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The search for truth about Wanda Darling

Posted: Friday, June 08, 2007 5:16 PM by Dateline Editor
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by Keith Morrison, Dateline correspondent

Sometimes the people you never get to meet are the ones who somehow stick in your imagination. Wanda Wood Darling has been dead 10 years now, and yet every once in awhile, the picture intrudes: that innocent young face staring out at a future she would never experience, hope and disappointment written in equal measure on her plain, broad features.

Wanda lived in a world that values pretty girls, that worships perfect bodies and cosmetic features;  she was lovely on the inside.  I mean, really lovely.  Wanda took care of people, had done so all her life. She loved her family, her friends, the people in her town. Can you blame her if, in return, she wanted to know how it felt to have a boyfriend, to be married in a fine white wedding dress, to be loved by a man?

So here is the question we set out to answer, as we followed the strange case of Wanda Wood Darling's violent demise up on the rocky cliff face in Alaska: Did she really know the man who claimed to love her?  Did wishful thinking cloud her judgment?

You can never really know what goes on inside a marriage, especially a marriage as unusual as Jay and Wanda Darling's.  We know that she was smitten.  She loved the idea of being his woman, even agreed -- no argument apparently -- to elope without notice and drive clear across the continent with him from Haleyville, Alabama, to Alaska, all the while aware that her part of the bargain for being married was to help her new husband commit a serious insurance fraud.

What did he intend for her? Did she ever have a real chance to be happy?

The question seemed very important somehow when we sat and talked to the detective who devoted so many years to his search for the truth about Wanda Darling.

We had set up our interview cameras in a hotel on a rugged spit of land that juts into an  Alaskan bay at a beautiful little town called Homer.

Eagles perched less than a football field away.  Over the detective's shoulder, outside the window, the cliffs rose straight up from the water.  Absolutely majestic.  And yet the image that remains is that picture of a sad-happy-hopeful young woman, who deserved better.   

Keith Morrison's report airs Monday, June 11, 10 p.m. on 'Dateline NBC.'

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Comments

Thank you for doing this story. Wanda was a dear friend of mine. I cherish all the memories I have of her. I hope the segment, puts everything in the right perspective.

Dixie, Haleyville, Al (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:29 PM)

I am Wandas cousin. I know in my heart he did KILL her !!!!!! So if he doesnt pay here on earth he will later. God bless her Mom and sisters.

Diane Edwards, Haleyville, Al. (Sent Monday, June 11, 2007 6:40 AM)

I personally have a hard time believing that Jay Darling did not intentionally set out to marry and murder his wife. I work at the same hospital and know many people who knew them both. I noticed while on the witness stand he never said he loved his wife, just that they were friends. The boating accident, maybe intentionally staged to throw off the actual death the next day. In my mind, he is guilty and my heart goes out to Wanda's family

Tina Harvey, Haleyville, AL (Sent Monday, June 11, 2007 10:44 PM)

As much as I feel for Wanda's family, there was just not enough evidence to prove that he killed his wife. I do think the husband was quite suspicious, but the proof is just not there. I think the jury made the right decision as to reasonable doubt.

Paula B, Raleigh, NC (Sent Monday, June 11, 2007 10:56 PM)

I feel so bad for Wanda's family. People like her husband, though he was set free ,he will eventually pay for what he has done. God has a special place for him...its called HELL!!!

NOT ENOUGH EVIDENCE, SLIDELL, LA. (Sent Monday, June 11, 2007 10:57 PM)

I grew up with Wanda's sisters, they were then and are still good hard working people that loved their sister, I can only hope that this man will get his just reward for what he did to this girl and her family and friends!!!!

