Gilgo Beach serial killer pleads guilty. Hawaii doctor learns his fate. Plus, reasonable doubt.

This episode of Dateline True Crime Weekly delivers major developments in three high-profile cases. The Gilgo Beach serial killer, Rex Heuerman, pleads guilty to eight murders after decades of investigation, marking a dramatic conclusion to a case that haunted Long Island since 1993. He admitted to killing seven victims charged in court and an additional 1996 murder, with prosecutors citing overwhelming DNA and digital evidence as key to his decision. The emotional courtroom scene included family members of victims and Heuerman’s own daughter and ex-wife, who sat together in silence. Meanwhile, in Hawaii, Dr. Gerhard Koenig is found guilty of attempted manslaughter in the alleged attack on his wife during a clifftop hike, though he claims self-defense after a bitter marital dispute over an emotional affair. The jury was swayed by stark visual evidence of his wife’s severe injuries. In a separate case, prosecutors in Massachusetts reveal new DNA evidence linking former police officer Matthew Farwell to the murder of pregnant teacher’s aide Sandra Birchmore, despite his defense challenging paternity. The episode also explores the legal concept of 'reasonable doubt' through an interview with veteran trial lawyer Drew Roll, who explains its critical role in protecting the innocent. The episode closes with a preview of an upcoming story from Taiwan about a missing woman and a haunting suspect described as 'creepy' and 'unavoidable'.