Murder on a weekend getaway

Diann Garnell, Augusta, Ga — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 01:44:55 GMT

Is it at all possible she could have rolled into the lake after the fall. What time of nite was it so as to know how dark it was. Also by the time we're adults, we usually resolve somewhat our fears such as the fear of the dark. Also, had he been through rehab and done well as far as dealing with his issues before this situation. Because he seemed to sound like he was aware that the "behaviors" after his addictions are the most predominant problems were the contributing factors as to the breakdown of the marriage. Very important to the rehabilitation treatment. Also, some personalities react to the "fight or flight" behaviors due to social upbringing. I am a recovering addict of 15 years and have studied co-dependancy exstensively for years due to severe mental, physical, and sexual abuse. I hear now that she could have bounced or rolled of the cement. Where are the rest of the crime scene photos.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Diann Garnell, Augusta, Ga — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 01:48:47 GMT

I find it odd that they would go away for a weekend after filing for divorce. When I filed, a weekend getaway was totally out of any question.

Murder on a weekend getaway

bob owen — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 01:56:49 GMT

too much reasonable doubt i mdon't buy the conviction. thhey fell for the hocus pocus from the dr. who had 2 timelines. noibdy knows what they would do under those times because very few have been

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jo-Ann Paul, Seekonk, Mass — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:00:45 GMT

I just got a really gut wrenching feeling when I began to listen to the evidence. Even before I knew the outcome I would swear on a stack of Bibles that he did it. Just the simple mindedness of him alone told me volumes. What a insult to everyone involved in the case! Did Mark really think the world was going to fall for his assanine story. Mark belongs right where he is. I hope he rot's in hell.

I just heard that Mark lost his parental rights, Amen, there is justice.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jerry Petraglia, Doylestown, PA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:01:02 GMT

Interesting story. The real losers here are those 2 boys who will grow up without BOTH parents. Real tragedy.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Sandra Towle, Morgans Point Resort, TX — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:02:57 GMT

It seemed very strange that he did'nt help drag his wife's body from the water. He also wanted custody under any circumstances- or so it seemed. I think he did it.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Joanne, Sterling VA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:03:18 GMT

My first question is "If she was afraid of the dark, why would she have gone down to the dock in the first place?". If she indeed was afraid of the dark, maybe something startled her and cause her to fall over the railing, which I also believe she could have rolled off the cement platform.

Murder on a weekend getaway

jane doe, dallas, tx — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:03:20 GMT

It happened. He deserved to be found guilty. I saw. He pushed her over the edge.

Murder on a weekend getaway

John Doe — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:03:40 GMT

It was an interesting show, thanks.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jim Richards, Indianapolis,IL — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:04:33 GMT

Everyone of these Dateline Specials that person has always been guilty. There has never been any different ending even with all the drama.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jules Winfield Maryland — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:04:37 GMT

What a horrible mistake by the jury! There is nothing but reasonable doubt written all over this case. I'm not saying he couldn't have done it but there is no proof. This definitely does not make me feel confident in our judicial system or the morons that sit on the jury.

Murder on a weekend getaway

S. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:05:05 GMT

Obviously I wasn't there, but doubt was.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jeff Schilly — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:06:02 GMT

Remind me not to go to Lake Michigan for a vacation! I'm astounded that the D.A. took the case with virtually no concrete evidence whatsoever?!?!?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Lise Timmins,Ontario — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:06:10 GMT

I beleive he is guilty according to the evidence given you usually don't go away when you a in the middle of a divorce he seems very guilty to me.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jeff Johnson, Grand Rapids, MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:06:24 GMT

One thing that was not explained was why there was no DNA evidence. Was it cold enough that they were wearing gloves and coats or something?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Paul Kostokas — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:06:26 GMT

Where's the pool of blood on the concrete? If she spent any significant time on the landing there would be more blood. The defendent said that when he picked her up out of the water "blood went everywhere".

I'm not saying the man is innocent but there is certainly reasonable doubt.

Murder on a weekend getaway

GLORIA NUZZOLO ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:06:33 GMT

THE EVIDENCE WAS DEFINITELY SHOWN BY THE PATHOLOGISTS. THANK GOD THE TRUTH COMES OUT AND ANOTHER OJ DID NOT HAPPEN.

Murder on a weekend getaway

gary osborn — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:06:35 GMT

Not enough evidence to convect.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Lise Timmins,Ontario — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:06:41 GMT

I beleive he is guilty according to the evidence given you usually don't go away when you a in the middle of a divorce he seems very guilty to me.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Leslie Ungar, Akron Oh — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:06:56 GMT

I was fascinated by the story. To me, the condition of the deck would have been too much questionable doubt. Also, why didn't the defendant know that the vedict was in? If you watched the defendant he was very moved during testimony, most of us aren't that good of actors.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Michelle L. Ellis Lakeland, FL — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:06:58 GMT

I thought the same things as Diann from August GA but admit my first thought was "Someone's getting killed" when I heard they were going to a retreat for the weekend! After watching the story, my husband and I both agree he seems innocent. It is perfectly plausable for her to have fallen over, landed on her head/side and rolled off into the water. Was she found in the location her husband had left her? Maybe that is why he ran to straight to her...He went to where he'd last seen her. I believe him - his story of having thought she was at a neighbors and not wanting to disturb her, giving space. As for wanting to get his children home, I get that too as a mother of two young children. I would want to get them back home, to familiar surroundings, home if someone horrible happened in our family. Maybe a way of escaping reality a bit longer? What a horrible thing, to be ripped from his children! Indeed children grow out of deep fears.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Misty Alfonso, Athens, GA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:07:09 GMT

I could understand the defense's argument of Flo falling and rolling into the water had she actually either hit a surface which was on an incline into the water or even if they had tried to prove suicide and that she took a flying leap. This was a woman who fell 12 feet down landing on a hard flat surface. The 2-3 cartwheel videos of the defense just seemed silly and unrealistic. Bottom line - how did she get in the water?...It didn't seem like it would have taken acrobats.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Bob,gib. MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:07:13 GMT

What about the best friend ---perhaps she called it off with him just prior to leaving for the weekend to try and put it back together and he followed and as we all know rebound not so good - he should have been suspect #2

Murder on a weekend getaway

Traci Smith, Kansas City, Mo — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:07:25 GMT

At the end of the interview, when asked not once, but twice if he killed his wife, Mr. Unger stated both times "that he would never do anything to HURT his wife." Not once did he answer the question of if he killed her. That spoke volumes to me. The evidence also favored the prosecution in my point of view.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Vinnie, Baltimore,MD — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:07:42 GMT

I don't know whether he was guilty or innocent; only Markknows that . What I do know is that NOONE should ever go to jail on circumstantial evidence. Where was the proof. It's a scary thought that someone can go to jail for life without any physical proof. I think that's a serious flaw in the justice system. As for the piece of evidence concerning his running to the exact spot where she lay, He ran to the boat dock. The same spot he went to whenever going to the water. Why would he not have run naturally to the same spot he probably had a thousand times before. Think about it.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Barbara Pruitt, Memphis, TN — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:07:49 GMT

I think he did it. The fact that he failed to go to the Duncan's cabin after he went back out and didn't see her made me believe there was something missing to his story. Why wouldn't you at least check to see if she was with them rather than going back to the cabin and going to bed. There were too many unanswered questions. He talked about not being capable of hurting her but he can go to bed and not know where she even was in the deep dark of the night. He had to know she was scared of the dark also. His story just doesn't add up.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Beth Perryman, Rocky Mount, NC — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:08:11 GMT

When asked twice if he killed his wife, he said he would never hurt her, but never denied killing her

Murder on a weekend getaway

J paskins, Sand Lake, Mich. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:08:15 GMT

I live in Mich. and have followed this story from the beginning. I do believe with all my heart that Mark Unger was guilty of killing his wife. I was on a jury and helped convict a man. I tell you, its not easy for jurors to convict. They took a long time before finding him guilty. I believe they did what they thought was the right thing.

Murder on a weekend getaway

matthew walsh, hoboken, nj — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:08:15 GMT

this was ruled a homicide almost immediately by the medical examiner. and never once did mark say WHO KILLED MY WIFE?

Murder on a weekend getaway

John Rewerts , Rockford, Illinois — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:08:23 GMT

is there a book available on this story..?
email me with info if there is please..

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jerva Applegate, Columbia, SC — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:08:26 GMT

I find it very "interesting" that Mark Unger, when asked by Chris Hansen, "Did you kill your wife?" could not say "No, I did not kill my wife." He said twice when asked, "I wouldn't do anything to hurt my wife." Hurt and kill are two different things.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jim — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:08:27 GMT

I disagree with the verdict in this case. Although they were on the outs, they would getaway for the sake of the children since that was a place they had gone to every year. After all, it's all about the kids. I believe the body would have rolled into the water and, even if it did not, who's to say she didn't attempt to get up and in dizziness fell in the water and drowned. The deck was rotted and not within code......too many things which indicate I was a possible accident and not a murder. No those children will grow up without both parents....

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jamey Buffalo, N.Y. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:08:51 GMT

If you spend enough time in Northwest Lower Michigan even the most sane person will lose their mind. It is beautiful there, However it can be boring as hell.
I spent four years there, However I never tried to off my wife.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Melissa Mathis, Munster, IN — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:08:51 GMT

Reason #1-When you are going through a divorce, you do not go out of town together.
Reason #2-If you find your spouses body in the water after missing over night, an innocent person would drag the body out of the water and try to revive that person, especially if you loved them.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Truman Kahler, Land O'Lakes, Florida — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:09:05 GMT

Re: "Murder on a Weekend Getaway". The forensic witness testified that the body "bounced" on the deck.... The juror said that she knew that bodies do not bounce. Well I saw a fellow soldier fall from a telegraph pole and he did bounce about 4 feet straight up. I saw another in combat that bounced a very long way when blown to the ground from a tower. How much more did this juror (or others) not understand and then did not question before making up their preconcieved decision?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Janet, Columbus — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:09:22 GMT

I didn't see the whole story, was her body not found until morning? Or did he find it shortly after he put the kids to bed?

Murder on a weekend getaway

C. Brignac Baton Rouge, LA. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:09:26 GMT

With no physical evidence against Mark, and him passing a lie detector test, it would seem that the jurors would have gone with a "not guilty". If things were as bad as commented by friends and family...then why would she go away on a weekend getaway? Just doesn't make sense. And as an adult I can't recall anyone I know that has a fear of the dark so intense that they won't go outdoors alone in darkness.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Brian Hartland Mi — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:09:31 GMT

I have a hard time understanding why someone did not say that she could of falling off the deck and hit the ground and then tryed to get up and walk/stumbled into the water.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Sue, MA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:09:39 GMT

I always say you can tell so much from someone's behavior, he did not seem genuinely upset, as he would have if he had nothing to do with it.. if it were my spouse lying in the water they would have to drag me out with him,, I don't buy anything that he said.. why would she be out there alone and just happen to fall from the deck.. doesn't make any sense.. it just makes more sense that he is behind it.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Joan Robinson — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:09:44 GMT

Just looking at his face, especially those sniveling lips, made me mistrust him. His character was definitely not upstanding. He became addicted. He did too many things that a good man would not do. I think he did know or was suspicious about the affair his wife had with his best friend and wanted the ultimate punishment for his wife. Many men cannot allow their girlfriends or wives to crush their egos or pride. If they can't have the women, they want to be sure she doesn't go with anyone else. It is quite common for men to kill their wives and girlfriends rather than let her go with another man.

Murder on a weekend getaway

John Wasco Toledo, Ohio — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:09:46 GMT

Typical female lawyer praying on the emotions of an uneducated and backwoods jury. All white, predominantly female jury. Want some real facts; why don't you measure how far or high a body bounces from a fall of 15 feet or less, I'll bet you will find it bounces a couple of feet, easliy. It wasn't the husband screwing some other woman, it was just he opposite, must explain something about the character of the woman who died. Facts determine a case, not opinion. Maybe she got what she deserved.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Karyn, Warren Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:09:46 GMT

I find it interesting at the end when Mark was being questioned by Dateling. He was asked "Did you kill your wife?" His Reply: I would never do anything to harm her, second "But did you Kill her?" I would never do anything to hurt or harm flo. That along with not pulling her out of the water no matter how much blood, assuming she was with the neighbors...to many gaps. I believe justice was served and Pray those little boys grow up in a stable home with both sets of Grandparents. Let's remember Mark was found guilty, the parents, they too are victims.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Richard Lutzeier, Ann Arbor, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:10:09 GMT

Mr. Hansen My gut feeling watching this report made me ask questions which I wonder if were ever considered. 1. could Flo, had hit her head, bleed and been knocked out, then later regain consciousness, and when attempting to stand again in a dizzy state fallen into the water. 2. did she have a cell phone with her and or this lover, where was he. Perhaps she stayed behind to call him. 3. when the couple was on the deck what was the topic of discussion. To me the failure of the railing (as a builder) seems to be very strong evidence. I discount the run to the site, as Mr. Unger knew where he last saw his wife and of course he would head to that spot. I just hope that if a mistake was made that this gets a second look.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Renee, Orlando, FL — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:10:14 GMT

How could they convict a man with so much reasonable doubt? It was clearly evident to me that he should run to the water right at the boat dock if that were the last place that he had seen his wife. It made complete sense to me that he would want to just take his kids and run from that scene. He had been through recovery and had accepted his role in the breakdown of the marriage. He understood his demons. Just doesn't make sense that he purposely would take the family on a trip for the sole reason to kill his wife. And, when you are going through a divorce sometimes that is not necessarily what you want, so the trip would make sense. Also, I'm only scared of the dark on occasion now. Being at the lakeside with the night sky lights would not frighten me. Having to continue a difficult conversation with my husband would need strength and taking a breather on the boat dock would not seem that frightening. The boat dock needed many repairs and was rotting. It was more likely a horrible accident. And a loving father has now gone to jail.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Brian Wieland, Traverse City MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:10:15 GMT

I live in Traverse City Mi- 15 minutes from where this happened. I visited the crime scene shortly after this happened. It seemed his story was a stretch at the time, and as the trial played out it became more and more obvious he was a guilty man who thought he got away with murder. Dateline did a great job doing a fair and balanced story. Thank you.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Terri, Kansas City, Kansas — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:10:17 GMT

There is absolutely no way Flo would have stayed out on the deck alone while Mark went to put the kids to bed alone. What would be the reason for that? Especially being afraid of the dark. What took them out on the deck in the first place was probably to speak of the divorce. I am glad to see that justice was done. This case shows that those who sit on the jury are not always morons as in the case with O.J.

Murder on a weekend getaway

M. Niehr, Acworth, GA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:10:18 GMT

One thing stuck in my head,the last question Chris asked Mark....did you kill your wife? His answer was not no, instead he said "I would never hurt my wife." Not to mention the fact that he said it 2x. Another thought, if Mark did not know about his wife's affair, why would his best friend (Flo's lover) ask him if he minds him staying at their house? They are best friends, why would he mind, unless he knew of the affair?

Murder on a weekend getaway

dawn marie , sarasota , fl — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:10:26 GMT

If she was alive for an hour and a half, what did he do during this time. why did her husband wait that long to push her in the water. my instinct tells me that they were both right....... he found her thought she was dead and thinking people would think it was an accident cause it was......he pushed her in the water......but who am I , oh yeah a potential jurior. I pray for the boys they truely are the victims.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Lisa McAlliser, Fairfield, CT — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:10:26 GMT

I feel he absolutely is guilty. He knew that she would be awarded full custody of the children. He is a egocentirc and spineless loser of a man. Now, thanks to his pure selfishness, those poor children are parentless!!! I just pray those children can find some happiness in there new lives.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Mike Doe, Houston, Texas — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:10:32 GMT

It certainly appears that he did it. However, I feel that there IS reasonable doubt. I don't think that the prosecution gave a 100% convincing argument. I think he did it, but I would not have voted for a guilty verdict.

Murder on a weekend getaway

a kizy — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:10:32 GMT

i missed the show. can i watch it on video?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Monty A. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:10:38 GMT

I found it kind of odd that he did not pull his wife from the water. As I watched the episode the blonde woman said that the doctor's testimony did it for her. In my opinion his testimony cast the most doubt simply because his testimony changed. It seemed he would say whatever that made the prosecutions case. I think he was innocent. Because she was cheating that was no reason for her to die, but I dont think he did it. The woman who said that bodies do not bounce well that's maybe she is a waitress. To anyone else who does not believe the theory that bodies dont bounce I call your attention to faces of death vol. 1.. I think the spouse is always the easiest one to pin it on. Lets not forget the vows under God she took she broke by sleeping with her husbands best friend. I dont think he did and I only have sympathy for the kids because they lost the most. The wife and husband we will let the creator be the judge.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Michael Kanoza, Grand Rapids, MI. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:10:48 GMT

Even if Mark did run to the exact spot his wife was found, the fact he did nothing to remove her from the water seems to hard to believe. After watching and hearing the whole case and facts, he is where he needs to, unfortunantly his young sons pay the ultimate price in loosing their parents.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Johnny Mize, Dallas, TX — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:10:54 GMT

It scares me that 12 jurors can take circumstantial evidence and completely usurp the presumption of "INNOCENT until PROVEN GUILTY" and send a man to prison for the rest of his life for a "CRIME" or "ACCIDENT" that he didn't commit. I didn't hear all the evidence but I believe that the PROSECUTORS DID NOT prove beyond "A REASONABLE DOUBT" that this man murdered his wife.
SOMEBODY needs to tell jurors that you are INNOCENT until there is "PROOF" of your guilt! Leave your theories and emotions at home......

Murder on a weekend getaway

Ed True — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:10:59 GMT

with all technology avaailble today and no positive evidence to present I find it hard to believe that not 1 of 12 peolple didn't find some "reasonable" doubt in the prosecution's case. I sure couldn't send someone to prison for life on circumstantial evidence

Murder on a weekend getaway

Pam Renee, Detroit, MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:11:02 GMT

I missed the first part of the show but followed the story through local newspapers and television. Did the show mention anything about Mark knowing that his wife was romantically involved with a previous friend of his. Sounds like a motive to me.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Stephanie Correa NY, NY — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:11:12 GMT

I'm always riveted by these hour-long Dateline murder stories but why does Ann Curry feel the necessity to speak in such an affected tone? She drops her voice about an octave and rounds her vowels in a way that's very affected. The story is serious enough by itself; she should just speak in a clear voice with normal modulations.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Pam — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:11:15 GMT

I am glad that he was found guilty. I know someone in real life who has killed his wife about 30 years ago and make it appear like asuicide. This happened in detroit and now he lives in chicago area and trying to kill his 2nd wife. He is married for the 3rd time. He is a doctor so everyone lets him go. I wish more people will be like this jury

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jody Gibble — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:11:22 GMT

Had I been on that jury I would have questioned why if he did indeed push her, would he not throw her in the lake right away? Why let her lay and return to throw her in the lake 1 1/2 hours later? Why would he risk someone finding her before she died? Why not do the entire job immediately? Since when can you be found guilty with no evidence?

Murder on a weekend getaway

cmurph — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:11:23 GMT

Guilty, it was the pool of blood that did it for me. If in fact she fell, which she did, did she decide to go for a swim? No, she was pushed in the water.

Murder on a weekend getaway

J.D. from NJ — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:11:33 GMT

Too much circumstantial evidence. You cannot convict a human being to life in Jail because "it had to be him". You need some hard evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt. That was not doe inthis case. The prosecutor has to impart justice and not to provide closure and solace to the family of the victim. Horible injustice done to this man.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Betty Johns — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:11:49 GMT

It was so obvious that her husband killed her. Like o.J., he has guilty written all over his face.
Why wouldnt the mother go put her kids to bed???

Murder on a weekend getaway

Carlisle Campbell — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:11:56 GMT

miss used noun - The use of the word cement to describe the structure the victim fell upon is incorrect. Portland cement is an ingredient used along with sand, gravel, and water to make concrete. Therefore, it was a concrete structure not a cement structure.

