Premium Episode #21 - Mark Van Dongen
Added 2023-10-28 06:58:24 +0000 UTCDutch national Mark van Dongen met South African Berlinah Wallace in 2010 in Bristol, England. After 5 years together, Mark decided he wanted to end the relationship. He finally broke it off in August 2015 when he met someone new.
When Berlinah Wallace refused to accept Markβs decision, she became so consumed with anger and jealousy that she did the unthinkable. Her actions lead to devastating consequences.
Team:
Anonymous Host - narration
Holly Boyd - research, writing
Milly Raso - creative direction
Mike Migas - production, music
Andrew D.B. Joslyn - music
Comments
She murdered him, and should have been found guilty of that crime.
Niki Walkey
2024-10-06 10:11:50 +0000 UTCThis is such a heartbreaking episode..
Asu
2024-02-14 20:08:57 +0000 UTCπ’ devastating!
Cate Ness
2023-12-04 02:36:33 +0000 UTCWow. What a fucking episode. Casefile has made me emotional before but this one broke me. As a chemist I work with concerntrated acids everyday and inevitably have caused small burns to myself over the years, but I can not even begin to imagine the pain and suffering that poor man went through. I can not think of a more evil and deplorable method of ending somebody's life. On a more positive not, Casey's narration was on point, reminded me of the Golden State Killer era.
Tyler
2023-11-22 02:56:54 +0000 UTCThat was heartbreaking π
Sammy
2023-11-08 07:51:53 +0000 UTCThat was absolutely disturbing and upsetting to hear the pain and suffering Mark endured all because of a single throw of an awful liquid. Just another person that did not deserve to leave this world in the way they did. Another case that makes me more and more for euthanasia when there is no quality of life left. It upsets me that Berlinah was found not guilty of murder too. Understand their reasoning, but Mark would not have chosen the euthanasia route if it weren't for her heinous attack, and he didn't deserve to continue his life in the state he was in. That would be inhumane
Sarah McRae
2023-11-07 00:41:34 +0000 UTCThis was one of the hardest episodes to listen to. Heartbreaking and infuriating at the same time.
Stacy Claflin
2023-10-31 18:12:09 +0000 UTCThe care home details in the episode got me so mad. As a healthcare worker, I could never, never do that to a patient. So heartbreaking. So grateful that Mark was able to make his own decision for end of life. His dad is a remarkable human being. The perpetrator is a heinous, vile creature.
Jess Chiller
2023-10-31 09:38:34 +0000 UTCThis was an extremely confronting episode. I hope this woman never sees another day outside of prison.
J. Chips
2023-10-30 13:45:06 +0000 UTCThis poor man I feel so sorry for him this truely has to be the most horrific experience a human being can go through
Wyatt Ohse
2023-10-30 01:47:09 +0000 UTCThis is the most disturbing episode of casefile I have ever heard in my life
Wyatt Ohse
2023-10-30 01:46:13 +0000 UTCI couldnβt finish this one, but I think it was an important episode in conveying how horribly victims in this type of crime suffer- itβs not just a superficial maiming. I honestly feel like the punishment for these acts, that leave a victims life and body destroyed, should far outweigh that for murder because the damage and suffering is ongoing.
angela z maani
2023-10-29 23:08:03 +0000 UTCI canβt even begin to fathom the pain this man endured. His dad having to watch his son go through that would have been absolute torture. I canβt wrap my mind around someone doing this to another person. Just why. But itβs a reality we see daily play out, when a relationship ends and one canβt accept it, they resort to unspeakable acts to a former partner. This case was really hard to listen to.
fiona liston
2023-10-29 23:04:17 +0000 UTCThis was so hard to listen to. I can't even begin to imagine that poor man's suffering! π
Victoria Bowers
2023-10-29 15:48:14 +0000 UTCThis is one of the most horrific stories Iβve ever heard. There is just something especially heinous to me about attacking someone by throwing acid or setting them on fire. Itβs by far the most unforgivable thing someone could ever do to another living being.
Mandy G
2023-10-29 14:53:13 +0000 UTCI can't believe they found her not guilty. They knew she read the article about a doctor dying because the ex waited so long to get medical intervention and then Berlinah didn't seek medical intervention for Mark.
Demi
2023-10-29 13:20:37 +0000 UTCWow. This is one of the most gutwrenching stories I have ever heard. It's so unfair that Mark had to go through so much suffering.
Andrea Johnson
2023-10-29 00:24:54 +0000 UTCIn your top 3 most disturbing episodes ever. Almost had to skip it. Arghhhh. Poor Mark. π₯Ί
Paul T
2023-10-29 00:09:36 +0000 UTCThis has to be one of the most horrific crimes that can be committed against another human being. The suffering is unfathomable. What a tragedy, poor Mark. My heart goes out to his dad.
Saraneth
2023-10-28 22:53:31 +0000 UTCSo the reason she wasnβt convicted of murder was because she couldnβt have known he would chose euthanasia? Yet she knew that throwing the acid on him could likely kill him. Make it make sense.
Brenda Wells
2023-10-28 18:42:20 +0000 UTCA shocking crime and shocking verdict. Tastefully done by the team.
Rich
2023-10-28 17:47:08 +0000 UTCSo tragic. Iβm glad he had the legal means to end his suffering on his own terms. The βcare homeβ treatment was an abomination.
Miri Dean
2023-10-28 16:50:32 +0000 UTCWhat a disgusting woman all around. She looks like a straight creature from the bottom of the ocean.
Chris Rodriguez
2023-10-28 16:25:28 +0000 UTCDo we not vote on these anymore? Or have I just missed them?
Eileen
2023-10-28 14:12:56 +0000 UTCYeah it is silly. I stopped reading the descriptions at all.
David Rogosaroff
2023-10-28 12:08:10 +0000 UTCHeartbreaking. Also deeply revealing that both Berlinah and the perp she was modeling her own crime upon seemed to use DARVO tactics, which at least in the previous trial and perhaps also her own, were effective in the courtroom.
AR
2023-10-28 10:11:12 +0000 UTCThis case hit harder than many of the particularly violent ones you have previously covered, with a higher victim count. I think what got me is the prolonged suffering caused by the perpetraror. Truly awful. I was also saddened and angered by the care home staff that did not help Mark claiming to be afraid of his appearance. Thank you for covering the case respectfully and highlighting the need for strict regulations to prevent acid purchase.
TheodoraTheExplorer
2023-10-28 08:14:14 +0000 UTCEpisodes lately have been so great - like always. But I do feel as if your episode descriptions have started to give away way to much before listening.
Zac
2023-10-28 07:56:52 +0000 UTCI'm so glad Casefile covered this tragic story; I had read about it shortly after it took place, but you're such gifted storytellers - I just know you'll cover this respectfully and without sensationalism.
Mark Daniel Cross
2023-10-28 07:35:14 +0000 UTC
