Episode
Deadly Dreams
39:54
Published: Wed Jan 11 2023
Description
In this Dateline classic, a relaxing vacation turns into a nightmare when Stephen Reitz wakes up to find his girlfriend, Eva Weinfurtner, murdered. There's no question Stephen did it: But was he conscious, or asleep, when it happened? Keith Morrison reports. Originally aired on NBC on March 13, 2009.
Chapters
The podcast explores the capabilities of a person's unconscious mind during sleep, love and sex, including the potential dangers that could arise.
00:00 - 00:53 (00:53)
Summary
The podcast explores the capabilities of a person's unconscious mind during sleep, love and sex, including the potential dangers that could arise. The story follows a woman named Catalina and her unconscious actions during a tryst with a younger man named Eva.
EpisodeDeadly Dreams
PodcastDateline NBC
A friend recalls how her friend met a good-looking guy on a trip and they started spending time together, going on different little trips.
00:53 - 05:23 (04:29)
Summary
A friend recalls how her friend met a good-looking guy on a trip and they started spending time together, going on different little trips. Her friend had a fun-loving, welcoming presence that attracted people towards her.
EpisodeDeadly Dreams
PodcastDateline NBC
A sheriff's detective remembers helicopter ride to Santa Catalina Island in October 2001; A man tells 911 dispatcher his girlfriend is injured in their apartment, but the woman is found dead on the floor.
05:23 - 10:24 (05:01)
Summary
A sheriff's detective remembers helicopter ride to Santa Catalina Island in October 2001; A man tells 911 dispatcher his girlfriend is injured in their apartment, but the woman is found dead on the floor.
EpisodeDeadly Dreams
PodcastDateline NBC
Stephen Wright, who is accused of arson, claimed he was sleepwalking when the incident occurred, and his parents also testified for his repeated sleepwalking episodes.
10:24 - 14:30 (04:05)
Summary
Stephen Wright, who is accused of arson, claimed he was sleepwalking when the incident occurred, and his parents also testified for his repeated sleepwalking episodes.
EpisodeDeadly Dreams
PodcastDateline NBC
The combination of sleepwalking, sleep terrors, drugs, and alcohol can lead to violent outbursts, as demonstrated by the case of Stephen Reitz, who drove 14 miles to his in-laws' house and beat and stabbed his father-in-law and mother-in-law to death during a sleepwalking episode while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
14:30 - 23:01 (08:31)
Summary
The combination of sleepwalking, sleep terrors, drugs, and alcohol can lead to violent outbursts, as demonstrated by the case of Stephen Reitz, who drove 14 miles to his in-laws' house and beat and stabbed his father-in-law and mother-in-law to death during a sleepwalking episode while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
EpisodeDeadly Dreams
PodcastDateline NBC
Wrights' sleepwalking condition made his murder of his wife a complex and controversial case for the LA County District Attorney's office, leading to an involuntary manslaughter ruling.
23:01 - 29:51 (06:50)
Summary
Wrights' sleepwalking condition made his murder of his wife a complex and controversial case for the LA County District Attorney's office, leading to an involuntary manslaughter ruling.
EpisodeDeadly Dreams
PodcastDateline NBC
Eva's family had mixed emotions about finally going to trial, especially with such a high profile case that featured cameras from ABC's Good Morning America.
29:51 - 34:06 (04:14)
Summary
Eva's family had mixed emotions about finally going to trial, especially with such a high profile case that featured cameras from ABC's Good Morning America. Stephen who is now facing a first-degree murder charge never once wavered from the story he told that morning at the Catalina fire station.
EpisodeDeadly Dreams
PodcastDateline NBC
The prosecutor points out parallels between Reitz's episode of jealous rage and the murder of Eva Coppolino.
34:06 - 39:34 (05:28)
Summary
The prosecutor points out parallels between Reitz's episode of jealous rage and the murder of Eva Coppolino. The jury faces a decision on whether it was conscious rage or unconscious tragedy.