Maria Cruz was a perfect example of the American dream fulfilled.  Growing up in the Philippines, she moved to New York in 1992, received her M.B.A. from Fordham University, and took a job as a senior credit analyst.

On Palm Sunday, April 13, 2003, Maria attended mass at St. Malachy’s Church.  She stopped by her office that afternoon, excited about an appointment she had later that day for a cosmetic laser procedure.

When Maria didn’t show up for work that Monday or Tuesday, everyone agreed that it was not like her to miss work without calling.  On Wednesday, the police were called to her apartment, but there was no sign of Maria.  It would take months before detectives searched her emails and ran a check on her laser specialist, Dean Faiello, uncovering his lengthy criminal history.

Join us at the quiet end for The Pretender.  Dean Faiello had looks, intelligence, and charm, but Maria’s disappearance would reveal that he lacked a conscience.