Ep 8. If I Can't Have Him...

In the eighth episode of Killer Instinct with Chris Hansen's first season, titled "If I Can't Have Him...", Hansen delves into the chilling case of a woman who becomes increasingly obsessed with a man she met online and ultimately takes drastic measures to ensure they are together, culminating in a shocking act of violence.

The episode begins with Hansen providing a background on the case, which centers around a woman named Michelle Hadley and her former boyfriend, Ian Diaz. Diaz, a U.S. Marshals Service agent, had a brief and tumultuous relationship with Hadley, who quickly became possessive and controlling in their interactions.

Viewers learn that Hadley began sending Diaz threatening text messages and emails after their breakup, as well as posting Craigslist ads in his name seeking sexual encounters with strangers. Hadley even went so far as to impersonate Diaz and send messages to his superiors at the Marshals Service, causing him to temporarily lose his job.

Hansen interviews Diaz, who discusses the fear and anxiety he experienced throughout the ordeal and how it ultimately led to him filing a restraining order against Hadley. However, Hadley refused to accept the end of their relationship and continued to harass him.

Things take a dark turn when Hadley sends Diaz a message stating that she has been raped and provides him with the location of the supposed attacker. Diaz rushes to the spot and is shocked to find Hadley lying on the ground, bound and gagged. The attack turns out to be a hoax, with Hadley admitting to staging the incident in an attempt to win Diaz back.

Throughout the episode, Hansen interviews various individuals involved in the case, including law enforcement officials and legal experts who provide insight into the complexities of prosecuting cases involving cyberstalking and online harassment.

The viewer also hears from Hadley, who maintains her innocence and claims that her actions were driven by a desire to protect Diaz from potential harm. Hansen provides a balanced portrayal of the case, exploring both the severity of Hadley's actions and the potential mental health issues that may have contributed to her behavior.

In the end, viewers are left to contemplate the chilling consequences of online obsessions and the devastating impact that cyber harassment can have on individuals and their loved ones. Through Hansen's insightful commentary and in-depth investigation, "If I Can't Have Him..." serves as a cautionary tale for anyone involved in online relationships and highlights the importance of taking threats and harassment seriously.