Dateline NBC “The Evil That Watches” February 4 2024 Recap & Preview
Prepare for a chilling journey into the depths of a small Kentucky town’s darkest secrets as Dateline presents “The Evil that Watches.” This compelling episode is scheduled to air on Sunday, February 4 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.
At the heart of this haunting tale is a triple murder that shatters the peace of Pembroke, Kentucky, leaving its residents in a state of disbelief and fear. When the veneer of tranquility is stripped away, disturbing questions begin to surface: How well do we truly know our neighbors? What hidden truths lie behind closed doors?
Esteemed journalist Keith Morrison leads us through this gripping narrative, uncovering the layers of mystery and deception that surround the horrifying events in Pembroke.
Sheriff Brent White, a central figure in the investigation, sheds light on the complexities of the triple murder and the challenges faced by law enforcement in their pursuit of justice. Kit Martin, a key individual in the story, adds an enigmatic dimension to the narrative, raising questions about the nature of the evil that lurked within this seemingly peaceful town.
Intriguing interviews with family members and other residents of Pembroke provide a glimpse into the community’s shock and bewilderment as they grapple with the aftermath of the triple murder. Their accounts offer a poignant perspective on the impact of this tragedy on the tight-knit town.
“The Evil that Watches” unravels the chilling tale of a community forever changed by a heinous crime, where secrets fester beneath the surface, waiting to be exposed. Pembroke, Kentucky, serves as the backdrop for this unnerving story, reminding us that darkness can lurk in the most unexpected places.
Make sure to mark your calendar for Sunday, February 4 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, and don’t miss this spine-tingling episode of Dateline.
What Happened to Kit Martin?
Kit Martin was convicted in June 2021 for the triple murder of Calvin and Pamela Phillips, as well as their neighbor Ed Dansereau, which occurred in November 2015 in Pembroke, Kentucky. Calvin Phillips was found shot in his home, while Pamela and Dansereau were discovered later in a burnt vehicle. The prosecution argued that Calvin Phillips was scheduled to testify in Martin’s court-martial, and Dansereau was likely in the wrong place at the wrong time.
In his appeal, Martin raised several issues, including the admission of hearsay statements, Fifth Amendment grounds for his ex-wife and stepson’s refusal to testify, and the exclusion of alleged alternative suspect evidence. Additionally, Martin claimed evidence regarding a bullet casing was discovered by Phillips’s daughter and that her failed polygraph examination was excluded. The appeal also contended that Martin was denied a directed verdict on the arson and murder charges and that his convictions on two counts of first-degree burglary violated double jeopardy principles.
The Kentucky Supreme Court disagreed with Martin on most points but agreed that he was “entitled to a directed verdict on the arson and attempted arson charges.” A directed verdict is a ruling by a trial judge when only one reasonable verdict is possible based on the evidence.
Despite the appeal outcome, Martin’s murder convictions remain intact, and he continues to serve three life sentences without the possibility of parole. If the Commonwealth chooses to pursue a new trial for the arson charges, Martin may face further legal proceedings.
