Ep 6. Under a Halloween Moon

Under a Halloween Moon is the sixth episode of the 22nd season of Dateline. This episode centers around the mysterious death of 27-year-old Grace Millane, a British woman who was on a solo trip to New Zealand in November 2018. Grace was reported missing on December 1st, and her body was found a week later, buried in a shallow grave in a forest outside of Auckland.

The episode begins by introducing Grace Millane and her plans for her solo trip to New Zealand. Her family and friends reflect on her passion for traveling and her excitement for this particular adventure. The story quickly takes a dark turn as Grace's father receives a call from the British Foreign Office informing him that Grace had been reported missing.

The subsequent police investigation is detailed through interviews with the lead investigator, Detective Inspector Scott Beard. The initial search for Grace yields little information, until a man is spotted on CCTV entering a hotel with her, just hours before she disappears. The man is identified as 27-year-old Jesse Kempson, a New Zealand citizen who had met Grace on a dating app.

As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Jesse Kempson is not who he appears to be. Interviews with his former acquaintances paint a picture of a troubled man with a history of manipulative and dangerous behavior. Jesse's criminal record is also revealed, including convictions for threatening women with a knife and sexual assault.

The episode delves into the methods law enforcement used to gather evidence against Jesse, including the use of forensic technology and surveillance footage. Ultimately, the evidence obtained is enough to bring Jesse to trial for Grace's murder.

The trial itself is detailed through interviews with prosecutors, defense attorneys, and members of Grace's family. The defense team argues that Grace's death was an accident that occurred during consensual sexual activity with Jesse. However, the prosecution paints a different picture, using evidence to suggest that Jesse strangled Grace to death in a deliberate act of violence.

The episode concludes with the aftermath of the trial. The verdict is announced, and both the prosecution and defense teams reflect on the outcome. Grace's family members are interviewed, speaking to the difficulty of the trial and the loss of their beloved daughter and sister. The episode ends with a tribute to Grace, reminding viewers of the tragic loss and the importance of seeking justice for victims of violent crimes.

Overall, Under a Halloween Moon is a gripping episode that tells a powerful story of loss and the pursuit of justice. The episode explores the complex web of evidence and legal arguments that led to Jesse's conviction, and sheds light on the dangers of meeting strangers through online dating apps. The story is told with sensitivity and respect for Grace Millane and her family, making for an emotional and thought-provoking episode of Dateline.