Ep 13. Voices for Vanessa

Dateline Season 29 Episode 13, "Voices for Vanessa," is a true crime episode that explores the disappearance and murder of Vanessa Guillen. Vanessa was a 20-year-old soldier stationed at Fort Hood in Texas when she vanished from the base on April 22, 2020. Her disappearance sparked national attention and widespread outrage over the military's handling of her case.

The episode begins by introducing Vanessa's family and friends, who describe her as a dedicated soldier and a loving daughter and sister. They recount the events leading up to her disappearance, including her conversations with them about feeling unsafe and being sexually harassed on the base.

The episode then moves on to investigate the military's response to Vanessa's disappearance. Dateline reporters speak with Vanessa's family and military officials who detail the search efforts and the missteps that occurred along the way. They also interview Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who discusses the broader issue of sexual harassment and assault in the military and her efforts to change the system.

Throughout the episode, Dateline features interviews with Vanessa's fellow soldiers who share their own experiences with sexual harassment and assault on the base. They describe a toxic culture where victims are often afraid to come forward for fear of retaliation.

As the investigation unfolds, Dateline explores the role that social media played in bringing attention to Vanessa's case. Her family and friends started the hashtag #FindVanessaGuillen, which quickly gained traction and led to nationwide protests demanding justice.

The episode concludes by discussing the arrest of Aaron Robinson, a suspect in Vanessa's murder who was also a soldier on the base. Dateline reporters speak with Robinson's girlfriend and others who knew him and reveal details about his troubled past. They also explore the larger issue of violence against women in the military and the need for systematic change.

"Voices for Vanessa" is a powerful episode that sheds light on the tragic story of Vanessa Guillen and the larger issue of sexual harassment and assault in the military. It features heartfelt interviews with Vanessa's loved ones, thought-provoking discussions about the military's response, and a call to action for change.