Dateline NBC Podcast Summary

Episode Title: A Utah grief author's murder trial. Eyewitness drama in Florida. Plus, Nancy Guthrie and Olivia Lone Bear.
Date: February 26, 2026
Host: Andrea Canning

Episode Overview

This episode of Dateline True Crime Weekly, hosted by Andrea Canning, explores a series of high-profile cases: the murder trial of Utah mom and grief author Corey Richins; dramatic eyewitness testimony in the decades-old murder case of University of Miami football player Brian Pata; updates on the trials of Nick Reiner and Dale Warner; the murder charge against former American Idol contestant Caleb Flynn; and the ongoing impact of missing persons cases—including the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie and the story of Olivia Lone Bear.

1. Corey Richins’ Utah Murder Trial

Theme: The highly anticipated trial of Corey Richins—a mother of three, children’s grief author, and accused killer of her husband—opens in Park City, Utah.
Correspondents: Host Andrea Canning, Dateline Producer Karen Israel

Key Points & Insights

• Who is Corey Richins?

  • Gained regional fame in 2023 after promoting her children’s book about grief following husband Eric’s suspicious death (02:13).
  • Arrested soon after, accused of poisoning Eric with fentanyl for financial gain.

• Prosecution’s Case (04:10–06:42)

  • Prosecutor Brad Bloodworth opened by outlining alleged premeditation: Corey texting her lover, making Eric a fatal drink, finding him dead in bed (04:34).
    • Quote: “She departs the bedroom. Corey returns ... finds that Eric is cold ... his mouth is wide open.” (04:34)
  • Claimed this was her second attempt (earlier, she allegedly laced a Valentine’s Day sandwich).
  • Manner of obtaining fentanyl: allegedly purchased from her housekeeper, who will be a key witness (05:11).
  • Motive: immense financial pressure; Eric's estate over $4 million, Corey $4.5 million in debt, and multiple alleged insurance fraud attempts.
    • Quote: “Corey Richins murdered Eric for his money... to perpetuate her facade of privilege, affluence and success.” (05:30)

• Affair as Motive (06:50)

  • Corey’s relationship with Robert Josh Grossman. Prosecution to present internet history and text messages.
    • Evidence: “If he could just go away and you could just be here, life would be so perfect.” (07:08)

• Defense Arguments (07:30–08:59)

  • Insufficient evidence directly connects Corey to providing the fentanyl.
  • Claimed drugs from housekeeper were oxycodone, not fentanyl.
  • Suggested Eric sometimes used drugs, supported by an empty pill bottle found.
  • Asserted Eric’s family instantly blamed Corey, possibly contaminating the investigation.
  • Memorable Strategy: Defense attorney displayed the “young woman/old woman” optical illusion to illustrate the concept of reasonable doubt.
    • Quote (defense attorney): “There's gonna be times... the state is gonna show you the witch and I'm gonna show you a widow. If you can still see both faces, that's reasonable doubt.” (08:58)

• Opening Witnesses (09:25–10:47)

  • First called: Eric’s father and emotional testimony from his sister, Katie Richins Benson. (09:34)
    • Emotional moment: Katie struggled to describe Eric, breaking down on the stand.
    • Bodycam footage showed contrasts between Katie’s account and actual courtroom interactions.
  • Additional expected witnesses: Corey’s mother, first responders, and investigators.

• Trial Logistics

  • Massive public interest: people lined up before 6am for seats.
  • Trial expected to last five weeks (10:49).

2. Eyewitness Drama: The Rashawn Jones / Brian Pata Case (Miami)

Theme: The prosecution’s case rests on decades-old, fraught eyewitness testimony in the trial of former University of Miami football player Rashawn Jones, accused of murdering teammate Brian Pata in 2006.
Correspondents: Andrea Canning, Dateline Producer Jay Young

Key Points & Insights

• Background (12:52–15:13)

  • Pata, a star athlete, was shot near his apartment; Jones was not present at the mandatory post-murder team meeting.
    • Jealousy alleged as motive: Jones was suspended, his career faltering; also, complicated romantic ties.

• Evidence Presented

  • No shell casings, but no sign of robbery—money left on Pata’s body.
  • Cell tower records placed Jones near the scene.

• Star Witness: Paul Connor (16:16–18:08)

  • Elderly neighbor who said he saw Jones near the scene immediately after the shot. Testified via pre-recorded video due to health.
  • Years after the crime, his memory had faded, and he could not be cross-examined at trial.
    • Quote: “I would describe him as a young African American, 6ft to 6'1 tall ... I had to turn left, and for a moment that brought me face to face with him.” (18:11)

• Defense Challenges (19:14)

  • Connor had compromised eyesight due to diabetes; was uncertain if he wore glasses.
    • Quote: "If you were wearing your glasses, do you think you would have had a better look?" – "Yes." (19:32)
  • Raises doubt about credibility of identification.