Murder on a weekend getaway

James Cones, Houston, Texas — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:12:00 GMT

Just too much reasonable doubt. This jury has taken a mans freedom without enough evidence to support a guilty
conviction.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jimmy — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:12:06 GMT

"Did you kill your wife?" Unger: [long pause] "I would never hurt my wife." "But did you kill your wife?" Unger: [another pause] "I would never hurt my wife..." Ummm, if I was an innocent man sitting in jail, my answer to that question, the FIRST TIME, would have been, "HELL NO I DIDN'T!" He's guilty as sin. Her body wouldn't have gone rolling into the water - it would have plopped right straight down on the concrete and stayed there, ESPECIALLY if she fell like the defense said.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Chelsea Alger Minnesota — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:12:10 GMT

I have to agree with Jules. He may not be innocent, but there was definitely reasonable doubt. Who knows, though. We didn't see or hear every piece of evidence so maybe the jury has a stronger case than it appeared. I'd like to think so anyway.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Sheila Addington, Belleville, MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:12:11 GMT

I don't believe that absurd reenactment video. Could a person fall hard enough to crack their cranium and then roll a couple times? He did it. Another case of a man killing a woman because he could not control her.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Dorothy Christian — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:12:24 GMT

GUILTY AS CHARGED. May GOD have mercy on the children,

Murder on a weekend getaway

ellen, New York, NY — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:12:31 GMT

I watch your show tonight but also read about this murder sometime ago and I do think that Mark is guilty of murder. I do think they went to the lake so that Mark would murder his wife.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Barbara Pittsburgh Pa — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:12:32 GMT

There is Justice. Those sons will be raised lovingly by Flo's parents. You can tell by watching Mark's reaction's he is guilty. After watching it on tv one must also wonder why he picked her up and put her back in the water rather out of the water. Maybe she did tell him about the affair that night and he lost control. God Bless Flo's sons and Flo's parents , hold onto your faith.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Andrea, South Bend, IN — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:12:34 GMT

Did Flo have any medical conditions that could have caused her to become dizzy and fall over the rail? What are the ages of the boys? Did they collaborate their father's story of being with them and tucking them into bed? There was no mention of this by either the defense or the prosecution. If she was truly afraid of the dark she would have gone in when her boys did - obviously she didn't want to be with her soon to be ex-husband. There is way to much reasonable doubt to have convicted him. I would have hung the jury and started over. The true losers in all of this are those two boys who no longer have either parents. Also they will have to deal with the fighting of both sets of their grandparents. I hope for the boys sake they will put aside their differences and unite in the raising of these boys.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Joe, Tennessee — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:12:35 GMT

The evidence was very circumstantial but the interview that Chris had with him says it all. I am a sheriff's deputy and trained in interview and interrogation. Chris asked him several times if he killed his wife and he just sayed that he could not do that. He would not say that he did not. Several other clues with his eyes and statements gave him away. He is guilty I think.

Murder on a weekend getaway

friend of Sin, Mequon WI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:12:36 GMT

The lawyer said he must be a Hannibal Lecter to kill his wife and then kiss his kids goodnight. I guess he hasn't heard about Steve Trattner and Sin Lam of Mequon, WI. That tops all. The internet has all the details on her murder.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Sue, Madison WI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:12:48 GMT

I'm not convinced that he is guilty. I hope that he is able to get his appeal, and have better investigative work. I'm seriously disappointed in the tone of the dispatcher, and responding officer. Botched investigation is very likely.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Farrior, Dickinson ND — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:12:56 GMT

Welcome to the US Justice system, where you can convict a person with 0 evidence. All you need is a story and a dead body.

It amazes me how people can throw someones life away on basically a "gut" feeling. I don't care what you think, what you feel, you have to PROVE it. Right or wrong, that's the way it is.

Here you have a guy, with no history of violence. A woman with a history of suicide thoughts or attempts and a railing that is rotting and gave way. The only logical outcome was that she was murdered. There was reasonable doubt, there is no way he should have been convicted.

IMO there needs to be an IQ test, before a person is allowed to be a juror.

Oh and about the lady that says, "there is no way a human body can bounce". Try telling that to a skydiver who's shoot doesnt open. I'm sure BASIC PHYSICS would disagree with that tard.

Murder on a weekend getaway

J Taylor Lansing Mi — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:13:00 GMT

I think it is a horrible injustice to convict someone of such a serious crime with no real evidence. The prosecution should have waited, there is no statute of limitations for murder. After 3 days I have to believe some jury members were pressured by others, or the verdict would have come immediately.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Deb Jonston, Southfield, MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:13:21 GMT

I'm amazed a man having so much in his favor would stoop to such a low level. He had it all and then lost it over a painkilling drug, gambling problems and lethargic behavior. When he looked into his children's eyes and thought about their future...wasn't it enough to send a warning sign he needed to get help? What efforts were made to combat the problems before they were out of control? How terribly sad yet, how irresponsible of Mark to push his wife's and children's needs aside for his addictions.

Murder on a weekend getaway

CARL RITCHIE ROME CITY, IN — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:13:39 GMT

I THINK THERE WAS TOO MUCH REASONABLE DOUBT TO CONVICT HIM FOR MURDER.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jane Doe, Farmington Hills, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:14:25 GMT

When Chris Hansen asked Mark if he murdered his wife, his response was "I would never hurt Flo", rather than No, I did not murder my wife. Chris asked Mark twice in a similar fashion if he murdered his wife and both times he responded I would never. I found his choice of words odd in that both times he did not answer the question directly with a "No". He could have said No, I would never..., but he did not. Given everything, I believe him to be guilty. Jane Doe, Farmington Hills, MI

Murder on a weekend getaway

Marcia, New Orleans, LA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:14:33 GMT

What was the final sentence?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Diane Moore, Canton, MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:14:40 GMT

Why didn't Mark pull her body out of the water? When he ran to her, he had no way of knowing if she had been face down in the water for 5 minutes or ten hours. I think the natural reaction would be to pull her out of the water and try mouth-to-mouth, CPR, check for a pulse, etc. I would be doing all of that if I found my husband in the water face down. I get chills thinking how he left her and then started packing the car to go home. Guilty, guilty, guilty.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Tracy Larsen-Powell Four Oaks NC — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:14:40 GMT

The mother of his children how could he have left her in the water ? I believe he did it and he showed no remorse.The best conviction is yet to come when his children turn their backs on the MURDER that shatterd theirs lives forever. God be with those children as they will need you sholders many times Im afraid so you will need to carry them in these times.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Lulalu New Jersey — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:14:42 GMT

Something smells fishy.
If she was having sex with his best friend and getting a divorce why would she go away to a weekend at the lake with him? Also, why would they leave the kids alone in the cottage to go out in the dark, down to the lake together? Doesn't make much sense.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Dorothy Christian, Dallas, TX — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:14:55 GMT

Guilty as charged. May GOD have mercy on the children.

Murder on a weekend getaway

C Farley Springfield IL — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:15:03 GMT

Very interesting! Did the DNA one the cement match hers? I have reasonable dougt.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Lulalu New Jersey — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:15:32 GMT

Murder on a weekend getaway

Sally Stephens, Lakeland Florida — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:15:55 GMT

Does anyone remember if the blonde juror wearing a red sweater is a nurse?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Cris Q, Toronto Canada — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:15:58 GMT

Very interesting story and very sad. The tragedy of the loss of a mother is gut wrenching. I had mixed feelings on the verdict. I don't know if I was on the jury if I would have convicted him beyond resonable doubt. I do hope that he was guilty, it would be tragic to have an innocent man in jail.God bless those children.

Murder on a weekend getaway

adriana texas — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:16:08 GMT

He did it! It looks like he "convinced" her to stay married because he “loved” her, and they went to the trip to “work things out”...found out about the affair and killed her. . Unconscious bodies do not roll. . He never tried to save her (out of the water) and tried to leave town. . No doubt, he did it!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jeff, Newnan Georgia — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:16:12 GMT

What's very interesting following this BLOG is that the majority of females are saying Justice has been served and the men say "insufficient evidence" :)

Murder on a weekend getaway

Janet Earley, Chicago, IL — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:16:30 GMT

The show was interesting and there are parts that you think - why the heck would she have gone to the lake with him in the first place after filing for divorce?? Unger said that they both felt uncomfortable going, yea right- I bet he promised her something or tricked her into going, making her feel guilty about having one last trip with the kids...I feel sorry for the 2 boys - they will never know what kind of people their mother or their father was, just the horrible idea that one day someone changed their whole world.

Murder on a weekend getaway

S. Garcia, Raleigh, NC — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:16:37 GMT

We will never know what happened on that deck, what was said, what was done.........people filing for divorce DON'T take trips together.

Murder on a weekend getaway

bill smythe — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:16:49 GMT

I am curious if there was a drug test done on the victim and if a psychic was ever brought in or requested...

Murder on a weekend getaway

Sherri C , High Point, NC — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:17:14 GMT

I believe that he may have done it, BUT there was not enough evidence against him. How on earth this jury found him guilty is a puzzle to me.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Debbie Johnson New Paltz, NY — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:17:14 GMT

John Wasco from Toledo, Ohio...You should be ashamed of yourself!!!!!None deserves to die like that. What an awful thing to say. It sounds to me like you are intimited by women!!!

Murder on a weekend getaway

T Dyer, Grand Rapids, MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:17:17 GMT

Great story, but it amazes us that crime can happen anytime, anywhere. Crime knows no boundaries. It is unfortunate though, as this area (we have a rental cottage ourselves on nearby Crystal Lake in Benzie County) has virtually no crime rate. Like Chris Hansen suggests, it truly is a beautiful place to vacation...

Murder on a weekend getaway

John Blazi — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:17:58 GMT

As a trial lawyer and former police detective, I must say that i found Mark to be entirely credible both in his verbal and non-verbal communication. He maintained eye contact throughout the interview. He did not over-sell his story. To me it was entirely plausible that his wife fell of the roof of the boat house. Experts can and do offer testimony that advance their own causes. I hope Mark gets a new trial.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Monty A. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:17:59 GMT

I HOPE ALL THE JURORS IN THIS CASE READ THIS. ALL OF YOU WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE DECISION THAT YOU HAVE MADE. YOU SENT AN INNOCENT MAN ACCORDING TO EVIDENCE TO PRISON. TAKING A FATTHER FROM TWO CHILDREN. PLACING THEM IN THE HANDS OF PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE HE DID IT. LOOKING AT YOU I THINK YOUR ALL CRAZY AND I HOPE THAT ALL OF YOU SLEEP LIKE HELL FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIVES.

Murder on a weekend getaway

annette, ft.lauderdale,fl — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:18:58 GMT

i think mark knew about flo and her lover, i do not beleive any thing he says, he wasn't working and he knew he was on his way out, he did it.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Christine — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:19:12 GMT

This is a disturbing case. Someone tried for murder on circumstantial evidence. A woman is dead and they want to find the killer. It bothers me that circumstantial evidence can convict someone. But, if I was innocent I would have taken the stand and begged everyone to question me. If I was divorcing my husband and had huge fights all week with him I would not have gone to a secluded place with him for the weekend. If I was on a rotten deck and accidentally fell over I would have screamed and someone would have heard me as the other cabins were not that far away. Then again if I was pushed I would have screamed too.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Kelly Kovach — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:19:28 GMT

The verdict was pathetic if you ask me. There was no evidence "beyond a reasonable doubt" that he killed her. So she was afraid of the dark...so that means he killed her? I don't think so! Also, sometimes people like to sit by themselves to think about the things that are going on in their lives. And honestly, everything the prosecution said was fact was actually THEORY! Where in the WORLD was the evidence? How can you send a man to jail for the rest of his life based off of what someone "believes" or "thinks" happens. There was no fact, thus, he was robbed of his life. And I have 3 other people here that agree with me! 4 for NOT GUILTY!!!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Janice Essers-Hooft — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:19:29 GMT

I'm very sure he didn't do it. That's not the face of a murderer and not just because he cried but his look tells me that he didn't. That he didn't help to bring her out the water doesn't mean he did it. Sometimes the fear to see somebody so close to you in such a terrible condition is just TOO MUCH. The real losers here will really be the two boys and having a grandmother that will always remember you of what your father "have done?" I just hope that everybody pray and ask God for wisdom and also conviction of what's true because he sure knows. I'm a mom of 3 children and I'm married, but I can't justlet emotions speculate. This really looks like an accident!!!!!

Murder on a weekend getaway

O.S., SEMMES,AL. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:19:45 GMT

I WISH PEOPLE KNEW THAT DIVORCE IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD,YOU DO GET OVER IT!
I DON'T KNOW IF MARK DID IT OR NOT, ONLY GOD KNOWS. BUT I DO KNOW THAT MURDER IS ,CERTAINLY, NOT THE ANSWER!!!
I SEND BLESSING TO THOSE BOYS BECAUSE NOW, THEY HAVE NO MOTHER OR FATHER.
BE BLESSED, BOYS

Murder on a weekend getaway

Lynn, Piper, Kansas — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:20:48 GMT

SO glad to know that justice was done. There is no way Flo would have stayed on the deck alone. What was the purpose of her staying out there even if she wasn't afraid of the dark? It just doesn't add up.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Rip Curlsin, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:20:58 GMT

The fact that he PASSED a lie detector test is quite telling. If he was guilty, both he and his lawyer would not have agreed to a test. I know it is non-admissable but those things are usually accurate.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Bill Dreckman, Woodstock, Ga — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:21:36 GMT

I would find it hard to vote to convict this man based on reasonable doubt. Evidence does not convince me that it was a murder or an accident.

Murder on a weekend getaway

John Blazi — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:22:27 GMT

Murder on a weekend getaway

Zana Broad — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:22:32 GMT

I watched your show, and the jury made the right verdict. Mr.Unger is 100% guilty. I believe he was aware of the affair. He knew the outcome of the divorce was going to be nasty and expensive. In his mixed up mind, he was not about to lose his kids or his assets.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Barb P-Lansing MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:22:34 GMT

It sounded like the jury studied all the circumstantial evidence,theorys and testimonies before making a decision that led them to find Mark guilty.If I would have been on the jury I would have found Mark guilty as well.It just doesn't add up.If I was afraid of the dark I certainly would not want to be left alone out there.It bugged me that the defense was trying to say she couldnt have been afraid of the dark.Don't you think of all people the parents would know if their daughter was afraid of the dark? And Mark would have known it to especialy being married to her.I know all of my children's fears and it's not something you would make up and my husband also knows all of my fears and insecurities.Plus,to have the car loaded up and then knowing right where to find the body?? It is such a tragedy especially for the children who will never really know their mother.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Lulalu New Jersey — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:23:04 GMT

Murder on a weekend getaway

Barry Gruner, Crystal Lake, Illinois — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:23:09 GMT

Have you fallen? I have fallen! It is ones natural tendancy to tuck or roll, whatever to try and make impact less harsh? She certainly could have rolled into the water on her own. Had he known his best friend was sleeping with her he could have easily killed her. This reeks of injustice, the prosecutors are so caught up in placing blame, this is why many innocent people go to jail. My heart goes out to this guy! He is no muderer? This is a hell bent attorney getting her day in court. Sorry, you got the wrong guy and look what you have done to the family?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jenny, Wellington, OH — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:23:20 GMT

Whether this person did it or not is not my argument. I did not get to see the whole story. What stuck out to me the most out of what I saw was the one female juror that stated on the show that she doesn't believe that a human can bounce. Number one, this just shows how people are so stuck in one mindset they cannot believe real facts. This information came from an expert. Number two, I have fallen and bounced up. Yes, I am overweight, but this happened when I was a thin teenager. I have also seen some video's of people that have jumped out of buildings. THEY BOUNCE. This juror seemed to be basing the majority of her reasonable doubt on the "fact" that people don't bounce and going against a expert on this issue. That is wrong. If I was the attorney handling this person's appeal I would be finding a way to use this statement from the juror as part of the appeal if at all possible. I do feel for the family and especially the children in this case. However, I am a very fact oriented person and do not agree with how this juror came to her decision.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Tracy Morrisville, PA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:23:52 GMT

They said she laid unconsious for about an hour or hour and a half....couldn't she have "woken" from that and stumbled to get to her feet and fallen into the water and lost consiousness again? I was surprised that that wasn't a part of the defense! I don't think that he looked that innocent but I couldn't have said without resonable doubt that he did it!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Linda Damen, Jackson, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:24:18 GMT

Well, here's a woman who says they absolutely should not have convicted. Totally circumstantial. Absurd verdict and a tragedy for the kids

Murder on a weekend getaway

Sheila Addington, Belleville, MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:24:24 GMT

She didn't fall from the sky because her parachute didn't open. She fell from what appears to be about 25 ft. above.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Bette Wilmot, Hoffman Estates, Illinois — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:24:33 GMT

Wow ~ intriguing....I agree with most about the not answering the "did you kill your wife" question. Honestly, I think his tears were pretty fake also! It was as if he was forcing himself to cry.

Too bad two boys are now parentless and has grandparents fighting over them. WIll they ever have peace? I hope so

Murder on a weekend getaway

Robert R. Conrad — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:24:34 GMT

I am a retired aerospace mechanical engineer with research in gas turbine engines. I would question the methodology of the simulation based on the fact that while in the air force during the Korean war I was a medic and have recovered many bodies for identification. The one thing that I always remembered was that the Doctors (M.D.'s) told us that bodies do not bounce and the recoveries that I have been associated with have borne that out.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Mark Perez, Tampa, Florida — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:25:03 GMT

WOW!...What a story. When the story first started I was sure Mark killed his wife. But as the story went on I found that there was not enough evidence.
It was all about the attorneys. It's hard for me to believe that the prosecution could come up with such a believable story based on assumptions. (she’s going to make one hell of a politician some day) What were those jurors thinking? REASONABLE DOUBT? I really can’t get over the fact that every one of the jurors convicted Mark of murder without ANY reasonable doubt.
Now, please don’t get me wrong. I glad the slime ball is locked up…..if he’s guilty

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jason Smith, Richmond, VA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:25:16 GMT

Very easily could have went either way, but I didn't feel strongly enough that Mark committed the murder of his wife. We really didn't get a clear motive for why he would have done such a thing. He didn't know about her affair until after her death, and I believe she could have easily fell from that ramp. I am a delivery driver who has often slipped and fell in the dark on a customer's property with wood stoops and porches that are rotted or in disrepair. I once slipped only two feet off some broken stairs and bruised my tailbone so bad I couldn't sit comfortably for two weeks. Based on my experiences, and looking at the height of that ramp, she could have easily died from the impact of a fall of that range. However, even with all the circumstantial evidence aside, I still was not convinced that Mark Unger had enough hatred in his heart or motive to kill his wife. Every relationship has some problems, but for me the testimony from friends and family didn't convince me that this man was so broken that he'd kill his wife. If Mark does know how she died, it was probably an accident, and he couldn't implicate himself in the trial. What a tragedy for everyone: parentless children, one dead, and one locked up.

Murder on a weekend getaway

LONNIE MAPLEWOOD MINNESOTA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:25:29 GMT

IN RESPONSE TO JEFF SCHILLY - THERE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ENOUGH CONCRETE EVIDENCE, BUT THERE WAS BLOOD EVIDENCE ON THE CONCRETE LANDING THAT SHE FELL ON. HER HUSBAND DID IT AND WOULDN'T EVEN ADMIT TO CHRIS THAT HE KILLED HIS WIFE, ONLY THAT HE WOULD NEVER HURT HER.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Scott Whatley Orange Park Fl — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:25:54 GMT

I agree with Paul Kostokas, where is the pool of blood on the concrete??? IF she lay there for 1-1/2 hours as the crazy Doctor said then she would have left a pool of blood AND there would have been marks on the body consistant with being on concrete for 1-1/2 hours. I am not saying he in innocent but this is a REAL "red flag" to me and why was it not addressed by the experts?

Murder on a weekend getaway

REGGIE ARMSTRONG, MSW, LMSW Saginaw, MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:26:14 GMT

ONE VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION I HAVE IS IF THE PROSECUTION'S MAIN WITNESS THE NUERO PHYSICIAN'S TESTIMONY OF THE VICTIM LYING ON THE CONCRETE FOR 1 OR MORE HOURS, RATHER THAN HAVE BOUNCED AND ROLLED INTO THE WATER RIGHT AWAY, THEN WHY WAS THERE NO TALK IN THE TRIAL FROM EITHER SIDE ABOUT A GROSS AMOUNT OF BLOOD ON THE CONCRETE, RATHER THAN JUST ONE SPOT ? THIS WOULD BE MORE LIKELY AS THE DEFENSE STATES (AND I AGREE WITH)IF THE BODY ROLLED INTO THE WATER IMMEDIATELY UPON THE FALL. IF THE VICTIM LIED ON THE CONCRETE PLATFORM FOR AN HOUR OR MORE ALIVE, AS THE PROSECUTION STATES, SHE WOULD HAVE CONTINUED TO BLEED FOR ALSO A LONG TIME CAUSING AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF BLOOD, I WOULD THINK. I AM A CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER (LMSW). SINCE CHILDHOOD I WAS TOLD i SHOULD BE AN ATTORNEY.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Xiangyu Lai, Hoboken, NJ — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:26:30 GMT

I believe it's an accident.
I just can not understand why the husband needs to murder his wife. The evidences are not strong enough to show it's a murder. The animation is very reasonable. She still had a horizontal speed when hitting on the concrete and with the speed she rolled into the water. The doctor's estimation about her 1.5 hour alive before falling into the water is not that convincible in my eyes. By the way, I am a Ph.D student with strong quantitative skills. I can not understand how the doctor got the 1.5 hour estimation.
It is not as convincing as the animation to my best knowledge.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Myop Inion — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:27:16 GMT

I would just like to know, at exactly what point in this trial, the jury found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt!? No proof. Only guessing! This is what is so scary about our judicial system!!! Life in prison, on a hunch! Wow.

