A wife goes missing in the Bahamas. Utah mom's alleged plot to kill son-in-law. Plus, crimes abroad.

Summary

Dateline NBC: True Crime Weekly (April 16, 2026)

Episode Focus:
This episode covers the disappearance of Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas, the alleged Utah family murder plot against son-in-law Matt Rastelli, international crime investigations, and updates on high-profile criminal defendants. The tone is grave, investigative, and empathetic, with multiple correspondents providing in-depth analysis.

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Main Stories & Key Discussions

1. Disappearance in the Bahamas: The Lynette Hooker Case

Segment begins at 02:22

Overview:

• Incident: Michigan couple Brian and Lynette Hooker were living full-time on their yacht in the Bahamas when Lynette vanished on Easter morning. Brian claims she fell overboard; suspicions arise about foul play.
• Investigation: Intense search with underwater drones, military vessels, helicopters; only a flotation device found.
• Suspicions: Family, especially Lynette’s daughter Carly, questions Brian's account; history of domestic discord suggested but no arrests on record.

Notable Quotes & Moments:

• On the couple's adventurous life:
  “They had sold their house in Michigan to live full time on their yacht.”
  —Andrea Canning (04:20)
• On the alleged accident:
  "Brian told authorities that Lynette fell overboard with the keys to the dinghy in her pocket... he ends up having to paddle back to shore, which took hours before he reaches the Marsh harbor boatyard."
  —Andrea Canning (04:55)
• Carly’s suspicion:
  “She said that Brian sounded monotone and relaxed as he described her mother's disappearance. She didn't sense panic, desperation.”
  —Andrea Canning (05:59)
• On the history of domestic issues:
  “In 2015, Lynette was arrested on charges of assault and battery... Brian and Lynette accused each other.”
  —Andrea Canning (06:39)
• Brian’s emotional denial:
  “I've never Harmed Lynette and I never would harm Lynette. And I want to find Lynette.”
  —Brian Hooker via Lester Holt (08:28)
• Brian’s breakdown:
  “We quit working to do this thing together... without. There's no point in being any of it.”
  —Brian Hooker (09:08)
• Status update:
  “Brian remains a suspect in the investigation, which she confirmed is ongoing.”
  —Andrea Canning (10:09)
• Search winding down:
  “The search for Lynette will likely be suspended in the next 48 hours. So far, the only trace... is her flotation device.”
  —Lester Holt (10:38)

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2. Utah Murder Plot: Tracy Grist and Family on Trial

Segment begins at 12:28

Overview:

• Crime: Matt Rastelli was found shot outside his mother-in-law Tracy Grist’s home. Initially ruled self-defense, but investigation suggests a plot involving Tracy, her son Kevin, and Matt’s wife Kate.
• Twist: Kate, originally charged, turned state's witness, describing her mother's manipulation and the plan to murder Matt rather than face a messy divorce and custody fight.

Key Discussion Points:

• Relationship troubles:
  COVID strained Matt and Kate’s marriage, leading to Kate’s abrupt move to Utah (14:48–15:43).
• Suspicion on self-defense:
  Discrepancies in evidence (knife in wrong hand, delayed 911 calls) led investigators to suspect murder (15:55–17:03).
• Text evidence:
  Prosecution introduces texts where Tracy muses about strangling Matt; prosecution alleges conspiracy (17:19–17:47).
• Kate’s testimony:
  “She had said it like a joke. Oh, we can get him to come out here, and we could just murder him and kill him and make it look like self defense.”
  —Kate via Andrea Canning (19:25)
• Shift from joke to reality:
  “About a week and a half beforehand, when I realized that a divorce with him would be messy and I would run the risk of losing my children.”
  —Kate via Andrea Canning (19:41)
• Mother's influence:
  “I don't think that's a fair question. It was planned by my mother.”
  —Kate via Andrea Canning (20:23)
• Trial status:
  Three-week trial expected, possible testimony from Kevin, the convicted shooter (21:09–21:18).

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3. Dateline Roundup: High-Profile Courtroom Updates

Segment begins at 23:07

A. Hawaii: Dr. Gerhard Koenig Trial

• Verdict: Guilty of attempted manslaughter (verdict based on extreme mental or emotional disturbance – not second-degree murder as prosecutors asked).

  “We the jury in this case finds the defendant guilty of attempted manslaughter based upon extreme mental or emotional disturbance.”
  —Andrea Canning, verdict reading (23:28)

• Sentence: Up to 20 years possible; sentencing August 13; defense plans appeal.

