Ep 3. Cursed Paradise

In the third episode of Dark Waters: Murder in the Deep season 1, titled Cursed Paradise, viewers are taken to the sunny beaches of Destin, Florida. The episode focuses on the murder of 35-year-old mother and successful real estate agent, Marie Carlson, who was brutally killed in her own home.

The episode begins with a reenactment of the crime scene investigation of Marie's murder. There are blood stains on the walls, furniture is overturned, and Marie is lying in a pool of her own blood on the floor. Police believe that the killer gained entry through an unlocked window. As the investigation progresses, it is revealed that Marie had a very public and messy divorce from her ex-husband, David, who is also a local real estate agent.

Detectives soon discover that David had been harassing Marie in the months leading up to her murder, and even vandalized her car. Despite this, David was not initially considered a suspect as he was out of town at the time of Marie's death. However, his alibi soon crumbles and evidence starts to pile up against him.

The investigation takes a dramatic turn when David's new girlfriend, Anne, comes forward with information about his possible involvement in Marie's murder. Anne reveals that David had confessed to her that he had killed Marie and even showed her pictures of the crime scene. She also tells investigators that David had a dark and violent past, and that he had threatened to harm her if she ever spoke to the police.

As the case against David grows stronger, detectives begin to delve deeper into his past. They discover that he had previously been accused of stalking and assaulting another ex-girlfriend, as well as making threats to her life, but had managed to avoid serious consequences. The episode also explores how David had cultivated a charismatic persona in the community, which had allowed him to evade suspicion in the past.

The investigation eventually leads to David's arrest, and the episode leaves viewers with a sense of justice being served. In addition to exploring the murder of Marie Carlson, the episode also touches upon the broader issue of domestic violence and the challenges that authorities face in holding perpetrators accountable.

Overall, Cursed Paradise is a gripping true crime episode that highlights the dangers of toxic relationships and the importance of taking threats seriously. It is a sobering reminder that sometimes paradise is not as idyllic as it may seem.