Murder on a weekend getaway

vicki, south carolina — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:27:56 GMT

Someone please explain: did Unger pass a lie detector test? Also, wno found the body and when?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Peggy Abbruscato, Staten Island, NY — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:28:14 GMT

The last question by Chris, and Mark's subsequent response, made me do a complete flip. Throughout the program I saw no concrete evidence that Mark murdered Flo. Only sheer circumstantial evidence. Why didn't the defense suggest Flo possibly got to her feet, or tried to, and unfortunately fell into the water and drowned? However...when Mark refused to answer Chris' question as posed to him, and instead substituted hurt or harm his wife rather than 'kill' as Chris had asked, made me sit up and question my original belief. Was this another play on words a la Bill Clinton during his Monica controversy?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Michael Destro, Atlanta, Georgia — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:28:40 GMT

Dateline conveyed to me that the jury found a person guilty despite the existence of reasonable doubt. For example, I thought the prosecuting attorney was shown to convey doubt after hearing the verdict and certainly the jury appeared to lack confidence in its verdict. Neither the prosecution nor the defense felt that they had proved their case.

Murder on a weekend getaway

joe correa, parkersburg, wv — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:28:57 GMT

I wonder if the jury heard the witness who stated the victim had been out there in the dark on past occasions. And what about the witness who related that, upon falling, the marks on the head and body indicated her head had struck the stair causing her body to pivot and roll into the water. And what ever happened to reasonable doubt?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Mark — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:29:46 GMT

Where were his fingerprints? Do they come off in water? If he had gloves, where were they? They found OJ's gloves. Why did he leave her there for 2 hours and then come back to finish the job?? Unbelievable our justice system allows reasonable doubt to allow someone to go to jail for life.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Sue, Madison WI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:30:15 GMT

For all of you that keep saying "justice has been served" - I hope that you are never stuck in a situation like this!!! How would you like to be convicted with no evidence?????????????? Everybody deserves good police/detective work and a fair trial. Maybe he is guilty - but this trial sure didn't prove it!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Terry — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:30:24 GMT

I have three things of concern:

1. If he hit her in the head, where are the blood splats on the wall or railing, the wall is bright white?

2. If she laid there for an 1 1/2 hour, wouldn't the concrete be more saturated? Why wasn't pieces of it dug up to see how well it was saturated?

3. Blood is shown very visible flowing in the water, if she laid on the concrete for a lenthly time wouldn't her blood had clotted within that timeframe on land? The way it is flowing in diameter indicates that it clotted in the water.

Just a observation. I think the case should be revisited. Very well could have been an accidnet. If I was afraid of the dark regardless of who I am with, I would be inside at night, and what on earth would I go for a walk in the dark to talk with my soon to be ex anyway if I was suspicious?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Lulu — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:30:28 GMT

It is SO SCARY that one can be convicted of murder without any physical evidence. Guilty or not, there is reasonable doubt all over this case. I feel sorry for those innocent boys. God be with them...

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jeff - Newnan, GA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:30:53 GMT

To Vicki of South Carolina - Yes...Ungar did PASS the lie detector test. Her Body was found the next morning by the property owner..Mr. Duncan I believe

Murder on a weekend getaway

t wilde — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:33:21 GMT

It amazes me that the medical evidence presented by the defense didn't include the distinct possibility of an inner ear disturbance related to an apparent concussion injury which had been agreed was not the cause of death. From my own experience, I fainted and fell from a standing position onto a ceramic tile floor laid over a concrete slab base, my head hitting by my ear as did the victim's in this story. After a while, I regained conciousness, but the inner ear injury caused my balance to be radically affected causing me to stagger and fall again as I attempted to reach a standing position. It was three hours after my second fall before I was able to stand with any confidence. If this scenario had been explored, it would have become obvious that at a point one hour and a half after the fall, she quite possibly may have attempted to get up, wavering the short distance toward the water, falling into it, and causing her own death. Given the reasoning the jurors cited as the most important piece of evidence they sorted through being the assumption the lady had been moved after the fact of the fall, and not rolled into the water in an alternative scenario, there is reason to believe that in given this third sensible explanation to consider their verdict may have been different.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Alex Zarbo — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:33:25 GMT

The only crime here that has blatenly occured is the crime of society takeing the father away trom those kids, for a circumstancial reasons, pre-meditated reasons ("gutfeelings"), uneducated reasons. There is absolute reasonable doubt Mark committd this crime or that a crime has even been committed. Did anyone question or make the ifidel-lover take a lie-dector test (one which Mark passed. How do we know that there was no other lovers of hers just happening to pass by that night. Where are all the photo's, time line, finger, or footprints etc. evidence? Does anyone recall the contradictory evidence of the so-called specialist called in to say whether or not she was alive but/or unconcious for 1 hour, or not? There is so much more but not enough time or space. Injustice has once again been served. Maybe I'm (or thank God I'm) just Canadian...we tend to think different up here... respedctfully...

Murder on a weekend getaway

Karen,Florida — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:34:18 GMT

I believe it is possible that she stood up after
falling and then stumbled into the water that is why there was so little blood on the concrete. There is to much doubt in this case to convict this man of murder. The point about her being afraid of the dark
and why didn't she go with him to put the kids to bed is all opinion and not enough proof to convict someone.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Kelly Beaver Dam, Kentucky — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:34:21 GMT

I really have mixed feelings on this case. I feel that it is a possibility that "Flo" could have fallen off the rotted railing, but on the other hand, who in their right mind would go on a weekend trip in the middle of a divorce? Also, there was a mention of Mark and the calls that he had made and was recieving on his cell phone. Were the cell phone records ever checked and if so, what did they show?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Gwendolyn Hermes-Akers — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:34:33 GMT

Not enough REAL evidence to convict, in my opinion...
I lived in Benzie County and was a Marine Patrol Officer and patroled that lake.. That deck was OLD..
things dont add up on either side of this case, and as a Crime Scene Technician now, I would have definitely been more thorough with this crime scene. Alot of things dont make total sense, but an accident is very possible. It will be interesting during the appeals process.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Lynnia V. Manis — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:35:11 GMT

I can't say with 100% conviction that the guilty verdict was correct. In our county, the court system is called the 'good ole' boy system'. Hearing that phrase automatically one knows that justice is not always truth. It tears at my core that this man might be innocent, and again that he may have killed this woman who gave his children life. I was told that the judge can set the rules for his/her courtroom. Again this is very disturbing. My prayers and blessings to BOTH families. No mother wants her child to be killed, or be convicted of killing. There were so many statements that raised flags on both sides, and I am thankful that I have never, no will sit on a jury. There are enough who gladly do this and feel it's their contribution to society. I choose other ways.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Sue, Chicago, IL — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:35:28 GMT

That was no accident.

I'm sure she was aware of the lowness of the rail and the rotted-out condition of the boat deck and therefore probably would never gone close to the edge. And gee, how convenient for her to "accidently" die during a nasty divorce!

Murder on a weekend getaway

D.Dmytro R.N.,Birmingham,Mi — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:36:08 GMT

What happened to proving someone guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt? There was'nt any forensic/DNA proof. Years ago a Michigan female eye doctor(Beaumont Hospt.)was missing & later found murdered.She was known to have marriage problems and attended a counseling appt.just prior to missing.People did'nt think the husband was innocent & he acted stoiac. He was completely innocent!A young couple robbed and killed her. Mrs.Unger most likely rolled in the lake. Seizures cause diorientation.

Murder on a weekend getaway

ROBERT JOLY — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:36:32 GMT

IN CANADA .IT WOULD BE ONLY A SECOND DEGREE MURDER CASE,WITH A MAXIMUM 10 YEARS SENTENCE.OUT OF JAIL
IN ABOUT 3 YEARS FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR AND GO BACK TO WORK BUDDY ,THE GOVERNMENT NEED THE INCOME TAXES.

Murder on a weekend getaway

steve p. wentzville, mo. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:36:33 GMT

what about the affair with his best friend. did anyone investigate him. If his best friend could screw his wife and then pat him on the back and say it will be ok. What else could this man have done.who's to say he didn't do it. maybe he didn't like that the couple went away togather. where was he on the night of the incedent. I could not put a person away without 100% proof. sure things seem strange about how he acted,but does that mean he did it.possibly he could have. but there still is no PROOF! and what part of the lake should he have ran too. what... the other side.come on.they said he seen where the neighbor had come from the dock where she was found.just hope that your never put in a situation like this, because the laws aren't always right.

Murder on a weekend getaway

L. Thompson, Chester, PA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:36:36 GMT

I can't believe Mark did not call the Duncan's to check to see if his wife was there when he didn't find her. He claim he just assume she was there. It doesn't make much sense that he would assume his wife would walk in the DARK to the Duncan's. And when he claim he discover his wife missing after an entire night of sleeping, he then called the Duncans and claimed that he is upset that his wife has not returned. Did he asked the Duncan if she was there? I also found it suppicious when asked twice if he killed his wife, and he responded that he would not hurt her. If he did not kill her, why didn't he say "I did not kill her".

Murder on a weekend getaway

ROBERT JOLY — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:37:03 GMT

Murder on a weekend getaway

Cris Q, Toronto Canada — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:37:27 GMT

Just read a whole bunch of comments, no mention that the guy passed the polygraph test. If there is no sure evidence they work than why do they do them.?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Trish Blazi — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:37:46 GMT

I don't believe that he killed Flo, I think she fell from the boat house due to rotting wood that the Duncan's didn't repair. Perhaps the Duncan's should bear some blame. It's unfortunate that the children have lost there mother but to have lost bother parents is tragic.
Trish Blazi

Murder on a weekend getaway

Johnny Mize, Dallas, TX — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:37:46 GMT

YOU 12 PEOPLE FAILED AS JURORS! At least one of you should have had the INTELLIGENCE to vote NOT GUILTY.
THERE was NO EVIDENCE, just theories and emotions and now this INNOCENT MAN is RUINED.
THERE should be an IQ test for ALL JURORS!
I will never allow my fate to be determined by 12 strange idiots!

Murder on a weekend getaway

John Doe, Jackson, MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:38:31 GMT

I work in construction, I find it hard to beleive a body would role falling from that height of 12'.( unless there is a sharp decline). Anything over 6'
that hits the concrete dosen't move. The higher the fall = total impact. Iv'e seen a few accidents in my 20 years and it's not a pretty picture

Murder on a weekend getaway

janice, Simeon Antonio, Aruba/ profession: doctor — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:39:48 GMT

He didn't do it. It's obvious. Being a mom of 3 kids myself would maybe let me feel to judge him but there isn't enough evidence. As a convicted christian I will pray to God that the ones involved in the case will have the wisdom to judge correctly and I hope they will use more doctors to tell because one is not enough.
Watching such cases on tv in the past many times had led me to say the man is guilty while my husband many times says no he isn't. But this is a case where there is no good evidence and about the bouncing; of course it can bounce when you are dealing with that altitude.

Murder on a weekend getaway

cindy neddo maple city mi — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:40:12 GMT

i really belive with a reasonable doubt He did it...
yes if if states all, he said he would of went down to her. he wanted to put this behind him, and not with a high dollar lawer No he needed him and it still didnt pay.. good for him rot there!!!!

Murder on a weekend getaway

gene martin, ionia michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:40:26 GMT

i sure wouldnt want to be a convicting juror and have to live with sending an innocent man to prison for life with that on my concious for the rest of my life

Murder on a weekend getaway

Diana Hanna, Baltimore, Md. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:40:28 GMT

I think he shoved her over the rail during an argument and then paniced. I don't believe he planned on murdering her. I think he then tried to cover it up. But this is just what I think. No evidence to prove any of it.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Farrior Dickinson, ND — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:40:51 GMT

LMAO, People cannot bounce off of concrete. Well that's it for me, he's guilty. I know it in my heart.

People who think like this, make a me sick. I think Dateline should do a show, where the take old cases where they can PROVE the out come and take away all evidence and see how moron jurors decide someones outcome on gut feelings. Then show them the results on how terribly wrong they were.

This case reminds me too much of the WM3. 3 kids that were convicted of murder, because they listen to Metallica and wear black.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Scott Whatley Orange Park Fl — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:41:18 GMT

Unger's Mother sold her house to pay this lawyer??? Just look at all the resonable doubt raised by common citizens on this forum, He should return the check to her and let her buy her house back!! Guilty or not, he was represented by a clown if his lawyer could not see the questions raised here. Seriously, wal mart gives a refund no questions asked. So Unger goes to jail for life and the lawyer buys a bigger boat??? At a minimum there is room for an appeal

Murder on a weekend getaway

Glenn Poston, Darlington,South Carolina — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:41:22 GMT

I agree that Mark's response was lame, but did he take a lie detector test. Not that it would have mad a difference with this jury.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Maryann Ward Jackson Mi — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:41:41 GMT

I haven't heard much of this case but I think that he may of did or he may of not of. How does some one just fall in a lake he should of in his right mind tryed to save her. There is some things missing in this case but how do they just send someone to prison for life with out all the fax. But they can do what they want and when they want to they can even put you there in prison with out a body in the state of MICHIGAN. Maybe it will be over turn and he will get out of prison when he go back to court.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Meg Lane, Columbia, Tenn. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:42:11 GMT

Does anyone remember the testimony about Nicole Brown Simpson telling others that if anything ever happened to her, O.J. did it? This case is similiar in that Flo told others how bad the relationship was and how horrible her life was with the "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" Unger. This plus the fact she didn't want to go and the absurd notion that Flo would stay out on the deck in the pitch dark by herself is screaming out foul play! Then you have the little problem with the blood on the concrete. Thank God this jury was not stupid.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Joe, Ormond Beach Fl. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:42:38 GMT

The only way to send this man to prison is to prove without a reasonable doubt he commmited this act. There was Zero proof. I am not saying he didn't do this, I am saying there should not have been a conviction. Many people here have asked, how could he not have checked on his wife? How could he have packed the car so soon? How did he leave the body in the water? why would they go away during a divorce? How many people here have had someone close to them die in this manner? How can we judge his actions after her death? ASK YOURSELVES HOW YOU WOULD ACT?
Again I say that he may have done this, but he was convicted with no proof.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Errol — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:43:40 GMT

Get serious. We know the family. Mark Unger got what he deserved. He was a self-consumed drug addict and gambling addict that murdered his wife. End of story. End of Mark. We hope he never gets out of prison. This BS about "circumstantial eveidence" is just that...BS.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Nel Witvoet Sarnia,Ontario, Canada — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:44:13 GMT

Several people commented on this already and I will again. When Chris Hansen pointedly asked him twice if he had killed his wife, he did not answer the question. I have spent 12 years as a nurse in Corrections and I am a straight shooter. When I ask a question, I tell them the answer is a simple "yes" or "no". If they refuse to do that you can bet your boots they are hiding something. Nel Witvoet Sarnia, Ontario, Canada

Murder on a weekend getaway

David L Shelton Jr., Chicago IL. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:45:23 GMT

I'm a recent Law School Graduate and as I do not profess to know all there is to know about certain areas of the Law, I do know this. Mr. Unger in my professional opinion is innocent. I have not had the opportunity to read the transripts from the trial, biut what's disturbing is the results of the polygraph, although not admissable, it corroborates his side of the events. Next the victum, Mrs. Unger was so afraid, and according to testimony given by the prosecutions own witness "according to the neighbors, family, and friends characterized Mark Unger as displaying Dr. Jeckell and Mr. Hyde type behavior" It begs numerous questions, Why go on the vacation if you are that afraid? why go out on a unlit deck with the individual you claim to be afraid of? why go out on a isolated deck with an idividual you are afraid in the dark which by all acounts you are equally afraid of?
I have more but I will end with this, Dateline did a story last year about a couple on their honeymoon on a luxury cruise ship. According to the ME, the victim fell from the balcony outside his stateroom landed on the deck and somehow managed to fall into the ocean and I believe he fell from a greater height than Mrs. Unger. And if my memory serves me correct, and the ME report is correct, it was suggested that he may have rolled into the ocean. I don't know if Mr. Unger is guilty or not, however in our justice system this should have raised a reasonable doubt, excluding the polygraph test results.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Janet, Lithonia, GA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:45:39 GMT

I certainly believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that Unger premeditated Flo's murder, and convinced her to go with him to take the kids for a vacation. She probably went with him against her better judgement, but for the sake of her kids. We all need to follow our first mind. He (Unger) should have begun to worry when she didn't show up to put the children to bed. But to go to bed and sleep all night knowing your wife is somewhere out there, and you don't know where?? I'm still afraid of the dark, and I'm 60. No one would ever get to leave me on some deck in the pitch black of night by myself...please! And, if I found anybody I knew in the water--friend, acquaintance, etc., I would definitely be pulling them out...PRONTO! If looks could kill, Unger would be dead, since he had guilt written all over his face. If I had been on the jury, I would not have had to deliberate but 1 hour!!

I'm glad the jurors from the OJ trial didn't sit on this one!!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Monty A. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:47:55 GMT

I have read most of these posts. I see that most of the women feel that he did it. I ask all of you that he feel he did it. Would you feel the same if the roles had been reversed. Its so easy to say yeah he did it he had motive because his wife was cheating with his best friend. He did not even know that they were having an affair. Jurors need to have more qualification to render decisions that alter the lives of people. To the jurors may you never sleep and I hope this haunts you to the end of time. My feelings mean nothing my opinion alone, but there is a higher power that YOU WILL answer to. When that time comes may he have mercy on your souls for sending an innocent man to jail

Murder on a weekend getaway

Claire, Bradley beach — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:48:04 GMT

I never heard of such a travesty of justice. I am not saying he is DEFINITELY innocent but nothing proved his guilt to me "beyond a reasonable doubt." I think the jury was not correct in its decision and now the two boys are without both parents. This case screams for an appeal and I hope that he is released after I'm sure what will be many years of being incarcerated. That railing was so unstable and would have been very easy to fall over. And the EXPERT first said she had lain on the concrete a couple of minutes and then changed it to over an hour. I did not find him believeable at all.

Murder on a weekend getaway

warren robert conneaut, ohio — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:49:06 GMT

I think he is inscent, it showed the railing post were rotten, she could of lost he balalce, when the post broke she ,was afraid of the dark and could got of jump when she heard the noise and lost her balance and fell over striking her head leaving a small amount of blood and roll into the lake a lot of doubt/.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Linda, North Carolina — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:49:28 GMT

My mother fell down the outside stairs of her condominium onto an asphalt parking lot. She laid there unconsciousus for over an hour before she was discovered. There was only a small pool of blood. She died from the injury 1 1/2 days later. Lack of blood proves nothing.

Murder on a weekend getaway

L. Thomson, Chester, PA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:50:39 GMT

Mark claimed that he thought his wife went over to the Duncans when he didn't find his wife. I can't believe he didn't call the Duncans to check to see if she was there that night. It is hard to believe that he would just assume his wife would walk in the DARK to the Duncan's. When he discovered his wife missing after an entire night of sleep, he then called the Duncans and claimed to be upset that his wife has not returned. Did he asked the Duncan if she was ever there? I also found it suspicious when asked twice if he killed his wife, and he responded that he would not hurt her. If he did not kill her, why didn't he say "I did not kill her".