B. Sean "Diddy" Combs Appeal:

• Status: Serving four years, two months for interstate prostitution (acquitted of sex trafficking); defense argues harsh and unprecedented sentence under Mann Act.

  “This sentence was the highest sentence ever imposed for a man act defendant sentenced under the same base offense level and criminal history.”
  —Rocio Zamora & Andrea Canning (25:26–25:33)

• Next steps: Awaiting appellate panel decision; no date set.

C. Lori Vallow Daybell ("Mommy Doomsday") Appeal:

• Status: Life sentence for murder of two children and conspiracy in a third murder; appealing on grounds of right-to-counsel violation and prejudicial prosecution remarks.
• Next steps: Idaho Supreme Court reviewing petition; months before resolution.

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4. Crimes Abroad: Investigation & Advice for Americans

Segment begins at 27:24

Frank Figliuzzi, Former FBI Assistant Director, Interview

On American jurisdiction:

• “You’re always working with the permission and at the behest of the host nation and their police agency.”
  —Frank Figliuzzi (28:20)

On what to do if victimized abroad:

• “Register with the nearest U.S. consulate, let them know that you’re coming... Keep a copy of your passport... The first thing you need to do...is contact that nearest US Consulate and you should have that number in your phone.”
  —Frank Figliuzzi (29:47)

On legal realities for Americans:

• “You could find yourself absolutely arrested as Mr. Hooker did... So you’re not immune. Yes, you do have the backing of the US Government...but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook just because of where you come from.”
  —Frank Figliuzzi (32:33)

Helpful Tips:

• Keep in touch with family and provide your travel/residence details.
• Know local emergency numbers.
• Contact the U.S. consulate or embassy immediately if in trouble.
• Understand you’ll be under that country’s laws.

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Notable Quotes & Emotional Moments

• Brian Hooker (about Lynette):
  “I've never Harmed Lynette and I never would harm Lynette. And I want to find Lynette.” (08:28)
• Kate (Utah murder case):
  “I looked her in the eyes. I said, mom, I don't want to do this anymore. She looked me back in the eyes and said, I don't care. I'm doing it anyway.” (20:02–20:04)
• Frank Figliuzzi (on international cases):
  “Everything is different...the diplomatic challenge and the relationship challenge and the laws of that nation always differ from ours.” (30:33)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Bahamas Disappearance: 02:22 – 10:38
• Utah Murder Plot: 12:28 – 21:34
• Roundup—Koenig, Combs, Daybell: 23:07 – 27:18
• Crimes Abroad/Frank Figliuzzi: 27:24 – 33:04

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Useful Takeaways

• Domestic violence allegations require careful vetting—even past allegations can shape suspicion.
• Technology (texts, digital records) plays a decisive role in unraveling family conspiracies.
• Cross-border crimes involve complex cooperation; Americans are fully subject to local law enforcement.
• Victims abroad should proactively prepare: consulate info, passport copies, and understanding local processes are essential.

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Tone & Style: The episode adopts a sober, thorough, and occasionally emotional approach, emphasizing facts while maintaining empathy for victims and families. Lester Holt and his team drive the narrative with probing questions and clear framing of the legal and investigative complexities.

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For More:

• Upcoming episode preview: Deadly Swagger (Lake Tahoe shooting; major league baseball connection)
• Dateline Premium: For ad-free and exclusive content.
• Webby Voting: Dateline's Missing in America podcast up for an award (vote by April 16th).

Transcript

[Andrea Canning]

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[Lester Holt]

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[Andrea Canning]

This is a star studded story meeting.

[Lester Holt]

We have both Andrea and Blaine. Love it. You're listening in to the DATELINE story meeting.

[Andrea Canning]

I just called her because I had a feeling this was gonna blow up.

[Lester Holt]

Our producers are swapping tips and story ideas. He got pretty emotional.

[Andrea Canning]

He cried a few times during the interview. I talked with the ringleader of the friend group, if you will. It wasn't just a heat of the moment thing. He was like planning on murdering her.

[Lester Holt]

Welcome to DATELINE True Crime Weekly. I'm LESTER HOLT. It's April 16th and here's what's on our docket. In Utah, a woman is on trial for allegedly conspiring with her son and daughter to murder her son in law.

[Rocio Zamora]

They said she was the one who got her kids to fall in line and commit murder.

[Lester Holt]

In DATELINE Roundup, we've got the latest on the appeals of two big name defendants and music mogul Sean Diddy Combs and Mommy Doomsday Lori Valo Daybell. And more on the verdict from the attempted murder trial of Hawaii anesthesiologist Dr. Gerhard Koenig.

