Deadly Mirage: Episode Summary – "Tickling the Wire"
Deadly Mirage is NBC News’ gripping podcast series hosted by Josh Mankiewicz, delving into the mysterious and tragic murder of Rob Lamone in Silver Lakes, California. In the third episode, titled "Tickling the Wire," released on December 10, 2024, Mankiewicz unravels the complex web of relationships, secrets, and investigative techniques that ultimately shed light on this perplexing case.
Introduction to the Case
The serene facade of Silver Lakes, a verdant manmade oasis in California’s Mojave Desert, is shattered by the brutal murder of Rob Lamone. Rob and Sabrina Lamone appeared to lead the quintessential American life: a beautiful home, two young children, and a close-knit group of friends known as the “Wolf Pack.” However, beneath this idyllic exterior lay hidden tumultuous relationships and secrets that would come to light following Rob’s death.
Josh Mankiewicz [01:05]:
"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."
Background of Rob and Sabrina Lamone
Rob Lamone, a 21-year-old construction worker with a passion for dirt bikes, met Sabrina Marrero at a backyard barbecue in Prescott, Arizona, when she was 18. Their relationship blossomed quickly, leading to marriage in August 2000 and the birth of two children, Robbie and Leanna, in 2003 and 2006, respectively.
Detective Randall Meyer [07:01]:
"Robert, he doted on her. He did mostly everything that needed to be done. And he loved her. I could just see by the way he treated her."
For years, the couple seemed to embody marital bliss, with Rob introducing Sabrina warmly to his family and friends. However, in 2008, an unforeseen shift occurred when Rob and Sabrina decided to open their marriage, engaging in a consensual relationship with another couple. This decision marked the beginning of hidden tensions and clandestine affairs that would eventually become critical in the investigation of Rob’s murder.
The Murder of Rob Lamone
On a seemingly ordinary day, Rob Lamone was found dead on a shop floor in Tehachapi. The initial investigation left Detective Randall Meyer puzzled, as there were no obvious motives or suspects. The tranquility of the Lamone family was violently disrupted, prompting Meyer to dig deeper into their lives.
Detective Randall Meyer [02:24]:
"I'm fascinated in relationships that end in the ultimate, worst possible way."
Detective Randall Meyer’s Investigation
Detective Meyer’s pursuit of Rob’s killer was fraught with dead ends until a crucial tip from Rob’s friend, Jason Bernatine, pointed him toward Sabrina’s affair with Jonathan Hearn, a young firefighter. This revelation pivoted the investigation towards uncovering the intricate details of the affair and its potential link to the murder.
Josh Mankiewicz [03:16]:
"And you will hear that couple's earnest prayers for God's guidance as investigators listened in on their private phone calls helps."
The Affair Between Sabrina and Jonathan Hearn
Jonathan Hearn, an 18-year-old firefighter, was more than just Sabrina’s lover. Raised in a devoutly religious and disciplined household, Jonathan was a dedicated firefighter with aspirations of becoming a paramedic or arson investigator. His involvement with Sabrina, who was over a decade his senior, introduced a volatile dynamic into the Lamone household.
Sabrina Lamone [11:05]:
"So I used to always tell Jonathan like, you're kind of wasting your life becoming a fireman."
Despite Sabrina’s efforts to maintain secrecy, including using a burner phone to communicate with Jonathan, their relationship became a focal point in the investigation after Rob discovered the affair, leading to increased marital stress.
Investigative Techniques: Tickling the Wire
"Tickling the Wire" refers to the method Detective Meyer employed to provoke conversations between Sabrina and Jonathan by intermittently providing misleading information. This technique aimed to elicit incriminating statements from the suspects without direct confrontation.
Josh Mankiewicz [29:15]:
"In an effort to get them talking about the case, Detective Meyer began providing Sabrina with little updates on how the investigation was going."
Meyer’s strategy involved sending Sabrina false updates about the investigation, such as fabricated DNA evidence, to observe her and Jonathan’s responses. This subtle manipulation led to critical breakthroughs in the case.
Key Findings and Evidence
Several pivotal pieces of evidence emerged through Meyer's meticulous investigation:
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Motorcycle Evidence:
- A motorcycle found at the Lamone residence bore the word "forgiven" alongside a cross, matching Jonathan Hearn’s Yamaha.
- Security footage from a gas station near the murder site captured a motorcyclist resembling Jonathan, reinforcing his proximity to the crime scene.
Jason Bernatine [17:33]:
"It came back to no subscriber information found." -
Gun Ownership:
- Jonathan possessed .45 caliber firearms, matching the bullet that killed Rob, establishing a possible means of murder.
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Phone Records:
- An extensive analysis of phone logs revealed thousands of communications between Sabrina and Jonathan, including a sudden halt in their interactions shortly before the murder.
Jason Bernatine [22:19]:
"Yes. Yes." -
Wiretap Authorization:
- After securing a warrant, investigators wiretapped the burner phone used in the affair, capturing heartfelt communications that indicated a deep emotional bond between Sabrina and Jonathan.
Sabrina Lamone [26:43]:
"I love you to the end of the world."
These findings collectively painted a picture of motive, opportunity, and means, pointing towards Jonathan Hearn as the prime suspect in Rob Lamone’s murder.
Conclusion and Implications
"Tickling the Wire" masterfully illustrates the complexities of marital relationships and the lengths to which investigators must go to uncover the truth. Detective Meyer’s innovative techniques and the unraveling of hidden affairs underscore the delicate balance between personal lives and criminal investigations. The episode not only narrates a compelling true crime story but also explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the pursuit of justice within tightly-knit communities.
Notable Quotes:
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Detective Randall Meyer [02:24]:
"I'm fascinated in relationships that end in the ultimate, worst possible way." -
Sabrina Lamone [27:01]:
"God, you have been dirtbags, we've been sinners, we've been selfish, we've sinned." -
Jonathan Hearn [31:48]:
"I love you, Doc." -
Sabrina Lamone [36:30]:
"You and I have an affair, you know, and it's like, well, of course they're going to look into that."
Deadly Mirage continues to offer an in-depth exploration of the hidden truths beneath seemingly perfect lives, highlighting the relentless pursuit of truth by those determined to bring justice to light.