Dateline NBC Podcast Summary: "Talking Dateline: The Intruder"

Release Date: August 6, 2025
Host/Authors: Dennis Murphy, Andrea Canning, Brad Davis
Podcast Information:
Title: Dateline NBC
Description: Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries, and in-depth investigations.

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Intruder," hosts Dennis Murphy, Andrea Canning, and Brad Davis delve into a harrowing true-crime story that unravels beneath the façade of a seemingly random home invasion. This detailed account exposes a calculated act of violence orchestrated by someone deeply entwined in the victim's life.

Case Overview

[01:13] Dennis Murphy:
"Today's episode is called The Intruder, and it's a case that begins with a violent home invasion and a woman named Rachel Owens. She's clinging to life after being shot multiple times at a friend's house in Maine."

Initially perceived as a random burglary, the investigation soon revealed that the attack was anything but random. Instead, it was a meticulously planned act driven by personal motives rooted in betrayal and deceit.

Unveiling the Perpetrator: Greg Owens

[02:14] Andrea Canning:
"The entire thing was crazy… he's got another woman in another state, and he's not only planning the murder of his wife but also at his wife's friend's house."

Greg Owens, Rachel's husband, emerges as the central figure behind the heinous act. Described as a "narcissist, cad, murderous" ([02:32] Dennis Murphy), Greg's double life and deceitful relationships paint a portrait of a man capable of extreme manipulation and violence.

[03:14] Brad Davis:
"The police chief from Wisconsin mentioned that Rachel's husband was having an affair, pointing towards a complex romantic entanglement involving two women unaware of each other's existence."

Greg's affair with Betsy Wonke, a woman from Wisconsin, forms the crux of the love triangle that ultimately leads to tragedy. Betsy, oblivious to Greg's marital status, believed she had found her "Prince Charming," only to discover his duplicity.

Profiles of Key Individuals

Betsy Wonke

[03:39] Dennis Murphy:
"She thought he was really lovey-dovey, wasn't he, Andrea? It was kind of like cringe stuff."

Betsy Wonke, once the head of the Warrior Princess Academy, is portrayed as a strong, assertive woman dedicated to empowering others through self-defense training. Her relationship with Greg, spanning nearly a decade, is characterized by Greg's manipulative charm, as evidenced by their intimate moments like "pedicures in the bathtub" ([04:02] Andrea Canning).

[12:44] Dennis Murphy:
"So I can give you an update on Betsy."

As the story progresses, Betsy's life takes a positive turn. She marries her husband in a western-themed ceremony and continues her empowering work, now expanding her hunting guidance business and reigniting her passion for the outdoors.

Rachel Owens

[06:35] Andrea Canning:
"Rachel had remarkable survival skills… to go through such a nightmare scenario and survive."

Rachel Owens, the primary victim, survived multiple gunshot wounds despite the severity of her injuries, including a bullet lodged in her brain ([14:58] Brad Davis). Her resilience and strength shine through as she faces her attacker in court, delivering a powerful and composed testimony that significantly influenced the trial's outcome.

[08:58] Andrea Canning:
"Rachel took the stand and faced down her husband and the person who shot her, and that maybe sealed the verdict."

Her ability to confront her abuser with grace and determination underscores the profound emotional and psychological impact of the crime.

Investigation and Trial

The investigation swiftly shifted focus from a random break-in to a targeted attack upon discovering Greg Owens' infidelity and the concealed love triangle.

[07:13] Brad Davis:
"I saw her [Rachel] and her son… we were nervous about how she was gonna be in an interview."

Rachel's cooperation with the investigation, despite her traumatic experience, was pivotal. Her interview displayed remarkable courage, providing critical insights that contrasted with Greg's narrative.

[16:31] Dennis Murphy:
"Greg was discharged from the military under murky circumstances, accused of sexual harassment… his career was tainted by more than just this."

Greg Owens' background, including his military discharge amid scandalous allegations, added layers to his character, illustrating a pattern of deceit and manipulation.

[17:14] Dennis Murphy:
"Greg is serving a life sentence plus 20 years in federal prison… his conviction and life sentence were upheld."

During sentencing, Greg exhibited erratic behavior, ranting about conspiracies and his military secrets ([16:34] Brad Davis), further cementing his role as the antagonist in this tragic narrative.

Impact on Family

The Owens' son, Wayne, emerges as an unwitting victim caught in the crossfire of his father's actions.

[17:18] Andrea Canning:
"These children are the other victims in this… his son is caught in the middle of all of this, and it's awful."

Wayne's admiration for his father and the subsequent devastation from his actions highlight the far-reaching consequences of Greg's choices.

Behind the Scenes and Personal Reflections

[11:26] Andrea Canning:
"Which is a happy ending for her. Betsy got married… she invited me to the wedding."

Andrea shares a personal update, revealing Betsy's joyous marriage and flourishing business endeavors, illustrating her resilience and ability to move forward despite past turmoil.

[12:03] Andrea Canning:
"Betsy was helping women with self-defense training… she prides herself as a strong, assertive woman."

Andrea provides insights into Betsy's dedication to empowering others, underscoring the irony of Betsy, a self-defense instructor, falling victim to manipulation and deceit.

Listener Engagement and Social Media Reactions

The episode fosters interactive engagement with listeners, featuring comments and shout-outs that add depth to the narrative.

[19:35] Dennis Murphy:
"Here's Mike H. 1990 saying, 'I love Rachel winking back at Greg. This is priceless.'"

Such interactions highlight the emotional resonance of Rachel's story, particularly moments of levity and strength amidst the darkness.

Conclusion and Reflections

[21:26] Dennis Murphy:
"Andrea, Brad, thanks for taking us down what's probably memory lane for you…and what a murderous scheme he got involved in."

The hosts wrap up the episode by reflecting on the complexities of the case, emphasizing the intricate web of relationships and motivations that led to the tragic outcome.

Final Thoughts

"The Intruder" serves as a poignant exploration of betrayal, resilience, and the far-reaching impacts of deceit. Through in-depth interviews, personal updates, and listener interactions, the episode not only recounts the events of a tragic crime but also honors the strength and perseverance of those affected.

Notable Quotes:

• "He really was, you know, so charming with her. And, you know, poor Betsy walked right into, you know, this trap." — Andrea Canning [04:02]

• "She took the stand and faced down her husband and the person who shot her, and maybe that's what sealed the verdict." — Dennis Murphy [08:15]

• "There's so much power in your body. It's just how do we use it? How do we harness it." — Andrea Canning [12:48]

For those interested in delving deeper into this case or exploring other true-crime narratives, "Dateline NBC" continues to offer compelling stories that shed light on the complexities of human behavior and the pursuit of justice.