'I'll Be Gone In The Dark' Episode 4: What happened after Patton's 911 call? Heartbroken fans say 'RIP Michelle'
This week, HBO's ‘I'll Be Gone In The Dark’ shed light on the moment when Michelle McNamara died in her sleep. On April 21, 2016, McNamara's sudden death shook Oswalt's world. At 46, she died in her sleep in the couple's Los Angeles, California, home.
In episode four titled 'The Motherlode', she tells Patton Oswalt: "I realized taking a little before I go to sleep helps keep nightmares at bay because I had a terrifying one the little did I sleep." Then, she adds, "Related to this case and crime scene photos. It was truly one of the worst nightmares I've ever had. But I dunno maybe that's my brain working out." Patton tries to reassure her: "Don't worry sweetie. I've been where you've been." However, it doesn't end the way it should. She never wakes up. And the last text Patton sends to her is: "You awake?"
As the episode ends, Patton's 911 call is played and that seems to have broken many hearts. "The ending of Episode 4 was rough & I hate hearing real 911 calls but I've been anticipating this since Episode 1. RIP Michelle. Can't wait to see how they tie things up in the last two episodes," one said and another posted, "Damn hearing Patton call 911 though #IllBeGoneInTheDark."
"I'm thinking besides the gruesome research and work she was doing, the pills were also impacting her paranoia, sleeplessness, and consistent nightmares. It's all too sad. #illbegoneinthedark," one posted and another fan wrote, "I mean, I can't imagine living with this information for 5+ years and trying to not just write this book but also trying to solve this case which several teams of people couldn't for decades. Exhausting."
"Wow, this episode of #IllBeGoneInTheDark is so much more personal about Michelle's life than I ever thought it would get. Absolutely brilliant showing a slow build-up of stress with the boxes, deadlines, personal emails & voice mails. Fantastic balance of the case and Michelle," one wrote. Another went on to say, "I can't imagine cleaning up the crime scene of a loved one or anyone I know... or any crime scene, tbh. I'm terrified and sad. Because I know what happens next. Until next week."
The 911 call hit hard for many viewers. "#IllBeGoneInTheDark Ugh, I was kind of hoping they wouldn’t play Patton’s 911 call. #IllBeGoneInTheDark," one tweet read and another said, "I’m watching the documentary #illbegoneinthedark and it’s amazing. I would like to say that you were an amazing husband and I am so sorry for your loss. You guys were magic."