[Michelle Manigan]

They seem to be saying that Gerhardt attacked his wife in the heat of passion.

[Lester Holt]

Plus, we talked to a former FBI agent about what American tourists should do if they're a victim of a crime while traveling abroad.

[Frank Figliuzzi]

The first thing you need to do is contact that nearest US Consulate and you should have that number in your phone.

[Lester Holt]

But before all that, we're heading to the Bahamas for the latest developments in a case that has captured national attention. The disappearance of tourist Lynette Hooker. Was it an accident or something more sinister? Two months ago, Michigan couple Brian and Lynette Hooker docked their yacht soulmate at Elbow Key in the Bahamas just Two more travelers drawn to the island. Sandy beaches and turquoise waters. This is how we do laundry, too. Success. All right, we got the grub, got groceries delivery. It's a way of life, man. Pretty cool. But then, two weeks ago, on Easter morning, the picturesque setting became the backdrop of an international mystery. After Brian Hooker paddled the couple's small dinghy to shore alone. He told authorities his wife had fallen off the boat when it hit rough waters. A desperate search began. Underwater drones, military vessels and helicopters fanned out to look for Lynette. Here's Brian giving a status update in a voicemail message to his stepdaughter, Carly. And they have found a flotation device that I threw to mom when she fell overboard. They haven't found her yet, but something about Brian's story didn't add up to Carlie. And the local police had their suspicions, too, that maybe Lynette was the victim. Not of an accident, but of foul. Four days after she went missing, Brian was taken into custody for questioning, only to be released days later. He has denied any wrongdoing. So what's next for Brian Hooker and the investigation? Here to bring us the latest is our very own Andrea Canning, who has made her way to the Bahamas to report on the case. Hi, Andrea.

[Andrea Canning]

Hey, Lester.

[Lester Holt]

So, to start, tell me about Lynette and Brian Hooker. What do we know about them?

[Andrea Canning]

From what I've gathered from speaking to Lynette's mother, Darlene, and Carly, Lynette's daughter from a previous marriage. They've been married for almost 25 years. This is a couple who really likes adventure, obviously. You know, we've seen that play out on their social media accounts with their boating. They had sold their house in Michigan to live full time on their yacht. And according, you know, to their Instagram, they had sailed through the Gulf of Mexico and made their way to the Bahamas.

[Lester Holt]

So take us back to April 4th. That's when Brian told police he last saw Lynette. What do we know about that night?

[Andrea Canning]

So, according to a statement by the Royal Bahamas Police, the couple set out around 7:30pm in their eight foot long, hard bottom dinghy from Hopetown, heading to Elbow Key, where their yacht Soulmate was docked. And this is how they got around, according to Carly. You know, when you have these big boats, it's easier to just anchor and then take the dinghy to shore. Brian told authorities that Lynette fell overboard with the keys to the dinghy in her pocket, which according shut the engine off. He says that Lynette was then Carried away by strong currents. And he lost sight of her because he said she had the key to the dinghy. He ends up having to paddle back to shore, which took hours before. He reaches the Marsh harbor boatyard on Sunday morning. And that's when the authorities are called, and he says that his wife, Lynette, has gone missing.

[Lester Holt]

Yeah, and the search got underway. Family members have appealed for help, of course. Lynette's daughter car suspicions about Brian's story. You spoke with her. What did you learn?

[Andrea Canning]

You know, she. When she heard that her mother had gone missing, she immediately suspected that Brian may have done something to her mother. She said that Brian sounded monotone and relaxed as he described her mother's disappearance. She didn't sense panic, desperation. And the biggest thing is this volatile relationship between her mother and her stepfather, their issues with domestic violence. Those are her allegations. He has denied that. Brian.

[Lester Holt]

So we should say that NBC News looked into whether Brian and Lynette's relationship ever came to the attention of law enforcement before now. What did we find out?

[Andrea Canning]

Brian, from what we have seen, has never been arrested for harming Lynette. There's no formal charges of assault or domestic violence or anything like that. We should say, though, that in 2015, Lynette was arrested on charges of assault and battery, simple assault. The warrant was denied for insufficient evidence as to who started the assault, but Lynette and Brian accused each other, according to a Michigan police report.

[Lester Holt]

All right, so turning back to last week, the US Coast Guard opens a criminal investigation, and Brian is taken into custody by the local police. What do we know about that?

[Andrea Canning]

So we know Bryan was interviewed for several hours. His attorney, Terrell Butler, told reporters that investigators took him in handcuffs to his boat, the Soulmate, while they searched it.

