This Saturday, NBC’s “Dateline” takes on a case that stretches the very definition of “justice delayed.” “Down the Basement Stairs” examines the death of Annamarie Cochrane Rintala, a story that unfolded over 13 years and four separate trials before reaching a final verdict. If sheer perseverance were a crime, this case would be an open-and-shut affair.
Correspondent Dennis Murphy reports on the twists and turns of the investigation, which took place in Northampton, Massachusetts. “Dateline” goes beyond the headlines, featuring interviews with key figures on both sides of the courtroom. Prosecutor Steve Gagne and defense attorneys Rosemary Scapicchio and Chauncey Wood weigh in, providing an inside look at the legal strategies and emotional toll of such a protracted battle.
What makes a case so complicated that it requires four trials to resolve? What were the sticking points, the pieces of evidence or testimony that kept juries from reaching a consensus? “Dateline” aims to provide answers, exploring the challenges faced by investigators and the impact on those closest to Annamarie. The episode also features insiders close to the investigation, sharing their perspectives on the final verdict.
“Dateline: Down the Basement Stairs” airs Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET/8:00 PM CT on NBC.
