Dateline Originals: Deadly Mirage - Ep. 3: Tickling the Wire

Introduction to the Fateful Encounter

In the third episode of Deadly Mirage titled "Tickling the Wire," hosted by Josh Mankiewicz from NBC News' Dateline Originals, listeners are taken deep into a web of deceit, hidden affairs, and a murder that shook a close-knit community. The story revolves around the seemingly ordinary meeting between Sabrina Limone and Jonathan Hearn in a bustling Costco grocery aisle, an encounter that would irrevocably alter their lives and those around them.

“Their eyes met in a busy grocery aisle at Costco. She was handing out tasty samples... That fleeting moment in the grocery aisle and the events that followed had lifelong ramifications for both of them and for everyone who knew them.” — Josh Mankiewicz [00:03]

The Illusion of a Happy Marriage

Sabrina Limone and her husband, Rob Limone, appeared to lead a quintessential suburban life. Married in August 2000, the couple moved to California’s Silver Lake section of Hellandale to be closer to Sabrina’s parents. Their home was filled with the laughter of their two children, Robbie and Leanna, and the couple was well-regarded by friends and family alike.

“Robert, he doted on her. He did mostly everything that needed to be done. And he loved her.” — Kelly Bernatine [05:59]

However, beneath the surface, cracks began to appear in their marriage. In 2008, Sabrina and Rob decided to open their marriage, engaging in a polyamorous relationship with another couple. This decision introduced complexities and tensions that were not immediately visible to outsiders.

“If that's what a couple agrees with in their marriage, then that's their business.” — Kelly Bernatine [07:12]

Jonathan Hearn: The Young Firefighter

Jonathan Hearn emerged as a central figure in this intricate narrative. At 18 years old in 2008, Jonathan was an ambitious young firefighter involved in the San Bernardino Youth Fire Explorer program. Described by friends as thoughtful and well-spoken, Jonathan aspired to become a paramedic or an arson investigator. His dedication to his career was evident, though his personal life remained largely private.

“Everyone else saw that in him, and he would. He would just say, oh, you know, no, this is what I've always wanted to do.” — Nicole Hearn [09:58]

Despite being focused on his studies and job, Jonathan began an affair with Sabrina Limone, Rob’s wife. Their secrecy was maintained through frequent communication, often facilitated by a burner phone, hinting at the clandestine nature of their relationship.

“Have you ever hear anybody use a story out of the Bible to justify having an affair and killing the other person's spouse?” — Detective Randall Meyer [34:01]

The Murder of Rob Limone

The tranquility of the Limone family was shattered when Rob Limone was found dead on a shop floor in Tehachapi in September 2014. The murder sent shockwaves through the community, prompting Detective Randall Meyer to investigate the circumstances surrounding Rob's death. Initial evidence pointed towards a complex interplay of personal relationships and hidden motives.

“Sabrina Limone had been having an affair with a young firefighter named Jonathan Hearn.” — Josh Mankiewicz [02:31]

Detective Randall Meyer's Investigation

Detective Meyer’s investigation revealed critical details about the Limone family's dynamics. Phone records indicated an extensive affair between Sabrina and Jonathan, which ceased abruptly three months before Rob’s murder. This suspicious halt led Meyer to delve deeper into their communications, uncovering over seven thousand interactions between Jonathan and an unidentified burner phone number.

“They had multiple conversations via telephone calls and text messages.” — Detective Randall Meyer [18:35]

Evidence Mounts Against Jonathan Hearn

Further scrutiny revealed that Jonathan owned a motorcycle similar to one seen near the murder scene and possessed firearms matching the caliber used to kill Rob. These pieces of evidence strengthened the case against Jonathan as the prime suspect.

“The firearms that were registered to Jonathan matched the same or similar caliber bullet that killed Rob Lemon.” — Detective Randall Meyer [15:34]

Wiretapping and the Strategy of "Tickling the Wire"

To gather concrete evidence, Detective Meyer obtained a wiretap on Sabrina and Jonathan’s phones. This invasive technique, known as "tickling the wire," aimed to provoke incriminating conversations by feeding misleading information to the suspects.

“Inside law enforcement, provoking conversations between people you're surveilling is known as tickling the wire.” — Josh Mankiewicz [25:06]

The wiretap quickly yielded results, revealing the depth of Sabrina and Jonathan’s affair. Their conversations were filled with declarations of love and prayers for guidance, masking the darker undercurrents of their relationship.

“We were on our knees for a reason. God, we have been dirtbags. We've been sinners.” — Nicole Hearn [22:52]

Detective Meyer skillfully used deceptive updates about the investigation to elicit conversations that could potentially tie Sabrina and Jonathan to the murder plot. These interactions exposed their attempts to conceal the affair and avoid detection.

“Some exciting news. Crime lab just sent me an email and said they got a good DNA sample from what they believe was a sweat drop.” — Nicole Hearn [28:39]

Escalating Tensions and Strategic Delays

As the investigation intensified, Sabrina and Jonathan became increasingly aware of the police's surveillance. Jonathan suspected that Detective Meyer was attempting to trick Sabrina into revealing incriminating information, leading them to strategize delays and further conceal their activities.

“You know, officers are allowed to use ruse... It's probably a ruse to get you to like, relax and like, open up.” — Jonathan Hearn [31:10]

Their mutual deceit and attempts to manipulate the investigation highlighted the lengths they would go to protect their interests, setting the stage for further confrontations with law enforcement.

Conclusion and Ongoing Investigation

As the episode concludes, Detective Meyer remains steadfast in his pursuit of the truth, utilizing every available tool to unravel the mystery behind Rob Limone’s murder. The intricate dance of deception, love, and betrayal continues to unfold, leaving listeners eager for the next installment of this gripping true crime saga.

“We've been selfish. We've sinned. God, but you are a savior.” — Nicole Hearn [22:52]

Notable Quotes

• “Their eyes met in a busy grocery aisle at Costco... That fleeting moment in the grocery aisle and the events that followed had lifelong ramifications for both of them and for everyone who knew them.” — Josh Mankiewicz [00:03]

• “They have a purpose and I know that God knows our hearts.” — Nicole Hearn [24:29]

• “It’s like bringing you out of your comfort zone and into his comfort zone.” — Nicole Hearn [31:33]

Final Thoughts

"Tickling the Wire" masterfully weaves together personal narratives, investigative techniques, and suspenseful storytelling to present a comprehensive look into the murder of Rob Limone. Through detailed interviews and compelling narration, Deadly Mirage offers an engrossing exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the relentless quest for justice.