Murder on a weekend getaway

Johnny Mize, Dallas, TX — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:51:13 GMT

For all you people who think her body couldn't have rolled off that concrete deck into the water.....just remember that she was not dropped flat. If she leaned against that railing and it broke, she was EJECTED at an angle and her momentum would have carried her over the edge and into the water. You "Quick Thinkers" would have voted to send this INNOCENT man to prison TOO!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Farrior Dickinson, ND — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:52:00 GMT

A self-consumed drug addict and gambling addict that NEVER hurt his wife, that NEVER hurt his kids. That PASSED a lie detector test. There is no proof that she was murdered, no PROOF that he killed her.

What I can say is that SHE was guilty of adultery, she broke their family apart. That character issue would have 0 impact on me if he was dead because I look at evidence.

Murder on a weekend getaway

B. Shepherd Leesburg, FL — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:52:36 GMT

I am convinced he did it, she had a premonition of danger when she told a friend she was afraid to go, maybe he forced her to go. I don't think the children were victims, the woman was the victim she's dead. I feel sad for both the mothers but I'm sure the children will be well taken care of.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Lou, Spring Grove, Pa. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:52:53 GMT

I once dated a make-up artist,and she was good at her trade.Correct me if she misled me when she described the use of glycerine,or mineral oil,dispensed from a simple eye-dropper,to an actors lash just pryor to filming,to create the effect of tears.In Marks final sobbing scene,I witnessed the dry-eyed effect of a guily person trying way too hard to cover their guilt.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Troy, Chesterfield, MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:53:43 GMT

Look at all the lawyers and "experts" we have...can you honestly tell me that from a 1 hour show that you are 100% convinced that he did it? Let me answer that for all of you...NO! He may have done it, he may not have done it, I don't know. I do know that from what I heard on TV, I would have had a difficult time convicting him "beyond a reasonable doubt." And for those jurors to have found him "guilty" with no clear-cut evidence against him is the true "crime."

Murder on a weekend getaway

Errol, Royal Oak, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:54:05 GMT

Murder on a weekend getaway

Kara H, Jenison, MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:54:18 GMT

The evidence all pointed to him killing his wife. One thing I do not understand the Michigan Prosecutor drawing out in the trial was his addiction to drugs and gambling. Maybe she knew of his amount of debt and that together with the drugs, gambling and rehab were more than she could handle. I agree with the jury in that according to the defense theory, when she fell off the roof her body rolled several times. The information here says the distance to be 3 ft. A body does not "roll" that far. A verdict well decided.

Murder on a weekend getaway

David, Texas — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:54:22 GMT

I agree with many of you that this trial was unfair and was only based on circumstantial evidence. It's hard to believe that our judicial system is so flawed that this can happen. Proof of this is in Iraq as well, where we setup the government and Saddam received a similar trial.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Errol, Royal Oak, MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:57:36 GMT

We know the family. He got what he deserved. Stop all the pollyanna stuff about "circumstantial" evidence.

Murder on a weekend getaway

John Casagni — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:59:30 GMT

I do not believe he did this. No one said this but she could have fell on the concrete, laid there unconscious for some time, then tried to get up to get help and then fell into the lake and drowned. I know the lie detector test is not perfect but he did pass it.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Cheryl, Rochester, Minnesota — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:59:38 GMT

I thought anyone was innocent if they could prove "doubt" in any case. I have my doubts that he is guilty. Why? When the prosecution says you don't bounce when you hit cement. You do!!! I fell off my deck and hit my cement patio and you better believe I bounced!!! I landed on my right hip, bounced up landing again on my left knee and up again coming back down on my forehead. I was sore for weeks and had bruises everywhere. Now months later, my left knee is still giving me problems. So I think more investigating should have gone into that part. Also, even I would have immediately gone back to the last place I would have seen my spouse and in his case it was on the dock. Too bad for him that made him look guilty in some peoples eyes. Also, I would have known too from watching crime shows you don't move bodies. It is the scene of a death and you just don't touch anything. Some people couldn't believe he didn't drag her out, maybe that was why. And that medical examiner, I mean, the jury should have taken into consideration what he said too. Earlier he says he had been alive only minutes after falling and then later in court he says she would have been alive about an hour and a half. Was the jury sleeping or something??? I mean, they could have convicted an innocent man here!!! I think he is innocent! I hope his new attorney takes this case to court again and does alittle more digging.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jeff - Newnan, GA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:00:02 GMT

Ummmm..Well ERROL from Royal Oak...you were stuttering so much I didn't think you'd get it out! My condolences for your acquaintance!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Corina J., Harlingen, Tx — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:00:27 GMT

I saw the look in Mark's face when the verdict came in and he was found guilty. A guilty man should not have reacted in the way that he reacted. Why was there only one suspect, did they not look any further, okay they were going through a divorce, why would she go on a weekend getaway with the man she claims she's so afraid of? She had just ended things with her lover, who knows, maybe to work things out with her husband/ the point is nobody knows for a fact what really happened!! Now I can't understand why it is even allowed in a court room to have a jury, these are people that don't know the defendant, the victim or their lifestyle. What gives them the right to put a man in prison for the rest of his life. For all you know he really might be innocent, there was no evidence, no further investigation and if he later is found to be innocent how can the jury and the D.A. give him his life back? Only they know what happened and it is not for anyone else to decide. If he really did do it, He Will get his!!!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Reese Donner — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:00:43 GMT

All the not guilties watch and believe too many programs like CSI. Exactly, what forensic evidence would you expect to find? Several doctors testified that Mrs. Unger had a "crushed head" that would render her unconscious immediately..totally paralyzed.
THAT is evidence. How did Flo get into the water? By magic?

The husband killed her, no doubt.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Cheryl, Rochester, MN — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:01:00 GMT

Murder on a weekend getaway

Johnny Mize, Dallas, TX — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:01:17 GMT

HEY ERROL
WE DON"T CARE THAT YOU KNOW THE FAMILY....THAT DOESN"T MAKE HIM GUILTY!
WE DON'T CARE THAT HE RAN STRAIGHT TO HER BODY....THAT DOESN'T MAKE HIM GUILTY!
WE DON'T CARE THAT HE SAID HE WOULD NEVER HARM HER INSTEAD OF HE WOULD NEVER KILL HER.....THAT DOESN'T MAKE HIM GUILTY!
WE DON'T CARE THAT HE WANTED CUSTODY OF HIS KIDS.....THAT DOESN'T MAKE HIM GUILTY!
I'M ANGRY THAT A MAN WAS CONVICTED OF MURDER WITH NO EVIDENCE and it that doesn't ANGER YOU, you're IGNORANT and definitely not JUROR MATERIAL!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Johnnie Hilton, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:01:23 GMT

This case was purely circumstantial without one proven thread of evidence. It is possible he was gilty, but it was not proven beyond doubt.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Lou, Spring Grove, Pa — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:02:47 GMT

Mark's devastation act was unconvincing,and he appeared too jovial when he reappeared in the courtroom for sentencing. Guilty as charged.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Dick Widger Gaylord,MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:03:16 GMT

Any thing is possible.I am a convicted felon when no crime was comitted.I don't think the Juiors considered the more than reasonable doubt.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Sue, Chicago, IL — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:03:51 GMT

To Monty A.

If the role was reversed, I would feel the same way. I don't think convienent accidents happen during divorce.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Bob Walsh, Columbus, Oh — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:04:58 GMT

I'm hung up on 2 things. First the expert that said she was on the ground between a few minutes and an 1 1/2 hours. The jury believed this information and relied on it to make a conviction. Clearly they guy had 2 opinions of Flo's injuries.
Second, I'm troubled as many others about his response to Chris's question about killing his wife. Now was his chance to deny it. This interview was done 2 weeks after his conviction.... I'm guessing the guy's whole world is / was still spinning. The mere thought of saying kill and my wife in the same sentence makes me sick to my stomach.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Bruce Rasmussen Calgary Alberta Canada — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:05:11 GMT

The Jury has convicted an innocent man. The evidence from the show was all circumstantial. How could anyone send a man to prison on such flimsy evidence? I've seen a person bounce 1 foot in the air after falling from a window ledge 4 feet high. Also when you’re in shock you don't always think rationally. By packing and wanting to leave the scene. This may have been just a reaction to the devastation of loosing his wife and the need to protect his children, same as leaving the body in the water. Fact, moving the body is tampering with the evidence.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jeff - Newnan, GA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:05:41 GMT

Hey Dick Widger--Were you at SchawShank?..They were all innocent too!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:06:24 GMT

He was innocent according to the polygraph & his body language indicated that. He is a smart man with known problems in his marriage. If he really wanted her dead I am sure he would come up with something better than that! I'm a medical professional. People bounce,roll and can become very dioriented. Why risk leaving her for an hour on the concrete & then push her in the water if he was really guilty. I hope and pray he gets another trial and is found INNOCENT!!!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Colleen, Ocean, NJ — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:07:57 GMT

This story makes me so heartsick. I do not comprehend how a person can be put in jail for life based solely on circumstantial evidence. I did not see any physical proof. I think people side more with prosecuters out of fear. The man did pass a lie detector test. The wood was dry rot. The man ran to the spot where the body was because it was the last place they were. Common sense only told him where to look first. a lot of times people go away to try to patch things up. He could have taken his family on vacation to try to work the whole thing out not a plan to kill her. Why did no one question the man she had the affair with? He could have done it. The jury did not know he passed the lie detector test. Since they are not admissable in court. People say he didnt act right. You can not say that. There is no right or wrong way to act when you are in shock.
People grieve differently. I think the jury made a big mistake. The man has to spend his whole life in jail now and there is no proff. The poor kids lose both parents now. The justice system in this country is a joke. They are so quick to get a conviction regardless as to what the truth is. There is no value for human life. Bottom line based on the evidence shown on dateline tonight I think the man is more likely than not innocent. There was no physical proof so the jury should not have convicted him. Another problem with the system is the jury. Those people want to get out of there. They are brainwashed. They are shown bits and pieces of evidence and not the entire story and all the facts.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Sara — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:07:59 GMT

I agree with all of you that his behavior is very suspicious but FOR GOD'S SAKE that is not enough to send a person to jail.. What's wrong with you people? Were we all watching the same show? How would you like to be convicted wihout any physical evidence?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Mark Smith, Frankfort, IN — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:08:58 GMT

Where is the "beyond a reasonable doubt" factuaL evidence to support this conviction?? and from what was presented to your viewers including myself I sadly must conclude there was none to behold. To send a man to prison for life on such thin circumstance is truely the real tragedy here not to mention the fact the two boys have lost not only their Mother but now their Father as well. This case truely questions the integrity and prudence of the jury who chose his fate on pure speculation rather then the body of total evidence. It appears our blind justice system is in fact wearing designer contacts.

Murder on a weekend getaway

robin — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:12:20 GMT

what about when asked, while being told the verdict was in, how he felt? he said he was glad it was almost over. He said, to his lawyers, he 'felt great'. he was overconfident. if he were innocent, he would be more worried that an injustice would be done...or that his story wouldnt be heard...not 'overconfident'. that reeks of the gameplaying mind.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jane Doe, Albany, NY — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:12:31 GMT

Um, lie detector tests aren't 100% accurate, particularly when used on people who are chronically dishonest (like an addict, maybe?). Also, constant, unbroken eye contact can be just as much of a sign of guilt as not making eye contact in the first place. Unless you were on that jury you don't know the evidence the way they do. I can't say he did or didn't do it, but I certainly can't judge that jury when I wasn't exposed to everything they saw and heard. Unless you can come up with a better system....

Murder on a weekend getaway

Linda Brown — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:12:40 GMT

It is very disturbing that most of the male comments read are against the verdict. Goes to show that most men are prejudice against the freedom and equal rights of women. So very sad for the state of our world and for the future of our children. A physchopath can easily kiss their children right after murdering their mother. Their perception of everything is lacking compassion, emotions and feelings of guilt, that why they are capable of anything, including bloody murder. Pray that the children find decent guardianship. Thanks to the justice system for not letting THIS ONE get away.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Family Friend, Huntington Woods, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:12:50 GMT

Let me speak from a point of view closer than anyone could ever imagine that the boys are doing great and miss Flo and want nothing to do with Mark. Bodies don't bounce, there is no such thing as "rolling energy", and the only ones who said she was not afraid of the dark were Mark's cousins (interesting). The wood railing was not a factor because she went up and over the railing. The pictures of the wood were not even from the area in which she was pushed/punched/kicked. There was water in her lungs so she was alive when placed in the water. There was a pool of blood as well. She would not even walk next door if it was dark outside. There is so much more going on than what the media presents and thank god he is not roaming the streets as an innocent man. Hope this helps. Once again, the boys are doing great and thankful for a wonderful family and friends. The Sterns are doing a great job raising these boys under such horrible circumstances.

Murder on a weekend getaway

THOMAS ELLIOTT — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:14:04 GMT

was there any thought of negligence resulting in homocide as to the condition of the railing, did the deceased have lighting down there?
to many open questions.
GOD BLESS THE CHILDREN AND HER
THOMAS E. PHX ,AZ.

Murder on a weekend getaway

robin — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:14:15 GMT

though my 'opinion' is that he is guilty, the lack of evidence, and conviction, is scary, and should not be based on 'opinion'. OJ had more evidence.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Pamela Washington, Raleigh NC — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:15:19 GMT

I believe an innocent man was sent to prison! I currently work in a prison and see cases where deathrow inmates are granted a new trial due to lack of evidence provided and they were either convicted on hear say or some made up off the wall theory. First of all why would he risk having his children taken away from him permanently? And why wasn't the boyfriend ever questioned? She could of told him that she wanted to reconcile with her husband and he may not of wanted that. I know it is very possible for people to react in the heat of the moment but it is also possible for accidents to happen in the DARK!!! And if she was afraid of the dark why wouldn't her husband of many years know about this fear? There are several different things that could of happened; she could of very well fallen off the pier, committed suicide, or even been murdered but I just don't think it was by her husband. I think he was just a victim of circumstance and given the recent troubles they were having it was easy to point the finger at him.

Murder on a weekend getaway

JP daytona — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:15:52 GMT

This could have been anyone one of us on this blog. Our spouse is out on a dock, leans back, the railing gives way, they fall 12ft onto thier head and they roll into the water. How does this not seem like rwasonable doubt?
It doesn't matter what happened the minute, day, week, or month prior to this accident. What matters is this is exactly how it could have happened. There is Doubt.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Andrew McNeill, Pittsburgh, PA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:16:15 GMT

I feel his attorney let the proseutor get away with out proving the Physics and Mechanical probabilities that could have happened. What was the distance after falling would she need to travel to bounce into the water? Where was the best friend(lover)that night? When she fell, was she trying to catch her balance and if she was,was the momentum of her arms and body enough to propell her body forward into the water? What was the distance of the blood stain from the water? What part of her body did that blood come from? My understanding is that it can be determined if the blood came from the head or some other part of the body. Was the blood found on the deck belonging to her or someone else? As far as being afraid of the dark, I'm afarid of elevators, but I ride one everyday several times a day. A person needing time to think about her future and her children's future should be worried about the dark? Was she or was she not home alone some time or another when he was away in rehab for six months?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Paula Stuht, Tucson, AZ — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:16:17 GMT

Just for kicks, would you folks review the last dozen or more of your programs where a wife/spouse was killed? I cannot remember a single program where the husband was NOT convicted of the murder. Admittedly, the statistics nationally reflect this pattern, but just to make your show a bit more entertaining, couldn't you locate ONE case where the spouse wasn't convicted of the crime and a different person was investigated and found guilty? And just as a second point of view, I absolutely agree with Mr. Hilton--this case, like many other of your shows, did not prove guilt beyond a shadow of a doubt. Our system of criminal justice is supposed to be weighted: "better to let one hundred guilty men go free rather than to send one innocent man to jail".

Murder on a weekend getaway

Janice, AUA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:17:29 GMT

I also just want to say that although I love the American people a lot, after seeing this show I'm just happy that I dont fall under your judgemental institutes. How can somebody be judged by just a few bit of people(most of them woman), I am myself!! This is NOT good. Please revise the case and put more professionals too. If he was the president this wouldn't be happening like this?? It just need to be revised without himself having to open the case again because nobody would like this type of justice to him or herself? And was she really cheating? I don't know but that's not my issue. The only thing I really know is that the truth will be known someday soon to be. POOR KIDS but please let nobody just use emotions and forget to use common sense. Of course it's possible to go on a trip with your wife evn if there was a divorce taking place since they went there every year and he possibly didn't really want to divorce. And she also went with him although she was having the divorce? Maybe for the children? Please jury just think twice and you will think about so much possible things. One more time; DON't LET EMOTION TAKE CONTROL< BECAUSE THAN YOU ARE NOT A GOOD JURY AND ARE HURTING INNOCENT PEOPLE< FIRST OF ALL THE KIDS AND POSSIBLY(I THINK SURELY) THE FATHER@@@@

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jane, Detroit — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:18:35 GMT

Had either of them been drinking, drugs? Any toxicology reports? Maybe she fell, and tried to get up and then fell into the lake. Very circumstatial!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Mark — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:19:57 GMT

How sad it is that a family friend says the kids want nothing to do with their dad. I guess if you keep telling them he killed their mother, what kid would want to be with their dad. You dont know if he did it or not just because you are a family member. Give me a break. The whole issue is he was put away based on reasonable doubt which is not the way our system works. Get a clue!!!

Murder on a weekend getaway

not all men are guilty, Addison, TX — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:20:44 GMT

It's TOO OBVIOUS from the FEMALE responses that they are blind to the truth about this case because their emotions are more IMPORTANT than EVIDENCE. That's why this man is in prison.....TOO MANY "SYMPATHETIC" FEMALES on the jury!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Diane Canton Mi — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:23:43 GMT

It's true that if it is a crime scene, you shouldn't move the body. The TV shows have certainly taught all of us that. However, Mark had no way of knowing if this was, indeed, a crime scene....that is, unless he had committed the crime in the first place. I still have trouble thinking the natural reaction would be to leave your spouse laying in the water without wanting to try to revive them. I'm looking at it from the point of view of an innocent person finding their spouse in the water and their world starts spinning and they have no preconceived notion of what might have happened. I still think the initial reaction would be to get them out of the water. I don't think you'd be thinking "crime scene" and "don't move the body" at that point...especially if you were completely innocent.

Also, polygraphs are not foolproof, so I, for one, don't put much credence in the polygraph Mark took.

This Supreme Court case dismissed the reliability of polygraph tests in military trials...

United States v. Scheffer, 523 U.S. 303 (1998). The United States Supreme Court examined the admissibility of polygraph results in court, stating:
The contentions of respondent and the dissent not withstanding, there is simply no consensus that polygraph evidence is reliable. To this day, the scientific community remains extremely polarized about the reliability of polygraph techniques. Some studies have concluded that polygraph tests overall are accurate and reliable. See, e.g., S. Abrams, The Complete Polygraph Handbook 190-191 (1968) (reporting the overall accuracy rate from laboratory studies involving the common "control question technique" polygraph to be "in the range of 87 percent"). Others have found that polygraph tests assess truthfulness significantly less accurately – that scientific field studies suggest the accuracy rate of the "control question technique" polygraph is "little better than could be obtained by the toss of a coin," that is, 50 percent.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Linda Brown, Oxon Hill, Maryland — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:24:26 GMT

It is very disturbing that most of the male comments read are against the verdict. Goes to show that most men are prejudice against the freedom and equal rights of women. So very sad for the state of our world and for the future of our children. A physchopath can easily kiss their children right after murdering their mother. Their perception of everything is lacking compassion, emotions and feelings of guilt, that is why they are capable of anything, including bloody murder. Pray that the children find decent guardianship. Thanks to the justice system for not letting THIS ONE get away.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Farrior — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:28:32 GMT

Or could it be, that unlike woman, Men use their brains too come to decisions, where as woman use their emotions.

I find it sick that you Linda Brown, want to hang a PERSON, with 0 evidence.

I would feel the same if the roles were reversed, could you say the same, probably not!

Murder on a weekend getaway

jp daytona — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:28:55 GMT

Linda Brown
How in anyway does this have to do with freedom and equal rights of women. This is about evidence.
No one her said that Flo should stay home and cook or not get a job.
Get off your platform and make your opinion on the evidence.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Sue, Chicago, IL — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:30:08 GMT

Why didn't Mark Unger take the stand if he was innocent?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Cheryl, Rochester, MN — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:31:37 GMT

I have to speak again, the evidence to prove he did it without a doubt was not there! Not only have I fallen off a deck and hit a concrete patio and bounced but I have gone through a difficult divorce where my ex and I had gone away on vacation with our children, not wanting them to know anything was wrong. We felt they did not need to know and I was nervous about going because he was not very happy about the divorce. So the 2 of them going away for the weekend I could see happening. I am too and deathly afraid of the dark, I am very jumpy and scare easy, but there are times when I have chosen to be alone in the dark, like walking to my car in a dark parking lot or sitting on my front porch in the dark alone. Sure I was scared but I chose to do it because I was either upset or just needed to be alone. And until you have been in their situation, you cannot say for certain what you would have done. There is too much doubt and not enough proof. I think the jury has made a grave mistake.

