Overview of Dateline True Crime Weekly
This episode (Dateline True Crime Weekly, Feb 26) covers four main court stories and two missing-person updates. Major segments include the murder trial of Utah author Corey Richens, eyewitness testimony and developments in the Miami murder trial of former University of Miami player Rashawn Jones, a Dateline roundup of several high-profile cases (including Nick Reiner and Dale Warner), and updates on two missing-person cases: Nancy Guthrie (Savannah Guthrie’s mother) and Olivia Lone Bear (found in 2018). The episode mixes courtroom reporting, investigative details, victim-family perspectives, and calls for public tips.
Corey Richens — Park City, Utah murder trial
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Case summary
- Defendant: Corey (Corrie) Richens, mom of three and author of a children’s grief book after husband Eric’s 2022 death.
- Charge: Accused of murdering husband Eric Richens by poisoning him with fentanyl; has pleaded not guilty.
- Trial location/duration: Summit County Courthouse, Park City; expected to last about five weeks.
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Prosecution’s opening
- Alleged timeline: Corey texted her alleged paramour, offered Eric a drink in bed, left, returned ~3 a.m. to find Eric cold, stiff, pale and unresponsive.
- Alleged prior attempt: Prosecutors claim Corey previously tried to poison Eric (sandwich on Valentine’s Day).
- Source of fentanyl: Prosecutors say a housekeeper bought fentanyl from a dealer and supplied Corey; the housekeeper is expected to be a key witness.
- Motive: Financial gain — Eric’s estate ~ $4M; prosecutors say Corey was ~ $4.5M in debt and fraudulently took out/submitted insurance policies to obtain ~ $2M.
- Affair: Texts and internet history introduced to show Corey wanted “a fresh start” with a paramour (named Josh Grossman).
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Defense’s opening
- Central claim: No direct evidence links Corey to administering fentanyl; drugs allegedly supplied by housekeeper were oxycodone (not fentanyl).
- Admits Eric died from fentanyl but argues reasonable doubt about how he ingested it.
- Defense suggested possible contamination of the investigation by Eric’s family’s hostility.
- Memorable courtroom image: defense used a viral optical illusion (young woman vs. old woman/witch) — “I’ll show you a widow, the state will show you a witch; if you can see both, that’s reasonable doubt.”
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Early witness testimony / evidence shown
- Eric’s family (father, sister) testified, with emotional appeals that Eric was not a drug user.
- Police bodycam from Corey’s 911 call was played; it showed Corey emotional and at one point hugging Eric’s sister — a contrast to some testimony.
- Upcoming witnesses expected: housekeeper, investigators, first responders; prosecution started calling family and first responders on day one.
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Notable quote
- From Corey (recording from jail, 2024): “I’m anxious. I’m anxious for my innocence…I’m ready to get to trial. I’m ready to get this one heck of a fight.”
Rashawn Jones — Miami (former U. of Miami player) eyewitness drama
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Case summary
- Defendant: Rashawn Jones, former U. of Miami player; pleaded not guilty to the 2004 murder of teammate Brian Pata.
- Allegation: Prosecution says Jones was jealous of Pata’s success and ambushed him in an off-campus apartment parking lot.
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Key evidence and prosecution theory
- Motive: Jealousy/envy—Brian was an NFL prospect; Jones had been suspended (marijuana), and there was prior tension (past altercation, alleged relationship with the same woman).
- Cell-tower data: Places Jones near the crime scene around the time of the murder (prosecution) — defense notes Jones lived nearby and attended the same school.
- No direct physical evidence (no shell casings tied to Jones).
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Eyewitness testimony controversy
- Eyewitness: Paul Conner, a neighbor who drew a sketch and later identified Jones in a photo lineup in 2007.
- Due to age and failing memory, Conner’s 2022 videotaped testimony was allowed (perpetuated testimony). The judge found him incompetent to testify in person; tape was played to jury.
- Defense extracted concessions on tape: it was dark, Conner has type 2 diabetes affecting sight, unsure about wearing glasses — aimed at undermining ID reliability.