[Rocio Zamora]

The.

[Andrea Canning]

During that search, Lester, she says that he actually lost his footing and fell overboard.

[Michelle Manigan]

He fell overboard and had to be rescued.

[Andrea Canning]

And during the whole ordeal, which was, again, very traumatic for him because he had just experienced. Had that experience with his wife, he received injury to his knee. She kind of cited it as saying, look, even Brian fell overboard, you know, in the choppy waters, you know that the conditions in the sea can be dangerous.

[Lester Holt]

So after five days in custody, Bryan was released. Did he have anything to say when he got out?

[Andrea Canning]

Lester? NBC News correspondent Jesse Kirsch sat down with Brian, and Brian's attorney advised him not to discuss details of the police interviews or what happened when Lynette disappeared beyond, you know, what he's already said, obviously, but he did say this.

[Lester Holt]

I've never Harmed Lynette and I never would harm Lynette. And I want to find Lynette. There's been a lot of talk about you and your relationship. One of the things that has come out in the last couple weeks is past incidents involving you and your wife, including her spending the night behind bars several years ago after an incident where police were called to your home. Do you have anything you'd want to share about that? No. I would never want to share anything like that in public about any marriage, you know.

[Andrea Canning]

Brian was adamant that he will continue the search and said that his future on the boat is unclear without Lynette. And he broke down crying.

[Lester Holt]

We quit working to do this thing together. We had a plan, so I gotta work the plan. And without. There's no point in being in any of it. I don't. Let me know when you're good or something. Sorry. It's been 10 days. It's been a long time.

[Frank Figliuzzi]

I don't think I've ever been apart

[Lester Holt]

from her in 25 years for this long. I don't like it. She wouldn't stop, and I'm not gonna stop. And what about the authorities? We know that they were up against a deadline. They were only allowed to keep Brian in custody for a certain amount of time. Did they say anything about their decision to release him?

[Andrea Canning]

The Royal Bahamas Police Commissioner told NBC News that they reached that decision after speaking with prosecutors. She said Brian remains a suspect in the investigation, which she confirmed is ongoing. And the family tells me the U.S. coast Guard was heading to the Bahamas Wednesday to gather more information in the case.

[Lester Holt]

Okay, Andrea, we know you've got a lot of work to do as you continue to work this story. Thank you so much for being on with us.

[Andrea Canning]

Thank you, Lester.

[Lester Holt]

On Wednesday, after we taped our conversation with Andrea, a spokesperson for the Royal Bahamas Defense Force announced that the search for Lynette will likely be suspended in the next 48 hours. So far, the only trace of her that's been found is her flotation device. And according to his lawyer, Brian has returned to the US because of his mother's health. But they say he will return to the Bahamas in a little bit. We'll talk to a retired FBI agent about what it's like working a case overseas and get his tips on what to do if you're the victim of a crime abroad. But first trial begins for the Utah mother accused of plotting with her children to murder her son in law. And the first witness for the prosecution is her daughter.

[Andrea Canning]

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[Lester Holt]

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[Michelle Manigan]

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[Lester Holt]

Taxes and fees extra.

[Michelle Manigan]

See full [e-mail] he was a young Marine.

[Frank Figliuzzi]

She didn't care about convention.

[Lester Holt]

They made a life together. Then one night, the Marine died. And then the death investigation took a wild, unexpected and utterly bizarre turn. I'm Josh Mankiewicz and this is Trace of Suspicion, an all new podcast from Dateline. Listen to all episodes of Trace of Suspicion now, wherever you get your podcasts. At1006pm, Jul 12, 2024, 42 year old Matt Rastelli arrived at his mother in law, Tracy Grist's home in American Fork, Utah. A minute later, a neighbor heard gunshots and called 91 1, tell me exactly what's going on. I'm pretty sure I just heard gunshots. Police arrived to find Matt dead a few feet from the front door with a knife in his hand. Tracy told police that Matt had entered the house unannounced and that her son Kevin had shot Matt in self defense. But investigators quickly developed a different theory. That Matt had been intentionally murdered and that Tracy, his mother in law, Kevin, his brother in law, and even Matt's own wife Kate were behind it. All three were charged with murder and at first all three denied involvement in the case. And Tracy and Kevin pleaded not guilty. Then last year, Kate turned on her brother and mother and pleaded guilty, revealing what she said was a complex plot to end her husband's life. I'm so very deeply sorry for the pain that I've caused. He didn't deserve it. If I had the power to bring him back, I would. In January Kate testified against her brother at his trial and a jury found him guilty of murder. Now it's Tracy's turn to face a jury. DATELINE producer Rocio Zamora has been in the courtroom as testimony gets underway. She's calling us from outside the courthouse in Provo. Thanks for being with us, Rocio.

