Yes, there’s a compelling new episode of Dateline airing this week. NBC presents “The Death of Dr. Schwartz” on Friday, October 31, at 9:00 PM, reported by Blayne Alexander, centering on the 2014 killing of Florida kidney doctor Steven Schwartz. This gripping investigation transforms what seemed like a simple burglary into a decade-long pursuit of justice involving family secrets, alleged embezzlement, and a $200 million civil verdict.
Table of Contents
Dateline Season 1 Episode Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Episode Title | “The Death of Dr. Schwartz” |
| Air Date | Friday, October 31, 2025 at 9 PM ET |
| Correspondent | Blayne Alexander |
| Location | Tarpon Springs, Florida |
| Victim | Dr. Steven Schwartz, 74-year-old kidney specialist |
| Date of Death | May 28, 2014 |
| Network | NBC |
| Streaming | Peacock (next day) |
The Victim: A Doctor’s Double Life
Dr. Steven Schwartz was a 74-year-old physician found shot twice—once in the head, once in the neck—at the bottom of stairs in his 8,000-square-foot Tarpon Springs mansion. Known in the community as a compassionate kidney specialist who often helped financially struggling patients, Schwartz built a multimillion-dollar fortune through his medical practice and extensive real estate investments.
However, beneath this respectable facade lurked a dark secret: at age 21, Schwartz had killed a dentist during a botched robbery in New Mexico, serving nine years in prison before receiving a pardon. This hidden past would become a critical element in understanding his eventual demise.
The Investigation: From Burglary to Murder
Rebecca Schwartz reported a robbery on the evening of May 28, 2014, telling dispatchers jewelry, cash, and watches were missing, though she hadn’t seen Steven since leaving that morning. Investigators discovered watch boxes scattered across floors and drawers yanked from cabinets, suggesting a staged crime scene.
Detective John Diebel spent more than a decade investigating the case in what he considered one of the most extensive investigations of his nearly 50-year career. The breakthrough came when detectives found the family handyman Anton Leo Stragaj’s DNA on the victim’s clothing, along with cellphone records that contradicted his alibi.
The Shocking Civil Verdict
While no one has been criminally charged with murder, a jury in civil court in March 2025 found Rebecca Schwartz liable for intentionally killing or participating in her husband’s death and ordered her to pay the doctor’s children $200 million. The lawsuit alleged she had been embezzling funds and coerced Steven into changing his will to benefit her over his three biological children—Carter, Casey, and Kelly May.
Stragaj pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact and was deported to Albania, though he maintains Rebecca orchestrated the entire murder and framed him.
What You’ll See Tonight
The episode features Carter Schwartz offering memories of his father, Lead Investigator John Diebel and Sgt. Scott Brokew walking through investigation steps, and Leo Stragaj speaking from Albania about his position on the case. Attorneys explain the complex legal strategies that followed, building a comprehensive timeline of events.
For more true crime coverage and investigative journalism, explore our site. Check out our latest Dateline episode recaps for more compelling cases.
Watch Dateline Fridays at 9 PM ET on NBC and stream next day on Peacock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a new Dateline episode on October 31, 2025?
Yes, Dateline NBC airs a new episode titled “The Death of Dr. Schwartz” on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 9 PM ET. Correspondent Blayne Alexander reports on the 2014 murder of Florida kidney doctor Steven Schwartz in his Tarpon Springs mansion. The episode examines what began as a reported burglary and evolved into a complex investigation involving alleged embezzlement, family secrets, and a $200 million civil verdict.
Was Rebecca Schwartz convicted of murdering Dr. Steven Schwartz?
Rebecca Schwartz was never criminally charged with her husband’s murder, though the investigation remains open. However, in March 2025, a civil jury found her liable for unlawfully and intentionally killing or participating in Steven Schwartz’s death, ordering her to pay his three children nearly $200 million. The handyman, Anton Leo Stragaj, pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact and claims Rebecca orchestrated the murder.