Joann Bryan Johnson Nauvoo Alabama (Sent Monday, June 11, 2007 11:01 PM)

I BELIEVE HE STILL IS GUILTY. HE IS A CONARTIST. MAKE PEOPLE BELIEVE WHAT HE WANTS THEM TO HEAR. I DO NOT LIKE HIM. BUT THE THING IS HE WILL PAY FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE TO WANDA AT THE END OF TIME. HE WILL STAND BEFORE THE GREAT JUDGE GOD AND HE WILL PAY FOR HIS SINS. THE BIBLE STATES THAT YOUR SINS WILL FIND YOU OUT. IT MAY NOT BE IN THIS LIFE BUT HE WILL PAY FOR TAKING WANDAS LIFE AT A YOUNG AGE.FOR LYING AND NOT TELLING THE TRUTH AND PUTTING WANDA'S FAMILY THROUGH WHAT THEY HAVE GONE THROUGH. I AM GLAD YOU HAVE FINALLY AIRED THIS STORY SO THAT WE MAY HAVE SOMEONE OUT THERE THAT CAN MAYBE REMEMBER ADN BE ABLE TO TELL WHO THE TRUE JAY DARLING IS. THANKS NBC FOR LETTING ALL OF US IN HALEYVILLE, ALABAMA TO BE ABLE TO VIEW THIS BECAUSE I WORKED WITH WANDA AND LOVED HER DEARLY. SHE WAS A VERY PRECIOUS PERSON. I THINK JAY TOOK ADVANTAGE OF WANDA'S KINDNESS AND BEING KIND OF NIEVE NOT KNOWING ABOUT PEOPLE LIKE HIM THAT ARE OUT THERE THAT TAKES ADVANTAGE OF WOMEN LIKE HER. SHE WAS A VERY HAPPY PERSON AT ALL TIMES.

JANET WILLIS HALEYVILLE, ALABAMA (Sent Monday, June 11, 2007 11:03 PM)

After watching the show I personally think that Jay Darling is hiding something. I think this kind of person has no feeling for anyone but themselves and is very good at hiding the truth. I wish they did a lie detector test on this man and maybe they would find out what really happen. Sorry but it sounds like Wanda was murdered.

Diana, Algoma, Wisconsin (Sent Monday, June 11, 2007 11:06 PM)

You know he did it. He found someone vulnerable, that just wanted someone to love her and used her. He had a crooked lawyer. He said in his testimony he had forgot about her death but didn't forget about calling the insurance company. Total injustice... Looks like he didn't succeed with the kayaking accident, so he took her to the cliff. I'm sorry for Wanda's Family's Loss.

Cliff, Ft Lauderdale, FL (Sent Monday, June 11, 2007 11:08 PM)

Ibelieve this man got away with murder. He wanted to collect the insurance money in a scheme and when his "new" wife wouldn't go along with his plan he came up with another where he didn't have any need of her other than to rid himself of her and collect the cash. He didn't collect anything, but he still killed her. If his story doesn't sound right,then its not true! I can't believe that those jurors were so fooled by his story. Unbelievable.

John C. Kenner, LA (Sent Monday, June 11, 2007 11:15 PM)

After watching tonight's show about the murder of Wanda Darling, I felt disappointed and upset. How could anyone in their right mind believe that she was not pushed over that cliff? Her husband showed no sadness when questioned about her death. How can he and his attorney sleep at night. What a pity!!!!

Kathleen Clark Marietta, Georgia (Sent Monday, June 11, 2007 11:16 PM)

WANDA WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON. SHE WAS LOVED BY MANY PEOPLE AMONG THEM MY NIECE FARRAH AND HER FAMILY. THIS PROGRAM AS GOOD AS IT WAS DIDN'T TELL THE WHOLE STORY ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO WANDA.WHAT ABOUT WANDA'S MYSTERIOUS ILLNESS ON THE TRIP TO ALASKA AND JAY'S TRIP TO ALASKA WITH A FRIEND SHORTLY BEFORE HE AND WANDA MOVED TO ALASKA. THE PICTURES HE TOOK THERE BUT WOULD NOT LET WANDA SHOW FARRAH. WHAT ABOUT THE CAMERA THAT WAS NEVER FOUND.WHAT ABOUT WANDA CALLING HOME AFTER THE KYAK ACCIDENT AND SAYING SHE WAS COMING BACK TO ALABAMA THE NEXT DAY. I KNEW WANDA AND MY CHILDREN LOVED WANDA. JAY DARLING WILL SURELY SOME DAY BURN IN HELL.