Murder on a weekend getaway

be smarter — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:32:09 GMT

lets not get off in the wrong direction for this case- i have seen equal comments from women on the lack of evidence. whoever started this...well, must jump to conclusions themselves. lets focus on the case. women, dont get sucked in...

Murder on a weekend getaway

wondering — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:33:24 GMT

did primetime reveal anything dateline didnt?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jane Doe, Albany, NY — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:35:57 GMT

I just can't help myself: when attempting to make a point of your intelligence - male or female - perhaps a spell/grammar check would be in order?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Family Friend, Huntington Woods, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:36:14 GMT

I'm a male by the way, I knew Mark and am not the least bit shocked by his actions. In response to "Mark," nobody has been telling the boys anything in regards to the situation because BOTH sides of the family are trying to do what's best for the children, given the situation. Do you think it is in the best interest to talk to these boys about what has happened and sway their opinion? They have their own thoughts and even told me that even if Mark did not kill Flo, they still want nothing to do with him because of all of his addictions (alcohol, drugs, porn, etc.). they put up with a lot and the older boy said he would never let the two of them go through that again. But again, we live in a great community and both sides of the family want what is best for these boys. so dude, you need to get a clue before you come after the ones who really know the WHOLE story, not just the story presented by Dateline. And as to her fear of the dark, the boys grew up sleeping with their lights on because of Flo's fear. There was always lights on throughout the night at the house. To be honest, it wasn't normal. Take care everyone. It's nice to see people so emotional over this but remember there is more to this long case than the one hour episode. The jury knew the whole story and made their decision. Luckily, it was the right one.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Carl, Albuquerque, NM — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:37:07 GMT

Reasonable doubt doesnt mean that you have to consider or create alternate explanations that are extremely improbable. If a husband takes his wife to any location where there is a lake when he knows that she is leaving him (and probably knows she is having an affair)then there is very little reasonable doubt. Not to mention that he obviously has problems with self control that he demonstrates with his gambling and alcohol addictions. Reasonable doubt has to be reserved for situations that do not involve so many red flags and motive. Otherwise, anyone can push someone into a lake, pool, ocean, river, etc and claim that they fell in or commited suicide. First hand witnesses and forensic evidence are usually not able or available to prove guilt. Circumstantial evidence is often pieced together to create the most plausible explanation, especially when there is so much motive.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Cheryl, Rochester, MN — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:37:59 GMT

Why didn't Mark Unger take the stand if he was innocent?

Sue, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, January 02, 2007 10:30 PM)
MAYBE HE DIDN'T TAKE THE STAND ON THE ADVISE OF HIS ATTORNEY.

Murder on a weekend getaway

H Magill, Seagoville, Tx. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:38:05 GMT

Well it appears that the jury was duped into fabricated evidence by the prosecution. No real hard evidence to base a guilty verdict on. The DA's office needed someone to charge the death with and the husband was easy.
Circumstantial evidence is evidence not bearing directly on the facts in a legal case but on various attendant circumstances from which a judge or jury might infer the occurance of the facts in dispute.

Fabricated facts should never be used to base gult in any trial. The legal system has been able to brain wash juries into beliveing that circumstantial evidence is good enough to convict on.

There is a little know process called jury nulification in which a jury refuses to accept laws that are unfounded laws used to convict on, in these cases the jury finds the defendent not guilty. In futuer cases this can be used as what is called case law to make sure innocent people go free.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Anonymous — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:42:04 GMT

I think it is important to note that the jurors based their decision on 9 weeks of testimony, not a one hour television show.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Family Friend, Huntington Woods, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:43:50 GMT

Unger did not take the stand because Pendergrast and the prosecution would have ripped him a new "you know what".

and because he knows he is guilty

Murder on a weekend getaway

Paulette, Big Rapids, MI. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:46:10 GMT

Having spent most my life in the area of the murder, I have observed a few things concerning this case. I called or talked daily with family about how it was progressing. I have this question, what was going on in the background of this case? While I am not sure of what happened on Lower Herron Lake, I am not sure Mark Unger got a fair trial in Benzie County, Michigan. I question the behavior of the victims rights advocate, at that time, employee by the courts. Her behavior was rather bizarre toward the victims parents.(A picture of her with her head in Florence Unger's Mother lap appeared in one of the Detroit Newspaper) And as a side note, the advocate is married to a local Michigan State Trooper. Word around the county is the victim's parents were approached to bankroll a business for the advocate and her husband. Just his alone, makes me feel that even if Mark Unger is found guilty again, he needs another trial in another place, not Benzie County, Michigan. The advocate for crime victims, is no longer in that position.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Devin Wheeler Holloman AFB, New Mexico — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:47:08 GMT

He should have at least gotten a new trial. Based on the evidence produced I personally could not agree with the jury. First of all with the injuries she sustained, it is possible to agree with the forensic specialist that she was on the pavement for over an hour. A theory that is plausible: she hit her head causing the blood spatter and pool of blood on concrete which lead to unconsciencousness. After said time she (even with injuries) awakes face down disoriented, only to roll over in order to cry out for help. At this point it is dark so she is scared and possibly rolls over too fast causing her to roll off the deck into the water. Now with her injuries she is most likely unable to lift her body out of the water for long to breathe. She would be so busy however trying to take a breath and scream that she is inhaling water and no noise will escape. Thus leading to her death. Next issue at hand, Crime scene Photos. I can't agree with position of body in photos due to fact that husband grabbed and held onto wife. This was witnessed and testified to by husband and on first on scene to find body. The likelyhood of body staying in same place and position with currents and any movement of husband is farfetched at best. Plus if the police went by the person who found the body, they would have to reposition her to match a eyewitness. This would constitute as manipulation of evidence. Continuing on a juror mentioned that if his spouse was in the water and he ran to her he would remove her from the water. If Mr. Unger would have done this he could have potentually ruined the investigation. He may have know this fact and that is why he left her there. I am a mother of four and would absolutely be conserned with getting my children away from where my husband was killed to avoid as much mental anguish as possible. He stated that he was completely lost at what to do when he found his wife. Later he did exactly what he was supposed to and the police officer thought this suspicious. I would have done the same thing on wanting to leave, unless I had been there without my children. With no physical evidence, and skepictal crime scene photos at that, he needs to file an appeal. To exploit him as losing custody of his children is wrong, because there is no mention that he is a bad father. The only reason he lost custody was because he was charged with murder. If and when he is granted his new trial, upon winning he should get them back and be awarded restitution for slander.

Murder on a weekend getaway

C. Davis — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:47:15 GMT

"Why risk leaving her for an hour on the concrete & then push her in the water if he was really guilty. I hope and pray he gets another trial and is found INNOCENT!!!"

I agree wholeheartedly!! This man is innocent!!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Dark did it — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:47:53 GMT

Well if she was so damned afraid of the dark. I say she freaked out when left alone, ran to get away from the dark, and leaped over the rail. It's a tragic story but, it seems quit obvious that the dark did it.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Cheryl, Rochester, MN — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:49:49 GMT

He deserves a fair trial then in a different county after reading this...The advocate for crime victims, is no longer in that position.

Paulette, Big Rapids, MI. (Sent Tuesday, January 02, 2007 10:46 PM)

Murder on a weekend getaway

so what else is new? — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:49:55 GMT

an advocate is an advocate.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Johnnie, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:51:13 GMT

The majority of the writers have seemed to ignore reasonable doubt. This is way we have so many innocent individuals incarcerated in our prison system to date. Judging from some of the comments, we really need to scrutinize potential jury candidates more in-depth. There was no eye witness and the evidence or lack there of did could not without a doubt merit a guilty verdict.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Joe Doe, To, Canada — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:53:09 GMT

If the theory of falling and bouncing is to be entertained than take into consideration that the body is already spinning in the air after her head hits the railing causing it to ... yes bounce toward the direction which it is spinning ... cintrifical force I think

Murder on a weekend getaway

INNOCENT BUT THOUGHT TO BE GUILTY, RIKERS ISLAND — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:53:38 GMT

How would you folks like it if your spouse fell down some stairs and his/her parents and family & friends started pointing a finger at you, saying that he/she wanted to divorce you and was afraid of you, and all you did was find their body at the bottom of the stairs?
Better hope you don't get an EMOTIONALLY CHARGED jury of women or you'll find out first hand if we have TV & INTERNET at RIKERS!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Debbie, Mt Vernon, IL — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:56:17 GMT

I watched the entire story and read all of the blogs. We all have to remember that Dateline is only a 1 hour show and can't possibly show us everything that went on in the court room. As for the jury covicting on circumstantial evidence, SOMETIMES THIER IS JUST NO HARD EVIDENCE, SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO DECIDE SOMETHING ON WHAT YOU CAN'T SEE! This is just that case, it would be very nice if everyone that killed someone would leave their fingerprints and the smoking gun laying along side the body but this is not reality. According to witness's Flo had told a couple of different people that she had been having a very bad week and that she lay in the bathroom and cried a few nights. It is very reasonable to think that she agreed to go on this last trip to appease her soon to be ex (he may have promised to not fight for the kids, etc) we will never know. This jury took thier time making this decision. It took them 4 days to come to the decision that he was guily. They had to have enough evidence (circumstantial or not) to find him guilty. I find his actions rather odd also. It seems to me that someone who is trying to work on thier marriage and trying to talk someone out of getting a divorce would not have let her be gone all that time without knowing where she was. As far as the woman who said she should have outgrown her "fear of the dark". I wasn't aware their were time limit on fears. Yes this woman was having an affair with her husband's best friend and I do think he knew about it but I tend to think him not being able to talk her out of the divorce was his motive. He did not want to lose his house and children. His attorney seemed to be a very intellegent man, I am sure he would have brought up every circumstance he could to explain how this happened, they just didn't fly. I truly believe on what I have seen and read on this case that he did kill her, whether the fall was an accident or on purpose, he finised it off. I agree with everyone else that when Chris asked him about killing his wife, he didn't say I didn't kill her. I too feel very sorry for the boys. I hope their lives in the future are more stable. It doesn't sound like they have been very secure up to this point.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Roberta, Sault Ste Marie, ON Canada — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:58:11 GMT

I want to know why they left the children alone in the cabin in the first place. If they loved their children so much you don't leave them alone and if the mom was so afraid of the dark I feel she would not leave her children alone, I know as parents we tend to pass along our fears to our children as well as our superstitions.
I also feel that if it was their last vacation together he would have waited for her to come back to the cabin to talk, not go to bed, he would do anything to keep the marriage together but as soon as they had some alone time, he goes to bed, with her not home. How could he sleep? If that were me and my husband I wouldn't go to bed, I would have waited for him to come home and tried anything to get him to talk to me.
This man is guilty.
May his children live in peace and God bless them.

Murder on a weekend getaway

no bounce no play — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:01:26 GMT

Body's never bounce or roll, watch this guy dive in the air and bounce and roll with momentum.

http://stillustronic.com/December/IkesNearINT.mov

Murder on a weekend getaway

Cheryl, Rochester, MN — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:02:50 GMT

Did anyone stop to think too, that the Duncans may have been afraid of being sued for being responsible for her death because of the rotten wood railing? That may be why they leaned towards trying to make her husband look guilty.

Murder on a weekend getaway

C. Davis — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:04:04 GMT

No....if she was so afraid of the dark, why did she stay at the dock while he put the kids to bed? Why did she go on the weekend getaway if she was so afraid of Mark? Why did the supposed 'best friend' get away with murder? Because of this 'best friend', children have lost their mother and father.....a husband lost his wife.....families were ruined...why wasn't this 'best friend' investigated?????
Mark only followed the path of the man who just came from the scene, and told him that "she was in the water"....it would be natural to run to the place where this man just came from, and only natural to run to the last place he saw his wife. Why didn't Mark try to find his wife that night? Because they were in the midst of a divorce, and he didn't want to "interfere" in what she decided to do for the evening. The 'lover'? Why wasn't he questioned further? I find HIM guilty....of ruining a LOT of people's lives...........

And, as far as Mark pulling her out of the water...I'm afraid I'd be so in shock I would not be able to do that, either.....I'd have my children at the foremost of my mind...which Mark seemed to have...he said he had to get his children.....all he had was his children on his mind.

As far as the 'best friend' asking Mark if he minded if he stayed at their home...c'mon....Mark didn't know...the friend was playing the jury.......

Murder on a weekend getaway

Johnny Mize, Dallas, TX — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:04:47 GMT

DEBBIE FROM MT VERNON,
YOU DO NOT SEND ANYONE, MALE OR FEMALE, TO PRISON FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES UNLESS YOU PROVE THEIR GUILT BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THEY LOOK GUILTY, ACT GUILTY, SMELL GUILTY, FEEL GUILTY OR SCREW AROUND ON THEIR SPOUSE, OR REFUSE TO TESTIFY IN COURT!
iT'S PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHO SCARE THE HELL OUT OF ME!
PLEASE BURN YOUR JURY SUMMONS......

Murder on a weekend getaway

Camden Grace, Athens, GA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:05:51 GMT

What's easy for all of us to forget in our "CSI" mentality generation is that the law DOES permit someone to be found guilty of a crime "beyond a REASONABLE" doubt and not "beyond ANY DOUBT at all". For us TV/Instant-Message/Gotta-Have-It-Now generation, we think we know it all in one hour. This jury spent many hours looking at evidence I'm sure we all question. To MONTY A., be careful about who you want damned to hell. In most religions, wishing such a thing can land you there yourself. To Reggie, as an ER nurse, when someone suffers a head injury and bleeds out of the nose (as this Dateline piece specified), the massive bleeding can stay contained as an intracranial hemmorage and stay confined within the skull. It's not unusual to not witness significant blood pools outside, especially from only 12 feet. And to the guy comparing flo's 12 ft. fall to a 1200 ft. sky-dive fall, dumb argument. An elephant would bounce when falling out of a plane. When our patients come into the ER after a 12-18 ft. ladder fall, almost always, the multiple contusions are confined to ONE area/side of the body, not multiple areas after bouncing. There's just not enough momentum from this height to build up the force to cause a falling person to bounce so much it would send them into a tumbling roll on a flat surface. It's about adding it ALL up for the jury and THEN asking the question of REASONABLE doubt. You may have zero confidence in our justice system, but given the choice, I try to give the benefit of the doubt to 12 fellow Americans who took plenty of time to come to a decision about this man. They did their civic duty, and I'm sure none of it was easy for any of them. They made the right decision.

Murder on a weekend getaway

KM, Kenosha, WI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:07:07 GMT

I'd have to lean towards innocent. No mention was made of a murder weapon. What did the jury think happened -- that he pushed her over the railing HOPING she'd die? Or, that he somehow got her on the ground and smacked her head on the concrete -- possibly multiple times? Wouldn't the forensic evidence show that? Also, there appeared to be cottages close-by. There was no mention of hearing an argument. In addition, sound really travels over water. That would include additional possible witnesses to an altercation. Afraid of the dark? A witness said she spent time out there before. Maybe she was reflecting on her crumbling family, and wanted to be alone for a few minutes. Maybe he did it, but he went about it in an odd way. If planned, he brought the kids (I wouldn't), and did it where it appears there was a great chance of someone hearing, or seeing something. If he did it, it happened in a lightening-fast moment of passion. If rage would have been involved, there would have been more damage done.

Murder on a weekend getaway

steve p — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:13:51 GMT

boy i hope i never get arrested for mistaken identity. been told to many times that i look like someone else. And get put away for something i didnt do especially with no proof.where would the justise be if i didnt do it.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Charles, Huntsville, TX — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:14:00 GMT

I personally believe he did it. It may be possible (as many here have argued) that a man would take his adulterous wife, who is leaving him and probably threatening to get custody of his children, to a lakehouse. BUT then she is found dead in the water hours after she died and her husband is the last person to be have seen her alive. Is it really more plausible that she just happened to fall over the railing standing out there by herself? Its not like she was conversing with people and not aware of her surroundings as she was paying attention to other things. She was standing on a deck by herself. As a husband I find it very difficult to believe that a man would leave his wife outside, go inside the house for a while, return to find her missing, and then just assume she went to the neighbors house. What would it take for you to convict if you have to have concrete evidence...videotape of him doing it?

Murder on a weekend getaway

C. Davis — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:18:21 GMT

And, what???? He pushed her over, left her to die....came back an HOUR and a HALF later to push her into the water?? Good God....if his intentions were to murder her, do you really think he would leave her unconscious body lie there for that amount of time? Not.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Cheryl, Rochester, MN — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:20:21 GMT

Camden Grace of Athens GA, You may be an ER Nurse but that doesn't mean you are right about not bouncing when you fall. If you could have seen me fall off my deck and hit the concrete patio, you would thing differently. I had my black lab on a leash and she jumped off the deck with me flying off behind her. I had the leash wrapped around my hand and I must have fell at least 6 feet or more hitting the concrete below on my right side, up into the air coming back down on my left knee, up again into the air coming back down on my forehead. So don't anyone say, you do not bounce when you fall from a height and hit a hard surface because I did!!! And it hurts! """There's just not enough momentum from this height to build up the force to cause a falling person to bounce so much it would send them into a tumbling roll on a flat surface.""" This is not true!

Murder on a weekend getaway

KZ ,Toronto, On — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:20:29 GMT

If I found this man guilty I would have trouble sleeping for the rest of my life.
The whole case has been very obtuse.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jane Doe, Omaha, NE — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:20:30 GMT

Will there be follow up to these posts - I noted several that seem to contain very pertinent info (i.e., the one indicating Unger said he'd "kill the bitch"). I realize it is hearsay or possibly misinformation but certainly worth following up on considering the content.

Murder on a weekend getaway

kelly — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:21:02 GMT

I had Just finished watching "lady In the Water" On Tues Night. I felt compelled to notify dateline as well as the world how unjust our criminal system is convicting Mark Unger of a crime that to my knowlegde, was clearly Hersay. I feel there was not enough critical, concrete evidence to support the Jurors decision. Everyone of those jurors had mentiond how they would have reacted in such a seniaro, how is it they seem to think they know how they would react in such shock, anger, and grief. Every personality reacts to life situations differently, how can they justly convict a man purley on his behavior. As far medical evidence there seemes to be No DNA and no absolutey physical concrete Proof that she was murderd. I don't know the details of the case however from an unbias point of view I feel he deserve an Appeal, I feel he was unjustly convicted. I thought in the United States everyone was Innocent until PROVEN guilty. It seemed to me most of the Jurors seemed as though they were a little bias and had made there mind up, they just needed a little more convincing.

Murder on a weekend getaway

C. Davis — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:21:14 GMT

Charles...maybe she asked to be alone in order to call her lover? Maybe she asked Mark to put the kids to bed so that they could oonverse further? eh? Maybe Mark didn't leave her, maybe she asked Mark to put the kids to bed, and, in his hope to reconcile the marriage, he went?

Murder on a weekend getaway

dedee — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:23:03 GMT

I was watching the show and received a phone call 20 min before it ended. Can someone fill me in

Murder on a weekend getaway

Casey Garcia, Milwaukee, WI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:26:30 GMT

When asked by Chris Hansen if he had killed his wife, twice, he did not answer the question, he avoided it. Why not? He goes to bed not knowing where his wife is? Come on. I think he found out from her, or someone else, that she was having an affair and he turned into Mr. Hyde. That body would have remained right where it landed--not bounced off into the water! He is just like all the rest--he only feels bad because he got caught. He killed her.

Murder on a weekend getaway

C. Davis — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:31:01 GMT

Or, possibly, Casey.....HE was deceived, by his wife, and her lover.....and then she decided to tell her lover to get lost....went on a weekend with her husband, to reconcile......and, either killed herself out of remorse, or the low life 'best friend' decided to kill her...I'm sure she told him where they'd be....??

Murder on a weekend getaway

C. Davis — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:34:01 GMT

Kelly....you are SO right on.

