Ep 2. Over the Edge

Dominick Dunne's Power, Privilege and Justice is a true crime series that examines the darker side of the rich and famous. In season 1, episode 2 titled "Over the Edge," viewers dive into the chilling case of Lisa Steinberg, a six-year-old girl who was brutally abused and murdered by her adoptive parents, Joel Steinberg and Hedda Nussbaum.

The episode begins by recounting how Lisa's life began. She was born to a drug-addicted mother who neglected her, causing her to be placed into the foster care system. Joel and Hedda, a wealthy couple living in Manhattan, decided to adopt Lisa and provide her with a better life. However, it quickly became apparent that things were not as they seemed.

The episode explores the disturbing ways that Joel and Hedda treated Lisa. They did not allow her any basic freedoms, instead treating her as a prisoner in their home. They also inflicted physical abuse on her, causing bruises and broken bones. Lisa's health was always in jeopardy, and her adoptive parents did nothing to help her.

Despite their troubling behavior, Joel and Hedda were not reported to the authorities until it was too late. In November of 1987, Lisa was found unresponsive in their home, having suffered brain injuries from a severe beating. She died a few days later in the hospital.

The episode goes on to show the trial that followed, as Joel and Hedda were charged with murder. While Joel was eventually convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, Hedda's case was more complex. She was initially charged with second-degree murder but, due to a successful defense strategy, was found not guilty. However, her reputation was destroyed, and she was publicly shamed for her role in Lisa's death.

The episode features interviews with those involved in the case, such as Lisa's biological father and Joel's former lawyer. It also delves into the public outrage that followed Lisa's death and how it highlighted the need for child welfare reform in the United States.

Overall, "Over the Edge" is a heartbreaking but necessary episode that sheds light on the abuse and neglect that too many children face. It challenges viewers to consider the responsibility of those in power and the importance of protecting the most vulnerable in society.