DIANNE VOCE, ADDISON ALABAMA (Sent Monday, June 11, 2007 11:17 PM)

If you watch him during his testimony you can tell he is guilty, Dah! God is already punishing him and will continue to do so in the afterlife.

Jane Doe, Austin, Texas (Sent Monday, June 11, 2007 11:26 PM)

I got to know Wanda when she worked at the Piggly Wiggly in Haleyville and she was a kind person.I can't believe the jury let her husband off without doing any jail time.His story was so thin you could see through it.My heart goes out to her mother Ollie and her family.

Mollie, Brilliant, Alabama (Sent Monday, June 11, 2007 11:31 PM)

Flipping channels tonight, I come across a familiar face thinking, "No, it can't be." But true, it was a face I remember seeing across a crowded college cafeteria. Wanda and I were not friends. We didn't run in the same circles but tonight I found out we had more in common and were more alike than either of us probably would have realized; same small town, same boy troubles, same birth month and same physical stature and presence. My heart goes out to the Wood family. When I left town, I shook the dust of it off my boots and never looked back. I didn't know about her death until tonight, some 15 years after leaving town. I wish I had known her better instead of just face recognition across a crowded college cafeteria.

Leslie Sanders, Hayden, AL (Sent Monday, June 11, 2007 11:41 PM)

I didn't know Wanda all that long but I will never forget her. She did not get justice. She was beginning to be afraid of him and as it turned out with good reason. The whole story still has not come out.

Sherry Chrestman Grenada Mississippi (Sent Monday, June 11, 2007 11:47 PM)

In this case, were the photographs taken that day developed and reviewed as evidence? And, were they actually taken that day - or had they gone there previously together? (For someone who would wish to remember his wife as he had last seen her, and who indicated he wanted to keep photos in their scrapbook, this doesn't add up). The two places the couple were together prior to the murder following the kayaking accident were not mentioned: their room - and his car. Were they searched (any blood found in them)? Why would he "run" down a long road rather than drive (thereby losing precious moments)? Was she stricken at all by him in the face before the accident - as in their room or the car (could she have been beaten in the car and carried or dragged to the cliff)? Did he have anything in his possession - or accessible - which could have been used to beat her face with (such as the camera)? Why would he feel she may have committed suicide when she had feared for her life only the day before when she went into the water - and they had argued over that? Did anyone see them checkout or leave their room? Did they depart during the hours of daylight? How much time elapsed between their checking out and his reporting she had gone over the cliff? Was her body checked for poisons or drug overdoses? Was her DNA (skin and blood) found on rocks from the cliff to below? If someone is tried for suspected murder where it was thought he may have pushed someone else over a cliff but it is later found she was dead before thrown over the cliff, can't he be retried? Were the areas he threw up and "used the bushes" checked? Would there be trace evidence on the ground now from then if blood drops or splatters occurred? Were his clothes he wore checked for such trace evidence? Was there alcohol on his breath, or cans or bottles laying around?

S. Clark, Tomah, Wisconsin (Sent Monday, June 11, 2007 11:48 PM)

Wanda was a precious, wonderful friend of mine. I can't imagine her ever getting close enough to the edge of a cliff to fall. She and I were on the scholar's bowl team together in high school. One day after practice, our whole team discovered that we had been locked in the school. My dad had come to pick me up and proceeded to help all of us out the very tall windows. Wanda was terrified the whole time, and it took quite some time to get her out. She was so afraid of heights. We had so many great, memorable times together, including our rescuing two little abandoned kittens from the side of the road. She was one of the most genuine friends I've ever had. I miss her so much, and I feel so badly for her family.

Angela Garrison Wilds, Guin Alabama (Sent Monday, June 11, 2007 11:50 PM)

After viewing the program, it is my opinion that the man got away with murder. This is a miscarriage of justice. I feel so sad for the family--I hope he gets what he deserves someday--he does not deserve to be free .

Muriel Bartell--Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 (Sent Monday, June 11, 2007 11:55 PM)

Why would someone back their vehicle in to a road - by a cliff (was there evidence of Wanda having been in the back seat or trunk of the car)? Were any ropes, cord or tape found in the area? Was a blanket, tarp, bedsheet, etc., missing from their room or found in the car?

S. Clark, Tomah, Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 12:00 AM)

not all husband kill there for the life insurance money. there is a case in salt lake city,utah. call hit for hire,the paul c. allen case in 1997 of aug.he is inncence but they found him guity. he is in prison now allready been 10 yrs.he can prove his inncence but no body will listen.i think people should not have life insurce.because they always use that to find men guity ,if there wife deads.

theresa jacobson west jordan,utah (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 12:23 AM)

No doubt the husband is guilty. Very hard decision for the jury to make by not convicting him due to the lack of evidence, but when in their hearts, they felt he was guilty. This sounds eerily similar to another honeymoon death case I heard about a few months ago in Birmingham, except the couple were SCUBA diving in Australia when the woman died. Surprised this hasn't made it on Dateline yet. I know the Australian police were in the US in April raiding the husband's house, so it will be interesting to hear what happens.

John (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 12:30 AM)

Hey, we in Alaska don't believe his silly butt either. We were all pissed off as well, we know in our hearts that he killed her. Nobody who has a fear of heights 'checks out' a bluff. I have been by the edge of a bluff (like 20 feet away), and would not even get CLOSE to the edge of it, it is just too darn dangerous. Wanda becoming dizzy? Yeah, because she was so close to the edge of the cliff. In my opinion, this guy pushed her and collected on the insurance money. I (as well as other Alaskans) hope he rots in Hell, just where he belongs. It is so sad he chose one of the most beautiful places in the world to do his dirty deed!

Susan, Anchorage, AK (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 1:45 AM)

After seeing the cliff, can anybody honestly say they would stand anywhere near the grass edge of an obviously unstable slope? I didn't think so!

Thomas, Victoria, BC (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 1:56 AM)

There is no reasonable doubt-Jay Darling committed the crime. Even the interviewed juror was frustrated by having to decide,predicated upon "lack of evidence". The Prosecution was lackluster in their ability to overcome the Defense arguments.The system failed Wanda.

Cheryl-formerly residing near Homer, Alaska (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 2:02 AM)

After viewing this story, I believe that Jay Darling is a con artist who did indeed get away with murdering his unsuspecting wife. Wanda died a horrible death and no one is being held responsible. I pray that Wanda's family will receive healing from this tragedy. I also pray that Jay will be held accountable for his actions...I trust that he will be dealt with in God's ultimate timing.

Brenda Campbell, Leduc, Alberta, Canada (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 2:08 AM)

My Heart goes out to Wanda's family. Know that Jay will stand before the GREATEST JUDGE someday with God's law, and Omniscient Power before him, "Thou shalt not KILL", and she will be vindicated. It's in GOD'S hands now. How poeple think they can get away with something, baffles me, they're better off confessing and asking for forgiveness, at least they would face the consequences here on earth. Instead they chose cowardness, and forfeit God's Mercy, and still think they DESERVE to go to Heaven. How blind can they be? Is Jay Darling innocent, someday we'll all know. I know the Omniscient One knows.

DIANA , AZ (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 2:51 AM)

I was on the same beach just a short distance away when Wanda died. I will never forget the rescue effort, the four wheelers racing to save her life. I and other citizens of this area are ashamed of the jury. Trooper Lary Kuhns worked for 9 years. I said to him after the trial, that although Jay Darling wasn't convicted at least you let her family know that we as a community tried to give them the justice they deserved and you let the family know that so far away that someone does care! I have lived in Homer for many years and I did not even know where the road was they used to get to the cliff! Lee Mayhan Homer, Alaska

Lee Mayhan (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 4:24 AM)

I was terribly saddened when I heard that the jury had a non-guilty verdict. He is very guilty and it is too bad that the jury could not see through it. However, there is that one little item "beyond reasonable doubt" is where so many crooks get off the hook. I live in Alaska and kayak in the waters off of Homer. If you were afraid of heights you would have never went to the area that she died. Also, she was very lucky to have survived the kayak accident - most people can only survive just a few minutes in the frigid waters - it is interesting he had a wet suit and she did not - pretty selfish for Jay to not have a wetsuit for her. Also I am an insurance agent - for over 20 years and I have never had any client call me on a "regular" basis to verify if the spouse's life insurance policy was in effect - pretty suspicious to me. I think he was guilty and I am sorry that a nice woman was victimized by a evil person such as him. He will be judged later if he does not suffer the hell within himself now. Thank you Dateline for this story.