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Michael, Wisconsin — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:38:22 GMT

So if there is no confession or videotape evidence then nobody should ever be convicted because nothing else is "concrete" evidence. Sure would be nice if every guilty person confessed but even then I think some of you would figure out a reason not to convict.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Debbie, Mt Vernon, IL — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:39:44 GMT

In response to Johnny from Dallas. You want me to burn my jury summons when you have based your opinion on a 1 hour TV show? I beg to differ but you are the type of person who scares me. You are ready to let this guy out of prison and berate all 12 members of the jury for failing thier duty when you were not even in the court room. I never said anything about him not testifing. I don't know if you have heard the old saying if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, acts like a duck and smells like a duck. ITS A DUCK.

Murder on a weekend getaway

i repeat, well said — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:41:00 GMT

Murder on a weekend getaway

MJ, Kansas City, KS — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:46:16 GMT

Marks face or reaction after the verdict was read was one of...I can't believe they found me guilty while looking at his Lawyer. If I was found guilty and was sentenced for something I didn't do, I would be SHOUTING mad at the jury.

Murder on a weekend getaway

someone who watches television with his mind on, new york, ny — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:53:17 GMT

anybody who thinks he or she is MORE qualified to decide a case after watching a heavily edited one-hour tv show than a juror who's heard every bit of evidence presented by both sides is a complete idiot. OKAY? sheesh. i can't believe i even have to point this out.

Murder on a weekend getaway

TG, Latham NY — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:03:29 GMT

Nobody, but Mark & Flo, will every know if he is innocent or guilty. This is an educated man that has made bad choices in the past. Who is to say this is not another bad choice. Again, nobody will know the truth, but Mark and Flo. A concern to me, even though it was after the trial, was when Mark chose to dance around and not answer the question, "yes" or "no" when asked TWICE by Chris Hansen, "Did you kill your wife?" His response made me lean more towards him being guilty. Instead, Mark chose to use a play on words, "I would never do anything to HURT my wife." Anyone who is being accused of something he/she did not do, especially murder, would absolutely deny he/she did it. Again, he is an educated man and probably knew that the interview would be admissable in a court of law if he admitted it. I agree there are many questions in this case that should have been asked by the Prosecution and the Defense, yet we did not see the entire trial on the show. There may be some other evidence, I would hope for the sake of the US citizens, that was presented to the jurors with some substance/facts. Fortunately and unfortunaly, there are many cases that are put forth to a jury of our peers where there is only circustantial evidence that convicts criminals and takes them off the streets for our safety. The Judicial System is not perfect, nor are any of us. We can only hope and pray they (the Judicial System, lawyers & jurors) do the right thing by way of the law. For the sake of the children and the rest of the family, the truth comes out and they all can try to come to terms with this tragety. However, until the question is answered, Who killed Flo?, I'm sure there will never be the ability to come to terms with this. The boys will have a long life ahead of them without their mother and father. GOD Bless the boys..... I'm not certain, if lie detector tests are admissible in court because of the uncertainty of the results. Isn't there data proving that lie detector tests are not concrete and some lie detector tests were passed, even though a person was lying?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Camden Grace, Athens, GA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:03:47 GMT

To Cheryl in Rochester: If you had come into the ER after being DRAGGED off of a deck, I would certainly expect to see multiple contusions on different areas of your body. Bad comparison. Your injuries, like many similar accidents to yours I've seen over the years, would obviously be different from those of a person falling from a height with less force than being dragged by a lab. A simple quick push against a "shorter-than-code" boat dock guard which is rotting just wouldn't duplicate your injuries. Remember, even though the guard rail was rotting, her momentum would have been slowed by it, thus reducing her "cartwheel" fall. PS: Really hope you're feeling better:)

Murder on a weekend getaway

Birmingham,Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:06:46 GMT

Hey there "RRRR",Rikers Island must certainly have internet & cable since there was a response to dateline on the internet!! HA,HA! I fell off my small horse(he didn't rear up or buck)and bounced off the ground and broke 4 ribs.We were not moving fast at the time of the fall. I am young,healthy and NOT MADE OF RUBBER. Oh by the way did anyone see the movie Shawshank redemption? He was innocent!I have a medical background and participated on a jury in the past. I am emotional like every other female but I didn't see any logical or forensic evidence that would bring me to believe he was guilty.I hear many reports from the E.R. that patients bounce. I work in the O.R. & see many kinds of injuries from falls.If it was not an accident, what about her lover as a suspect? All those whom claim to be "family friends" are really only Flo's friends.She was CHEATING on the FATHER of her children with his BEST FRIEND!! People face there fears everyday.Oh,FLO MUST HAVE NEVER SLEPT BECAUSE WHEN YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES IT IS DARK!!!!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Sheila, Proud American — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:08:30 GMT

I see so many comments here about "circumstantial evidence, no dna, no hard evidence, the jurors are idiots", etc. In this day and age of forensic science and hidden cameras, jurors are condemned if they proclaim a guilty verdict if there is no forensic science, video, or outright confession. I certainly am the last person on God's Earth that would want to see an innocent person condemned if innocent, but come on! From what i saw tonight on Dateline, this guy is SO guilty. Even though he didn't leave a "black glove"...

Murder on a weekend getaway

c.c. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:09:14 GMT

When asked: "Did you kill her?" he couldn't answer "No".
Instead he is evasive and gives an indirect oblique response claiming he wouldn't do anything to hurt her. Does he mean he could kill her (quickly and painlessly) without hurting her? Guilty lying Rat.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Bonnie Russell — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:11:46 GMT

www.FamilyLawCourts.com/domestic.html

Which details that Eighty percent of California women who are murdered, are murdered by their "intimate partners." Just like Scott Peterson, men are very nice, once they decide divorce isn't an option...so the women think everything is okay. San Diegan Ruth Cox was hammered in the head by her husband TWICE before he killed her. They were childhood sweethearts.

She overspent and he freaked.

Murder on a weekend getaway

darlene, Ontario, Canada — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:12:14 GMT

I do believe that since OJ's trial "death over divorce" has become prevalent. However on this trial I think things were over-looked (or under looked). I follow these types of cases alot, and I believe that the husband very well could be innocent. It just doesnt add up to me. Biggest hole is that " she didnt roll off the pavement". I think she could have. And another thing is the caretaker running up to their cottage...prehaps in his shock he did say that she is down by the boathouse, and I dont think that was questioned enough. Did they have problems?dont we all?but I dont feel that enough was done to prove him quilty!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Casey — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:13:47 GMT

Ok, C.Davis, say she committed suicide or her lover killed her, why would her husband not come looking for her before going to bed? No concern or worry about her? Why would he not hear any noises or a blood curdling scream? She would not reconcile because she had already told someone she did not want to go on the weekend trip, she was afraid.

Murder on a weekend getaway

sla, The Great Lakes State — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:16:24 GMT

And as far as i can see here, men predominately think he's innocent...hmmmmmmmmmmm

Murder on a weekend getaway

no-too-much nabor Huntington Woods, MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:18:36 GMT

There was no evidence that Flo was even having an affair. She was not there to defend herself. In regards to where the "boyfriend" was at the time of the murder - he was at home which is out of state. There is evidence that Mark had numerous affairs, they were not living together as man and wife for approx. 5 years, Mark's girlfriend was in the courtroom wearing Flo's engagement ring (which belonged to Flo's grandmother), Mark was addicted to porn - receipts from blockbuster were presented at the trial which indicated that porn was rented the day of the funeral.
Mark voluntarily gave up his parental rights only after his mother convinced him that better society should think that a "nice guy" got a bad break and was found guilty as opposed to her providing testimony under oath that she knew he was having affairs, addicted to porn, gambling, drugs, prostitutes and guilty of embezzlement. Sounds like "nice guys" are capable of doing bad things. The kids are happy to be far away from him and in a safe home. Also, pathology reports indicated that she was slugged in the face and stomach, and kicked in the hip before she went up and over the railing. She landed on her back there was a pool of blood and brain sample results indicated that she was there approx 90 min. before she was turned over and dragged to the water (scrape marks were present). When she was placed in the water she was still alive as evidenced by the fluid in her lungs.

Murder on a weekend getaway

David, San Diego — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:20:54 GMT

In the great maajority of cases there is no dna evidence, no confessions, not even reliable witnesses that actually witnessed the crime. This is especially true in cases of domestic violence as it is very different than that of other violent crime. 4000 women are killed by their male partners each year in america, 75% of them when they are leaving their partner. Tens of thousands are battered. What if he didnt intend to kill her, and just shoved her out of anger? Odds of that happening are much, much greater than the odds of her falling over the railing. Those odds, combined with a very questionable explanation by the husband, problems in the marriage (especially adultery)and doctors testifying that the physical evidence did point to murder...could easily eliminate reasonable doubt. Doesnt have to be beyond a shadow of a doubt...so the jurors did their best and heard a lot more evidence than we have.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Lily M., Seattle, Wash — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:24:11 GMT

I was stunned at the verdict. I mean, I'm not saying whether the defendent was guilty or not, but the bottom line is --there wasn't reasonable evidence at all that he did it! Just b/c he packed up his stuff right after finding his wife, not shedding tears, etc. this doesn't give anything. Everyone has their own ways, even if it may seem strange, in coping with whatever disasters, even murder. Again, not even the anatomists wasn't sure whether it was an accident or a crime. In an uncertain case, there should never be someone else's life at stake!

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Family Friend, Huntington Woods, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:25:25 GMT

yo sinner, if she wasn't murdered, how did her body get into the water? it couldn't bounce, there is no such thing as rolling energy. there was a pool of blood and she had water in her lungs. hmmmmmm. i don't know why people talk about a lack of evidence when that seems pretty clear to me. she slept with this guy "a few times" in two years and there are many people in our city that think this guy she "slept with" is crazy and it was just his imagination, some crazy obsession he had...people on both sides think this. so you should really think things over before you talk about people you don't even know. flo was a beautiful person, she has two beautiful children who will always look up to her and carry on her memories. It is unfortunate that they do not have a father with whom they can do the same thing. I know Mark, too, and these boys were afraid of him pre-murder, as well. It is just a horrible tragedy, but you really have no right to make such slanderous comments based off of a one-hour tv show when i know what has been happening the last four years. You should really be ashamed and disgusted

Murder on a weekend getaway

Tuleen Brown, Hillsboro, Oregon — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:25:32 GMT

I would have to say I felt for sure he was guilty when he didn't pull her immediately from the water which is what I would have done. Also had they come up with a guilty verdict and I wasn't guilty, I would have been much more visably upset than he was.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Mary Steffens, Lebanon OR — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:27:02 GMT

I totally believe the man is innocent. Our justice system is not all that it is cracked up to be. A person is actually considered guilty and has to be proved innocent. I know there are a good many people in prison that are innocent. They are kept in jail and are under mental and financial distress and about 95 percent take no contest because they cannot afford the $10,000 up front that is required to have a decent lawyer. It is pathetic...just read the book, Justice for None and then you will know...Mmm

Murder on a weekend getaway

Patricia, Oak Park, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:27:13 GMT

Why is everyone amazed that Unger was found guilty based on feelings? This is the era of I presume, therefore it is. (No evidence necessary to convict.) The U.S. presumed Bin-Laden was guilty of 9-11, therefore the U.S. invaded Iraq. (No evidence necessary to convict.) The U.S. presumed Saddam had weapons of mass destruction, therefore the U.S. invaded Iraq. (No evidence necessary to convict.) The prosecutor, police, and jurors in the Unger trial felt he was guilty, therefore he is. (No evidence necessary to convict.)

Murder on a weekend getaway

questions, ontario — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:33:41 GMT

was there any one else at the crime scene.. this was not addressed

Mark left for an hour and a half. When he left she was alive ... going with the falling or suicid theory why wouldn't it be possible (after falling or being pushed) if she was as they say "still alive", to become consious again at any given moment during that period and strugle to get to her feet and stumble herself into the water

What about her lover ... lots of motive

what about the potential of another lover... nothing said about that

computer generated simulation answering the delema of how the body got into the water face down... we rely on computers everyday to varify our lives

Murder on a weekend getaway

Family Friend, Huntington Woods, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:35:41 GMT

Viewing porn on the day of her funeral seems kind of shady to me. I'm still trying to figure out how her body got from the cement to the water without being dragged. While we're at it, how did the drag marks on her body get there? If you can give me a legit explanation to that, we can talk, otherwise, shut up.

It has nothing to do with porn; it has to do with a woman being murdered by her husband.

There is never an excuse for murder.

In response to "She is the sinner": How is he not the sinner if he was convicted of first degree murder?

One more thing: I thought they scanned these things for no offensive language. Use appropriate language.

In response to questions from Ontario: Learn how to spell dilemma first. Second, the computer images were nothing more than cartoons. Explain how a body can barrel roll nine times then land in the water. Also explain how the blood spot was in a different location for every simulation.

Murder on a weekend getaway

no-too-much nabor Huntington Woods, MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:36:31 GMT

Smite- Use your brains, even if she was having an affair, that is not a death sentence. There is more proof that she was murdered then there is that she was having an affair. Murder is a sin, let him rot in hell! She can not defend herself, he had a whole costly defense team to protect him and that didn't even help.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Female, Grosse Pointe ,Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:37:20 GMT

I HOPE that Mr.Unger has a chance to read all of these responses so he knows how many people think he is innocent. There are responses that do not claim he is innocent but at least say he did not have a fair trial/verdict. There was NOT compelling evidence. If the family friends were truely mature family friends, they would want the children to be in contact with the father. After all, he is their father. Maybe "the friends" do not want the chilren to see there there is a probalality of innocence!

Murder on a weekend getaway

b. sura, lansing, mi — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:38:27 GMT

To LILY M., SEATTLE WASHINGTON: You watched a TV show, a one-hour TV show. It was created by people who had nothing to do with the trial. You weren't at the trial, either. You did not sit in a courtroom and listen to testimony, as the jurors did. You really have no idea what you're talking about.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Family Friend, Huntington Woods, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:39:47 GMT

Why would the family friends want his children to have contact with their father when the children don't want to?

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bobbie vella, richmond, va — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:42:49 GMT

To everyone who thinks Mark was railroaded: Does this affect your feelings about the death penalty? What if Michigan had the death penalty? (It doesn't.) If you believe in the death penalty, does a case like this shake your belief at all?

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jane doe,MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:44:52 GMT

The kids lived through his addictions and treatment. They dealt with his abusive ways and they know how their mother was treated. They have been to hell and back and they are finally in a safe home. The older son did not testify because the defense team could not get to say what they wanted. The kids know the truth. They will always be protected by their family and friends no matter what the cost.

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jane doe,MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:46:40 GMT

The death penalty would be the easy way out, let him rot.

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Sinned — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:47:39 GMT

Why does everyone assume that if she fell, that she would just sit there in one spot. Most times in head injuries, the patient will be in an altered mental state. Most act erratically and once they come too, hardly ever remember acting in such a manor.

As for the scrapes on the body, which you claim to be drag marks. There was no mention of this on the video and if there were marks, she fell on CONCRETE. You think a body in motion that falls at an angle will stay where it falls? That she will have minimal injures?

What you are bringing up is reasonable doubt. Like I said, there is no proof that she was even murdured.

Viewing Porn, acting in a manor you don't agree with are all OPINIONS, not EVIDENCE OF GUILT.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Mary Steffens, Lebanon OR — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:48:18 GMT

First of all you cannot say how you will be in a situation like that. People go numb and are in shock. They are not going to react or say the things they would normally say. Have you never had a loved one die? Most people when a loved one dies are frozen in time and just go through the moves until the situation, burial and notification of others, is resolved. Reaction and real grief often doesn't come for up to 6 months. Can you imagine the shock one must be in when their loved one dies in that manner?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Family Friend, Huntington Woods, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:53:33 GMT

Yes we have had a loved one die because I lost Flo. How can she be in an altered state if she was unconscious.

Regarding the scrapes: There was nine weeks of testimony. What you heard was less than an hour of what actually happened in a duration of two and a half months.

All he kept saying throughout all of the interviews was that HE was the victim and HIS life was over: No mention of his kids or his wife, who was the ultimate victim.

Also, did anyone notice tears when he was crying? Throughout all of the footage of him sobbing, there were no tears. Crazy, eh?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Sheila,Benzie Co.Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:53:37 GMT

I lived through a bad divorce recently also in this small Benzie County and I would of never believed how threatened my husband could become with the impending loss of his family and status.He threatened daily to killing me or taking the kids ,stalking etc.It was indeed a nightmare that I never would of put myself in.We all lived through it but I could imagine everything that happened in the Unger trial because I lived through it unlike Florence.It is so scarry, this story could of been mine.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Barbara Merced,Ca. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:54:28 GMT

Did anyone ever think that maybe the x-boyfriend might have done it? He had a bad attitude and maybe he was mad that the couple was going off together and maybe he followed them or found out where they went and met with her at the dock. I think the husband was innocent.B

Murder on a weekend getaway

Patricia, Oak Park, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:56:30 GMT

Against the death penalty before the Unger trial, against the death penaly after the Unger trial.

A long life without his suburban home, his career, his money, his designer clothes, his car, his vacations, his drugs, his gambling, his children, his friends is a penalty.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Family Friend, Huntington Woods, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:57:50 GMT

Amen to Patricia and Jane Doe:

The death penalty would not allow him to suffer for his entire life. He caused us all to suffer without the presence of Flo for our entire life, he should deserve the same.

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Heidi, North Pole, Alaska — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:59:15 GMT

While it is true that people react in different ways to death, the husband's actions are suspicious. It's not only one thing that raised red flags but a combination of actions. If he is guilty then justice prevailed although it is not always the case. In the end I feel sorry for the couple's children.

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Ron B., Ohio — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:59:19 GMT

Wow, the cops, the prosecution, the defense, the court system of the state of michigan spend years working on this case and BARBARA of Merced, CA, finds the killer after watching a TV show about it! amazing!

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Family Friend, Huntington Woods, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 06:01:56 GMT

When all is said and done, there are no winners to this case. Two children are left without a mother, and because of their fathers actions, they are left fatherless as well. The families and friends of both sides have lost someone that they loved dearly and that can never be replaced. Although it may be limited, the Unger's can still spend time with their loved one. Flo's family cannot do that.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Sin — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 06:02:01 GMT

Who said she was unconscious? Have you ever seen anyone after a trauma incident? I've seen more than one. One person I know was training in pool vaulting. He got to the top of his pole and fell back, missed the mat, had no spotter and landed on his head.

He lost blood and at no time did he lose conscience nous, he was in an altered mental state and was acting VERY erratically. Ask any EMT that has been apart of a trauma incident.

Just an FYI, his fall was at a greater height.

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Royal Oak, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 06:06:57 GMT

Dear NO-TO-MUCH NABOR Huntington Woods, If they were not living together for 5 years then there must of been some emotional acceptance that the marriage was just about over. Knowing that, it seems like there would be less emotion to drive him to kill her! Sound reasonable? The porn and girfriends seemed to satisfy him for a fair amount of time so why bother killing her?There was sooo much more to keep him distracted. Come on. I get it. People may have liked her more than him but it does not make him a killer. As far as Mark Unger saying he could never hurt his wife sounds very compassionate verses I could never KILL her. When you care about someone and could be innocent it would be difficult to say the word "kill". Why is it that some people are so close minded as to when evualating a crime think everybody should respond the same way they would?? Not everyone would do they same thing int the same situations. We do not all dress a like, eat a like so why should we respond a like?

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Devin, Holloman AFB, New Mexico — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 06:09:25 GMT

To Family Friend, given that she broke her hip when she fell, who is to say that she didn't manage to drag herself along the ground before disorientation overtook her and she rolled into the water thinking she was somewhere else? It was dark and I'm sure she was afraid. So obviously you haven't read my scenario from earlier.

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matt, nyc — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 06:18:29 GMT

all this speculation from the peanut gallery about dragging or not dragging herself into the water, bouncing, rolling...COME ON! none of you is a forensic pathologist or saw any of the evidence!! YOU SAW NONE OF THE EVIDENCE, ZERO!!! YOU WATCHED A TV SHOW!!! here's what someone who IS an expert and who DID see the evidence had to say: (from the Detroit News, June 1, 2006: http://tinyurl.com/yg5vkb) Retired Macomb County Medical Examiner Werner Spitz, an internationally renowned forensic expert, contracted by defense attorneys to perform a second autopsy. Spitz, not called as a witness or even mentioned during the trial, said in a CNN report last month he believes Unger's head injury caused her death and said there is no way she entered the lake on her own. Defense attorneys said they have no plans to call Spitz to the witness stand. note those words THERE IS NO WAY SHE ENTERED THE LAKE ON HER OWN. note also that he was hired by the defense, who understandably decided that they'd just as soon not let him testify after all....

