Deadline: Crime with Tamron Hall Season 1 Episode 11 The Great Pretender

In this episode of Deadline: Crime with Tamron Hall, titled "The Great Pretender," we explore the case of a young woman named Jennifer Barton. Barton was a vibrant and seemingly happy college student in Kansas, but beneath the surface, she was struggling with demons that led her down a dangerous path.

At just 19 years old, Jennifer was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and began seeking treatment. She was hospitalized multiple times, and her parents were left feeling helpless as they watched their daughter suffer. Despite her struggles, Jennifer was determined to keep up appearances and put on a brave face for those around her.

As her condition worsened, Jennifer began turning to drugs as a way to self-medicate. Her addiction led her down a dark path, and she eventually found herself in the company of a man named Martin. Martin was a compulsive liar and con artist, and he saw an opportunity to take advantage of Jennifer's vulnerability.

Martin convinced Jennifer to travel with him to Las Vegas, where he convinced her to participate in a shady scheme. Martin had a friend who worked as a magician in one of the casinos and he convinced Jennifer to pretend to be his assistant in a rigged magic show. The scheme was designed to defraud the casino out of thousands of dollars, and Jennifer was unwittingly a part of it.

When the scheme was discovered, Martin and Jennifer fled back to Kansas. But Martin's lies were catching up with him, and he was eventually arrested for fraud. Jennifer was left alone and struggling with addiction, and her parents were desperate to get her the help she needed. They arranged for her to enter a rehab facility in California, but Jennifer's demons continued to haunt her.

Despite multiple attempts at recovery, Jennifer's addiction eventually led her down a deadly path. She died of an overdose, leaving her family devastated and searching for answers.

In this episode, Tamron Hall speaks with Jennifer's parents and others who knew her to try to piece together what led to her tragic end. Through interviews, archival footage, and police reports, she uncovers the truth about Martin's scheme and the toll that addiction took on Jennifer's life.

"The Great Pretender" is a sobering look at the dangers of addiction and the devastating ripple effects it can have on those who love an addict. Through Jennifer's story, viewers are reminded of the importance of seeking help when struggling with mental illness or addiction, and the importance of supporting those who are battling these issues.