Ep 22. In the Dead of Night: The Sleepwalk Murder Case
- March 13, 2009
In the Dead of Night: The Sleepwalk Murder Case is the twenty-second episode of season 17 of the popular news program Dateline. This episode explores the mysterious case of Kenneth Parks, a man who was acquitted of murder after claiming he was sleepwalking during the crime.
On May 24, 1987, Parks drove 14 miles to the home of his in-laws, Barbara and Dennis Woods. When he arrived, he attacked them with a tire iron, killing Barbara and severely injuring Dennis, before driving himself to a police station and turning himself in.
Parks had no memory of the attack and claimed he was sleepwalking at the time. His defense team argued that Parks' actions were the result of a parasomnia disorder, which is a sleep disorder that causes abnormal behaviors during sleep.
The case was highly publicized and garnered national attention, as it was believed to be the first murder trial in Canada that involved the sleepwalking defense. The trial lasted for several weeks, during which Parks underwent extensive medical evaluations and sleep studies.
In the end, the jury found Parks not guilty of murder, but guilty of causing bodily harm with intent to commit murder. Parks was sentenced to life in prison but was released on parole after serving just over 22 years in prison.
The episode features interviews with Parks' family members, his defense attorneys, and the lead prosecutor in the case. It also includes footage from the trial and news reports from the time.
Throughout the episode, viewers are presented with conflicting opinions on Parks' guilt and the implications of the sleepwalking defense. Some believe that Parks was truly sleepwalking and should not have been held accountable for his actions, while others argue that the defense was a clever tactic to avoid punishment.
The episode raises thought-provoking questions about the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system. It also sheds light on the controversial use of the sleepwalking defense in criminal trials.
Overall, In the Dead of Night: The Sleepwalk Murder Case is a gripping and emotionally charged episode that will leave viewers questioning their own beliefs about justice and responsibility.