[Rocio Zamora]

You're welcome, Buster. Hi.

[Lester Holt]

Before we get into Tracy's trial, give us a bit of background on the relationship at the heart of this case. Matt and Kate Restelli, what have you learned?

[Rocio Zamora]

So Matt and Kate met a while ago. They actually dated for about eight years before they got married. They had two children. I think when they started really hitting a bit of a rough patch was in when Covid hit. They seem to never have really bounced back from that.

[Lester Holt]

So how did Matt end up at Tracy's home in Utah? That's a nine or ten hour drive from the home he shared with Kate and their kids in Southern California.

[Rocio Zamora]

So Kate one day decided to just leave home without telling Matt. So he comes home to an empty house. There's no kids, no Kate. She later tells him that night that she's in Utah. She says it's too tense. I need a breather. I'm taking a couple weeks and then we'll talk later. So when he goes to Utah, he's under the impression that Kate is ready to come home and he's gonna go and pick her up and bring her and his kids back home.

[Lester Holt]

So Matt goes to Utah to pick up his family, or so he thought. And end shot. Kate's brother Kevin told police he shot Matt in self defense. What made investigators think he wasn't telling the truth?

[Rocio Zamora]

They said right off the bat they saw the way Matt's body was positioned. The knife was facing towards Matt and not towards a would be aggressor. One thing they also found when they spoke to Matt's mom was that Matt was actually not right handed, which is where they found the knife. It was pretty suspicious.

[Lester Holt]

Some really interesting minute observations there that obviously could be key in all this. And what led investigators to believe it wasn't just the shooter, Kevin, behind the murder, but also Matt's wife Kate and his mother in law, Tracey.

[Rocio Zamora]

I think that happened when they started doing a deep dive into their devices. They find text messages, they find recordings, they find, you know, like all of this evidence that really links Kate specifically and then kind of puts Tracy in this role of plotting this with her daughter.

[Lester Holt]

Well, that brings us to this week as Tracy's trial begins. Opening statements took place on Tuesday. How did the prosecution describe Tracy grist to the jurors?

[Rocio Zamora]

Well, basically, they said she was behind all of it. You know, she was the ringleader. She was the one who came up with a plan and got her kids to fall in line and commit murder.

[Lester Holt]

And what evidence did they promise to show the jury to prove that?

[Rocio Zamora]

The prosecution brought up some texts between Kate and Tracy, specifically one of them where Tracy was upset that Matt was, you know, having an argument with Kate.

[Lester Holt]

Kate reached out to her mom. We've been fighting so much. I want out. To which Tracy grist response. I just told your husband, don't mess with my child. And then a little bit later, I'll just drive nine hours and strangle him.

[Rocio Zamora]

There was another key piece of evidence that came out, which is there's two 911 calls that were placed that night. One was from Tracy and one was from her neighbor. The discrepancy there is that her neighbor calls within two minutes of gunshots, and Tracy doesn't call until eight minutes after. So if you're in the house, somebody's shot, and you don't rush to pick up the phone. That's what detectives are saying. Maybe that's when they were waiting for him to die and placing that knife in his hand.

[Lester Holt]

So what is the defense position? What are they gonna say?

[Rocio Zamora]

Tracee has said that she has no idea how Kevin got the gun, why Matt was shot, that she was in the kitchen and kind of was out of the room.

[Lester Holt]

We all know Kevin shot Matt. The murder in and of itself is decided. But what we're here today is about whether or not my client conspired with Kevin and Kate to kill Matt. And I think as you go through this case, you will say to yourselves, this is the messiest conspiracy I've ever seen. No real plan, and it's just a moment of craziness. The prosecution started calling witnesses on Tuesday, and the first person they called was Kate. Give us a rundown of her testimony.

[Rocio Zamora]

She says that her mom came to Kate and said, this is what we can do. We can hurt Matt. You can bring him out, and either Kevin or I will hurt Matt.

[Andrea Canning]

She had said it like a joke. Oh, we can get him to come out here, and we could just murder him and kill him and make it look like self defense.

[Lester Holt]

When did it change from a joke to what you knew was happening?

[Andrea Canning]

About a week and a half beforehand, when I realized that a divorce with him would be messy and I would run the risk of losing my children.

[Lester Holt]

Did you ever have any second thoughts about this?

[Andrea Canning]

Absolutely.

[Lester Holt]

Before he was murdered?

