Dateline presents “Even the Devil Went to Church,” an episode investigating a shocking murder that rocked a small Alabama town and the subsequent investigation that exposed secrets within the community.
In the episode airing on NBC, Sunday, April 21, Andrea Canning reports on the murder of Michael Reese, a resident of Morris, Alabama. Reese was found shot to death in his own home, with rumors quickly swirling about a potential connection to a local pastor. The truth of the matter turned the tight-knit community upside down.
The investigation, led by Sgt. Brian Streit and Lt. Ellen Scheirer, unraveled a complex web of secrets and infidelity. Reese’s wife, Cindy Reese, became a person of interest, and her relationship with the pastor, Jeff Brown, was scrutinized. Brown, a married father, was revealed to have been having an affair with Cindy, leading to his dismissal from his position at the church.
The case took a surprising turn when it was discovered that Brown had allegedly asked two co-workers to carry out the murder, offering them money and his car. However, no solid evidence placed Brown at the scene of the crime. The investigation also considered Cindy as a potential suspect, analyzing her movements and statements for inconsistencies.
The community, deeply rooted in faith, was shaken by the revelations and the potential involvement of a religious leader. The episode explores the impact of the murder on the town and the search for justice for the victim, Michael Reese.
Dateline’s “Even the Devil Went to Church” airs on NBC at 10:00 pm on Sunday, April 21, 2024.
