Ep 3. On a Lonely Road

On a Lonely Road follows the case of a young woman named Jennifer Servo who was found dead on the side of a highway in rural Ohio. The episode examines the investigation into her murder and the conviction of her killer, James O'Brien.

The episode begins with an introduction to Jennifer, an aspiring actress who had moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. She was last seen alive leaving a bar in the early hours of a May morning in 2005. Her body was found later that day by a passing truck driver.

Dateline looks at the initial investigation into Jennifer's death, which had been treated as a hit-and-run accident. However, her family and friends believed that there was more to the story and pushed for a deeper investigation. A private investigator was hired by Jennifer's family and he also believed that there was foul play involved.

The episode then introduces James O'Brien, a truck driver who had been passing through the area on the night of Jennifer's death. O'Brien had been arrested for other crimes in the past, including assault and battery. Investigators began to suspect O'Brien after discovering that his truck's tires matched tracks found near Jennifer's body. Further investigation revealed that O'Brien had been in the same bar as Jennifer on the night she was killed.

Dateline examines the prosecution's case against O'Brien, who was ultimately convicted of Jennifer's murder. The episode features interviews with the prosecutors and investigators who worked on the case, as well as Jennifer's family and friends.

Throughout the episode, Dateline explores the impact of Jennifer's death on her loved ones. Her family members express grief and anger at the loss of their daughter, sister, and friend. Jennifer's friends, meanwhile, share stories of her vibrant personality and artistic talents.

On a Lonely Road raises important questions about justice and the criminal justice system. The episode highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the tireless efforts of law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice. However, the episode also raises concerns about wrongful convictions and the potential for bias in the criminal justice system.

Overall, On a Lonely Road is a gripping and emotional episode of Dateline that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The episode is a testament to the power of investigative journalism and the strength of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.