[Andrea Canning]

Yes.

[Lester Holt]

Did you ever express those thoughts?

[Andrea Canning]

I did. I looked her in the eyes.

[Lester Holt]

I said, mom, I don't want to do this anymore. She looked me back in the eyes and said, I don't care. I'm doing it anyway. Tracy's defense attorney pushed back hard on Kate during her cross examination. Let's take a listen. Why do you think the reason is that you chose to be a murderer?

[Andrea Canning]

I don't think that's a fair question. It was planned by my mother.

[Lester Holt]

Is there a reason why you felt murder was the more appropriate end of your relationship with Matt than divorce?

[Andrea Canning]

Because my mom posed it as the best idea.

[Lester Holt]

Isn't it fair to say that you're feeding your family that. That you're fearful of Matt if he comes to Utah? Wouldn't you say?

[Andrea Canning]

Yes.

[Lester Holt]

Did you ever tell your family that he never physically assaulted you during your marriage?

[Andrea Canning]

I never told them that he was physically abusive to me, but he was very scary.

[Lester Holt]

What do you expect next at this trial? And how long is the trial expected to last?

[Rocio Zamora]

The trial is slated for three weeks. I've been hearing that it might be a little less than that.

[Lester Holt]

I'm curious. Do you think Kevin will testify against his mom?

[Rocio Zamora]

That's actually something that I've been kind of waiting to hear. Also, the prosecution has released their witness list, and Kevin is on it. We'll have to wait and see.

[Lester Holt]

Well, Rocio, lots of good information there. I know you're anxious to get back in the courthouse, so thank you for dropping by.

[Rocio Zamora]

Thank you, Lester.

[Lester Holt]

Up next, it's time for Dateline roundup. We've got updates in rap mogul Sean Diddy Combs fight to get out of prison. And more on the verdict in the of the Hawaii anesthesiologist accused of attempting to murder his wife. Plus, a former FBI agent has tips for American tourists who are the victims of crime abroad. You thought this was your run club era. Turns out it was more of a thinking about run club era. The good news. Someone's marathon training is about to start. Sell your workout gear on Depop. Just snap a few photos and we'll take care of the rest. They get their race day fit, and you get a payout for trying. Someone on Depop wants what you've got. Start selling now. Depop, where taste recognizes taste. Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile with a message for everyone paying Big Wireless way too much. Please, for the love of everything good in this world, stop with Mint. You can get premium wireless for just $15 a month of Course, if you enjoy overpaying, no judgments. But that's weird. Okay, one judgment anyway. Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment

[Michelle Manigan]

of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month required. Intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See full [e-mail].

[Lester Holt]

Welcome back. Joining me for this week's roundup, line producer Michelle Manigan. Thanks for being here.

[Michelle Manigan]

Michelle thanks for having me.

[Lester Holt]

Well, first we're heading to Hawaii where last week we brought you the breaking news that a verdict has been reached in the attempted murder trial of Gerhard Koenig, the Maui anesthesiologist accused of trying to kill his wife while on a hike for her birthday.

[Andrea Canning]

We the jury in this case finds the defendant guilty of attempted manslaughter based upon extreme mental or emotional disturbance.

[Lester Holt]

Michelle? The verdict surprised everyone. The defense and the prosecution explain why.

[Michelle Manigan]

The verdict was definitely unexpected. The prosecution had asked the jury to find him guilty of attempted second degree murder. Of course, the defense wanted an acquittal. The jury found Gerhardt guilty of a lesser charge, attempted manslaughter under extreme mental and emotional distress. With this verdict, they seem to be saying that Gerhardt attacked his wife in the heat of passion.

[Lester Holt]

So what is next for Gerhard Koenig?

[Michelle Manigan]

His sentencing is scheduled for August 13th. Prosecutors are seeking the maximum. They can get, 20 years in prison. And the low end of the charge would be probation, no prison time at all. And Gerhardt's lawyer says they plan to appeal.

[Lester Holt]

Okay, we'll definitely be watching to see what happens there. Next. We're heading to the federal courtroom in Manhattan, where a panel of three appellate judges listened to oral arguments about one of the most high profile trials of 2025, the sex trafficking trial of RA superstar Sean Diddy Combs. As listeners remember, Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking last July, but was convicted on two counts of interstate prostitution. He is currently serving a sentence of four years and two months. His defense team says that conviction should be overturned. Michelle, tell us a little bit about the hearing itself.

[Michelle Manigan]

The hearing happened last week and took about two hours. Sean Combs was not in attendance. The proceeding was heavy on legal technicalities, with judges pushing back and asking questions on both sides.

