48 Hours: Hard Evidence Season 15 Episode 9 AKA Rockefeller

In the episode titled "AKA Rockefeller," the 15th season of 48 Hours: Hard Evidence series delves into the case of a man known as Clark Rockefeller, a conman who fooled everyone around him into thinking he was from one of the wealthiest families in America. The episode explores the intricate layers of the deception of a man who created an elaborate backstory, and used it to charm his way through Boston's elite society.

The story begins with the disappearance of a young couple, Jonathan and Linda, in California, which left their young daughter alone in their house. Unbeknownst to Jonathan and Linda's friends and family, the couple had hired a man they thought was a French tutor named Christopher Chichester, but he was actually the infamous Clark Rockefeller. What follows is a nationwide search for Clark Rockefeller, who escaped to New York City with the couple's daughter and created a new persona.

The episode takes the viewer on a journey through the life of Clark Rockefeller, the man who imagined the perfect life for himself and was able to convince others of its authenticity. He came from humble beginnings in Germany, but moved to the United States to pursue the life he always dreamed of. Along the way, he created new identities for himself, including Christopher Crowe, and eventually Clark Rockefeller.

The episode explores the different personas that Clark Rockefeller created for himself and how he was able to keep up with his lies and pretenses for years. He built up an impressive resume, went to Harvard, and worked as a bond trader, convincing his co-workers that he came from old money. While he was successful, nobody suspected that his backstory was completely fabricated and that he was not who he said he was.

As the case of the missing couple unfolded, Clark Rockefeller's true identity eventually came to light, and his lies began to unravel. What emerged was a complicated and dark history of a man whose deception had affected many people's lives.

The episode features interviews with people who knew Clark Rockefeller, including friends, family, and those who have worked with him. We also hear from the investigators who worked on the case, as well as the family members who were affected by his actions. Their words help to piece together the story of a man who was able to fool so many for so long.

The episodes of 48 Hours: Hard Evidence are renowned for their insightful detail and thorough research, and "AKA Rockefeller" is no exception. The episode delves deep into the psychology of Clark Rockefeller and the lives he built around him, giving us an intimate look at the motivations behind his deception. The episode provides an opportunity to examine the complex nature of identity, the role of wealth and prestige in American society, and the frightening realization that we can never really know those around us.