Andrea Gunning

Danielle was awarded full custody, and shortly after, she attended her ex-husband's sentencing hearing.

It started with the victim's statements.

There were no dry eyes in that courtroom.

They're amazing people.

The judge was stunned by Chad's crime, especially the premeditation that had gone into building the dungeon and the torture the victims endured.

The judge gave Chad the maximum sentence possible.

Surprised, but grateful.

She sees how dangerous Chad is and doesn't want him anywhere near her or their children ever again.

She says she forgives him, but forgiveness can include boundaries.

Danielle decided to stay in that small town of Erie, Illinois.

Chad's victims still live there too.

And Danielle has seen them around town.

She's even thought about reaching out to apologize for the pain her husband caused and to grieve with them.

Some people in their community just didn't believe that Danielle was in the dark about her husband's double life.

Around town, she's noticed that people don't smile and wave as much as they used to.

She's had to reckon with blaming herself for not knowing who her husband actually was and what he was really doing all those nights he claimed to be in the basement working.

As part of her healing process, she's learned about people like Chad and the tactics they use.

Tactics that felt very familiar.

These kinds of things helped her understand how he had subtly manipulated her for so long, but that didn't ease the self-blame or the sense that she couldn't trust anyone around her or even herself.

Or is this just his presentation of who he says he is?