Dateline NBC: A Mom's Desperate Search, Ohio's Pike County Massacre, and More Episode Released: January 9, 2025

Introduction Host: Andrea Canning

In this gripping episode of Dateline NBC, host Andrea Canning delves into a tapestry of true-crime stories that span from a desperate mother's search for her missing daughter to the harrowing Pike County Massacre in Ohio. The episode also explores ongoing cases, including the Karen Reed trial and insights into jury duty from an expert consultant. Below is a detailed summary capturing the episode's key points, discussions, and poignant moments.

1. Jasmine Pace Case: A Mother's Quest for Truth

Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Overview: On November 23, 2022, 22-year-old Jasmine Pace sent her mother, Katrina Pace, a distressing text message containing only a PIN drop, indicating her location. Jasmine never returned home, prompting Katrina and her family to embark on a frantic search.

Key Events:

• Investigation Initiated: The Paces discovered Jasmine's phone, license, and credit cards at Jason Chen's condo after forcibly entering the apartment (Transcript [03:12]–[07:25]).
• Discovery of the Body: Jasmine's body was later found in a suitcase, having been brutally stabbed 60 times.
• Suspect and Trial Preparations: Jason Chen, Jasmine's boyfriend, was charged with murder and abuse of a corpse but pleaded not guilty. The defense scrutinizes Katrina Pace's unauthorized investigation, alleging potential contamination of evidence.

Notable Quotes:

• Katrina Pace: "It wasn't normal for me to break into apartments." ([06:45])
• Grayson Gordon (Reporter): "This is a very disturbing scene." ([05:46])
• Katrina Pace: "I knew it wasn't good." ([03:12])

Trial Developments: The trial is set to commence with jurors being sequestered and brought in from another county to mitigate pretrial publicity's influence. Katrina's actions, though driven by maternal desperation, are under defense's scrutiny to potentially exclude critical evidence.

2. Pike County Massacre: Family Betrayal and Ruthless Retribution

Location: Pike County, Ohio

Overview: One of Ohio's most gruesome crimes, the Pike County Massacre, involved the murder of seven adults and a 16-year-old boy over a custody dispute concerning Sophia, the daughter of Hannah May and Jake Wagner.

Key Events:

• The Massacre: On April 22, 2016, multiple members of the Rhoden family were found shot to death in four locations.
• Motive and Arrests: The Wagner family, initially friends with the Rodens, believed Sophia was being abused by a Rhoden family member. This belief, though unfounded, led them to orchestrate the massacre to eliminate all potential sources of retribution.
• Trial Proceedings: Angela Wagner and Jake Wagner were sentenced, with Angela receiving 30 years and Jake being granted the possibility of parole after 32 years. Jake cooperated with authorities, providing details on the plot, including locating the murder weapons.

Notable Quotes:

• Victim's Mother: "You are the spawn of Satan." ([15:36])
• Jake Wagner: "I am glad I got caught." ([16:18])

Legal Developments: Billy Wagner, Jake's father, faced a change of venue ruling for his trial, with the prosecution appealing the decision. The case remains a significant emotional burden for the victim's families, who continue to seek closure.

3. Karen Reed Case: Seeking Justice in the 'Gone Girl' Scenario

Location: Massachusetts

Overview: Karen Reed, accused of killing her police officer boyfriend John O'Keefe by ramming her car into him after a night of drinking, is preparing for her retrial following a deadlocked jury in the initial trial.

Key Events:

• Defense Challenges: The defense contests the admissibility of Dr. Marie Russell's testimony, an expert who suggested John O'Keefe's injuries were consistent with dog bites. Prosecutors argue her opinions lack scientific basis.
• Forensic Controversies: Another forensic expert's testimony regarding a disputed Google search phrase, "to die in the cold," has been set for review in an upcoming hearing.
• Retrial Scheduling: The retrial is slated for later in the year, with significant attention on expert testimonies that could sway the jury's decision.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Marie Russell: "With all due respect, Mr. Brennan, I'm not somebody that just came in off the street. I have at least 30 years as a physician..." ([20:03]–[21:00])

Ongoing Developments: The defense's strategy revolves around challenging forensic evidence, while the prosecution seeks to solidify its case against Reed by excluding potentially biased testimonies.

