Dateline NBC Episode Summary

Title: Bryan Kohberger's Sentencing. Dentist's Girlfriend Takes the Stand. And a Wisconsin 30-Year-Old Cold Case.
Host/Author: NBC News
Release Date: July 24, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Dateline NBC, host Shane Bishop and co-host Andrea Canning delve into three compelling true-crime stories that have captivated the nation. From the high-profile sentencing of Bryan Kohberger to the intense courtroom drama surrounding dentist James Craig, and a chilling 30-year-old cold case in Wisconsin, this episode offers a deep dive into the intricacies of each case, showcasing the emotional toll on those involved and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Bryan Kohberger's Sentencing

Case Overview

The episode opens with the highly anticipated sentencing of Bryan Kohberger, who admitted guilt in the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students—Kaylee Gonzalez, Madison Mogan, Ethan Chapin, and Zanna Kernodle—in 2022. Kohberger shocked the public by accepting a plea deal, thereby avoiding a lengthy trial, the possibility of the death penalty, and withholding any motive behind his heinous actions.

Courtroom Dynamics

During the sentencing on Wednesday, the courtroom was a "tinderbox" of emotions, as described by Shane Bishop (03:26). Families of the victims took the opportunity to confront Kohberger directly. Olivia Gonzalves, Kaylee's sister, delivered a powerful and heartfelt statement:

Olivia Gonsalves (02:48): "I won't stand here and give you what you want... Instead, I will call you what you are. Sociopath, psychopath, murderer."

Her words encapsulated the collective anguish and anger felt by the families, illustrating the deep personal losses endured.

Survivors' Testimonies

The two surviving roommates, Bethany Funk and Dylan Mortensen, shared their harrowing experiences. Bethany recounted the night of the murders, expressing profound regret and the lasting psychological impact:

Bethany Funk (04:08): "I was still out of it and still didn't know what happened... I still carry so much regret and guilt for not knowing what had happened and not calling right away."

Dylan Mortensen, visibly emotional, detailed the immediate aftermath and the ongoing trauma, highlighting the persistent fear and hypervigilance resulting from the ordeal.

Prosecutors' Argument and Kohberger's Response

Prosecutors emphasized Kohberger's emotional breakdown and intoxicated state as potential motives. However, Kohberger remained stoic throughout, declining to make any statement when prompted by the judge (09:14):

Kohberger: "I respectfully decline."

Judge Hippler acknowledged the incomprehensibility of the crimes but underscored the necessity of moving forward without granting Kohberger further control through explanations (10:49).

Conclusion of Sentencing

Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences plus 10 years for burglary, adhering to the plea agreement. The judge's remarks aimed to close this painful chapter, leaving families to focus on healing:

Olivia Gonzalves (11:30): "My true final act of love was to continue on without them."

Dentist James Craig's Trial

Accusations and Evidence

Shifting focus, the episode explores the trial of James Craig, a Colorado dentist accused of murdering his wife, Angela Craig, in March 2023 by poisoning her protein shakes with potassium cyanide and tetrahydrozoline. Craig maintains his innocence, pleading not guilty, while the prosecution unveils a web of deceit and infidelity as potential motives.

Key Testimonies

Two of Craig's daughters testified, providing emotional and pivotal insights. The eldest daughter, visibly distressed, refuted the defense's claim that Angela was suicidal, emphasizing Angela's plans and desires for the future:

Craig's Oldest Daughter (15:30): "She wanted to become a grandmother... She really wanted to get out of the hospital, saying she needed to get back to her girls."

Michelle, the younger daughter, revealed a cryptic phone call from Craig, which led her to an attempted ploy to fabricate evidence against him. She detailed the request to create a deepfake video implicating Craig, highlighting the lengths they went to uncover the truth:

Michelle (16:13): "She didn't go forward with it, and she handed everything over to law enforcement."

Affair and Motive

Dr. Karen Cain, Craig's lover, took the stand, providing a timeline of their affair which began at a Las Vegas conference in February 2023. Her testimony suggested Craig's intent to be with her was a significant motive behind the alleged murder:

Dr. Karen Cain (18:26): "They didn't talk about logistics, but they did talk about their feelings."

The prosecution presented thousands of text messages between Craig and Cain, indicating Craig's awareness of Angela's suspicions and his resolve to deflect blame (20:18).

Defense's Counterarguments

The defense argued that Angela took her own life, dismissing Craig's involvement. They challenged the credibility of the testimonies and the forensic evidence, striving to cast doubt on the prosecution's narrative.

Wisconsin 30-Year-Old Cold Case

Case Background

The final segment revisits a long-unsolved murder from 1992 in Royalton, Wisconsin, where Tana Togstead (23) and her boyfriend Tim Mumbrew (34) were found brutally stabbed to death in their farmhouse. Decades later, Tony Hayes was arrested and charged with the murders, reigniting the cold case with fresh DNA evidence.

Prosecution's Case

Prosecutors allege that Hayes, driven by emotional turmoil stemming from his father's death witnessed by Tana's father, committed the murders in a drunken rage. The DNA match between Hayes and the semen found on Tana's body was pivotal in forming their case (25:13).

Defense's Strategy

Hayes' defense contested the validity of the DNA evidence, arguing that the samples were compromised due to destructive testing over the years. They also claimed the DNA collection was unlawful, having been obtained without a warrant or consent (25:52). Furthermore, the defense introduced an alternative suspect—Hayes' uncle, who had a history of violence—though DNA tests later disproved this link.

Trial Developments

The trial, now underway, sees the defense suggesting coerced confessions and mishandled investigations, while the prosecution stands firm on the DNA evidence and Hayes' own contradictory statements. The case remains complex, with ongoing testimonies set to unravel more details (29:11).

Conclusion

This episode of Dateline NBC masterfully interweaves the emotional narratives of victims' families, the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement, and the intricate legal battles that define these cases. Through poignant testimonies and expert analyses, listeners gain a profound understanding of the human cost behind each story and the enduring quest to uncover the truth.

Notable Quotes

• Olivia Gonsalves (02:48): "Sociopath, psychopath, murderer."
• Bethany Funk (04:08): "I still carry so much regret and guilt for not knowing what had happened and not calling right away."
• Judge Hippler (10:49): "We're giving Coburger control and it's time to end that."
• Olivia Gonsalves (07:48): "If you hadn't attacked them in their sleep in the middle of the night like a pedophile, Kaylee would have kicked your ass."

Closing Remarks

For those who haven't listened to the episode, this detailed summary encapsulates the intense emotions, strategic legal maneuvers, and the relentless pursuit of truth that Dateline NBC is renowned for. Whether following the sentencing of a high-profile criminal, unraveling a meticulous court case, or revisiting a decades-old mystery, this episode offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of true crime.