Dateline NBC Podcast Summary
Episode: Open Water
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Introduction to the Case
The podcast episode "Open Water" delves into the mysterious death of Mickey Kanasaki, an American tourist who tragically died under suspicious circumstances during a cruise in the Mediterranean. Hosted by NBC News, the episode meticulously reconstructs the events leading to her untimely demise, the ensuing investigation, and the eventual conviction of her ex-husband, Lonnie Kakantis.
Background of the Individuals
Mickey Kanasaki, originally from Japan, moved to the United States during her childhood. She married Lonnie Kakantis, a dedicated attorney, in 1995. Their marriage, however, faced turmoil leading to a divorce, though they remained close enough to rekindle their relationship by booking a cruise together in early 2006.
Quote:
Narrator [35:28]: "Toshi Kanasaki's early childhood was spent in Japan. The only boy with three sisters, Mickey was the youngest."
Lonnie Kakantis, an attorney with a stellar reputation, had previously faced serious allegations involving misconduct at his law firm. Despite these challenges, Lonnie was determined to repair his relationship with Mickey, evident in their decision to embark on the Island Escape cruise in May 2006.
The Night of the Disappearance
During the cruise, after an excursion in Messina, Sicily, Lonnie and Mickey boarded the Island Escape bound for Naples. Less than 24 hours into the journey, Mickey went missing. Lonnie, distressed by her disappearance, reported her missing to the ship's crew.
Quote:
Bill Price [04:40]: "Lonnie was in Napoli and Mickey had gone missing off the boat. And that's where it started."
Despite the calm Mediterranean weather and thorough searches by the crew, Mickey was not found on board. Lonnie's frantic calls to his friend Bill Price revealed his fear and desperation.
Quote:
Amy Nguyen [07:27]: "He was a disheveled mess and he was acting fearful."
Initial Investigation
Italian authorities launched an investigation upon the discovery of Mickey's body by Captain Massimo Colorito of the research vessel Estrella. The autopsy revealed that Mickey drowned without water in her lungs or stomach, indicating she was dead before entering the water. Additionally, bruising suggested possible strangulation and sexual assault, leading Prosecutor Alfredo Ladonio to consider the case as a deliberate murder rather than an accident or suicide.
Quote:
Bill Price [29:31]: "We did not find water in her lungs, nor did we find water in her stomach."
Private Investigation Efforts
Concerned about Lonnie's predicament in a foreign country, private investigators Susan McQueen and Bill Price were enlisted to assist him. Initially believing in Lonnie's innocence, they embarked on a mission to uncover the truth behind Mickey's death. Their investigation faced numerous hurdles, including the unavailability of the ship's passenger manifest and lack of physical evidence linking Lonnie to the crime.
Quote:
Bill Price [31:03]: "We wanted to take measurements of different places on the ship where they had low railings, where they had higher railings."
Links to Previous Accusations
The investigation took a complicated turn when it was revealed that Lonnie had been previously accused of misconduct at his law firm, involving allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor. Although these charges were eventually dropped, they cast a shadow over Lonnie's character and financial motivations related to Mickey's death.
Quote:
Amy Nguyen [36:53]: "An accusation came up that he had sex with the client's daughter. And the client obviously was upset."
Breakthrough with Amy Nguyen
A pivotal moment occurred when Julie Serenita, Mickey's niece, was approached by the FBI to record conversations with Lonnie. Through these recordings, inconsistencies emerged, particularly involving Amy Nguyen, Lonnie's ex-wife whom he had concealed. Amy eventually revealed, under emotional distress and with her testimony protected, that Lonnie had orchestrated Mickey's murder and implicated Bill Price as being involved in the scheme.
Quote:
Amy Nguyen [49:46]: "This just went into a completely different direction than I had any expectation of hearing."
Bill Price confronted Lonnie with the evidence from the recordings, leading to Lonnie's arrest for first-degree murder.
Quote:
Bill Price [58:36]: "He wanted to take Mickey with him. He wanted to murder her."
The Trial
The trial of Lonnie Kakantis was marred by delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite lacking direct physical evidence tying Lonnie to Mickey's death, the testimonies, especially Amy Nguyen's revelations, played a crucial role. Prosecutors argued that Lonnie's financial gain from Mickey's death provided a clear motive.
Quote:
Narrator [70:48]: "Opening statements began in February 2020."
During the trial, expert testimonies highlighted the absence of water in Mickey's system and the bruising indicative of strangulation, undermining Lonnie's claims of accidental drowning.
Trial Outcome
After extensive deliberation, the jury found Lonnie Kakantis guilty of first-degree murder for financial gain. Lonnie was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The conviction was a moment of relief for Mickey's family and the investigators who tirelessly pursued the truth.
Quote:
Narrator [87:30]: "The verdict? Guilty of first-degree murder for financial gain."
Bill Price reflected on the emotional toll of the case, expressing both relief and sorrow over the betrayal by a trusted friend.
Quote:
Bill Price [88:41]: "Yeah. He does not know. He did not know. Yeah. To the end, she was always there for him."
Reflections and Conclusion
Open Water highlights the complexities of trust, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice. The meticulous investigation by Susan McQueen and Bill Price underscores the importance of perseverance in uncovering the truth, even when faced with formidable obstacles. The episode serves as a poignant reminder that beneath the surface of appearances, dark motives can lie, altering lives irrevocably.
Final Quote:
Narrator [89:34]: "A soul lost at sea who found her way home."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Bill Price [04:40]: "Lonnie was in Napoli and Mickey had gone missing off the boat. And that's where it started."
- Amy Nguyen [07:27]: "He was a disheveled mess and he was acting fearful."
- Bill Price [29:31]: "We did not find water in her lungs, nor did we find water in her stomach."
- Bill Price [31:03]: "We wanted to take measurements of different places on the ship where they had low railings, where they had higher railings."
- Amy Nguyen [36:53]: "An accusation came up that he had sex with the client's daughter. And the client obviously was upset."
- Amy Nguyen [49:46]: "This just went into a completely different direction than I had any expectation of hearing."
- Bill Price [58:36]: "He wanted to take Mickey with him. He wanted to murder her."
- Narrator [70:48]: "Opening statements began in February 2020."
- Narrator [87:30]: "The verdict? Guilty of first-degree murder for financial gain."
- Bill Price [88:41]: "Yeah. He does not know. He did not know. Yeah. To the end, she was always there for him."
- Narrator [89:34]: "A soul lost at sea who found her way home."
Conclusion
The Dateline NBC episode "Open Water" masterfully navigates the intricate layers of a true-crime mystery, presenting listeners with a comprehensive and engaging narrative. Through detailed storytelling and impactful quotations, the episode not only chronicles the tragic loss of Mickey Kanasaki but also highlights the determination and moral dilemmas faced by those seeking justice.