahorseyDad]

What kind of person do you have to be to think that speaking so condescendingly about a mother who died too soon was a good look? Did these parents really think this was a great way to defend their son? All it did is show the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. He’s guilty and his parents just helped create the cold environment she was forced to live in.

[@bobgillis1137]

Likely a good analysis. On a human level, I can understand their delusion allows them the capacity to prevent self-examination on how they may have raised their son. If this holds true, then it's just as much self-protection as protection of their son. Nobody wants to be the parent of a monster.

[@Jess-kn8vl]

Good analysis, I can relate

[@CatrinaFranklin-f4t]

Patrick's song is soooo beautiful!!! Those beautiful chords are like words describing a beautiful human😊

[@oregonsnob31]

Mark’s horrible parents give me a lot of insight into how they raised a cheating murderous son.

[@pettykittyfam]

Exactly 💯

[@Idiocracy22]

She cheated first.

[@Southamericangirl42]

@Idiocracy22 Childish comment. You're not in the school playground trying to defend why you pulled Johnny's pants down.

[@Idiocracy22]

@@Southamericangirl42 it's not childish. It's just simple fact.

[@wa2k99]

You need help

[@GaylaKenney-i2f]

Birth mother? Their own mother that loved them. Oh that’s just despicable.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

They definitely have problems.

[@TamiTribbiani-im1go]

Maybe she wasn't the mother everyone thought she was?

[@Zodiac408..]

Definitely agree, that was a nasty thing the son said birth mother, she definitely was murdered..

[@GaylaKenney-i2f]

@ maybe he wasn’t the father they claimed him to be. Have you ever heard of brainwashing and to hear what his parents had to say?

[@truthhurts3524]

Keep these OLDER episodes coming!!

[@lizshoemaker8713]

Marks face throughout the trial gives him away. The look on his face is far too smug for someone who is innocent. Also, the children calling her “birth mother” in their letter to the judge, wow. Makes you wonder what kind of manipulation they were subjected to by their father after her death. Absolutely callous.

[@lynnvargas8938]

What a waste of time and resources to have a second trial. He was found guilty by two different juries…that says a lot. Sorry Julie’s family had to have this over their head for so many years!

[@Susiehighschool]

There’s such deep sweet yet sorrowful emotion in the beautiful piano added to this episode by the brother. I’d give anything to have brothers like this. I was able to get out of an abusive marriage but still deal with depression & anxiety from what he put me through & I’d give anything to have such warm empathetic people who cared about me in the way they do their sister ❤. I have one sister who’s much younger but she’s never experienced hardship so I don’t think she knows how to be close to me now, I don’t know bc I’m built different. My heart is too big for my own good probably bc I feel so deeply for others who hurt. My first job was in a nursing home & while I loved helping people it wrecked me everytime one passed & I couldn’t do it. When they mentioned that at the start of this episode I immediately knew this woman’s heart. I have two sons who are also my everything. I’ve faced some dark times throughout the ending of my marriage and at times just wished I didn’t exist but no matter how big the pain has gotten I always go to the thought of my babies & i could never ever break their hearts that way. This poor family. I know these brothers are burdened but I’m sure she didn’t tell them to protect THEM. She likely knew they’d act & feared the outcome if they did. I hope they are able to release some of the weight off their shoulders. This man reminds me of my husband. The cold egotistical self serving narcissistic type. They’re so charming & wonderful at first. They’ve mastered fooling everyone their whole lives. No one around me knew the nightmare I was living bc I was unfortunately ashamed to speak of it for so long. I hope to encourage others to speak up right away. I was confused by his actions at first bc they were subtle. It started with words, small outbursts, followed by grand apologies & displays of remorse. Then he weaponized my empathy & made me feel sorry for him bc “he was having a hard time” so it became what I believed was just a tough season a marriage would go through. It wasn’t. It ALWAYS escalates. I eventually learned he had started having a secret affair & when I confronted him he assaulted me so badly & tried taking my life as well. I’m fortunate to still be here even though I’m still a shell of the woman I was before I met him. Please don’t stay. Please don’t sacrifice your own mental health for anyone. You’ll pay a high price for it. I’ve been trying to overcome CPTSD for the last SIX years that I’ve been out & it’s very difficult bc it rewires your brain & destroys your nervous system. If this resonates with anyone I beg you to find a safe way to leave. My heart goes out to this family. Those in-laws should be ashamed of themselves & open their eyes.

