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

Summary

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Dateline: True Crime Weekly – April 16, 2026

Episode Summary

Main Theme:
This episode, hosted by Lester Holt with reporting from Andrea Canning, Michelle Madigan, and Rocio Zamora, covers three major true crime stories:

1. The suspicious disappearance of Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas.
2. The trial of a Utah mother accused of conspiring to murder her son-in-law with her children.
3. Updates on high-profile crime cases and guidance for American tourists who become victims of crime abroad.

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1. Disappearance in the Bahamas: The Case of Lynette Hooker

(00:54–10:27; 27:28–32:36)

Key Points:

• Incident Details:
  Lynette Hooker vanished off Elbow Key, Bahamas, on Easter morning. Husband Brian Hooker claims Lynette fell off their yacht, "Soulmate," during rough waters. Despite immediate searches, only her flotation device was recovered.
• Suspicion and Family Concerns:
  Lynette’s daughter, Carly, voiced doubt about Brian’s account, citing his monotone delivery and known domestic issues:
  “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.” – Andrea Canning (05:48)
• Official Investigations:
  • Brian was detained by local authorities, questioned, and had his vessel searched (he himself fell overboard during the search).
  • He maintains his innocence:“I've never harmed Lynette, and I never would harm Lynette. And I want to find Lynette.” – Brian Hooker (08:17)
  • Bahamian police: Brian remains a suspect; investigation ongoing.
• Legal Complexities & US Involvement:
  The U.S. Coast Guard is now assisting. After five days in custody, Brian was released due to local law.
  “The local country and their authorities are always in charge.” – Frank Figliuzzi, former FBI official (29:11)
• Emotional Moments:
  Brian’s emotional plea for his missing wife:
  “We quit working to do this thing together. We had a plan... There's no point in being in any of it. I don't even.” – Brian Hooker (08:57)

Practical Tips for Americans Abroad: (28:12–32:36)

• Always register your travels with the nearest US consulate and keep a digital 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 (30:20)
• Local authorities always have jurisdiction. US agencies must collaborate with host nations.
• US citizenship is not a shield:
  “You could find yourself absolutely arrested... So you're not immune.” (32:36)

---

2. Utah Mother’s Alleged Murder Plot: The Grist Family Case

(12:38–21:08)

Background:

• In July 2024, Matt Rastelli was shot dead at his mother-in-law Tracy Grist’s home. His wife Kate, mother-in-law Tracy, and brother-in-law Kevin were all implicated.

Investigation Unfolds:

• Initial Claim:
  Tracy and Kevin allege Matt was shot in self-defense.
• Evidence Suggests Plot:
  Investigators noticed inconsistencies (e.g., knife placement, Matt’s handedness, delayed 911 call from Tracy).
  • “The knife was facing towards Matt and not towards a would-be aggressor... Matt was actually not right-handed, which is where they found the knife.” – Rocio Zamora (15:29)
  • Texts and digital evidence link Kate, Tracy, and Kevin:
    “She was the ringleader. She was the one who came up with a plan and got her kids to and commit murder.” – Rocio Zamora (16:37)

Trial Highlights:

• Prosecution Case:
  Kate testifies her mother initiated the idea:
  “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.” (19:10)
• Defense Position:
  Claims the conspiracy was haphazard, denies Tracy orchestrated murder, suggests “moment of craziness.” (18:08)
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “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.” – Kate on stand (19:39)
  • “It was planned by my mother.” – Kate (19:57)

Status:

• Kate has pleaded guilty and turned on her family.
• Trial expected to last up to three weeks, possibility that Kevin may testify against Tracy.

---

3. Dateline Roundup: Major Crime Updates

(23:10–27:22)

A. Dr. Gerhard Koenig Verdict

• Maui anesthesiologist convicted of attempted manslaughter (not murder) for attacking his wife.
• Jury found “extreme mental or emotional disturbance” was a factor.
  • “They seem to be saying that Gerhard attacked his wife in the heat of passion.” – Michelle Madigan (23:45)
• Sentencing on August 13; could face up to 20 years.

B. Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Appeal

• Currently serving 4 years, 2 months for interstate prostitution; acquitted of sex trafficking.
• Defense argues sentence was overly harsh compared to other Man Act cases.
• No date yet for appellate decision; earliest release 2028.

C. Lori Vallow Daybell (“Mommy Doomsday”) Appeal

• Convicted for murder of her two children and conspiracy to kill Tammy Daybell.
• Defense argues conflict of interest in legal representation and prejudicial trial content.
  • “Her attorney says her right to counsel was violated when a judge disqualified her attorney of choice, Mark Means.” – Michelle Madigan (26:41)
• No decision expected for several months.

---

4. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On International Investigations:
  “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... The local country and their authorities are always in charge.” – Frank Figliuzzi (29:11)
• Emotional Moment:
  “It's been 10 days. It's been a long time. I don't think I've ever been apart from her in 25 years for this long.” – Brian Hooker (09:20)

---

5. Noteworthy Segments & Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|---------------| | Intro to Case of Lynette Hooker | 02:11–10:27 | | Emotional Brian Hooker Interview | 08:17–09:39 | | Utah Grist Family Murder Plot | 12:38–21:08 | | Kate’s Testimony about her Mother’s Role | 18:48–19:39 | | Dateline Crime Roundup (Koenig, Combs, Vallow)| 23:10–27:22 | | International Crime & Travel Safety Advice | 27:28–32:36 |

---

6. Tone and Language

The episode maintains Dateline’s trademark serious, investigative, and empathetic tone. Journalists focus on facts, legal nuances, and family perspectives, offering both procedural details and poignant emotional moments.

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Summary for Listeners:
This week’s Dateline: True Crime Weekly episode unpacks complicated issues of suspicion, family betrayal, emotional loss, and legal battles, both in the US and abroad. Listeners are given a clear view into ongoing investigations, trials, and the practical realities of American citizens facing crime internationally—with advice and analysis from trusted correspondents and experts.

Transcript

[Brian Hooker]

Neighborhood.

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[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

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Anyways, get a'@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.

[Liberty Mutual Jingle Singer]

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This is a star studded story meeting. We have both Andrea and Blaine.

[Brian Hooker]

Love it.

[Lester Holt]

You're listening in to the Dateline story meeting.

[Andrea Canning]

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

[Lester Holt]

Our producers are swapping tips and story ideas.

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

He got pretty emotional. He cried a few times during the interview.

[Andrea Canning]

I talked with the ringleader of the friend group, if you will.

[DSW Advertiser]

It wasn't just a heat of the moment thing. He was 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, 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 Koenigse.

[Michelle Madigan]

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's sandy beaches and turquoise Waters.

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

This is how we do laundry too.

[Unknown / Minor Speaker]

Success.

[Brian Hooker]

All right, we got the grub, got groceries delivery. It's a way of life, man. Pretty cool.

[Lester Holt]

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.

[Brian Hooker]

And they have flotation device that I threw to mom when she fell overboard. They haven't found her yet, but something

[Lester Holt]

about Brian's story didn't add up to Carly. And the local police had their suspicions too, that maybe Lynette was the victim. Not of an accident, but a foul play. 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 is our very own Andrea Canning, who has made her way to the Bahamas to report on the case. Hi, Andrea. Hey, Lester. 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 so sold their house in Michigan to live full time on their yacht. And according 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 car, 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 to him, 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 Carli, raised 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 Brian 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. During that search, Lester, she says that he actually lost his footing and fell overboard.

[Michelle Madigan]

He fell overboard and had to be rescued.

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

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.

[Andrea Canning]

She kind of cited it as, you know, 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.

[Brian Hooker]

I've never harmed Lynette, and I never would harm Lynette. And I want to find Lynette.

