Podcast Summary: 48 Hours – “Love and Lies”
Original air date: December 25, 2025
Host: CBS News correspondents
Overview
This emotionally charged “48 Hours” episode investigates the true story of Jennifer Corbin, a beloved mother found dead in her upscale Georgia home, and the shocking unraveling of secrets, betrayals, and a previously hidden link to another mysterious suicide. Through harrowing interviews, narration, and the expertise of veteran investigators and prosecutors, the episode explores how an apparent suicide triggered a sprawling double homicide investigation — ultimately exposing Barton “Bart” Corbin as a killer whose crimes spanned 14 years and shattered two families.
With quintessential “48 Hours” storytelling, this episode highlights how meticulous reporting and relentless pursuit of truth can bring long-denied justice and closure to those left behind.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
Setting the Scene: A Crime Shocks a Community
- Jennifer Corbin, 33, vibrant and beloved mother of Dalton and Dylan, is discovered dead by her 7-year-old son, Dalton, on December 4, 2004 ([05:00]).
- The family home is in a tight-knit, upscale suburban neighborhood outside Atlanta; the Corbins and their neighbors, the Comos, were inseparable family friends ([07:00]).
Notable Quote:
“It was pretty bad that the boys had to see that.” – Kelly Como, neighbor ([02:20])
Initial Theories and Family Doubt
- First responders treat the death as a likely suicide due to the presence of a gun and papers near the body, but Jennifer’s family is adamant she would never take her own life ([09:30]).
- Divorce papers (filed days earlier by Bart after discovering Jennifer’s online affair) are found under her body, hinting at deeper marital strife and motive.
Notable Quote:
“Jennifer would never have committed suicide.” – Jennifer’s mother, Narda ([10:00])
The Secret Online Affair
- Jennifer sought escape in the online game EverQuest, where she developed a relationship with “Chris,” whom she fell in love with, planning a future together despite never meeting in person ([17:40]).
- Shortly before her death, Jennifer discovered “Chris” was actually Anita, a woman from Missouri. Jennifer's devastation was compounded by marital turmoil and Bart’s threats to use her affair against her in a custody battle ([51:30]).
Notable Exchange:
“She said, if your plane crashes on the way out here. Or if my husband kills me.”
— Anita, recounting last conversation with Jennifer ([1:17:50])
A Chilling Parallel: The Unsolved Death of Dolly Hearn
- An anonymous tip brings Detective Marcus Head to a 1990 suicide case: Dolly Hearn, a dental student, died similarly after a breakup with Bart Corbin ([20:20]).
- Investigators realize Bart Corbin was cleared as a suspect in Dolly’s case but see shocking parallels between the two deaths — both women left Bart, and each death was staged as suicide ([28:25]).
Notable Quote:
“What were the odds of two women committing suicide in one man's life?” – Narrator ([31:20])
Reopening a Cold Case: Forensic Breakthroughs
- Blood spatter expert Dwayne Piper reviews Dolly’s case, finding evidence it was a staged homicide — not suicide — due to blood patterns inconsistent with a self-inflicted shot ([34:15]).
- The new forensic finding, Bart’s undeniable connection to both women, and timelines overlapping with relationship turmoil renew the prosecution’s case ([36:00]).
Notable Quote:
“There’s no way she made this stain. There’s no way.” – Dwayne Piper, blood spatter expert ([35:10])
Bart Corbin’s Alibi Falls Apart
- Bart claims an airtight alibi for Jennifer's murder, but phone records and neighbor testimony reveal holes: Bart was seen returning home around 1:40 am — the same time Jennifer’s final communication occurred ([43:35]).
- Expert testimony suggests Bart could not bear losing control when relationships ended and killed both women to maintain the illusion of control ([48:10]).
Notable Quote:
“That says more about Barton Corbin than almost anything else… and it’s as cold as anything I’ve seen.” – Prosecutor Danny Porter ([46:50])
The Boys’ Direct Accusation
- Dalton, Jennifer’s son, immediately accused his father:
“He told me plain as day, ‘My dad shot my mom.’” – Kelly Como ([48:40])
The Breaking Point: Linking Bart to the Murder Weapon
- The investigation is revitalized when Bart’s friend Richard Wilson finally confesses to giving Bart the gun used to kill Jennifer just days before her death ([1:29:30]).
- This confession is a turning point, providing the physical evidence needed to charge Bart.
Notable Moment:
Richard Wilson confessing, “[Bart] thought his wife was fooling around on him. He thought he needed a gun to protect himself. He knew I had guns, asked if I had one. So he came and got it…” ([1:31:00])
Justice Served: Bart Corbin's Guilty Pleas
- Facing damning evidence and the threat of a death penalty, Bart Corbin confesses in open court to murdering both Jennifer and Dolly ([1:36:50]).
- Powerful victim impact statements are delivered by the families. Jennifer’s father, Max Barber, speaks to Bart directly:
“I just virtually hope you burn in hell” ([1:39:20])
Notable Quote:
“It’s just like looking into the eyes of a shark. There’s nothing there.” – Prosecutor ([1:37:10])
Aftermath and Reflections
- Bart Corbin is sentenced to two concurrent life sentences ([1:41:20]).
- Jennifer’s sister Heather, now guardian to the Corbin boys, pledges resilience:
“We are not going to let this destroy our family. We’ll move on, but we’ll never forget. I don’t think we’ll ever be able to forgive.” ([1:43:20]) - Dolly Hearn is posthumously awarded her degree in dentistry ([1:44:00]).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the horror of the crime:
“Do you think those boys are ever going to forget what it is to look at their mother after she’s been shot in the head?” – Jennifer’s mother, Narda ([10:30]) -
On the inexplicable aftermath:
“There is that one big word: Why? Why did it have to be like this? Why couldn’t you just walk away?” – Narrator ([1:42:15]) -
On familial devastation:
“We chose to back the guy we believed in and we turned out to back the liar.” – Bart’s brother ([1:42:40])
Important Timestamps
- 00:40 – Introduction to the case and Jennifer Corbin
- 02:20 – Discovery of Jennifer’s body and neighbor’s 911 call
- 10:00 – Family’s disbelief at suicide theory
- 17:40 – Jennifer’s online relationship revealed
- 20:20 – Tip connecting Jennifer’s death to Dolly Hearn’s
- 34:15 – Blood spatter analysis reopens Dolly’s case
- 43:35 – Alibi unraveling and new evidence
- 48:40 – Dalton’s accusation of his father
- 1:29:30 – Richard Wilson links Bart to the gun
- 1:36:50 – Bart Corbin’s guilty pleas
- 1:39:20 – Impact statements in court
- 1:41:20 – Bart’s sentencing and family reflections
Tone and Language
The episode blends journalistic rigor with personal, heartfelt accounts from those closest to the victims. The language remains respectful and empathetic, capturing both the legal complexities and emotional devastation surrounding the case. The correspondence—from grieving sisters, parents, and children—is raw, painful, and authentic.
Conclusion
“Love and Lies” stands as a potent reminder of how investigative journalism and forensic breakthroughs can expose buried truths, heal wounded families, and finally achieve justice. The episode closes with the resolve of Jennifer and Dolly’s loved ones to move forward — forever marked but not destroyed by Bart Corbin’s crimes.