Ep 8. The Dartmouth Murders: Evil in a Small Town

In season 6 episode 8 of How It Really Happened, viewers will explore a chilling true crime case that rocked a small town: The Dartmouth Murders. The episode delves into the horrifying events that unfolded in Hanover, New Hampshire in January of 2001, when two Dartmouth College professors were brutally murdered in their own home.

Using a combination of archival footage, interviews with those involved, and expert analysis, the episode paints a vivid picture of the investigation, the trial, and the community's response to the murders. Viewers will see how the investigation initially focused on two Dartmouth students, James Parker and Robert Tulloch, both of whom were known for their high IQs and troubled pasts.

As the evidence against Parker and Tulloch mounted, investigators began to uncover a dark and disturbing motive: the two young men had planned to kill the professors as part of a thrill-seeking scheme. The episode examines the psychology behind the crime, drawing on interviews with experts to explore why some individuals are drawn to acts of extreme violence.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken inside the courtroom to witness the trial, which played out amid intense media scrutiny and public interest. The prosecution presented a compelling case, arguing that Parker and Tulloch had carried out a premeditated attack on the professors, using a knife and a machete to carry out the murders.

But the defense team mounted a vigorous defense, claiming that Parker and Tulloch were not fully responsible for their actions due to their troubled pasts and struggles with mental health issues. Viewers will see how this argument played out in court, and how it ultimately impacted the outcome of the case.

While the trial and subsequent sentencing of Parker and Tulloch are certainly important parts of the story, the episode also highlights the impact that the murders had on the small community of Hanover. The Dartmouth Murders shook the town to its core, and the episode explores the fear, anger, and sadness that residents felt in the aftermath of the crime.

Ultimately, How It Really Happened does an excellent job of telling the story of the Dartmouth Murders while also exploring broader themes around violence, justice, and mental health. By combining powerful storytelling with insightful analysis, the episode provides an engaging and thought-provoking look at one of the most shocking crimes in recent history.