Ep 13. Stone Cold

In the thirteenth episode of season 27 of Dateline, titled "Stone Cold," the show examines the chilling case of a murder in a small, quiet town. The episode begins by introducing viewers to a small community in Maine, where the crime took place. The victim, a 47-year-old man named Paul Hilenski, was well-known and well-liked in the town, and his murder shocked everyone who knew him.

The episode goes on to detail the investigation into Hilenski's murder, which began when he failed to show up for work one day. Concerned co-workers contacted the police, who went to Hilenski's home and found his body inside. The investigation quickly focused on a local man named Joel Hayden, who was one of the last people to see Hilenski alive. Hayden initially denied any involvement in the murder, but eventually confessed to the crime after being confronted with evidence.

As the episode delves deeper into the case, viewers learn about Hayden's troubled past. He had a history of drug use and had served time in prison for a previous burglary. However, none of his past offenses had ever escalated to murder. The police were perplexed as to what could have motivated Hayden to commit such a brutal crime.

The episode features interviews with detectives, prosecutors, and friends of Hilenski, all of whom try to piece together what exactly happened on the night of the murder. The show explores various theories about Hayden's motive, including the possibility that he was trying to steal Hilenski's truck. However, none of the theories seem to fully explain why Hayden would have killed an innocent man.

In addition to exploring the investigation and the trial that followed, the episode also focuses on the impact that Hilenski's murder had on the town. The residents of the community were shaken by the crime, and many struggled to come to terms with the fact that such a tragedy could happen in their small, tight-knit town.

Overall, "Stone Cold" is a gripping episode of Dateline that explores a complex and disturbing murder case. Through interviews with those involved in the investigation and trial, as well as with members of the community, viewers get a real sense of the impact that this crime had on a small town and its residents. The episode is a must-watch for fans of true crime, as it shows how one terrible act can have far-reaching consequences.