Dateline NBC “The Room Downstairs” January 4 2024 Recap & Preview
In a “Dateline” episode on NBC airing on January 4 2024 titled “The Room Downstairs”, the case of Sui Kam “Tony” Tung, a Manhattan man convicted of killing his estranged wife’s lover, Robert Cantor, was explored.
The Dateline episode features interviews with Cantor’s friends and family, former Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli, and investigators.
What Happened to Robert Cantor & Killer Sui Kam “Tony” Tung?
Sui Kam “Tony” Tung, a New York City man, was sentenced to life in prison for the 2011 murder of Robert Cantor. Tung was convicted by a Bergen County jury for the second time, with charges including murder, desecration of human remains, aggravated arson, evidence tampering, hindering apprehension, stalking, and weapons offenses. The murder took place on March 5, 2011, when Tung entered Cantor’s Teaneck home, seeking revenge for Cantor’s affair with his estranged wife. After murdering Cantor in the basement bedroom, Tung set the house on fire and returned to New York City to destroy digital evidence.
This 2023 conviction marked the second trial for Tung in Cantor’s murder case, as the first conviction in 2015 was vacated by an appellate court. Tung’s defense argued the lack of physical or DNA evidence linking him to the murder scene, but his estranged wife testified against him, revealing his attempts to cover up the crimes.
The case centered around the murder of Robert Cantor, found shot in the back of the head in his burned-out Teaneck home on March 6, 2011. The crime occurred in the basement room where Cantor had been in a relationship with Tung’s ex-wife, Sophie Menuet, who served divorce papers to Tung three days before the murder. The prosecution presented evidence of Tung’s jealousy and obsession as his marriage deteriorated and he learned of Menuet’s relationship with Cantor.
Menuet testified about her failing marriage and her role as the family’s primary breadwinner, which caused stress. She met Cantor in 2009 and developed a relationship with him despite being married with children, eventually giving her the courage to end her marriage with Tung.
The case also involved anonymous emails received by Cantor and the discovery of spyware on Menuet’s computer. Tung’s defense questioned the pressure faced by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and suggested Tung had been under investigation since Cantor’s death.
Tung’s initial 2016 conviction was overturned, but he was convicted again in July 2023 for Cantor’s murder, along with other charges, leading to a life sentence under the No Early Release Act.