[Lester Holt]

So what did the defense say?

[Michelle Manigan]

The defense argued that the judge gave Combs an overly harsh sentence. They also referenced the Mann act, which is the law that bans transporting people for prostitution. The defense brought up examples of other people convicted of man act crimes who only got months in prison, not years.

[Rocio Zamora]

This sentence was the highest sentence ever

[Andrea Canning]

imposed for a man act defendant sentenced

[Lester Holt]

under the same base offense level and criminal history. When can we expect a decision?

[Michelle Manigan]

The judges did not give a date as to when they will reach a decision. But as things stand, Combs is expected to be released in 2028.

[Lester Holt]

Okay. Well, Michelle, for our final story, another high profile defendant has an appeal in the works. Lori Valo Daybell, or as many DATELINE viewers know, her mommy, Doomsday. Michelle, just give us a recap here. It's a complicated one.

[Michelle Manigan]

It is. Lori was convicted by an Idaho jury in 2023 for murdering her two children, 7 year old Joshua JJ Vallow and 16 year old Tyler Ryan, and conspiring to kill Tammy Daybell, the wife of Chad Daybell, who then became Lori's fifth husband.

[Lester Holt]

Lori was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole and last year she sat down for a memorable interview, of course, with Keith Morrison. You're the most hated mom in America.

[Andrea Canning]

I heard that.

[Lester Holt]

Are you misunderstood?

[Andrea Canning]

Absolutely.

[Lester Holt]

So Michelle, what are her attorneys arguing?

[Michelle Manigan]

Lori's defense team has asked the Idaho Supreme Court to either throw out her conviction or grant her a new trial. Her attorney says her right to counsel was violated when a judge disqualified her attorney of choice, Mark Means. The court removed him because he had previously represented her husband and co defendant Chad Debo. Laurie's defense argues that this was not a real conflict of interest because means only worked with Chad very briefly. They also argued that the prosecution prejudiced the jury against Lori by talking about the death of her previous husband, Charles Vallow during the trial.

[Lester Holt]

When can we expect a decision from the Supreme Court?

[Michelle Manigan]

There's no hearing scheduled yet, so we can expect at least months before we know more.

[Lester Holt]

All right. Well, Michelle, thank you for the updates.

[Michelle Manigan]

Thanks, Lester.

[Lester Holt]

Earlier in the episode we told you about the disappearance of Lynette Hooker and the ongoing investigation into her husband, Brian.

[Andrea Canning]

What police are calling a search and

[Lester Holt]

rescue mission for a 56 year old

[Andrea Canning]

woman who vanished at sea in the Bahamas is intensifying.

[Lester Holt]

It raises a bigger question. What actually happens when something goes wrong overseas and you're an American who investigates, who has jurisdiction? And what should you expect if you find yourself caught up in a situation like that? Here to help us break it all down is retired FBI Assistant Director of Counterintelligence Frank Figliuzzi, who spent more than two decades working cases, including investigations that crossed international lines. Thank you for joining us, Frank.

[Frank Figliuzzi]

It's my pleasure. I hope I can help.

[Lester Holt]

Well, Frank, let's start with your experience. You spent years at the FBI. And when you hear about situations like the one we mention in the Bahamas, what stands out to you right away?

[Frank Figliuzzi]

So first, this is, this gets very personal for me because I spent years in the number two position at FBI Miami, which had extraterritorial jurisdiction for the Caribbean and Latin America. So I'm familiar with the procedures here. The good news is that there are American laws that allow federal agencies to investigate crimes against Americans abroad. The more interesting news is that you're always working with the permission and at the behest of the host nation and their police agency.

[Lester Holt]

So it sounds like a little bit of a tightrope there at times. When something happens involving an American in another country who actually is in charge of the investigation, is it entirely local law enforcement at the top?

[Frank Figliuzzi]

For sure. The federal agencies like the FBI or the Coast Guard Investigative Service would never come in and ask, for example, the Royal Bahamian Police to step aside and pronounce that they're in charge. The local country and their authorities are always in charge. And yes, we would explain, this is our citizen who may be a victim, and we would very much like permission to work alongside them or even separately.

[Lester Holt]

And with millions of Americans traveling abroad each year, situations like this seem like they're bound to happen. If you become the victim of a crime, even something like a robbery, how does the investigation typically unfold?

