The Fitbit Done Him In

Richard Dabate thought he had the perfect alibi, but he hadn’t considered the tattletale on his wife’s wrist. As in the unfolding case of Brian Walshe, who is accused of killing his wife after googling body-disposal tips, technology is proving to be the ultimate witness

By Rich Cohen

The Fitbit was introduced to the market in 2009. Meant to count steps and check heart rate, it was used to solve a murder in 2022. The man condemned by the Fitbit, Richard Dabate, is currently serving 65 years in prison.

An Unfortunate Pregnancy

In the life of a killer, technology cuts both ways. It allows those of homicidal temperament to track, eavesdrop on, and flush their prey. It also records, tangles, and, in ways the bad people never seem to anticipate, foils their most elaborate plans. Which is why Richard Dabate is known as “the Fitbit Killer.”