[@jimwerther]

That's a very long comment.

[@maryanne7161]

I m genuinely sorry for what u went through. I m saying this for ur own good,but,do look into islam. Believe me,it's not a cult. Do whatever it takes to preserve ur safety n sanity.

[@WalkingOnSunshine-s1y]

Thank you for sharing your experience here as it’s exactly mine as well. At the time this story was originally aired (Sept 2008) little did I know I was just at the beginning of my nightmare life by marrying someone exactly like Mark (and his parents too) in Dec of 2008. I didn’t know the red flags I was experiencing back then weren’t because he was one of those ‘highly intelligent business minded yet somewhat awkwardly social harmless men’ but rather little ‘tells’ of his true nature seeping out. I didn’t recognize them as traits associated with a cluster b personality/behavior disorder as I was raised by the most caring nurturing and loving parents and family anyone would wish for. It so sad but yet truly I’m thankful they both passed before witnessing any part of what he’s done to the independent caring loving confident daughter they had raised and witness blossoming for 39 years to become a shell of myself after the 12 years we were married. By 2020 my precious 8year old son found the words courage and innocence lost kind of understanding to tell me he thinks dad is cheating on me his mommy and that dad is telling him (his only son )don’t you like xx better than mommy?! Mind you on the outside we live in picture perfect neighborhood two successful careers with my taking a backseat some so that I could work from home to be with my son more (both of us in IT). 5 years later I’m still trying to finalize a divorce that he finally initiated (I had to do it that way otherwise well…) because he realized how much he’d have to actually legally contribute towards my raising his son. He’s now multi Million successful but not an ounce went into our time being married. The money I made went to house home and family. His ??? I still don’t know. Don’t even care. I just want what’s fair to me and my son. He Wants me Destroyed Destitute and Completely non functional as a human being. Why. Because he may have ruined my home My son my career and my financial stability but he was NOT able to eradicate is my core sense of self: that confidence in my values and principles my parents instilled in me and the corefundamental beliefs values and behaviors the core values and principles that my parents taught me through the way I which they raised me and my siblings. Through their unconditional love, support and the way in which they lived life they instilled an unshakable core sense of self and confidence in who I am in this world that will never be completely shattered and that right there is why. He has gone from admiring, enjoying/mirroring that deep routed sense of purpose and belief of self my parents instilled in us through their well lived life , to envying it (it’s became exhausting to mirroring behaviors you don’t have nor understand) to despising every aspect Of me my family me as a person resulting in invalidating every single aspect of me or my life to ultimately not even acknowledging any part of my life my family or my basic. existence in this world even in our own home. But I still have my sense of self and the confidence to stand up to his madness. He raged because he saw he still could shatter my deepest sense Of my core values my principles and my own self worth no matter the names the words the actions he threw at me. My parents would be proud yet quietly so. I would just know by looking at them.

[@Southamericangirl42]

*authoritative Oops!

[@ChalNjurshEp]

@@jimwertherno one asked you to read it. Learn some empathy.

[@MoroMoro1]

Mark was having an ACTIVE affair when his wife died. Then he married her after his wife died. Very suspicious. To write a handwritten letter and to give it to your neighbors in case her husband kills her is chillin and heartbreaking.

[@singlelifeok]

Poor Mark. Lmao You got to be kidding me. A grown man with mommy and daddy blaming everything on Julie. No wonder Mark thought he could get away with this.

[@helenahrebeljanoviccipras]

they blame her for dying from his poisoning saying she committed suicide to 'make him look bad'? the pinnacle of victim blaming, enabling, narcissism, and abuse. his parents should go to jail, too.

[@mariesimpson7613]

“birth mother” ?

[@Susiehighschool]

I’m sure the dad & gross red faced mistress brainwashed those poor boys into thinking their mother was the “sick monster”. You can’t really fault them, kids default to the only love they know. But yeah. That was sad

[@mariesimpson7613]

@@Susiehighschool the child and dad obviously don’t understand that referring to his mother like that shows that the boys have grown up surrounded by contempt for their mother, the victim.

[@KqthyWilliams]

That cut like a knife. How could they even think that would help his case?? Obviously it didn’t…he got life…TWICE.