- After Conner’s videotaped testimony, prosecution later wrapped its case; defense rested without calling witnesses and moved quickly to closings. (Further developments to follow.)
Dateline Roundup — other courtroom updates
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Nick Reiner (Los Angeles)
- Arraignment for the December killings of parents Rob and Michelle Reiner.
- Nick pleaded not guilty and waived his right to a speedy trial; prosecutors are considering whether to seek the death penalty.
- Family (siblings) not attending hearings publicly; next hearing scheduled in April.
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Dale Warner (Lenawee County, Michigan)
- Farmer accused of murdering his wife Dee and hiding her body in a fertilizer tank (2021).
- Prosecution presented testimony suggesting a troubled, possibly abusive marriage; witnesses described bruises and arguments, claims of Dee sleeping on the couch, affair.
- Defense emphasizes case is circumstantial and no one saw Dale kill Dee.
- Medical examiner testimony: bruises and brain bleeding likely occurred while Dee was alive, not caused during movement of the body — jurors asked technical questions during trial.
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Caleb Flynn (Tippecanoe/Tipp City, Ohio)
- Former American Idol contestant charged with shooting his wife Ashley; he called 911 reporting an intruder and his wife shot.
- Police say scene suggested staging (garage door blocked by fridge, children asleep) and Caleb later charged with murder, assault and evidence tampering; he pleaded not guilty.
Missing-person updates: Nancy Guthrie and Olivia Lone Bear
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Nancy Guthrie (Savannah Guthrie’s mother)
- Status: Missing for 24 days at time of the episode.
- Family action: Savannah posted appeals, announced a $1 million reward for information, and the family donated $500,000 to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to support other families.
- Investigations: Authorities continue to pursue leads; NBC/Dateline are promoting the case to raise awareness.
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Olivia Lone Bear (Fort Berthold Indian Reservation)
- Background: 32-year-old mother of five, missing Oct 24, 2017. Last seen leaving a bar in her teal pickup truck.
- Search & discovery: Volunteer advocate Lissa Yellowbird and her Saunish Scouts raised search resources (dogs, sonar). In July 2018 Olivia was found nine months later: inside a pickup submerged in Lake Sakakawea, in the passenger seat, seatbelt fastened.
- Autopsy/cause of death: Ruled “undetermined” despite the vehicle position suggesting murder (passenger, belted). Lissa and family strongly believe homicide.
- Investigation status: FBI has been involved and says it continues to investigate; FBI offering up to $10,000 reward for info leading to arrest/conviction.
- Advocate plea: Lissa urged more active investigative work and attention to missing Indigenous women — cited systemic problems and under-resourcing that leave cases overlooked.
Key takeaways
- Many cases hinge on circumstantial evidence and witness credibility (e.g., eyewitness ID reliability, cell-tower evidence, online/text messages, hypothecated motives).
- The Corey Richens case is focused on alleged fentanyl poisoning, financial motive (insurance/ debt), and an alleged affair; the prosecution’s housekeeper witness is crucial.
- Eyewitness testimony decades later can be contested on competency and memory; videotaped testimony is sometimes admitted when witnesses are unable to testify live.
- Missing Indigenous women’s cases continue to illustrate systemic investigative gaps; community volunteers and advocates often play critical roles in searches.
How to help / tips & rewards
- If you have information about Olivia Lone Bear or Nancy Guthrie, contact the FBI tip line: 1-800-225-5324 (also posted in the episode description).
- FBI reward: up to $10,000 in Olivia’s case; Savannah Guthrie’s family announced a $1 million private reward for Nancy’s case.
Notable quotes
- Corey Richens (recorded from jail): “I’m anxious for my innocence…I’m ready to get to trial. I’m ready to get this one heck of a fight.”
- Defense framing in Corey trial: “You’ll see the witch; I’ll show you a widow — if you can see both, that’s reasonable doubt.”
Producers and credits: Dateline True Crime Weekly (NBC News) — episode produced by Carson Cummins, Caroline Casey, Kiani Reed; digital reporting and courtroom coverage by Karen Israel, Jay Young, Veronica Mazzaca, and others.