Ep 15. Before Dawn - Update

Before Dawn - Update is an episode from season 26 of the popular news show Dateline, which revisits a case from a previous episode in season 25 titled Before Dawn. The episode focuses on the story of Brooke Skylar Richardson, an 18-year-old girl who gave birth to a baby girl in secret in the middle of the night, buried the body in her backyard, and was later charged with aggravated murder and involuntary manslaughter.

The episode takes a deep dive into the aftermath of the verdict, which was handed down in September 2019, and the impact it had on Brooke's life and the lives of those close to her. The update also explores the events leading up to the fateful night when Brooke gave birth to her daughter and what may have motivated her to bury the baby's body.

Dateline correspondent Andrea Canning, who covered the original story as it unfolded, returns to Ohio to speak with Brooke's family, friends, and lawyers, as well as members of the community, to get a better picture of what happened and why. The episode features never-before-seen footage and interviews with key players in the case, including Brooke's parents, Scott and Kim Richardson, who were initially accused of attempting to protect their daughter by disposing of the infant's body.

The update reveals that in November 2019, Brooke was found guilty of abuse of a corpse but was acquitted of all other charges, including aggravated murder and involuntary manslaughter. The verdict came as a surprise to many who followed the case closely and sparked outrage among members of the community who believed that Brooke was responsible for the death of her baby.

Dateline’s update uses interviews with jurors, members of the legal team, and court footage to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the trial and the factors that influenced the jury's decision. The episode also explores the role that mental health played in the case, with Brooke's defense team arguing that she suffered from an eating disorder and anxiety which affected her decision-making on the night of her daughter's death.

Throughout the update, Dateline provides an objective view of the case, presenting both sides of the story and allowing viewers to form their own conclusions. Brooke's story is a tragedy, and her case has raised important questions about mental health, the criminal justice system, and society's expectations of young women.

Before Dawn - Update is a fascinating recap of a tragic story that left a lasting impact on a small Ohio community. The episode is a must-watch for anyone who followed the original story and wants to learn more about what happened in the aftermath of the verdict.