[@Southamericangirl42]

@mariesimpson7613 I agree. It's a sure sign that there's been cunning indoctrination in that family after the mistress took the mother's place. Pfftt, birth mother - 21st century nonsense.

[@alivemniki3896]

That piano is absolutely beautiful 🥹

[@Southamericangirl42]

It's soothing, very peaceful... He's talented.

[@ivyrafols]

What does one expect? There in broad daylight the crazy parents tolerating an even crazier son turned wife killer. What a sick joke of a family.

[@SM-db8gx]

“Our family knows nothing about depression” Mmmmk. That sort of denial is what contributes to actions like that.

[@DerZeitverschwender]

I wonder how her sons are doing today and if they still support their fathers innocence 😮

[@sonjapetrovic3791]

The mother-in-law was not disappointed when her son cheated 🙄

[@quantumnature514]

I noticed that too

[@aurorefrench7592]

nobody asked her though.

[@julika219]

These parents hated their daughter in law from the get go. She would never have been enough for their spoiled brat!

[@Janadu]

His parents live in a fantasy world. The smirk on his face during the trial was despicable. Turned the children on their mother. Women, please let this be a lesson. If you suspect anything or are being abused, LEAVE. Yeah, everyone says it's not that easy, but are you willing to pay with your life? LEAVE.

[@lauraduplooy]

I would argue that depression runs in every family. Whether or not family members are willing to acknowledge or accept it is an entirely different issue.

[@ellaminnow]

The callous way the son refers to his mother as his “birth mother” shows how much his father brainwashed him and his brother against her. And I wonder if it exacted the opposite effect he was going for on the judge: further proving his father’s guilt

[@ritawashere5787]

It's really sad that in Mom's letter she wrote of her love for her boys and she would never leave them willingly, only for her boys to write a letter to the court and call her their birth mother. Wow. So sad.

[@barbarafaulder9087]

Birth mother. Birth mother. They called her their birth mother. Is anyone else shocked my this!

[@RoyalPurpleStar]

I’m definitely totally and completely SHOCKED & absolutely DISGUSTED!!!!🤬🤬🤬🤮🤮🤮

[@anitakeg8365]

I am tired of such parents, everyone is wrong, but they are right, their son is a saint

[@eeery]

With his son now rotting in jail, I'm sure this mother and her family now know something about depression

[@bentonwill4072]

What did her brother's past instance of self-harm have to do with anything? I once ate a cat treat when I was a kid. Does that mean my adult siblings eat cat treats?

[@pinkpugginz]

Thats how deep mark was digging to blame her and her family of all being mentally ill. Julie also offered to carry a baby for her brother and his wife who were having trouble conceiving. Mark turned around and told everyone she was sleeping with her brother.

[@ladyrazorsharp]

@@pinkpugginz What?! that is so low. He was a controlling, jealous monster.

[@pinkpugginz]

@@ladyrazorsharp thats not even the half of it

[@RoyalPurpleStar]

Yeah, I totally rolled my eyes on that being an issue that he even needed to testify about, or simply being brought up! Absolutely absurd and completely irrelevant.🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@Louielover-d3]

Poor mark Jensens family are so in denial. He’s so guilty they actually think she’d go to the trouble of setting him up! Ridiculous!

[@globetrotting2628]

The kids are brainwashed. His family is culpable.

[@susy7036]

I can't believe the initial judge didn't allow the letter. I'm glad that Julie finally got some justice. So sad that she didn't get to see her sons grow up and call her mom instead of "birth mother."😢

[@williamhilinsky1327]

She was a nurse, who knew all about drugs, but then accidentally took too much antifreeze in the process of framing him? 🙄🙄 oh brother…dear Mark’s parents- your son is a murderer and you’re in serious denial.

[@BennyThePlayaScala]

The parents are insufferable...

[@mariannehettinger]

She had such wonderful brothers. So much love, really moving. Praying for her and her sons.

[@manichairdo9265]

I love Julie's brother playing that beautiful melody. I was puzzled as to why Julie didn't disclose her concerns to her brothers. My only brother would have done everything to protect and support me in such difficulty. The smirk on the murderer's face in court did it for me. Guilty. All the rest other than the jury's explanation was just background noise. The murderer's cold fish mother's arrogance utterly beggars belief. Julie is so lovingly remembered by those who truly loved her. 💞💞💞

[@davidellis485]

More crucial than the letter was the list of poisons written in the husband’s handwriting and the internet searches he made in respect of their application. Did his deluded parents think that the list was ‘fabricated’ as well?

