Ep 8. Killer Beside Me: Dennis Haley

To Catch A Killer season 1 episode 8, titled "Killer Beside Me: Dennis Haley," tells the story of a man who was both a friend and a murderer. In 1998, 55-year-old Dennis Haley was a well-respected member of his community in Chico, California. He was a devoted husband, a father of three, and a successful businessman. However, what many people didn't know was that Haley was leading a secret double life.

Haley had a gambling addiction, which had caused him to accumulate a significant amount of debt. To pay off his debts, he turned to embezzling money from his clients. Soon, Haley's embezzlement scheme was uncovered, and he was facing criminal charges. However, instead of facing the consequences of his actions, Haley decided to take matters into his own hands.

In December 1998, Haley murdered his business partner, Richard Jones, to prevent him from testifying against him in court. Haley then went to great lengths to cover up his crime, including staging a break-in at his office to make it look like the murder had been committed by an outsider. Despite his efforts, police soon became suspicious of Haley and launched an investigation into his activities.

The investigation revealed a shocking truth: not only was Haley responsible for Jones's murder, but he had also been planning to kill his wife to collect on her life insurance policy. Haley had even taken out a large life insurance policy on himself, with his wife as the beneficiary, in the months leading up to Jones's murder.

With overwhelming evidence against him, Haley was arrested and charged with murder. In court, Haley's dark side was revealed: he was a master manipulator who had everyone fooled, including his wife and children. He had even gone so far as to use his own daughter, who was a lawyer, to help him cover up his crime. However, justice prevailed, and Haley was ultimately found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"Killer Beside Me: Dennis Haley" is a chilling reminder of the dangers of trusting the wrong people. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of addiction and the lengths that people will go to when they find themselves in desperate situations. Through interviews with law enforcement officials, family members, and others involved in the case, viewers get a glimpse into the mind of a killer who was able to fly under the radar for so long. Ultimately, the episode is a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement officials who are committed to bringing justice to victims and their families.