[Interviewer]

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?

[Brian Hooker]

No, I would never want to share anything like that in public about

[Lester Holt]

any

[Andrea Canning]

marriage, you know, 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.

[Brian Hooker]

We quit working to do this thing together. We had a plan, so I got to work the plan. And without. There's no point in being in any of it. I don't even.

[Interviewer]

Let me know when you get a concert.

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

Sorry.

[Brian Hooker]

It's been 10 days. It's been a long time. I don't think I've ever been apart from her in 25 years

[Lester Holt]

for this long.

[Brian Hooker]

I don't like it. She wouldn't stop, and I'm not gonna stop.

[Lester Holt]

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 40. 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 soon. 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.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

And Doug. There's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

Hey everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a'@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.

[Liberty Mutual Jingle Singer]

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[Lester Holt]

At 10:06pm, July 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 911.

[Rocio Zamora]

Tell me exactly what's going on.

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

I'm pretty sure I just heard gunshots.

[Lester Holt]

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. 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.

[Brian Hooker]

I'm so very deeply sorry for the pain that I've caused.

[Lester Holt]

He didn't deserve it. If I had the power to bring

[Brian Hooker]

him back, I would.

[Lester Holt]

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.

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

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 ends up 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 Traci 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 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.

[Interviewer]

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 going to 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.

[O]

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, just a moment of craziness.

[Lester Holt]

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.

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

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.

[Interviewer]

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

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

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.

[Interviewer]

Did you ever have any second thoughts about this?

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

Absolutely.

[Interviewer]

Before he was murdered?

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

Did you ever express those thoughts?

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

I did. I looked her in the eyes, I

[Lester Holt]

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 Kay during her cross examination. Let's take a listen.

[O]

Why do you think the reason is that you chose to be a murderer?

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

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

[O]

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

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

Because my mom posed it as the best idea.

[O]

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

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

Yes.

[O]

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

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

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 here. 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 trial 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.

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[Lester Holt]

Welcome back. Joining me for this week's roundup is DATELINE producer Michelle Madigan. Thanks for being here, Michelle.

[Michelle Madigan]

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.

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

We the jury in this case finds

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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 Madigan]

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 Madigan]

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 rap superstar Shandiddy Combs. As listeners remember, Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking last July, but was convicted on two count 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 Madigan]

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 Madigan]

The defense argued that the judge gave Combs an overly harsh sentence. They also referenced The man 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 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 Madigan]

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 Valow Daybell, or as many DATELINE viewers know, her mommy Doomsday. Michelle, just give us a quick recap here. It's a complicated one.

[Michelle Madigan]

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

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

You're the most hated mom in America.

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

I heard that.

[Lester Holt]

Are you misunderstood?

[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

Absolutely.

[Lester Holt]

So, Michelle, what are her attorneys arguing?

[Michelle Madigan]

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. Lori'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 Madigan]

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

[Brian Hooker]

All right.

[Lester Holt]

Well, Michelle, thank you for the updates.

[Rocio Zamora]

Thank you.

[Michelle Madigan]

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.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

What police are calling a search and rescue mission for a 56 year old 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 in 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, of that nation always differ from our. 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 they 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]

Ye.

[Frank Figliuzzi]

Yes, Natalie 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 and 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 itself is 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 it 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, 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 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, 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. I have to tell you, I

[Brian Hooker]

think you need to stop with those questions.

[DSW Advertiser]

Well, why?

[Brian Hooker]

Because you keep implicating me and it's not me.

[Lester Holt]

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. Kuriloff production and fact checking help by Audrey Abrahams. Veronica Mazeka is our digital producer. Rick Kwan is our sound designer. Original Music by Jesse McGinty. Paul Ryan is executive producer and Liz Cole is senior executive producer of Dateline.

[Brian Hooker]

Have a great day, everybody.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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[Liberty Mutual Partner / Friend]

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