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Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 06:26:38 GMT

Dear NO-TOO-MUCH-NABOR, did you ever consider that maybe the marks were from Flo dragging herself? As far as "NOT ROLLING", did you ever do summersaults as a child or roll on the ground sideways for fun? I know I did. My parents divorced when I was an infant.I never wanted to see my father because my mother and her family verbally bashed him.I regret the missed opportunity to spend time with my dad. My dad is a good person and it broke his heart not to have me in his life. Mark Unger, good or bad, innocent or guilty still has the right to his children. By the way are you male or female?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Marie Cardona, Huntington Woods, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 06:36:31 GMT

The point is that this case is rife with reasonable doubt--so much reasonable doubt, no one can deny that. With all this doubt was it right to put a possible innocent victim in prison for the rest of his life? No. Dragovic, the medical examiner with the conflicting views, was someone who has been known to seek cases with media attention, and it's possible he chose that "homicide" stance to attract the most attention. That rail was falling apart, rotting, and it was far lower than Michigan law requires--"an accident waitng to happen". Unger reacted the way that anyone would after losing their wife. And wanting to get his kids away from that horrible scene is hardly a crime. This is very remiscent of such stories as Albert Camus' The Stranger. It seems that people are basing most of their conclusions on the way Unger looked. "I didn't like his face", someone said. People like him are sometimes doomed to be victims because of the way they look, and because Flo was so beautiful. People want to find a victim, a scapegoat. They want to find a murderer for something that is probably an accident.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Franny, Detroit, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 06:39:54 GMT

People are looking too much into the "I would never hurt my wife" thing. He was just trying to emphasize the fact that he *would never hurt his wife* and therefore not kill her! Come on!

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Sam, Royal Oak, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 06:41:56 GMT

How can you people call Mark Unger things like "a spineless loser of a man" and label him as a monster, as a murderer, when there is no way of knowing whether or not he is guilty? God! This is why the Salem Witch Trials happened!

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Lori from California — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 06:58:12 GMT

I respect the people who personally knew both Flo and Mark and more of the full story not just an hour episode. We do not know everything. However, I too find it strange that he made a comment of bringing a blanket and candles yet he can't recall what would be their last conversation? There was too much hesitation and indiferrences in his interviews. When you know for a fact that YOU did not do something you stand up for your self. Let's not forget the repeated liars and good ones that are out there some convicted and some not.I think it was an attempt to finalize a marriage that had problems and went terribly wrong.My prayers are for the boys future.With love

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Proud to call Northern Michigan home. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 07:28:47 GMT

Devin: "no mention that he was a bad father"????? Drug addition and gambling don't seem to be in the "Good Father" handbook I'm reading. To those that call the jurors morons and "an uneducated and backwoods jury": you did not see all twelve jurors, only 5 were on the show. (And of the five, I do know one who I would characterize as be very well educated and fair. I do not know the others.) Education knows no geographical boundaries; we have had schools, books, libraries, colleges and universities, and even the internet in "backwoods" Benzie Co. Michigan for quite some time now. I take offense at your prejudice.

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John Locke, Columbus Ohio — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 14:21:26 GMT

Whilst most people concentrate on the case I find it most interesting how a considerable number of people can see the same information and yet reach a different conclusion. What does this say about the justice system? We are told the defense lawyer was one of the best, yet he failed to convince enough people. Equally we were not there for all of the trial. Can we make a decision with snippets of information? There have been many trials where the public have reached a differing conclusion then the jury, all based on reporting in the media. Not the best of witnesses. Sensationalism and compelling viewing is the order of the day. Even with a televised court cases, we, as the viewing public, will not watch all of it so why should we be surprised if we differ in out judgment from the jury. All the best John www.AnEnglishmanAbroad.com

Murder on a weekend getaway

Rebecca, Southfield, MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 14:50:15 GMT

To all of you who question the possibility of two people in the midst of a divorce to go away with their kids: it can happen. When your kids future are at stake and you are contemplating upsetting their lives, you do try to explore ALL avenues and make sure that you are making the best decision. That being said, in my opinion he is GUILTY. Mark Unger is someone who I have run across several times over the years in business. He is an extreme "hothead" and throws tantrums like a small child when things to go his way. The next day, flowers would be delivered to the office as a way of apologizing for his behavior. I have no problem believing that he did this in some sort of rage and couldn't back peddle fast enough! Due to my knowing this man, I have followed this story quite closely. Though it was a very circumstantial case, I believe the outcome came out correctly. He not only took his childrens mother from them, he took himself as well. How incredibly selfish. I hope his children grow up in a very safe and nurturing environment. I also hope that they know BOTH sets of grandparents and extended family. I will say a prayer for them, they are the real victims.

Murder on a weekend getaway

D.Harry Half Day IL — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 14:54:29 GMT

I am sorry to say, the "Prosecution got away with Murder". I speak from personal experience, when I tell you I'm "living proof" someone can fall any number of feet, roll whatever, land on there head after hitting other parts of there body on stone/cement, land in the water. In my case I was with friends who came to my rescue. Had I been alone and drowned there would have been no evidence found, where did these people come up with these stories and fairytales?

Murder on a weekend getaway

Dave, Pullman, Mi. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 15:00:07 GMT

I have been a police officer for over 25 years and have never seen a victim with that kind of injuries to the head, and the victim still living, with so little blood pooling. If the victim was lying on the break-wall for over one hour before being placed in the lake, there would be more blood to my way of thinking.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Miss C — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 15:18:45 GMT

Sorry but something doesn't add up from the state side of this case. According to the state she was on the cement for at least an hour and a half before she was pushed or rolled into the water. If this was correct, there would have been a lot more blood on the cement then just a stain. Anyone knows someone bleeding from the head for more then an hour would produce more then just a stain. I'm also surprised the defense team did not highlight this. After realizing this for myself. To me the defense digital side show now makes sense

Murder on a weekend getaway

Meg MA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 15:44:49 GMT

I believe he did it, but I also know that there isn't much evidence.. I am going with my gut on this and that's ok for me because I was not on the jury.. from his behavior, he doesn't seem upset. I don't know why she even went with him but I can't figure out why she would stay out on the deck alone.. she told alot of people that he was acting strange and I think that it is just such a huge coincidence that she fell from the deck that weekend.. then as for him running right to her in the water, I would think he might have ran up to the deck where he supposedly had last seen her but I think he knew she had fallen.. and as for him not jumping in the water and trying to help or pull her out and stay by herside rather then pack up and leave does NOT sit well with me..I just really find it hard to believe that someone wouldn't do all they can for their spouse who is lying face down in the water.. I would want to get my husband out right away and check every inch of him trying to figure what happened to him.. and I always find it strange when people just want to pack up real quick and get away from the situation.. as for his interviews I didn't think he was geniune and yes he did cry a little and he can do that just for the fact of realizing what a horrible thing he did and now the regrets from it as he sits in jail for the rest of his life, that and or the guilt he feels may cause some tears.. He cried more when he talked about his boys which is understandable because he didn't do anything to them.. when I watched that show I did not feel he was genuine about any of it.. I have watched shows where you could tell the person did not do it and I just did not feel that in this case, You can tell so much from someone's actions and behavior but you can't convict on that..

Murder on a weekend getaway

Vicky Benson, New Paris, Indiana — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 16:18:21 GMT

From just watching the TV show I, too, was surprised at the verdict (yet not too surprised, knowing the state of our justice system and most of the verdicts on Dateline programs). I thought there was too much reasonable doubt to convict (for life without possibility of parole). However, after reading the blogs, I realize the jury had a lot more to go on than we did, and perhaps Dateline's editing was biased to cause controversy (hype) over the verdict. It seems that the loss of custody could be more related to character issues other than the guilty verdict. It is a tragedy for both families, nonetheless. I still don't know in my own mind if it was an accident or murder. I am one who took many notes on the O.J. Simpson trial (what I saw of the daily summations) and came up with quite a list of items that cast doubt. I felt that the jurors had no choice for their verdict (not based on race but on "reasonably doubtful" evidence; including a police officer taking a vial of O.J.'s blood to the scene of the crime in his pocket, and some of it being missing). Not that I felt he was necessarily innocent. And since the verdict, I am even more conflicted (more doubtful about his innocence). The gall of coming out with a book on how he might have killed these people (though the book was withdrawn by the publisher) makes me more prone to think that justice may not have been served. However, the experience from one case should not have a bearing on a totally different situation. I just think maybe Dateline didn't show us enough of the "circumstantial evidence" for us to see that the guilty verdict was inevitable. It really all comes down to what one group of 12 people concluded. A different group of 12 may have come to a different conclusion, based on the same trial. That is scary, too. (It would be interesting to actually use two juries in a good number of cases and see how many times they differ.) I do think that a lot of time trial lawyers seem more interesting in "winning" their cases than in whether the truth wins out.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Sherry from St. Louis, MO — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 16:40:23 GMT

I believe justice has been served. While reasonable doubt existed throughout the case Mr. Unger didn't seem to shed a REAL tear. His emotions seemed very forced and phony to me. His actions wipe out any reasonable doubt. I hope the two boys can somehow lead a happy and normal life after what has happened.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Shelley, Columbus, Ga. — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 17:02:01 GMT

Only Mark and God knows what he did, it appears strange to me though, his odd behavior on the phone how are you so upset about your wife supposedly and just turn your emotions on and off like that. I know that if I found my spouse in a lake and I was innocent and loved them like he claimed to love his wife I am not going to leave them lying in the water while I pack the car to go home come on now that is really really suspicious. Most people would be hysterical and couldnt or would not leave their spouses side let alone lying in the water. Also I also found it strange that he could not answer the question about killing his wife, he never once said no I did not kill my wife he said he would not do anything to hurt her the answer is yes or no. And also there is no way that if anyone fell and hit there head on cement they are going to roll or bounce. The last thing that made me wonder is that when he came back out and did not see her, and he thought he saw a light on at the other house or room were he thought she was you tell me he went all night without going to see if she was okay and why she wouldnt come back to the house with him.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Becky, St. Louis, MO — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 18:18:41 GMT

I don't doubt that they could have gone on a trip with the kids while in the midst of a divorce, because my ex-husband and I did the same thing. We did it for the kids' sake. I don't doubt that she could have bounced or rolled after hitting the concrete. I have seen people do just that after falling. It depends on the angle of the fall, and on what parts hit the ground first. I don't doubt that Mark's first reaction could have been to just go home, get the kids home, get away from that place. I had a similar feeling when my Dad died -- I had to get out of town, go away from where the death had happened. Yes, I too do not like Mark's demeanor. His personality is a big red flag. But we should not convict someone on personality alone. I do have doubts about the small amount of blood. If indeed she had been lying on the concrete for 90 minutes, wouldn't there be more than just a small stain? Was any of the blood washed away by waves, or disturbed by people walking there? Or was that small spot the only blood there was? There is too much reasonable doubt here for me to convict.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Joy Vaughn Bluff City, TN — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 18:30:06 GMT

I think he killed her and I feel he practically admitted it when you asked him twice, "Did you murder your wife"? Each time he replied with, "I would never hurt my wife". I found it odd that he did not reply with a loud "NO".

Murder on a weekend getaway

Maria. San Juan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 19:38:11 GMT

I don't think I would go w/ a man, that I'm afraid of to a solitary dark boat deck, with the divorce and everything going on around me...still I think Mr. Unger going straight to where the body was is weird...Im so sorry for the boys...still their grandmother is not at fault for her son's actions, she should be able to see the kids. They lost their mother and father...

Murder on a weekend getaway

Powell, Summerdale, AL — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 19:41:23 GMT

What about this....The phone calls he made afterwards....to his accomplice?? maybe?, possibly one of his girlfriends they could have pushed his wife off the boat dock and killed her. He knew she was afraid of the dark and maybe he told her would be right back and already have plotted out the entire scenario. Then he called the murderer the next morning to confirm her death. Then he could say "HE" didn't kill or harm her and could pass a lie detector test??? I don't know too many unanswered questions on his side.....I'll have to back the jury verdict.

Murder on a weekend getaway

J. Reed - Leesburg, VA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 20:05:41 GMT

Tough call. This isn't a matter of opinion. It's a case that should have been decided on fact and evidence. Unfortunately, there wasn't PHYSICAL evidence to support this conviction. You can't "wish" someone guilty. As much as anyone would like to pin murder on a husband with an obvious motive, without physical evidence it was wrong to do so. Mark Unger can answer any question, in any way that he wants to, without outright admitting the murder. Does it make him APPEAR guilty? YES. Does it MAKE him guilty? No. Speculation either way won't bring Flo back. It won't bring the children their mom back. Do I think he killed her? Yes. I, like most, assume that he did. But our judicial system failed him because there was reasonable doubt. He was assumed guilty, not proven guilty.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Truth teller, Huntington Woods, MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 20:06:32 GMT

The reason Flo went on the trip and didn't leave the house was because her divorce attorney told her she was in danger of losing the children via abondonment. Florence specifically told her attorney she was concerned for her safety. This came out in the trial- In fact an attorney for the divorse attorney tried to prevent this from coming out (judge denied the motion)- presumably because it was bad advise that ultimately proved fatal and potentially negligent. He is absolutely guilty. Can't believe Dateline missed this and other important facts!

Murder on a weekend getaway

confused — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 21:05:44 GMT

everyone is basing their opinions on a one hour episode. the jurors had weeks of testimony to listen to. there is more to the story than what we all saw. i do believe that yes, there was a lot of reasonable doubt involved here, but i also see a lot of things that don't add up and to me make him appear to be guilty... why if he was in the water, arms under her, holding her up, would he have just left her there, then go pack up the car and want to leave? why in all of his sobbing did we not see one tear? why would he not come out and answer the question that was posed to him? it is too bad that we are not privy to ALL of the information in this case. and that the jury is being bashed and being called names. they know a lot more about this case than we do after just one hour, less if you count commercials!!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Blake — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 21:23:45 GMT

Justice is DEAD. What happened to "beyond a reasonable doubt"?? I believe he could be guilty but.... He will win his appeal.

Murder on a weekend getaway

S. Cox, Baton Rouge, Louisiana — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 21:30:37 GMT

Wow...he tricked her into going with him? That's just dumb. From what I can gather, the woman wasn't portrayed as some weak female with no thought in her head. I believe she went on that trip out of some sense of maybe trying to recapture what the two of them had. I know it's hard to believe, but it is possible. I'm currently going through a break up, still living in the same house as my ex. We still eat together, we still go shopping together, we even went Christmas shopping for our daughter together. Two weeks ago we went to the movie theatres and held hands. We're still broke up and trust me it's been a very bitter and long drawn out breakup between us. Not every divorce or breakup is a motive for murder. When he picked her up he stated blood gushed every where. If she had laid on the concrete for an hour and a half like the Doctor said, why wasn't there a pool of blood? There was a stain, like someone had fallen, touched the concrete and fell, rolled, dropped, somewhere else. If the jury believed the Doctor's theory of her lying there for an hour and a half unconscious, why did none of them think about that? As for all the comments about him saying "No I've never hurt her", come on people. If he killed her, he would of had to hurt her first. Of course he'd say he's never hurt her. He didn't murder her.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Julie, Lake George,NY — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 21:48:04 GMT

I firmly believe the prosecuters made a grave mistake. There was not enough evidence, he passed a lie detector test, of course not addmissible in court. I think if someone like Dr. Henry Lee was investigating a case like this the outcome would have been different. It could have been poosible that she fell over the railing and hit the cement below, she could have been unconcious for a long time, she then became concious, tried to get up, but because she had a fractured hip and a head injury, fell into the water. I think a innocent man is in jail.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Anthony, Huntington Woods, MI — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 22:05:58 GMT

Unger was offered an official lie detector test administered by police but he refused. He was offered visitation with his kids if he passed it- He refused. He wouldn't even take the stand in his own defense but had no problem whipping up some tears for the media on several occasions and talking with them, no tears when it really mattered though. He's a coward,drug addict and guilty. Did you know that he walked into the Huntington Woods council and demanded that memorial garden signs be torn town so as not to honor a unfaithful wife. Next day they were vandalized and broken. He is known as a real hound-dog around the neighborhood with several affairs himself.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Family Friend, Huntington Woods, Mi — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 22:13:16 GMT

Also in regards to the pool of blood comment made earlier by S. Cox. By the time that the crime scene investigators came was hours after she had been in the water: it is possible that blood could have dried up.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Tom C., Dallas, Texas — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 22:43:27 GMT

If Mark had lifted his wife's body out of the water and up onto the deck,like any other spouse would have, it would have accomplished two things. First, his story would have been more believable, and Second, it would have covered up the blood on the deck that aroused the police officer's suspicions. I think Mark is guilty.

Murder on a weekend getaway

court house employee MI — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 17:58:21 GMT

I think that he desreves a new trial. Everybody reacts different. His emotions were not usual but that doesn't mean he killed her. I work for a Judge a believe that after many cases I have seen and heard. He is innocent. God bless him and his boys. There wasn't enough proof for even the DA to take it to court. What kind of Court system do we have these days? I am sorry for the loss but you don't have the right to bash the other party because you favored her more than him. Her affairs were out before his were anyway. I think that both of there family's need time and space and everybody else needs to stay out of it.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Dee, Bucks County,Pa — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 18:19:13 GMT

why wasn't there more blood on the cement if she was lying there for over an hour, it doesn't make any sense.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Sharon, CT — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 16:03:04 GMT

I didn't see the show this week, but I read the story online. I am not sure if he is guilty or not, but it is very scary that you can be convicted without evidence. I am a nurse, and I know bodies can roll...anyone on the jury ever take a physics class? My theory is, they went to the dock to discuss their problems. Perhaps she revealed the affair, enraging her husband, and he pushed her, which led to her falling over the railing. Knowing things would not turn out well for him after that, he went inside hoping she would die. When he returned, she was still alive so he rolled her into the water. But on the opposite end of the spectrum, of course he ran straight to her, after all he just watched the neighbor walk up from there, and that is where he last saw her. I also know form personal experience that you do NOT know how you would respond to finding your spouse dead unless it has happened to you. I found my spouse dead in bed, ran out of the room and called 911, and never returned to that room, even knowing my three young children were sleeping in the bed with him. And I am a nurse who has dealt with death...so you just dont know. And for a final comment, we had discussed divorce two days before his death. Very scary to think if someone thought I had acted strangely, I could be sitting in jail for life also!!!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Janice, Norman, Oklahoma — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 19:35:27 GMT

I missed the Dateline segment but read the online transcript. I think there is some doubt. As has been throughly hashed in this blog. I have read some opinions with merit, some with really no connection to this case at all. The most important thing that I try to keep in mind in these cases on these TV shows is that you get one hour of the highlights of cases they present. You do not get EVERYTHING the jury sees. So, actually I am here to voice my opinion on what I DO KNOW about. That is living with a husband that is addicted to drugs,gambling and pornography. It is not a pretty signt. Nor is is it one that you speak about until the fear, and desperation gets so great that you feel like you have to let people know what is really going on. Otherwise, you keep quiet. Most people, barring the insane, don't want people to know that their husband would rather take his mistress to the casino, and then on over to the hotel for drugs and a night of porn fueled sex. After that what the wife has to offer pales in comparison. Sex for drug/porn addicts is not the same as for us "regular people" So, the fact that Flo had been open about the problems, and that the husband had been exposed to everyone sends chills up my spine. I have lived this and let me tell you the things that people will do in a drug hazed episode is mind boggling. After a relapse is the most dangerous time. They don't want to be like they are and when they relapse (relapse can be drugs, affair or both)it is apparent even to them that they are out of control. I saw the most wonderful person turn into a monster. That is what I think happened. He turned on her and the RAGE of the addict took over. Was it premeditated? In my opinion, NO. Is he guilty? In my opinion, YES!

Murder on a weekend getaway

CJ KS — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 19:54:56 GMT

My gut feeling is that he did it. However, the evidence to convict was not there and I was under the assumption that it took more than a gut feeling to convict someone. Also, I read where people responded on this blog that they thought he was innocent until he refused to say the word kill in place of the word hurt when asked if he had killed his wife. I don't think a murderer would have had any problem about saying..I would never kill my wife in place of I would never hurt my wife. Sounds like another example of guilt by 'gut' feeling..Scary isn't it?

