Blindsided
Summary
This Dateline episode follows Brandon Boudreaux, a father who was shot at by a sniper after his wife, Melanie, abruptly demanded a divorce based on a false accusation that he was gay. The story reveals a deadly conspiracy involving Melanie’s aunt, Lori Vallow, and her brother, Alex, who had recently murdered Charles Vallow. As Brandon realizes he is a target for financial gain, he goes on the run with his four children to escape the Vallow family’s lethal pursuit.
Topics discussed
Sponsorship and introduction
Brandon's account of the shooting attempt
Background: Meeting and marrying Melanie
Life with the Vallow family and early warnings
Melanie's sudden change and divorce demand
The accusation of homosexuality and family reaction
The Vallow murder and police investigation
Brandon's fear and the second shooting attempt
Police response and the missing Jeep evidence
Melanie's interview and the life insurance motive
Melanie's disappearance and Brandon's flight
Hiding in Utah and Melanie's trespassing
Vanishing and the discovery of Alex Cox's death
The Church of the Firstborn and child search
Discovery of the children's bodies and trials
Verdicts and the question of Melanie's charges
Current custody arrangements and conclusion
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