Dateline NBC Episode 15.65 Murder or Self-Defense? (a.k.a. Susan Polk update)

In this compelling update from Dateline NBC, correspondent Dennis Murphy revisits the controversial case of Susan Polk, a California woman convicted of murdering her therapist husband, Felix Polk, in 2002. The episode delves into the central question that divided public opinion: was Susan’s act a cold-blooded killing or a desperate act of self-defense against years of alleged abuse? Viewers are taken back through the tumultuous marriage, exploring Susan’s claims that her husband had manipulated and controlled her for decades. The episode features new interviews with family members and legal experts who examine the evidence presented at trial, including the bloody crime scene and Susan’s own testimony. Kate Snow provides additional context on the psychological dynamics of the case, while the narrative carefully weighs the prosecution’s argument of premeditation against the defense’s portrayal of a woman pushed to her breaking point. This hour-long special offers a fresh look at a case that continues to spark debate about domestic violence, trauma, and the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator.