Ep 5. The Fitbit Alibi

In "The Fitbit Alibi," the fifth episode of the 31st season of 48 Hours Mystery, viewers are taken through a gripping murder investigation that left investigators puzzled until a piece of wearable technology provided a key piece of evidence.

The episode focuses on the murder of Connie Dabate, a 39-year-old mother of two who was found dead in her home in Connecticut in December 2015. Dabate's husband, Richard Dabate, was the first to call 911 and report the crime. He told dispatchers that he had just returned home from dropping his children off at school and had found his wife shot to death. He claimed that he had been attacked by an intruder in the home and fought with him for several minutes before the intruder fled.

However, investigators quickly became suspicious of Richard's story. They found no evidence of forced entry into the home, and none of Connie's belongings were missing. Additionally, Richard's injuries were inconsistent with the story he told police. They also discovered that Richard had been having an extramarital affair with a woman he had met online, a fact that appeared to give him motive to kill his wife.

Despite mounting evidence against Richard, he maintained his innocence. That's where the Fitbit comes into play. Connie had been wearing a Fitbit at the time of her death, which recorded her heart rate and movements. Based on this data, investigators were able to piece together a timeline of Connie's final moments. They discovered that she had been alive and moving for nearly an hour after Richard claimed she had been killed. This contradicted his story and became a crucial piece of evidence in the case.

"The Fitbit Alibi" takes viewers through the twists and turns of the investigation, from Richard's initial claims to his eventual arrest and trial. It features interviews with investigators, attorneys, and family members who offer insight into the case and the impact it had on their lives.

The episode also delves into the broader issue of wearable technology and its potential use in criminal investigations. While some experts see it as a valuable tool, others express concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of data.

Overall, "The Fitbit Alibi" is a compelling episode of 48 Hours Mystery that explores a fascinating case of murder and how wearable technology played a role in solving it. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as they follow the twists and turns of the investigation and learn about the impact it had on the people involved.