Dateline: A Novel Defense - What happened to Paul Duncsak? Details of the 2006 murder, explored

In Dateline: Unforgettable Season 2 episode 4, titled, A Novel Defense, deals with the case of 40-year-old Paul Duncsak, who was brutally shot at his own house on August 23, 2006.

Paul Duncsak, a pharmaceutical executive from Ramsey, New Jersey was shot six times by his ex-wife, Stacey’s father, Edward Ates.

Continue to read to learn more about Paul Duncsak’s case from Dateline: Unforgettable.

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Dateline: Unforgettable- Paul Duncsak was shot by Edward Ates

Paul Duncsak lived in Ramsey, New Jersey. The 40-year-old man was a pharmaceutical executive and had a comfortable life. He was loved by his friends and family and remembered as a warmhearted human.

On August 23, 2006, Paul came home and was on a call with his girlfriend when she heard gunshots from his side. Since Paul was not responding, she immediately called the authorities. However, Paul died due to being shot six times.

As the police started investigating, they could not find any suspect as there were no witnesses and no signs of forced entry were there in Paul's house. However, further investigation revealed Paul’s strained relationship with his ex-wife, Stacey.

Paul Duncsak was in an intense custody battle with his ex-wife which soured his relationship with his in-laws. Furthermore, the Police also discovered that he had refused to invest in his Father-in-law, Ed Ates’s Golf business. Edward Ates was later arrested from his mother’s house in Sibley, Louisiana.

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Dateline: Unforgettable- Edward Ates was arrested for killing Paul Duncsak

During his trial, Edward Ates presented a novel theory in his defense. His attorney stated that Ates was incapable of murdering due to his obesity. He was in his 60s and weighed 285 pounds and was 5 ft. 8 inches tall. They argued that he couldn't commit a crime and then flee so quickly.

Even Ates’ doctor testified in his defense that Ates with his numerous health and weight problems would not be able to kill Paul Duncsak.

However, the jury didn’t buy any of this. Additionally, the police also found a taped phone conversation between Ates and his sister where he asked her to lie about him being at their mother’s house at the time of the murder. She later testified and told the truth.

The police also found evidence like books on building gun silencers and internet searches on topics of committing perfect murders. Edward Ates was charged with first-degree murder and was sent to prison for the maximum sentence allowable.

While talking to The Associated Press, Duncsak’s sister, Barbara Duncsak praised the jury for their decisions. She said:

We feel justice was served…the jurors did a wonderful job. He was guilty and he should get the maximum.

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Catch season 5 of Dateline: Unforgettable on NBC.