4. Real-Life 'Gone Girl': Matthew Mueller's Escalating Charges

Location: California, Bay Area

Overview: Matthew Mueller, previously convicted for the kidnapping of Denise Huskins, faces additional charges related to home invasions dating back to 2009. Advances in DNA technology have linked him to these unresolved cases.

Key Events:

• Initial Crime: In 2015, Mueller, a disbarred attorney and ex-Marine, was arrested for Denise Huskins' kidnapping after initial disbelief by authorities.
• New Charges: In 2009, two women reported home invasions where they were threatened with rape. DNA evidence has now connected Mueller to these incidents, leading to his arraignment.
• Sentencing: Mueller was previously sentenced to 40 years, with the new charges potentially extending his incarceration.

Notable Quotes:

• Andrea Canning: "Only there was a big, big difference in this case, of course." ([22:34])

Case Significance: Mueller's actions starkly contrast with the fictional narrative of 'Gone Girl,' showcasing the complexities and dangers surrounding real-life criminal enterprises.

5. Delphi Murders: Justice Served

Location: Delphi, Indiana

Overview: In 2017, the bodies of two schoolgirls, Liberty German and Abigail Williams, were discovered near a creek in Delphi, Indiana. The suspect, Richard Allen, was convicted and sentenced for their murders.

Key Events:

• Conviction and Sentencing: Richard Allen was sentenced to 130 years in prison, a culmination of years of investigation and emotional courtroom proceedings.
• Victim Impact Statements: Relatives of the victims delivered heartfelt statements condemning Allen's actions, emphasizing the profound loss and trauma inflicted.
• Courtroom Reactions: The courtroom was charged with emotion, particularly when the judge criticized Allen's demeanor during sentencing.

Notable Quotes:

• Victim's Mother: "You ruined innocent children's lives." ([15:52])
• Judge: "The girl's murder ranks right up there with the most hideous crimes." ([15:58])

Outcome: The sentencing of Richard Allen brought a sense of closure to the victims' families and underscored the severity of the crimes committed.

6. Jury Duty Insights: Navigating the Legal Process

Expert: Dr. Natalie Gordon, Jury Consultant and Adjunct Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Overview: The episode transitions to an informative segment on jury duty, offering listeners comprehensive insights into what to expect when called to serve.

Key Points:

• Voir Dire Process: Dr. Gordon explains the jury selection process, where potential jurors are questioned to identify biases and ensure impartiality.
• Impact of Pretrial Publicity: Using the Jasmine Pace case as an example, she discusses how media coverage can influence jurors' perceptions and the challenges it poses to fair trial proceedings.
• Deliberation Dynamics: The discussion covers how juries deliberate, the importance of diverse perspectives, and the emotional toll of making life-altering decisions.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Natalie Gordon: "It's very difficult for jurors to set aside information that they have learned about a case from the media." ([26:34])
• Dr. Gordon: "Jurors can feel a lot of sympathy and even empathy for the defendant while also finding him or her guilty." ([28:30])

Practical Advice: Juror sequestration, diversity in juries, and strategies for maintaining impartiality are highlighted as critical factors in the judicial process.

7. Upcoming Stories and Promotions

Additional Content:

• Deadly Mirage Preview: A tease for the upcoming TV episode inspired by Josh's podcast series about betrayal and murder in the California desert.
• After the Verdict: A special segment featuring Susan Altman discussing her advocacy against domestic violence and her role in the conviction of her sister's husband.
• Advertisements and Promotions: Various sponsors, including Grand Canyon University, Capital One, Progressive, and High Five Casino, are featured, promoting educational programs, travel rewards, insurance savings, and online gaming, respectively.

Conclusion Host: Andrea Canning

Andrea Canning wraps up the episode by highlighting the intricate and often heart-wrenching nature of the cases discussed. From maternal desperation to family betrayals and the pursuit of justice, Dateline NBC continues to shed light on the darkest corners of true crime, offering listeners a comprehensive and emotionally charged exploration of each story.

Credits: Produced by Franny Kelly and Katie Ferguson, with contributions from Carson Cummins, Caroline Casey, Liz Brown Kurloff, Sara Kadir, Veronica Mazeka, Rick Kwan, Jesse McGinty, Bryson Barnes, Paul Ryan, and Liz Cole.

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Note: The podcast respects the privacy and sensitivity of all individuals involved and aims to present facts accurately while honoring the victims and their families.