The Most TWISTED Case You've Ever Heard | Documentary

On July 19, 2004, 28-year-old Lori Hacking went missing after a morning jog in Salt Lake City. Her husband, Mark Hacking, reported her missing after realizing she never arrived at work. Despite initially being told to wait 24 hours, an extensive search including K-9 units and helicopters was launched due to the recent Elizabeth Smart kidnapping. Lori's car was found in Memory Grove, but she was nowhere to be seen. Mark acted distressed, but investigators noted some inconsistencies in his story, including wet shoes that he attributed to searching a creek.

Flyers were posted, and soon, conflicting witness accounts emerged regarding Lori's car's location. A neighbor saw her car at their apartment building at 7 AM and 8:30 AM, contradicting Mark's claim that it was gone when he woke. Investigators found Mark's purchase of a new mattress that morning peculiar. Later, at the police station, Mark made an odd comment about Lori being angry if found because he didn't run with her. He then initially agreed to a CVSA test but refused after expressing feelings of coercion, further raising suspicion. Hours after Lori's disappearance, Mark was found running naked through a hotel, where his brother found a cryptic message on his PDA, 'This is Justice. I'm so sorry.' This incident led to Mark being admitted to a psychiatric unit.

Mark's erratic behavior prompted closer scrutiny, revealing a shocking double life. He had lied to everyone about attending medical school and even graduating from the University of Utah. He would pretend to study and leave for 'classes' but instead spent his time at a nearby store drinking soda, eating hot dogs, and smoking. He also lied about his job, claiming to be a therapist but actually working as a healthcare assistant. These revelations blindsided both families, who believed the couple was happy and successful. It was speculated that Mark's lies stemmed from pressure to succeed, given his family's accomplished background.

The investigation continued, with police discovering surveillance footage of Mark buying cigarettes alone at 1:30 AM after Lori was last seen with him at a convenience store. The new mattress continued to be a point of suspicion. An old, cut-up mattress was found in a church dumpster Mark frequented, which he claimed was due to Lori's menstrual cycle. Analysis of Lori's car showed the seat and mirrors adjusted for someone much larger than her, and blood transfer stains were found in the backseat. Lori's purse, keys, and wallet were found in the apartment, suggesting she never left for her run. Spots of blood were found on the bedroom headboard and nightstand, and a knife with a blood spot was discovered in a drawer, leading police to obtain a search warrant and Mark becoming the prime suspect.

On July 24th, Mark confessed to his family, revealing the chilling truth. Lori had discovered his intricate web of lies, specifically that he hadn't been accepted into medical school, after calling the university herself. This confrontation led to an argument on the evening of July 18th. Neighbors reported hearing loud screams and a male voice shouting 'it's all over.' Mark confessed to shooting Lori in the head while she slept, then systematically disposing of her body, the murder weapon, and the bloody mattress in different dumpsters. His actions align with characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder, displaying grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.

Lori's highly decomposed body was discovered on October 1st, almost three months after her disappearance, at the Salt Lake City Landfill. Mark was arrested on August 2, 2004, and sentenced to six years to life in prison for aggravated murder. Public outcry led to a re-evaluation of his sentence, making him ineligible for parole until 2035. This case prompted 'Lori's Law,' increasing the sentencing guidelines for aggravated murder. Lori's father removed the 'Hacking' name from her headstone. Even from prison, Mark continued his shocking behavior by signing autographs for murder memorabilia sites, later agreeing to stop, but writing his life history, which remains unpublished.