Dateline NBC “The Dead of Night” February 28 2026
NBC’s Dateline Weekend Mystery continues Saturday, February 28, at 9/8c with “The Dead of Night,” reported by Josh Mankiewicz. The episode follows the disappearance of a young mother in Monrovia, California, and the investigation that revealed a troubling pattern of fear, stalking, and escalating danger.
What began as a missing person case quickly turned into a homicide investigation that shocked the local community. Through interviews, investigative details, and courtroom developments, the broadcast explores how detectives uncovered the truth behind a crime rooted in a volatile personal relationship.
A Disappearance That Raised Immediate Concern
In June 2015, LaJoya McCoy, a mother of two, suddenly vanished from her Monrovia home. When she failed to show up for work and stopped responding to calls, family members and coworkers grew alarmed. Those closest to her told investigators that she had recently expressed fear for her safety and believed she was being stalked.
Authorities launched a search after her family reported her missing. Days later, the case took a tragic turn when McCoy’s body was discovered inside her abandoned vehicle about a mile from her residence. The discovery confirmed that she had been the victim of a violent attack.
Evidence Points to a Former Partner
As detectives began piecing together McCoy’s final days, attention quickly focused on her former boyfriend, Jose Turner. The two had shared a long relationship and had children together, but their separation had been marked by conflict. Investigators learned that Turner had allegedly been monitoring McCoy’s movements and making threats against her.
Forensic evidence became a critical part of the case. DNA collected from the crime scene and from beneath the victim’s fingernails linked Turner to the attack. Additional items connected to McCoy were reportedly found in his possession, strengthening the case against him.
A Trial and Conviction
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Turner had been stalking McCoy and had expressed violent intentions toward her. Investigators also recovered writings that reflected anger and hostility following the end of the relationship. The prosecution argued that the crime was deliberate and driven by resentment after the breakup.
After deliberating, the jury found Jose Turner guilty of first-degree murder. He was later sentenced to a lengthy prison term and is currently serving his sentence in California. The verdict brought a measure of justice for McCoy’s family, though the loss continues to resonate with those who knew her.
Inside Dateline’s Investigation
In “The Dead of Night,” Dateline presents a detailed timeline of the investigation, along with interviews from law enforcement, family members, and others connected to the case. The episode examines the warning signs that preceded the crime and the investigative work that led to the arrest and conviction.
Josh Mankiewicz’s report also highlights the broader issues surrounding stalking and relationship violence, while focusing on the personal impact of the case on McCoy’s children and loved ones. The episode offers a comprehensive look at a tragedy that began with fear and ended with a determined search for justice.
Dateline Weekend Mystery: “The Dead of Night” airs Saturday, February 28, at 9/8c on NBC.
