Ep 17. The Mystery at Empire Lake

In the season 18 episode 17 of Dateline titled "The Mystery at Empire Lake," viewers are taken on a haunting journey to Empire Lake, a serene and picturesque body of water tucked away in the mountains of New York's Sullivan County.

The episode starts with the story of John and Joyce Sheridan, a well-respected couple living in Skillman, New Jersey, who were found dead in their home back in September 2014. The authorities concluded that John committed murder-suicide, taking his wife's life before taking his own, leaving their family and friends devastated and bewildered.

The narrator then takes us back to Empire Lake in June 2010, where Jim Scopac, a well-liked and active community member, disappeared without a trace. He was last seen riding his bike near the lake, and his bike was found abandoned on the shore. Despite an extensive search, no sign of Jim was found.

The Empire Lake community was stunned by Jim's disappearance, and rumors and speculation started swirling around about what could have happened to him. The story of Jim's disappearance stayed in the minds of those who knew him, and in 2014, with the news of the Sheridans' murder-suicide, Empire Lake residents were reminded of the unanswered questions surrounding Jim's disappearance.

Dateline's Keith Morrison introduces viewers to different individuals who were involved in the search for Jim, including his family and friends, as well as those who lived in the area at the time. Morrison takes us through their theories about what could have happened to Jim, and how they never quite believed that he could have died due to an accident.

As the episode progresses, the focus shifts from Jim's disappearance to the Sheridans' murder-suicide. The narrator takes viewers through the evidence gathered in the case and the investigation conducted by the authorities, including interviews with the Sheridans' family, friends, and neighbors. Dateline also explores different angles that could have led to the tragic event, including John Sheridan's work as the CEO of Cooper University Health Care, and his involvement in a controversial business deal.

As the episode nears its end, Morrison circles back to the mystery of Jim Scopac's disappearance, highlighting how both cases have shaken the Empire Lake community, leaving them with unanswered questions and a sense of unease.

Overall, Dateline's season 18 episode 17, "The Mystery at Empire Lake," is a gripping story that stays with viewers long after it's over. The episode successfully weaves two separate cases into one emotionally charged narrative and leaves the audience wanting more, hoping that someday there will be closure for both John and Joyce Sheridan's family and friends, as well as Jim Scopac's.