Dateline: 5 harrowing details about David Jackson’s homicide, explored

The Dateline episode "Buried Secrets" on NBC explores the tragic murder of David Jackson, which has its origins in betrayal and long-held secrets. It turned out to be a premeditated murder, which was first a case of missing persons in 1988.

Barbara Britton, David's ex-wife, her father Harry Britton, and her new husband Michael Wolfe were all involved in the crime, and particularly David was lured to a hotel, where he was murdered and buried in a shallow grave.

David's disappearance had been a mystery for years until Michael came clean, and his bones were discovered. Dateline NBC highlights this tragic story, showing how justice was finally rendered after years of silence and deception.

5 shocking details about David Jackson’s homicide as per Dateline

David Jackson (Image via NBC's official website)

1. A meeting disguised as a reunion turned deadly

In June 1988, David Jackson agreed to visit his ex-wife, Barbara Britton, in a hotel, and she majorly indicated that she wanted to discuss co-parenting their little son, John, and healing their relationship. Unaware of the danger that awaited him, David arrived at the site hoping for reconciliation, and unfortunately, he died as a result of the arranged meeting.

2) The murder was premeditated

David was unaware that Barbara's new husband, Michael Wolfe, was hiding in the hotel room's bathroom, and Michael shot and killed David as he entered. All investigations revealed that this was a premeditated act rather than a crime of passion.

Michael, Barbara, and her father, Harry Britton, colluded to commit the murder. A lengthy custody battle over their child, as well as personal resentment, appeared to be the motivating causes.

3) Barbara’s family was involved in the plot

The fact that Barbara's own family was implicated in the case heightened its discomfort. Later, Michael Wolfe confessed to the murder, claiming that he was inspired by Barbara and her father.

According to accounts, Barbara had invited David to the hotel, and her father had agreed to the plan to "get rid of him." Given David's past trust in them, the level of deceit was surprising.

4) David Jackson's body remained missing for more than a year

David's body was interred in a distant location after the crime, and he was regarded as missing for months. In an effort to find answers, his family looked for him nonstop.

Skeletal remains found by construction workers a year later were subsequently identified as belonging to David. Barbara and her family continued to live their lives as if nothing had occurred during this time, keeping the truth and David's body hidden.

5) Justice was delayed but eventually served

A breakthrough did not occur until 2004, when Michael Wolfe confessed to the crime, resulting in his arrest, and as per Dateline, Barbara was also accused, and she originally denied any involvement until pleading guilty to accessory after the fact.