Summary of "The Black Widow" Episode from "48 Hours" by CBS News

1. Introduction

"The Black Widow" episode of CBS News' "48 Hours" delves into the complex and riveting case of Rainella Leith, a 68-year-old grandmother accused of murdering two husbands. The episode meticulously explores the events surrounding the deaths of her first husband, Ed Dossett, and her second husband, David Leith, unraveling a narrative filled with suspicion, legal battles, and unanswered questions.

2. The Death of David Leith

On March 13, 2003, David Lee Leith was found dead with a single gunshot wound to his forehead at his residence in Solway, Tennessee. The initial 911 call by Rainella Leith suggested a suicide, but several discrepancies raised immediate suspicions.

[00:22] Josh Hedrick: "Paramount plus celebrates Black voices from climbing to success in Bob Marley One love."

[00:30] Josh Hedrick: "It's a place for our community."

Detectives observed that:

• Multiple Gunshot Wounds: Contrary to the single wound reported in the suicide note, there were multiple bullet trajectories, indicating more than one shot fired.

• No Signs of Forced Entry or Struggle: The absence of forced entry and signs of struggle suggested that David wasn't coerced, but the presence of only Rainella at the scene increased suspicions.

[01:57] Diane Fanning: "That's a problem, isn't it? In this case."

3. Rainella Leith: Background and Relationships

Rainella Leith, a former nurse and a devout member of her community, had a history marked by personal losses and rapid remarriages. Her first husband, Ed Dossett, died in 1992 under what was initially deemed an accidental farming incident. Less than a year later, Rainella married David Leith, Ed's best friend and neighbor.

[11:02] Diane Fanning: "But Raynella's newfound happiness was short lived. Less than two years after she remarried, her 11-year-old son was killed in a car crash."

Rainella's protective nature over her children and her status as a respected figure in the community made the allegations against her even more shocking.

4. Initial Investigation and Suspicion

Cindy Wilkerson, David's daughter, harbored doubts about the suicide narrative. She questioned the plausibility of her father dying by suicide given his fear of guns and the mechanics of the shooting.

[13:34] Josh Hedrick: "My dad was fun, loving, caring, and it's a joy to use the same chair he did."

Within days of the incident, the Knox County Medical Examiner ruled David's death a homicide, citing inconsistencies in the 911 call and the gunshot evidence.

[14:24] Josh Hedrick: "He was totally blind out of that eye."

These findings directed the investigation towards Rainella, who became the prime suspect in her second husband's death and, retrospectively, in her first husband's death as well.

5. Trials and Convictions

Rainella faced her first trial in 2009, six years after David's death. The prosecution presented evidence suggesting premeditation:

• Gun Analysis: The firearm used had three cartridges, with the third being a different type of bullet. The prosecution argued this indicated an attempt to cover up the murder by leaving gunshot residue on David.

[21:32] Diane Fanning: "He argues Rainella's murderous plan unraveled the moment she fired that first shot and missed."

Despite the state's efforts, the jury deadlocked with an 11-1 decision, resulting in a mistrial.

A subsequent trial a year later ended in a unanimous conviction of first-degree murder, sentencing Rainella to life in prison.

[19:34] Josh Hedrick: "I felt like justice had been served, and I was happy."

With Rainella convicted for the murder of David Leith, prosecutors dropped charges related to her first husband's death.

6. Overturned Conviction and Final Trial

Six years into her imprisonment, Rainella's conviction was overturned due to the judge's severe drug addiction, which compromised the trial's integrity.

[19:55] Josh Hedrick: "I would describe her as lucky. Very lucky."

The final trial in May 2017 faced renewed scrutiny. The prosecution reiterated the three-shot theory, while the defense presented alternative explanations, suggesting the possibility of David committing suicide.

[25:23] Josh Hedrick: "Each and every one of these shots could have been accomplished by David Leath himself."

Despite the strength of the prosecution's case, Judge Paul Summers granted a motion for judgment of acquittal, declaring Rainella not guilty.

[37:52] Josh Hedrick: "In short, the state has failed to meet their burden. The defendant's motion for judgment of acquittal is granted. The defendant, Rainella Leath, is not guilty. The case against Rainella Leith is dismissed."

7. Verdict and Aftermath

The final verdict stunned both the prosecution and David's family. Rainella walked free, leaving behind a community divided and a family seeking closure.

[38:35] Diane Fanning: "David Leith's daughter Cindy sits stunned. The prosecution does too."

Jurors expressed confusion and frustration over the judge's decision:

[38:59] Josh Hedrick: "We were just used. I mean, they just used us as set pieces, pretty much."

Judge Summers defended his decision, emphasizing insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Rainella had the motive or opportunity to commit the murders.

[39:12] Diane Fanning: "So we asked Judge Summers, now retired, to make his case deformed."

8. Reactions and Current Status

The community remains polarized. Some continue to label Rainella as a "black widow," while others support her innocence or acknowledge the legal outcome without definitive conclusions on her guilt.

[41:35] Josh Hedrick: "That's fantasy."

David's family, particularly his daughter Cindy, grapple with unresolved grief and the lack of justice, feeling that Rainella evaded true accountability.

[42:05] Diane Fanning: "It wasn't just these three, they say. Shortly after the judge's decision, a majority of jurors gathered near the courthouse and came to the same conclusion."

9. Conclusion

"The Black Widow" episode masterfully navigates the intricate details of Rainella Leith's case, highlighting the challenges of the legal system in complex murder investigations. From initial suspicions to multiple trials and an unexpected acquittal, the story underscores the enduring quest for truth and justice in the face of ambiguity and community skepticism.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Hedrick on Evidence:

  "[02:29] Josh Hedrick: 'Everything good about this woman was twisted. Everything good about this woman was turned around to be evil.'”

• Diane Fanning on Rainella's Character:

  "[06:33] Diane Fanning: 'You've got an unbelievable character. There were people she knew in college who said, well, she was great. She was a lot of fun, as long as you didn't cross her.'”

• Judge Summers on Acquittal:

  "[39:35] Diane Fanning: 'Did you choose to do this? To end this case, to finally end this case?'"
  "[39:40] Josh Hedrick: 'Yes.'"

• Josh Hedrick on Verdict:

  "[43:29] Josh Hedrick: 'There is a difference between being not guilty and being innocent. If the state does not prove its case, they are found not guilty. It doesn't say that they're innocent.'”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key elements of "The Black Widow" podcast episode, offering listeners a clear and detailed understanding of the Rainella Leith case without needing to reference the original transcript.