Dateline NBC The Butterfly Airs September 27 2024 on NBC

This week on “Dateline,” Andrea Canning investigates the haunting case of Katelyn Markham, whose disappearance and subsequent death became a mystery that spanned over a decade. Airing on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 9/8c on NBC, this episode titled “The Butterfly” recounts the tragic story of a 21-year-old art student from Fairfield, Ohio, who went missing in August 2011. Katelyn was last seen when she failed to show up for work, prompting her family and friends to alert the authorities.

When police entered her home, they found her dog in distress, but Katelyn was nowhere to be found. Her belongings, including her car and purse, were left behind, while her cellphone mysteriously remained off. Over a year later, her skeletal remains were discovered in a wooded area in Indiana, not far from a farm owned by her fiancé, John Carter.

Initially treated as a missing persons case, the investigation eventually led to Carter, who was arrested in March 2023 after years of scrutiny. In a significant turn of events, Carter pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter in July 2024 and received a three-year prison sentence. Although he did not provide specifics about Katelyn’s death during sentencing, the case remains open as authorities continue to investigate.

The episode features insights from Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser, who discusses the circumstantial evidence and challenges faced during the investigation. Markham’s father, Dave, reflects on the case, expressing his gratitude for the justice served, while noting that the search for complete closure is ongoing.

Tune in to “Dateline” this Friday for a deep dive into this compelling and tragic story, shedding light on the complexities of justice and the enduring impact of loss.

Release Date & Time: 9:00 PM Friday 27 September 2024 on NBC

Dateline NBC Cast – Season 33 Episode 1