[Frank Figliuzzi]

So first, as to the commonality of this, understand that, for example, with regard to FBI Miami, there's an entire squad that's an extraterritorial squad that does nothing but respond to Latin America and crimes against Americans there, number one. Number two, I always advise Americans who are traveling abroad to go online and register with the nearest U.S. consulate, let them know that you're coming, you're going to be there. Secondly, keep a copy of your passport, a photo of it on your phone in case you lose your actual passport. But the first thing you need to do in the event of any incident is contact that nearest US Consulate and you should have that number in your phone.

[Lester Holt]

So from your experience, what tends to make these cross border cases more complicated?

[Frank Figliuzzi]

There's no question that the diplomatic challenge and the relationship challenge and the laws of that nation always differ from ours. So for example, we're hearing in the Bahamas case that, you know, we're learning that their laws allow them to detain someone for days. Mr. Hooker has just been, has been released, but he was held for five days. We don't do that here in the United States. And interviews are different. And what you can say and do during an interview, polygraph exams and whether they're even permitted. Everything is different.

[Lester Holt]

Do these type of cases tend to move more slowly? What are some of the big factors that can delay getting to the answers?

[Frank Figliuzzi]

Yeah, look, that applies to all different countries with all different senses of urgencies and hoops that they have to jump through. And then of course, look, you've got different levels and caliber of investigative skills and experience. All of that has to be handled very gingerly. And yes, they do move slowly. You may remember many years ago the case of the, the high school girl who was missing an Aruba on a school trip and Holloway.

[Lester Holt]

Yeah.

[Frank Figliuzzi]

Yes, Natalee Holloway went on and on and on and, and you know, let's, let's hope that's not what we're dealing with here.

[Lester Holt]

Well, for someone listening who may be about to travel internationally, what's the one thing they should keep in mind if something unexpected happens?

[Frank Figliuzzi]

Yeah, that, that is first, let everybody back home know where you are and where you're going and stay in touch with them and give them points of contact at the, at the hotel or wherever you're staying next. And understand, for example, how to call the police. 911 may work in the United States, but they may have an entirely different number to dial for the police. Check in with your hotel, check the safety and don't be afraid to report something suspicious.

[Lester Holt]

And for someone who may be thinking that I'm an American, that in its a shield from investigation or prosecution. What's the reality?

[Frank Figliuzzi]

Oh, the reality is very much the opposite because you could find yourself absolutely arrested as Mr. Hooker did. He was detained. They could have, if they had enough evidence, actually charged him and he'd find himself locked up for quite some time pending the outcome of a trial. So you're not immune. Yes, you do have the backing of the US Government to try and assist you. You, but that doesn't mean you're off the hook just because of where you come from.

[Lester Holt]

All right, well Frank, it's great talking to you. Thanks so much for the important info.

[Frank Figliuzzi]

Anytime, Lester.

[Lester Holt]

That's it for this episode of Dateline True Crime Weekly. To get ad free listening for all our podcasts, subscribe to Dateline Premium. Dateline's Missing in America podcast has been nominated for a Webby Award in the crime of and justice podcast category. We can't win without you. Please go online and vote for Dateline today. April 16th is the last day to vote. We've included the voting link in our episode description. And coming up this Friday, Keith has an all new episode on a case he's been following for years and one we've been tracking right here on True Crime Weekly. It involves the shooting of a couple inside their Lake Tahoe, California, home. Home. A mysterious figure caught on security camera, and an exclusive interview with the man at the center of it all, a former major league baseball player. I've got to be challenging because we don't have much time. I have to tell you, I think you need to stop with those questions.

[Rocio Zamora]

Well, why?

[Lester Holt]

Because you keep implicating me and it's not me. You can watch Deadly Swagger this Friday at 9, 8 Central on NBC, or you can stream it starting Saturday on Peacock. I hope you'll join us. Thanks for listening. Dateline True Crime Weekly is produced by Carson Cummins, Caroline Casey and Keani Reed. Our associate producers are Ellery Gladstone Groth and Aria Young. Our senior producer is Liz Brown Kurloff. Production and fact checking help by Audrey Abrahams. Veronica Mazeka is our digital producer. Rick Quass is our sound designer. Original Music by Jesse McGinty. Paul Ryan is executive producer and Liz Cole is senior executive producer of Dateline. Have a great day, everybody. I'm Craig Melvin. Cheers. Cheers. Cheers. I've always been a glass half full kind of guy, and now I'm talking to some people who look at the world that way, too. Some really fascinating folks who share their defining moments, their triumphs, their challenges. Their stories are funny and quite candid. So I hope you'll join me each week. And who knows, you might just come away with your own glass Half Full. Search Glass Half Full with Craig Melvin From Today on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.