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The Premonition

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January 28, 2025

TLDR: A Pennsylvania father predicts his own murder and eventual unsolved case, which indeed occurs weeks later.

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In this gripping episode of Dateline titled "The Premonition," Andrea Canning takes us through the haunting story of John Yelnick, a dentist from Pennsylvania who believed he had foretold his own murder. Here’s a summary of the key points discussed in this episode, delving into the horrific events surrounding his tragic death and the intricate investigation that followed.

Introduction: A Terrifying Premonition

  • Premonition of Murder: John Yelnick contacted friends and family, expressing his fears that he would be murdered and that his death would go unsolved.
  • Murder Details: Just weeks after his premonition, Yelnick was found brutally stabbed in his home, igniting a tense investigation that would captivate the community.

The Discovery of John Yelnick's Body

  • Scene Discovery: The horrifying discovery of Yelnick's body was made by a neighbor boy, Zachary Euss, who stumbled upon the crime scene filled with blood and shattered glass.
  • Investigator Insights: Police arrived to find evidence of a violent struggle, yet despite a comprehensive investigation, weeks turned into months without an arrest.

Investigation Challenges

  • Investigation Efforts: Officer Janelle Lydick and her team faced mounting pressure as they explored various leads, with residents growing increasingly uneasy.
  • Initial Leads Explored: The police reached out to neighbors and collected testimonies, including eerie accounts of screams and arguments heard on the night of the murder.

The Vicious Marital Battle

  • Marital Breakdown: John Yelnick's marriage was tumultuous, filled with allegations of infidelity and abuse that emerged after their separation. This complex familial situation raised suspicions about his estranged wife, Michelle.
  • Financial Motives: Investigators noted that Michelle stood to gain significantly from John's life insurance policy and impending divorce settlement, illuminating potential motives behind the crime.

The Role of Kevin Foley

  • Suspect Emerges: State Trooper Kevin Foley, Michelle’s boyfriend, entered the spotlight as a potential suspect, especially given complaints he had made regarding John.
  • Investigative Hurdles: Lydick faced pressure not to pursue Foley aggressively due to his affiliation with law enforcement, raising concerns about a protective bias potentially affecting the investigation.

Media and Community Involvement

  • Public Concern: The small community was rattled by Yelnick's murder, with neighbors organizing vigils and demanding answers amidst the fear of a predator among them.
  • Psychic Investigation: In their desperation, Yelnick's family even consulted psychics in hopes of uncovering clues that could lead to answers.

Breakthroughs in the Investigation

  • New Prosecutor Tries Again: A year after Yelnick’s murder, the state's attorney reacted to public outcry and took over, reigniting the investigation with renewed vigor, which included revisiting evidence and suspects.
  • DNA Evidence: The DNA from John’s fingernails was tested using advanced technology, pinpointing significant links to Kevin Foley, but there was still no definitive proof.

The Trial of Kevin Foley

  • Legal Proceedings: The trial for Kevin Foley began, featuring heated discussions about motive, opportunity, and character assessments from both sides.
  • Key Evidence Presented: The prosecutor utilized both circumstantial evidence and advanced DNA testing to suggest Foley’s possible guilt, while the defense portrayed it as an overreaching accusation.
  • Verdict: Ultimately, after intense deliberations, a jury found Foley guilty of first-degree murder, leading to his life imprisonment.

Conclusion: Lingering Questions

  • Justice and Closure: While justice was served with Foley’s conviction, many questioned the role Michelle Yelnick may have played in orchestrating John’s murder, leaving the community with ongoing unease.
  • Legacy of a Tragedy: The case impacted community trust in law enforcement while also serving as a chilling reminder of the complexities involved in domestic violence and marital disputes.

This episode not only sheds light on a tragic murder that rattled a small town but also highlights the extensive lengths investigators must go to in pursuit of truth and justice.


Listeners hoping to delve deeper into human relationships and the darker side of life will find "The Premonition" unsettling yet captivating.

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