Dateline on OWN Season 1 Episode 33 Murder by the Sea

In "Murder by the Sea," the 33rd episode of the first season of Dateline on OWN, viewers are taken on a journey to the British seaside town of St. Leonards-On-Sea. The episode investigates the bizarre and tragic story of Valerie Graves, a 55-year-old artist who was brutally murdered in a picturesque beachfront house on December 29, 2013.

Valerie Graves had been house-sitting for friends in a large and beautiful home in St. Leonards-On-Sea at the time of her death. On the night she was killed, she had gone to bed early and was asleep in one of the upstairs bedrooms. At around 10:50 p.m., someone entered the house through an unlocked patio door and went up the stairs to the room where Valerie was sleeping. The intruder used a hammer found in a nearby shed to kill her, striking her with repeated blows to the head.

The discovery of Valerie's body the next morning sent shockwaves through the small community. The peaceful town had not seen a homicide in over two decades, and the brutal nature of the crime left people feeling scared and vulnerable. Police worked tirelessly to solve the case, but for six long years, they were unable to bring Valerie's killer to justice.

"Murder by the Sea" dives deep into the details of the investigation, exploring the numerous leads police followed and the dead ends they encountered along the way. The episode also provides insight into Valerie's life and the people who knew her, painting a picture of a vibrant and creative woman who was loved and respected by all who knew her.

As the investigation drags on, police begin to hone in on a suspect with ties to the area. The suspect's background is examined in detail, and viewers are left to wonder whether this person could be the person responsible for Valerie's murder. But as the episode progresses, it becomes clear that the case is far from cut-and-dried, and that there are still many questions left unanswered.

Despite the harrowing nature of the crime, "Murder by the Sea" manages to be as much a celebration of Valerie's life as it is an investigation into her death. The episode features interviews with Valerie's family, friends, and colleagues, who all speak glowingly about her talent, her kindness, and her zest for life. It's a powerful reminder of the human cost of violence, and a moving tribute to a woman taken far too soon.

Overall, "Murder by the Sea" is a gripping and emotional episode of Dateline on OWN that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. It's a haunting reminder that tragedy can strike anywhere, even in the most idyllic of settings, and that justice is often hard-won in cases like this. But perhaps most of all, it's a testament to the enduring impact that one person can have on the lives of others, even after they're gone.