Dateline NBC “Deadly Swap” March 15 2024 Recap & Preview
Dateline presents an all-new two-hour special titled “Deadly Swap,” airing on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on NBC.
The gripping story unfolds as 25-year-old mother Heather Strube is tragically gunned down in broad daylight by a murderer disguised in a chilling fashion. Detectives are faced with a perplexing mystery as they delve into the investigation, confronting an unlikely suspect in their pursuit of justice.
Reported by seasoned journalist Dennis Murphy, the episode promises riveting insights and revelations into the case. New interviews with key figures, including Detectives Trey Downs and Dean Boone, Chief Roy Whitehead, along with individuals close to the case such as Buddy Allen, Michael Vickers, and Jennifer Bagby, shed light on the unfolding events.
Set in Snellville, Georgia, “Deadly Swap” uncovers the complexities of the investigation and the twists and turns that ultimately lead to the truth. Don’t miss this compelling two-hour special, as Dateline takes viewers on a journey into the heart of a chilling crime.
What Happened to Heather Strube & Killer Joanna Hayes?
A grandmother, Joanna Hayes, disguised herself as a man to carry out the cold-blooded murder of her daughter-in-law, Heather Strube. This tragedy unfolded in broad daylight in a Target parking lot in Snellville, Georgia, on April 26, 2009. Strube, a 25-year-old florist and mother, was going through a divorce and had just completed a custody exchange of her 18-month-old son, Carson, with her estranged husband, Steven, when she was confronted and fatally shot in the head.
The incident, witnessed by onlookers and the victim’s own child, sparked a complex police investigation. Initial clues, including surveillance footage of the shooter who appeared to be disguised with a wig and a fake mustache, led to a wide-ranging suspect search. Despite an alibi that placed her miles away from the scene, Joanna Hayes became a prime suspect due to her determined interest in maintaining a relationship with her grandson amidst her son’s divorce.
The case against Hayes was largely circumstantial, lacking physical evidence like the murder weapon or the disguise used during the crime. However, a pivotal moment in the investigation came when Steven recognized his mother in the surveillance footage, significantly shifting the direction of the inquiry. Despite the absence of direct physical evidence, prosecutors were able to piece together a timeline and motive that implicated Hayes in the murder, arguing she was driven by a desire to control her grandson’s custody arrangement.
Ultimately, the jury found Hayes guilty of murder, sentencing her to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years. Her conviction has since been upheld by the Supreme Court of Georgia, dismissing appeals that argued the evidence was insufficient for a conviction. This case highlights the lengths to which individuals may go to exert control over family dynamics, leading to tragic outcomes.