Murder on a weekend getaway

mike simon — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 21:35:30 GMT

There is no way this man should be in jail..It was all spectulation...Brought on by michigan's supreme story teller..By her own admisson of 91 wins 2 defeats..And her response(JUST LUCKY)Anybody see the movie devils advocate..

Murder on a weekend getaway

Kim... Atlanta, GA — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 21:52:54 GMT

Who the heck says she would have landed perpendicular to the structure ?? It makes no sense that she would go over the railing--a typically head-long fall--& end up perpendicular to the building. MUCH more probable that her body would be rotating over her head and toward the water when her head hit the concrete, with her lower body continuing directly into the water, missing the landing (& breaking her hip), pulling her upper body & head into the water with it---all in a single falling motion. And isn't that a heavy wooden chair/lounger in the defense re-creation---right where she went over?? She could have easily tripped over it in the dark & gone right over the rail that way ! Nothing to try to catch herself with but a rotten railing either ! Bet nobody did any tests to see how a dummy would fall. BET it would have missed the landing altogether if given a good shove !

Murder on a weekend getaway

Homebody in Michigan — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 22:38:39 GMT

Why are there so many "arm chair quarterbacks" suddenly appearing with all the right (?) answers. I spent just about every day in the courtroom during this case. DATELINE just presented a synopsis of all the testimony given. Nine weeks does not go into 45 minutes.. So much more was presented in court and not brought out on the program....Mark & Flo had probably gone to the deck to discuss the divorce (away from the boys)...Flo had wrapped herself in the comforter to keep the cold air off her small frame...the blood soaked comforter that was presented as evidence...what about all the testimony about his $10,000....yes $10,000.00 per month disability check he received, as testified by the insurance representative (also a friend of Marks's). His disability...vicodin use.. Yes, his mother did sell her home to pay for his defense costs of over $1 million. She is not destitute by any means, having sold her home for more than 3 times that amount..public records are grand. Shame on Mark for allowing that. By the way...Chris Hanson was in court for one day, but he had a very capable staff there at all times keeping meticulous records. It's so hateful of so many to make unjustified comments when they do not know all the facts. HE DID IT. The families have all lost...especially the boys.

Murder on a weekend getaway

mary — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 15:51:54 GMT

why didn't he go down to the boat house, where he last saw her, with a flashlight to search for her? i think that he was hoping she would die there on the concrete, making it look like an accidental fall killed her. when he found her still alive, he put her into the water to finish her. all this talk about how dark it gets in Michigan - the story read as if no one in that state thinks to use a flashlight!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Cassidy, Portland, OR — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 08:07:41 GMT

I would never have gone to sleep with my spouse still outside alone. Also I would not have left anyone in the water if I found them. You would have a tough time convincing me that this guy really cared about his soon-to-be ex-wife. He was more passionate when talking about his job than he was about his wife. He didn't seem to be trying to answer the question of what really happened to her. I would be searching for all the information I could find. I did not think his defense was believable, nor his grief.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Janet Schneider — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 13:03:27 GMT

My husband and I both think he was guilty, but still have a problem with the fact there was no physical evidence that he did the crime. Kind of scary if you ask me, that someone can be convicted and sentenced to life with no physical evidence tying them to the crime.

Murder on a weekend getaway

AG — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 17:21:31 GMT

There was no concrete evidence to prove to me that he killed her. I am not convinced that he did or didn't do it. I do believe on some level he may have, but it’s just my opinion. Not to mention, how do you determine someone else’s life when no one gave concrete proof? You go by your opinion? Really? Everyone deserves a fair trail and I don’t believe Mark received that. I don’t think that this case should be closed out yet… maybe do a little more digging. Again… it is just an opinion.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Michelle H LAKE MILLS, WISCONSIN — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:26:09 GMT

I think that it was murder he ran straight to thje body.

Murder on a weekend getaway

danii renee, bridgeport, ct — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 15:12:15 GMT

i think it is ridiculous that the families disengage after the husband is charged with murdering the wife. they should try to get through it together since the daughter-in-law was murdered and the son-in-law was charged. they should just believe that he is innocent and her death was an accident until proven guilty.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Exposito, Barcelona — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 23:50:57 GMT

In a free country, a man shouldn't be convicted on flimsy circumstancial evidence, with no proof and lots of reasonable doubt.

Murder on a weekend getaway

l.v., totowa nj — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 23:39:18 GMT

i believe mark unger is guilty. there is no other lead suspect in this case. why else would flo go out on the dock with him if she was afraid of the dark? was he controlling, abusing? even though the deck was old and not under michigan law, it is possible he could have pushed her off and then left her. and what amazes me is that he knew where her body was the next morning. how else could he have known? did he ask questions as to where she was, what happened? and the other thing that was weird was that he wanted to go home--as if he wanted to escape what he did. he was also nervous, and when he was being interviewed, he said "i would not do anything to hurt her." but he did NOT say kill her. mark is pathetic and deserves jail, not pity and sympathy.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Rhoda Topping MiddIesbrough, CIeveIand, Great Britain — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 14:15:04 GMT

If the wife was so "afraid of the dark" she'd have gone indoors at the same time as her husband went in to put the boys to bed if she was even the tiniest bit scared for her safety. Soooooooo - it seems to me that if his intention was to murder her, he'd have had to get her back out there and, again, if she was scared, there is NO WAY she'd have gone out on to that DARK deck with someone she was afraid of. He'd have had to drag her out there and she'd have screamed for sure yet nobody heard a sound - not the boys or the near neighbours. She went over a rotten barrier, got hurt, came too and disorientated went into the water and drowned. I rest my case.

Murder on a weekend getaway

S. Coats, Oklahoma City, OK — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:39:14 GMT

The fact that they took their boys on a family camping trip in the midst of a divorce is not strange to me it is commendable. Had I been on the jury I could not have found him guilty, there was far too much reasonable doubt.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Rhoda Topping/MiddIesbrough/Great Britain — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 21:54:43 GMT

A thought. If he DID push her off the deck then he did not go down to the concrete at the water's edge to check that she was infact DEAD - which was a tad risky because she may NOT have been - to return to the cabin for 1 1/2 hours does not make sense. Had he checked he'd have found her NOT DEAD and he'd for sure have pushed her into the water there and then. Mind you - I have to say his grinning mugshot is SICKENING.

Murder on a weekend getaway

david humphries,louisville,ky. — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 06:29:09 GMT

if she she was lying on the cement for hours where is all the blood. there were only drops of blood not a puddle. the rolling part could be true.

Murder on a weekend getaway

mike doe, post falls, Idaho — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 23:00:46 GMT

Having been the innocent victim of our punative judicial system, I find that this story stinks of a prosecutor with a good record stretching a case to make it fit her preconcieved ideas. The prosecutors job is not to get justice it is to win cases at any cost, that is what they are paid for. It doesn't matter wether the defendant is guilty or innocent. Don't fool yourself. The fact is with any head injury there is the chance of seizure. I worked in the medical field and have seen this many times. What fits the FACTS is that when she sustained her head injury she experienced a siezure. A violent siezure can throw ones body arround like flopping fish no matter what the extent of her injury was. This man was railroaded by a prosecutor and a system that values convictions over justice. I don't believe that reasonable doubt exsists any more and this case is an example of it. May GOD have mery on the souls of the jury for they may have convicted an innocent man.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Anthony, Huntington Woods MI — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 21:13:19 GMT

To answer the blood question- The blood was completely soaked up in a quilt that was presented as evidence at the trial. Interesting that the defense did not even show it in their cartoon animations. As for the commendable comment about them going on vacation with her kids. It came up in the trial that Flo was crying and told a neighbor that she was afraid to go the day before. Also under oath her divorse attorney told her she should go as not to be seen to abondon the kids in terms of custody battle. Divorse attorney attempted to get out of testifying but the judge over-ruled the motion. Obvious bad/negligent (and fatal) advise. I strongly believe he did it.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Rondel Dooley Warwick, Rhode Island — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 02:01:00 GMT

Hello, I have a question, what do you do when one of these predators has moved in to your peaceful neighborhood. Recently I received a letter from my local police station that included a picture of a predator who was just released from prison and now lives two streets over from my street. I have two teenage boys. How do I keep them safe from predators when they can just move in next door... thank you for your time, I do have my sons watch your show "to catch a predator" and we have discussed numerous times the internet safety tips, still it is scary.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Ashlynn; Des Moines, Iowa — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 20:43:50 GMT

In a criminal case, prosecutors are required to prove something beyond a reasonable doubt. This case definatly leaves reasonable doubt. I am not saying Mark is innocent, but there is no solid evidence here. There is no eveidence to prove that she did not fall from the deck, land on the concrete, and try to walk. She easily could have fallen into the lake, which would also explain the "drops" of blood instead of a "pool" of blood. If she got up and tried to walk there would only be DROPS of blood. This alone is reasonable doubt! There is something wrong with our justice system today!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jose sanders — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 22:03:47 GMT

Chris your show is awesome. As a mature teen that i am I believe that what you are doing is great because people like you are grabbing sickos off the street. which i think that is a good way by putting on air. To All those people who are protesting your saying you favor child predator in your town. that really makes sense uh!

Murder on a weekend getaway

daniel santor, keyport nj — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 07:08:39 GMT

i am not convinced %100 that he is innocent but i am also not convinced %100 that he is guilty. and to be convicted based on %100 circumstancial evidence scares me. also, i have witnessed the US judicial system first hand and the prosecution usually has more of a motive than "justice"... it becomes a personal and political thing.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Gerald Latz, Pocatello, Idaho — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 07:16:00 GMT

I watched, "Lady in the Lake this evening", and I was not impressed with the jury. I don't know if mr. Unger killed his wife or not, but I don't believe he got a fair shake. When dateline talked to the jury the factory worker said that they, the jury, could not look the prosecutor, the defense attorney, the defendant, or those in the courtroom in the eyes told me that they were ashamed. If was on that jury and I believed that Mr. Unger was quilty, I would have had no problem making eye contact with anyone in that court room. The fact that this jury had a problem doing that leads me to believe that they weren't completely sure that Mr. Unger was indeed guilty. So don't believe he got a fair shake from this jury of his so called peers.

Murder on a weekend getaway

JD bismarck, nd — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 07:57:09 GMT

not saying he's guilty or innocent but to convict on such little evidence is sad. sometimes accidents happen that you just can't explain. he could've done it, then again she may have just fallen over the edge. once again accidents happen, we don't always have to have someone to blame

Murder on a weekend getaway

Theo. J. Jorden, Wille Platte, Louisiana — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 08:00:14 GMT

Having just watched the "Dateline" program, I have only one comment. He killed her. It may have been an argument and she fell or got pushed over the hand rail. I think he went to the cabin, put the kids to bed, and then returned to the boat house. He was hoping to find her dead. He found that she was still alive, rolled her into the lake, and returned to the cabin. He knew what would be found when the sun came up. His emotions were too cold. He did not appear to be a grieving, distraught, husband and father, nor an innoncent,wrongly accused man.

Murder on a weekend getaway

devon schultheis, sacramento, ca — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 04:59:40 GMT

I believe that all this media attention will certainly generate what is most needed here. PRAYER! God help the family, and the appeals process. I believe that the reasonable doubt as to his guilt was certainly there and this shouldn't have ended the way it did. My prayers will remain with everyone involved. As a mother i am devastated at the loss these children have endured, of their mother... and their father.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Marcy Boucher, Placitas, New Mexico — Mon, 14 May 2007 03:53:12 GMT

I believe he killed his wife. He ran right where she lay. How did he know that exact spot? Sadly'I'm not surprised by a jurys decision. -Allison Campbells Mother

Murder on a weekend getaway

Derek, Edmonton Alberta — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 06:25:44 GMT

What happens if she fell over and landed in the spot she did but didn't die right away, just got knocked out, which would explain the blood. When she awoke she might have rolled herself over and accidently rolled into the water and have been too weak to get herself out of the water and drowned. Different possibilities of what could have happened and nothing that proves he did it. How can a jury convict. Unless there is proof someone commits a crime, then they should not get convicted. Every now and then we see innocent people being released from jail after serving time for a crime they didnt commit. Who knows how many innocent people are behind bars.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Martin — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 04:45:53 GMT

I can think if two possibilities
1. The body of the woman did roll over on the concrete. In this case some one should have pushed her from the deck to give the horizontal momentum so that the body can roll over to the water.

2. The damage to the deck was too much to be caused by an accidental tripping. I don't think the deck would have cracked in case of an accidental tripping. If it was ''rotting'', it should have just broken off. No cracks... It seems she resisted being pushed over there !

Murder on a weekend getaway

rm,mobile al — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:40:30 GMT

All I can say is there is only three that actually know what happened that night, God, Mark & Flo.
My prayers go out to these little boys and the families of both Flo and Mark.

Murder on a weekend getaway

Hvnly Angel, Brooklyn, NY — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 23:38:26 GMT

I had seen this Dateline episode before; and today, 12/9/07 is the second time. I had concluded after the first time I watched this episode, and firmly believe after seeing it twice that the JURY got it WRONG.

When I listened to the 5 jurors answer Chris Hansen's questions, unfortunately, I wasn't surprised by their answers, but I was firmly disgusted.

The State presented evidence to prove that this woman was so afraid of the dark, that she would never have stayed out on that dock alone at night. However, I saw and heard SEVERAL defense witnesses testify that they SAW HER out on that dock before at night and obviously dark. That is not "evidence" in my opinion, that is nonsense!

I listened to one male juror say...'If it were my wife, I would be doing everything to get her out of the water; but this man only wanted to get in his car and drive away." So what? Who cares what YOU would do? That is completely irrelevant to whether or not this man killed his wife; and by the way, I'm very tired of people basing their conclusions about other people based on what THEY would do, feel, say and/or act in a particular situation.

The defense had experts; as well as the actual owner of the dock testify that it was "an accident wating to happen," due to it's rotting/eroding condition. Therefore, isn't it possible that she fell off the deck, landed on the cement, but was still alive? Now, although she was critically hurt, she could have still been conscious, and/or even had limited mobility. Obviously, she was likely extremely disoriented; thus, perhaps she was trying to help herself not realizing that she was moving towards the water and rolled off the cement?

I can think of 10 more scenarios that would easily and logically explain why she ended up in the water. However, it makes no sense to me whatsoever, why this man would have deliberately hit his wife in the head, tossed her off the dock onto the cement, leave her laying their for over an hour, theng go back just to roll her in the water? For what possible reason would he do that? Why wouln't he have rolled her into the water at the time he committed the act OR simply leave her on the cement to die? DUH!

The State, as well as the jurors said they found it "very suspicious" that he went immediately to the area of the dock where his wife was lying dead; but it is poerfectly logical that he woulkd go to that spot because it was the LAST PLACE he knew her to be alive. Also, he had seen the man coming back from that precise direction.

All in all, this jury was incompetent and had absolutely no understanding of the term "PROOF BEYOND A RESONABLE DOUBT." Proof does not mean speculation, conjecture, hypotheticals, assumptions, etc. Moreover, what I believe is truly TRAGIC is that this man is serving a life sentence for something that was NOT PROVEN to even a moderate doubt!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Saraya, Dallas Texas — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 01:27:06 GMT

Yet ANOTHER tragic case of the American *injustice* epidemic. Why bother appointing educated lawyers & judges in court hearing, when essentially the fate of defendants is in the precarious hands of ignorant, incompetant moron (jurors)? I'm willing to bet a large percentage of jurors DO NOT understand 75% of the forensic testimony anyway. That said, I do NOT believe Mark Unger murdered his wife- Not even for a second. However, even if he did, there STILL was not enough to convict him- But unfortunately cases like this happen all the time in this country- that has become a SAD TRAGIC hell!!!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Terri, USA — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:07:05 GMT

I just watched this for the second time last night. I agree that there are LOTS of unanswered questions and oddities! Why would she have stayed out there by herself? Why did he act the way he did afterwards? However, it is my understanding that IF there is ANY REASONABLE DOUBT, the jury is obligated to find the person NOT GUILTY! The prosecution absolutely DID NOT prove the case BEYOND ANY REASONABLE DOUBT! He was convicted because they had unanswered questions and there were certain things that didn't make a whole lot of sense. However, as anyone knows who has been involved in a deteriorating relationship, both people often do and say things that don't make sense and that are, quite frankly, out of character. As far as finding it suspicious that she went along...there you go...that proves my last point! Why would she have gone? But, the fact is, she DID go WILLINGLY! Even though, a lot of us wouldn't have! Does that prove anything...NOPE! I don't know anyone in the case. I have absolutely NO personal interest! Had I been on that jury, I really don't think I could have found him guilty, based on what was in this documentary! I have enough reasonable doubt that the question of a possibly innocent man, spending the rest of his life in prison, based on unanswered questions would nag at me for the rest of my life. I am sure there will be negative comments that follow based on what I have said here. Before you post, please put yourself in the position of not being able to answer questions (like why would someone do something?...who knows why anyone does anything) and then, being accused of a crime you KNOW that you didn't commit. The fact of the matter is this...there ARE some people in prison today for crimes that they DID NOT commit! I am not saying that Mark is one of them, what I am saying is that I don't understand, from what was shown in this documentary, how anyone could say he is guilty beyond ANY reasonable doubt! I feel extremely sorry for Flo's family and her children. Whatever happened that night was a tragedy, whether it was intentional or not! I find myself hoping that he is guilty, since he will most probably spend the rest of his life in prison! Even if you are sure he is guilty, just allow yourself for one moment, to imagine if he wasn't! That would make this story twice as tragic. One other thing comes to my mind...if he was going to kill her or he just got mad and pushed her and she fell, like the prosecution said. Would he really leave her lying down there on the concrete where someone might happen along and find her while he went and put the kids to bed? Or wouldn't he go straight down and pull her into the water right away?

As I said, I am sorry for her, her kids and her family. It just really disturbs me when I see a story where someone is convicted and there is a reasonable doubt! I, personally, would prefer death to being in prison for the rest of my life for a crime I didn't commit. I just don't know how anyone could deal with such a thing and it DOES happen!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Terri, USA — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:25:09 GMT

One more short comment...most people who seem sure he is guilty are basing it on:
1) it doesn't make sense they would go away together for the weekend...therefore he is guilty...WHAT??? She agreed to go and went willingly..so how does tha make him guilty?
and;
2) statements like..."I think he is guilty", "I feel he is guilty", "in my opinion", "in my heart I know he is guilty", etc bother me. Simply because that is pretty much making the determination of guilty based on one's emotions. Please understand I am not attacking anyone or trying to argue with anyone. It is just not fair, or legal, to the accused or the victims to be judged based on someone else's emotions.

As I said, earlier, I don't know whether he did it or not! I just don't see how anyone could say that the prosecution PROVED he did it BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT!

Murder on a weekend getaway

sherry, minneapolis MN — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 02:06:51 GMT

If she was really scared of him she would have never went away for a weekend with him let alone go for a walk down by the lake alone in the dark. As for his reaction, who is to say what is right or wrong for someone to react when something like that happens, shock clouds the mind. I think some people are just looking for an answer to what happened and it seems easier to blame the ex husband and place him within the story. There is such a lack of evidence against him it just seems unfair. Again its just easier to blame and seem to have an answer then to leave it unknown.

Murder on a weekend getaway

J. Marshall — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 01:03:15 GMT

Mark is completely innocent. There is no proof he did this. The Railing gave way. No Permits were pulled for the deck or the railing. The inkeepers are guilty. Set Mark FREE!

Murder on a weekend getaway

Jerry McKinney — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:54:28 GMT

I think the defense messed up with the doctor who said it could have been 1&1/2 hours or 10 minutes for the amount of blood that had bleed from her brain to have formed. The meaning of this testimony was that the womans heart had beat for a period of time after her head was damaged and that would allow blood to cause a hemotoma in her skull. Whether she rolled in the water or her husband put her there her heart would not have stopped beating immediately. Even if her lungs were full of water her heart would have continued to beat for several minutes. 30% of the blood pumped by the heart goes up the carotid arteries to the brain. There would have been plenty of time for a large bleed to occur in her skull before her heart stopped beating. The defense missed it here.
Secondly about the people who don't believe that the womans body could have had enough momentum to roll into the water must have forgotten how far they fell back with they leaned back against a wall or object that they thought was there but wasn't. I know we have all done that and that momentum that caused you to fall or have to back peddle rapidly to maintain your balance is the same momentum that could have carried her body into the water. Was the husband guilty? I don't know. But there was certainly reasonable doubt in this case that would have accounted for everything that was used to convict this man.