• Case Update

  • Prosecutors rested, and defense gave no case, moving directly to closing arguments (19:49).

3. Dateline Roundup: Updates on Major Cases

Segment Host: Andrea Canning with Digital Producer Veronica Mazeka

Nick Reiner Double Homicide (Los Angeles) (22:09–24:13)

• Nick Reiner, son of Hollywood’s Rob Reiner and photographer Michelle Reiner, stands accused of fatally stabbing both parents (22:16).
• At arraignment, Nick pleads not guilty, waives speedy trial (22:58).
• District attorney considering death penalty; family expresses trust in the legal system.

Dale Warner Murder Trial (Michigan) (24:30–26:22)

• Lenaway County farmer charged with murdering wife Dee, allegedly hiding her body in a fertilizer tank.
• Testimony focused on marital strife and physical evidence of bruising (25:01).
• Defense: No direct evidence of murder; all evidence circumstantial.
• Jury allowed to ask questions, including technical forensic issues.

Caleb Flynn—American Idol Contestant Accused of Murder (Tipp City, Ohio) (26:22–28:01)

• Flynn claimed an intruder shot his wife Ashley; 911 call played (27:10).
• Police found evidence inconsistent with break-in; Flynn charged with murder and tampering with evidence.
• Flynn pleads not guilty.

4. The Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie & Spotlight on Missing Persons

Theme: Elevating the cases of missing people, including those with personal links to NBC News.

Nancy Guthrie (Savannah Guthrie’s Mother) (28:12–28:59)

• Savannah Guthrie appeals to the public for help as her mother remains missing after being taken from her bed (28:31).
  • Announces $1 million reward, donates $500,000 to NCMEC.
  • Quote: “Every hour and minute and second and every long night has been agony since then.” (28:31)
• Family urges wider attention for all families with missing loved ones.

Olivia Lone Bear—The Search and Its Impact (North Dakota) (29:49–35:30)

Key Points

• Olivia, a 32-year-old Indigenous mom of five, disappeared in 2017 from Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
• Search led by family and advocate Lyssa Yellowbird Chase, who ultimately found Olivia’s body in a submerged pickup (31:42–33:31).
  • Quote (Lyssa Yellowbird Chase): “I can't say I'm the best at anything, but... I'll do my best.” (33:03)
  • Found Olivia buckled in passenger seat—foul play suspected, but official cause undetermined.
• Lyssa’s advocacy highlights law enforcement gaps and the disproportionate impact of disappearances on Indigenous women (32:12).
  • Quote: “You got first responders that, you know, may minimize the situation...” (32:12)
  • Call to Action: “They just need to get up and get busy and really do the work.” (34:54)
• FBI continues to offer a reward for information (35:13).
  • “Olivia and her children still deserve some type of justice.” (35:13)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment/Topic | Start Time | |-----------------------------------------------------|------------| | Corey Richins' trial coverage, opening statements | 02:13 | | Prosecution & defense arguments | 04:10–09:25| | Eric’s family and bodycam testimony | 09:25–10:47| | Rashawn Jones / Brian Pata case | 12:52 | | Paul Connor eyewitness testimony | 16:16 | | Defense challenges (Pata case) | 19:14 | | Nick Reiner arraignment | 22:09 | | Dale Warner trial update | 24:30 | | Caleb Flynn accused of murder | 26:35 | | Nancy Guthrie disappearance appeal | 28:12 | | Olivia Lone Bear case and interview | 29:49 |

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Defense Optics in Richins Case: "There's gonna be times... the state is gonna show you the witch and I'm gonna show you a widow. If you can still see both faces, that's reasonable doubt." (08:58)
• Lyssa Yellowbird Chase (on Indigenous missing persons): “You got first responders that, you know, may minimize the situation... situations that could have been a potential homicide, overlooked, disregarded, and just not given any attention to.” (32:12)
• Savannah Guthrie (on her mother’s disappearance): “It is day 24 since our mom was taken in the dark of night from her bed. And every hour ... has been agony...” (28:31)

Tone & Flow

The episode maintains Dateline’s signature blend of measured journalism, empathetic storytelling, and legal analysis, punctuated by emotional moments from those impacted by violent crime and disappearance. The language alternates between courtroom precision (especially during the Richins trial recap) and personal, compassionate outreach (as in the missing persons segments).

Conclusion

This Dateline True Crime Weekly episode delivers an in-depth look at evolving high-profile criminal cases and reinforces the ongoing struggle of families searching for missing loved ones. Listeners come away with an understanding of each case's intricacies, legal battles, and emotional stakes—along with a reminder of the broader systemic issues affecting justice for victims, especially Indigenous women and the families of the missing.

For tips on Nancy Guthrie or Olivia Lone Bear cases: Call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).