The Thing About Pam

Dateline Special: The House on Sumac Drive

A special look back at the first in a series of reports that led to "The Thing about Pam."

She’s a Good Friend

Meet Pam Hupp, Betsy Faria's close friend and the last person to see Betsy alive after dropping her off at home on the night of her murder. Betsy's husband makes a distraught call to 9-1-1.

She’s a Helper

Pam becomes a source of support not just for Betsy’s family, but for law enforcement and District Attorney Leah Askey as they build their case. Russ hires Joel Schwartz, a top criminal defense attorney from St. Louis.

She’s a Star Witness

Pam gets her 15 minutes of fame when D.A. Leah Askey calls her to the stand as a witness for the prosecution even as Joel Schwartz tries to poke holes in the case against Russ.

She’s a Loving Daughter

Pam starts to lose control as Russ' new trial looms ahead, she's facing money troubles and a relentless "Dateline" producer, and difficulty caring for her sick mother. D.A. Leah Askey realizes Pam may not be the star witness she thought.

She's Not Who You Think She Is

Pam gains notoriety once the Dateline episode airs. As she squares off against Betsy's daughters in a civil suit for the insurance money, public opinion turns against her. Leah Askey finds her seat as District Attorney challenged by Mike Wood, whose campaign centers around Pam's connection to Betsy's murder.

She's A Killer

Pam goes to shocking and absurd extremes to extricate herself from the web of lies she has spun. Some measure of justice, redemption and hope is finally found.