Patrici Mack (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 4:50 AM)

My son lives on Bluff Road near where Wanda "FELL OVER"{. A woman afraid of heights WOULD NEVER WALK CLOSE TO THAT EDGE!!!!! Her husband had to push her over or she was unconscious when it happened!!!!!!I too believe what we do in this life we will pay for in the next.

Thelma Ledger, Rochester, IN (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 5:39 AM)

Shame,shame,shame on the jury!

Lee Atkins, Greensburg, PA (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 8:38 AM)

Not all husbands say that they love their wifes, look at the men in Utah that have more than one wife, he does not love them, it is all arranged marriage and he did not love her, they married for the money. She just had a difficult time being married to a hansome man with her being so over weight and did not know how to deal with her good life that her husband gave her. She was lucky to be married as long as she was, it must of been difficult dealing with a over weight wife that was depressed and her rude family. Good Luck to JAY Darling, I hope he has learn to not marry the first woman that comes along and think that life will be wonderful and happy, it sure was not for him. I feel he did not do any thing wrong only that he married a woman that was depressed and out for money and a good life................ James Staley Michigan

James Staley, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 8:50 AM)

It is such an injustice to the Woods family that this man is walking free. Please know that there are people that feel your grief and hold your family in their thoughts daily! Just know that Wanda DID make a difference in every life she touched!

Marji Taylor Myers, VA (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 9:51 AM)

Shame on that jury for acquitting this man. It is beyond obvious that he killed her. He was lying and evasive on the stand and the jury couldn't see through him! Shame on those 12.

Andrew Lafayette, IN (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 11:10 AM)

Obviously he was guilty. It was a no brainer. Just curious why did the insurance companies not pay when he was found innocent? That was never answered.

Jane Doe, Covington, LA (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 12:34 PM)

He did it....Plain and simple.  If it were a member of my family that was murdered, I'de get just my OWN way.....

Sue, Rosamond, Calif (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 4:40 PM)

He did it....Plain and simple.  If it were a member of my family that was murdered, I'de get justice my OWN way.....

Sue, Rosamond, Calif (Sent Monday, August 27, 2007 4:41 PM)

Shame on all the people who made comments here... you were not in the court during the trial - all you've seen is a biased TV report....

This is just a TV show - not the actual court case - as it happened and how the evidence was presented.

I am seeing the TV show right (yeah, being shown in Sept here in OzTralia). The jury got to see all the evidence - and if the evidence didn't stack up - obviously some of the jury had reasonable doubt.

All of you are in denial!!

Peter Watkins, Melbourne, Australia (Sent Saturday, September 08, 2007 11:57 AM)

I was Jay Darling's bunkie at Taft Correctional Institution, until the Alaska police came down and grabbed him on the murder charges in 2005! I got alot to say about him, apparently though, they didn't want to bring a bunch of felons to his trial....

I'm a 23 year old college student now!

Cole Bartiromo (Sent Wednesday, November 28, 2007 6:52 PM)

It might be interesting to hear what Mr. Bartiromo has to say. If he was Jay Darling cell-mate at Taft, what does he know about Mr. Darling? Does he think Jay Darling committed the crime of murder? What did Mr. Darling say to him about it? WHY wasn't he called to testify if he knew something about the case?

Jim Davis (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 7:52 PM)

Does anyone out there know why Jay was fired from his job as a physical therapist in Mississippi right before they moved to Alaska?

Sherry Chrestman, Grenada, Mississippi (Sent Thursday, April 17, 2008 12:59 PM)



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