Ep 30. Instant Message Murder

In this episode of Dateline, titled "Instant Message Murder," viewers are taken through the chilling tale of a young woman's online romance turned deadly. The story begins with the introduction of Jessi, a 21-year-old college student who had recently started chatting with a man named Dillon on a dating app. Though they had never met in person, Jessi was smitten with Dillon and the two quickly became inseparable, chatting online every day and professing their love for one another.

But as the weeks went on, things started to take a sinister turn. Jessi began to notice that Dillon was becoming increasingly possessive and controlling, demanding to know where she was at all times and even asking for access to her private social media accounts. Despite her growing unease, Jessi was still in love with Dillon and found it difficult to break things off.

Then, one day, Jessi vanished without a trace. Her family and friends were frantic with worry, and police started a massive search to find her. As they delved deeper into Jessi's life, they soon discovered that Dillon's real name was Jeremy and that he had a dark history of violence and manipulation towards women.

Through interviews with family members, law enforcement officers, and experts in the field of online predators, "Instant Message Murder" explores the dangers of online relationships and the lengths that some people will go to in order to control and harm others. Ultimately, the tragic story of Jessi serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of recognizing the warning signs of abusive behavior and seeking help before it's too late.

With Dateline's signature blend of gripping storytelling, expert analysis, and exclusive interviews, "Instant Message Murder" is a must-see episode for anyone interested in true crime and the darker side of human psychology.