Ep 13. The Secrets of Birch View Drive

On Dateline season 31 episode 13, titled "The Secrets of Birch View Drive," viewers are enticed into an investigation of a seemingly idyllic neighborhood situated in a picturesque town. However, the facade of a perfect life begins to crumble as secrets and lies are unearthed in this harrowing episode.

The hour-long program follows the story of a couple, Ken and Kristine Fitzhugh, living on Birch View Drive in an affluent area of Saratoga, California. In May 2000, Kristine was found dead in her home, and her death was initially ruled as a result of natural causes. However, after scrutinizing the evidence, the police uncovered a startling amount of information that suggested Ken was responsible for his wife's death.

With interviews from acquaintances, police personnel, and legal representatives, the Dateline team pieced together a timeline of events that led up to the discovery of Kristine's body. As they conducted their thorough investigation, they uncovered shocking information about Ken's behavior leading up to Kristine's death, as well as information that suggested that he had been embezzling from his job.

The episode also dives into the trial that took place after Ken was arrested for Kristine's murder. The prosecution set out to prove that Ken was responsible for his wife's death by poisoning her, and that he had attempted to stage her death to appear as if she had died of natural causes. Meanwhile, the defense argued that Kristine had actually died as a result of an accidental fall caused by a sudden brain aneurysm.

Throughout the episode, Dateline provides viewers with an inside look at the courtroom proceedings, including testimony from medical experts and witnesses. While the trial itself was covered in the media at the time it took place, this episode goes beyond the headlines to uncover more details about the case that were not previously reported.

Ultimately, however, it is up to the viewers to make their own conclusions about Ken's guilt or innocence. But the team at Dateline Season 31 Episode 13 "The Secrets of Birch View Drive" invites you to join them as they explore this captivating story and uncover the truth about what happened on that fateful May day in 2000.