Ep 3. The Plan

In Dateline season 28 episode 3 titled "The Plan," viewers are taken on a suspenseful journey as they follow the investigation into the murder of Brad Mc*Farland. Brad, a well-liked and respected manager of a Ford dealership in Quincy, Illinois, was found brutally murdered in his bed. The case remained unsolved for years until a former employee named Curtis Lovelace was charged with the crime.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are introduced to Lovelace and his story. He was a former star college football player and a dedicated family man, but something in his past led him down a dark path. Lovelace was previously married to a woman named Cory, and their relationship was reportedly fraught with tension. During their marriage, Lovelace was unfaithful and often abusive, which led to their divorce.

Despite the animosity between the two, Lovelace continued to have a strong connection to Cory and their children. However, after Brad Mc*Farland began dating Cory, Lovelace's jealousy reportedly grew out of control. He began threatening Mc*Farland, even going so far as to hire a private investigator to follow him.

When Mc*Farland was found dead, Lovelace became a person of interest, but he maintained his innocence. The police eventually discovered a witness who claimed to have seen Lovelace near Mc*Farland's home on the night of the murder. They also found a small spot of blood on Lovelace's shirt that they believed was a match to the victim's DNA.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken through the trial and learn about the evidence that was presented. They hear from Lovelace's defense team, who argue that he did not have the motive or the opportunity to commit the crime. They also introduce witnesses who claim to have seen Lovelace at a different location at the time of the murder.

As the trial progresses, viewers are left to ponder the question of Lovelace's guilt or innocence. Did he really murder Brad Mc*Farland, or is he an innocent man being unfairly accused? And if he did commit the crime, what led him to such a dark and violent act?

Ultimately, "The Plan" is a gripping and suspenseful episode of Dateline that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. As the evidence is presented and the witnesses testify, viewers are taken on a journey through the justice system and given a glimpse into the complexities of criminal investigations. Whether you are a true crime fan or simply looking for a gripping story to keep you on the edge of your seat, this episode of Dateline is sure to deliver.