Ep 24. Lauren's Promise

Lauren's Promise is a heart-wrenching episode of Dateline's 29th season that chronicles the brutal murder of 22-year-old Lauren Astley. Set in a picturesque Massachusetts town, the episode delves deep into the psyche of Lauren's killer, Nathaniel Fujita, as well as the grief-stricken community around her.

The episode opens with a haunting scene of Lauren's parents, Mary Dunne and Malcolm Astley, reflecting on their daughter's death almost eight years later. They talk about how Lauren had a promise to make the world a better place, which they feel is their job to fulfill now that she's gone.

The story then flashes back to July 3, 2011, when Lauren and Nathaniel – who had dated on and off in high school – were hanging out at her house. After Lauren broke up with Nathaniel again, he flew into a rage and strangled her with a bungee cord in her own bedroom. The episode features chilling audio recordings of Nathaniel after the murder, where he calmly talks about killing Lauren and even jokes with his friends about it.

The majority of the episode focuses on the trial and aftermath of Lauren's murder. The prosecution argues that Nathaniel committed the murder out of jealousy and anger, while the defense argues that he was in a dissociative state at the time of the murder due to a history of concussions.

Throughout the trial, Lauren's family and friends sit in the courtroom, fighting back tears as they listen to gruesome details of her death. The episode also features interviews with Lauren's best friend, who talks about their close bond, and with Nathaniel's father, who struggles with his son's actions.

The trial eventually comes to a dramatic close, with Nathaniel being found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole. The episode closes with Lauren's parents talking about their ongoing efforts to make a difference in Lauren's memory, including starting a foundation and speaking out on behalf of domestic violence victims.

Overall, Lauren's Promise is a haunting and emotional episode that highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and senseless crimes. Through interviews with Lauren's loved ones and footage from the trial, the episode paints a vivid picture of both the crime itself and its aftermath, leaving viewers with a renewed sense of both horror and hope.