[@wendysmith6248]

Another set of judgemental parents , no not our son,, ppfft the whole family must have been hell to deal with. Another woman trying to leave but his pride wouldn't let her go. She knew what wss coming. His parents know it too.. No wonder she had an affair. Must have been hell to live with him gaslighting her for years.

[@littleladynianeerose1979]

I love 48 Hours… I take my hat off to all of you..

[@stss2442]

You always wear a hat?

[@jimwerther]

​@@stss2442 She took it off for her profile pic

[@HelenThomas-i5x]

Me too!❤ watching from South Africa!!🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@MissWobbles]

Parents are in hardcore denial

[@kapp0059]

Mark’s mom says yes to Julie being calculating while simultaneously, unconsciously shaking her head no. Liar.

[@donnazivny4134]

Typical parents thinking their kids can do no wrong

[@maitaimaitai4046]

Jailhouse snitch, guarantee, didn't even know about her smashed face. That's what the jurors should've focused on. So she didn't die of the antifreeze. Their son doesn't want to see past the fact that his father is a true murderer.

[@quantumnature514]

Good point

[@powerfuly0373]

His parents are sick all to defend their son

[@missiridia2337]

how can those parents be so delusional ??

[@shepherdoceancrown4628]

Divorce, divorce and divorce. That is the best thing to do instead of spending your entire life behind 4 walls.

[@Eirini1]

Narcs think they can get away with it

[@Hemstitch071]

He did exactly what he told her he’d do. He degraded her and tried to make her look like a weak, sick woman. And his parents are horrible enough that they are CONTINUING to try and do that. No wonder she was too afraid to leave him. She knew what he and his family were capable of. And heartbreakingly, he did end up taking the kids from her and discrediting her to them. Disgusting and wicked all the way around.

[@carolinedelarosa4758]

How you raised your kids reflects on the parents. You can see how apathetic and defensive Mark’s parents was!

[@sbrooke210]

Our family has never dealt with depression. Well excuse me, aren't you perfect? Everyone's family has been touched by depression and we all know what it is so give me a break lady

[@Southamericangirl42]

Even back then there was already much professional knowledge and public awareness so she sounds entitled and ignorant.

[@samsngdevice5103]

What is most compelling to me is the idea that she would leave this world and her beloved children to someone they suggested she hates. Guilty.

[@Southamericangirl42]

Hear, hear.

[@teamcougars]

Being depressed doesn’t equate to suicide for everyone who is depressed 😢

[@MamaJLW]

I hope her children get some counseling. To start calling her their “birth mother” shows a level of self preservation, I think.

[@pinkpugginz]

They love the affair partner as their mom more than Mark. Which is crazy because she was raising them The whole time he was in jail. Instead of Julie's family

[@Amontillado72]

Unbelievable how parents deny over and over ..that is sick

[@tammybarrow4894]

He could have just paid for a divorce and all this mess would not have happened. Sorry for your loss. Beautiful music by her brother.🦚❤

[@deaf2819]

It’s wild that we can force a victim to testify as a witness but the defendant can remain silent. Only in the mess that is the American “just us” system.

[@Southamericangirl42]

@deaf2819 It's not ideal but it's set up so a defendant doesn't incriminate himself. I reckon you know that anyway. A victim who's alive won't incriminate himself as it's already been established he *is* the victim and *who* is the perpetrator. Oh, and it's a legal system not a justice system. As often as justice is not served in court rooms around the world, whether by acquittal of the guilty or imprisonment of the innocent, I can't but agree with the commenters who state it.

[@Katinka6413]

Her own sons: Please let our dad free as soon as possible, he's a great person and we forgive him for killing our "birth mother" who gave all her time, love and care to us while fearing for her life and writing in her letter that we are the reason she would never give up on life. (I'm not judging their behavior and I've seen it in other cases as well how the narcisstic parent who remained which are mostly the fathers manipulate their kids. I'm just heartbroken for her. I know I couldn't forgive him and move on without justice.)