‘FATAL VISION’ CASE TIMELINE

Feb. 17, 1970: Colette, Kimberley and Kristen MacDonald — the wife and daughters of Capt. Jeffrey MacDonald — are killed in the family apartment on Fort Bragg, N.C. May 1, 1970: The Army charges MacDonald with killing his family. Oct. 13, 1970: After a preliminary hearing, the Army recommends all charges against MacDonald be dropped.

MacDonald receives an honorable discharge. Jan. 24, 1975: Jeffrey MacDonald is indicted on three counts of murder in federal court, mainly because of the persistence of Colette’s stepfather, Alfred Kassab. He was one of MacDonald’s early supporters but later becomes convinced of MacDonald’s guilt. Aug. 29, 1979: MacDonald is convicted of the murders of Colette, Kimberley and Kristen and sentenced to life in prison. Aug. 22, 1980: The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals dismisses all charges against MacDonald, who is released. March 31, 1982: The U.S. Supreme Court reverses the 4th Circuit decision. MacDonald is rearrested and returned to prison. Nov. 18, 19, 1984: The mini-series based on“Fatal Vision” airs on NBC. March 27, 1991: MacDonald, now eligible for parole, maintains his innocence and doesn’t apply.

Fatal Justice: Reinvestigating the MacDonald Murders,”written by MacDonald supporters Fred Bost and Jerry Allen Potter, is published. Aug. 30, 2002: Jeffrey and Kathryn MacDonald are married. May 10, 2005: Jeffrey MacDonald attends his first parole hearing after 14 years of eligibility. He continues to maintain his innocence, and the board turns him down.

MacDonald’s attorneys file a motion in the 4th Circuit requesting a hearing on newly discovered evidence. Jan. 13, 2006: The 4th Circuit rules that MacDonald can introduce evidence the statement of Jimmy Britt, a retired deputy U.S. marshal who said he heard prosecutor Jim Blackburn threaten a witness, Helena Stoeckley. March 10, 2006: DNA testing shows MacDonald’s hair was found in Colette’s hand. Also, hair from unidentified person is found under fingernail of a daughter. Nov. 4, 2008: U.S. District Court Judge James Fox dismisses the appeal filed by MacDonald’s attorneys. Feb. 19, 2009: MacDonald’s attorneys ask the 4th Circuit to order a new trial. April 19, 2011: The 4th Circuit orders Fox to consider the new evidence.

A hearing is set on the new evidence.

The book“Fatal Vision”by Joe McGinniss is