'Primetime' Investigates Whether a Mysterious Death Was an Accident or Murder
June 22, 2006 — -- Florence Unger was 37 years old, a wife of 13 years, and mother to two sons when she was mysteriously found dead in a northern Michigan lake.
In October 2003 the Unger family -- Florence, her husband, Mark, and their two young boys -- made a familiar four-hour drive from their Michigan home to an area they frequented in Lower Herring Lake, Mich. But this wasn't just another trip for the family, the Ungers were in trouble.
Watch Primetime's report tonight at 10 p.m.
Mark recently finished rehab for an alcohol and gambling addiction, Florence was having a secret affair with one of his best friends, and the couple was on the verge of divorce.
Friends say Mark convinced Florence the weekend away would be good for the family. The night of Florence's death, she and Mark were seen on a deck and the next morning she was found 12 feet below that same deck -- her body laying face down in water. But did she fall or was she pushed?
Her husband was the only suspect and allowed "Primetime" to record a revealing video diary about the fight of his life. John Quinones investigates the suspicious death as "Primetime" follows the twists and turns of the dramatic trial, with a verdict that was just announced Wednesday.
Six months after the death, police ruled Florence's death a homicide but no charges were brought. They suspect she was pushed off the deck, on to cement below and then dragged into the water where she drowned.
And while police investigated, Mark was locked in a custody battle over his sons with Florence's parents, the Sterns. During this time, Mark shows viewers a rare perspective, as he allows "Primetime" inside his head to see just what he's thinking and how he feels.
In May 2004 Mark Unger was arrested and pleaded not guilty. "Primetime" follows the subsequent trial -- and the shocking outcome.
When Glenn Stark -- one of Mark Unger's closest friends -- reluctantly comes forward, he admits to having a secret two-year affair with Florence. He says he had sex with her days before she died.
According to prosecutors, that affair is a possible motive behind Florence's death. But the defense challenges the prosecution saying police work is shoddy and evidence is nil. The crux of their defense though is a series of computer animations that create dramatic visual evidence of how Florence Unger may have fallen instead of being pushed.
But is it enough? After four days of deliberations, the unexpected verdict is in.
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