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Jed Boal ReportingA letter police found in the Hacking's apartment led investigators early on to simmering marital problems. A clinical psychologist, talked with KSL about Lori's apparent frame of mind when she wrote those words.
Police have not said definitely Lori wrote the letter, but it was found in an envelope with Mark's name on it, and according to court papers, “indicated the Hackings were having severe marital problems."
When did Lori Hacking discover her husband Mark was lying? And was she ready to call off their move to North Carolina? We don't yet know the date of the letter, but put together with information we do know, these pieces of prose paint a partial picture.
Assuming Lori wrote the letter, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michael Brunson speculates Lori was angry, sad, even stunned.
Dr. Michael Brunson, Clinical Psychologist: “I sure get the sense that there were other marital problems, maybe even beyond the lies and deceit we're now aware of."
It reads, “I want to grow old with you, but I can't do it under these conditions," and "I can't imagine life with you if things don't change."
Dr. Michael Brunson: “It does sound like she is wanting things to change, but still committed to the relationship."
Specifically what Lori Hacking had discovered and what changes she wanted, we don't know. Brunson has counseled couples on the brink of a break-up and says demands for change are common.
Dr. Michael Brunson: “She still appears to want to be with him, but his behavior had to change."
We don't know whether Lori Hacking was focused on Mark's lies about med school or other issues, but the psychologist says it appears Lori still wanted to work it out.
