“The Sisterhood”: Dateline Reports on Stacy Feldman Homicide May 17 2024
Get ready for an intense and gripping episode of “Dateline NBC” titled “The Sisterhood,” airing on May 17, 2024, at 9/8c on NBC. In this compelling installment, viewers will be taken on a journey into the mysterious death of Stacy Feldman, whose passing in her Denver home was ruled as undetermined. Following the ruling, friends and family of Stacy Feldman come together to unravel the truth behind her tragic demise. Through interviews and investigative efforts, loved ones seek justice and closure, determined to uncover the circumstances surrounding Stacy’s untimely death.
Insiders close to the case provide valuable insights, shedding light on the seven-year battle for justice that ensued after Stacy’s passing. With exclusive access to key players and firsthand accounts, “Dateline NBC” delves deep into the complexities of the case, exploring the twists and turns that kept investigators and loved ones on edge. Join acclaimed journalist Keith Morrison as he reports on “The Sisterhood,” bringing viewers an in-depth look at the quest for answers in the aftermath of tragedy. Tune in on May 17 at 9/8c on NBC for a riveting episode of “Dateline NBC” that you won’t want to miss.
Contents
The Tragic Event
Stacy Feldman, a Denver mother of two, was found unresponsive in her shower by her husband, Bob Feldman, on March 1, 2015. Initially, her death was considered accidental due to no immediate signs of foul play and an autopsy that could not determine a definitive cause. Despite some irregularities observed by Detective Randy Denison, the case remained unresolved for nearly two years. Stacy’s friends and family, especially her sister Susan Altman, suspected foul play.
Susan Altman, convinced her sister was a victim of domestic violence, tirelessly pursued justice. She discovered Bob’s infidelity and controlling behavior, leading her to believe he had a motive for murder. Despite their efforts, concrete evidence remained elusive until Susan consulted the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention. Dr. Bill Smock, an expert from the Institute, reviewed Stacy’s case and found significant evidence of strangulation and suffocation, contradicting the initial findings.
The Quest for Justice
Armed with Dr. Smock’s report, the District Attorney issued an arrest warrant for Bob Feldman in 2018. The trial faced multiple delays, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but eventually began in February 2022. The prosecution presented a compelling case, featuring testimonies from various witnesses and experts, including Susan McBride, who revealed she had informed Stacy of Bob’s affair on the day she died. The defense argued the death was accidental, but the jury found Bob guilty after less than three hours of deliberation.
Stacy’s case shed light on the complexities of staged homicides, where domestic violence deaths are masked as accidents or suicides. This type of crime poses significant challenges for investigators, who must scrutinize scenes that might appear straightforward at first glance. Research indicates that a small percentage of homicides are staged, often involving intimate partner relationships and occurring in the victim’s home. These cases highlight the need for thorough and persistent investigative work.
Prosecution and Trial
With Dr. Smock’s new report, the District Attorney agreed to prosecute and issued an arrest warrant for Bob Feldman. After a preliminary hearing, Bob was able to post bail and was confined to his house with an ankle monitor. The trial was delayed multiple times and Bob remained at home. Finally, in February 2022, Bob Feldman’s trial began.
The prosecution called many to testify, including the 911 operator who took Bob’s call, Detective Denison, Stephanie Geldman, Susan McBride, and Dr. Smock. They presented a case of a cheating husband who brutally assaulted his wife, suffocated and strangled her to death, and then staged an accident to cover it up. The defense called the forensic pathologist who performed the autopsy of Stacy, his supervisor, and another local coroner, who all maintained that Stacy’s death was “undetermined,” not a “homicide.” They pointed to a botched investigation, a lack of evidence, and that lying, cheating, and reacting differently than expected did not mean Bob was a murderer. In the end, it took the jury less than three hours to find Bob Feldman guilty of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to life without parole.
The Legacy of Stacy Feldman
The legacy of Stacy Feldman extends beyond her case through Stacy’s Fund, an initiative to provide legal support for domestic violence survivors. Susan Altman’s advocacy and dedication have not only brought justice for Stacy but also aim to prevent similar tragedies. Stacy’s story underscores the importance of vigilance and support in domestic violence cases and serves as a reminder that justice can be achieved through perseverance and collaboration.
Stacy’s Fund works in partnership with Metro West Legal Services, offering a one-time legal consultation to help domestic violence survivors assess risks and responsibilities in making complex legal decisions. The fund also supports the Court Support Program, where volunteer court advocates answer client’s questions about court procedures and personnel, helping them navigate intimidating legal processes. Susan Altman’s dedication ensures that Stacy’s legacy will continue to assist others facing similar challenges.
Staged Homicides
Stacy’s case is one of the rare few where what appeared to be an accident was revealed to be, in fact, a homicide. The staged scene, potentially explainable abnormalities, lack of evidence, and the ruling of “undetermined” death are prime examples of how difficult it can be for investigators to determine when an accident is truly an accident and when it is actually a concealed homicide. Research varies, but studies have estimated that between 0.1 and 8% of homicides are staged in some way. This is extrapolated from those cases in which the true nature of the crime came to light.
It is impossible to determine how many homicides have been passed off as accidents, suicides, or natural deaths and the truth was never discovered. However, in the majority of known staged homicide scenes, the victim and offender have or had an intimate partner relationship, the death occurred in the victim’s home, and the offender was the one to “discover” the death. The cause of death in these cases is most commonly strangulation or blunt force trauma. All of these criteria fit Stacy’s case exactly.
Conclusion
Stacy’s story is one of the few domestic violence-related concealed homicides where the truth was discovered and justice was served. This tragedy shines a light on concealed homicides, the challenges investigators face, and how dogged determination in the face of such adversity can make a difference. Unfortunately, there will still be cases where the truth is never uncovered, but there is more that can be done to minimize these. This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, take time to honor those who lost their lives to domestic violence. Remember that #Every1KnowsSome1 and that positive change is possible.
More Dateline: The Sisterhood
More Feature Articles
- “The Sisterhood”: Dateline Reports on Stacy Feldman Homicide May 17 2024
- “The Unkindest Cut”: ’20/20′ Reports on Fabio Sementilli Homicide May 17 2024
- “The Puzzling Death of Susann Sills”: 48 Hours Reports May 18 2024
- “Deep in the Woods”: Dateline Reports on Kelli Bordeaux Homicide May 19 2024
- 60 Minutes Reports on “Pope Francis”, “Cuban Spycraft” & “The Album” on May 19 2024
