Snapped: Women Who Murder – Episode Summary: Karen Coleman

Hosted by Oxygen

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder, Oxygen delves deep into the chilling case of Karen Coleman, a seemingly devoted wife whose actions led to the tragic and untimely death of her husband, Danny Coleman. Over the course of this detailed narrative, listeners are taken through the discovery of Danny's body, the intricate investigation that followed, and the eventual unraveling of Karen's sinister plot.

Background: The Coleman Family

Karen and Danny Coleman were the quintessential American couple residing in Stanton, Missouri. Danny, a beloved mechanical engineer and military veteran, was known for his kindness and dedication both at work and within the community. Karen, portrayed as a supportive wife and mother, worked diligently to maintain their comfortable lifestyle.

• Danny’s Legacy:

  • [08:12] Family Member: "Danny was a very caring individual. He was a hunter safety instructor for children to teach them how to handle guns."
  • Profession: Mechanical Engineer at Multiplex, manufacturing soda machines for McDonald's.

• Karen’s Role:

  • [10:24] Detective: "Karen worked a lot of local entry-level jobs, and eventually she landed at a printing company as secretary."

The Discovery of Danny Coleman

On October 22, 1992, tragedy struck when Danny Coleman was found dead in his own truck, which had been set ablaze in a remote field in Stanton. The initial discovery was made by a motorist who witnessed the burning vehicle late at night.

• Initial Findings:

  • [02:05] Family Member: "At that time, she said, they found him. I said, well, is he okay? She said, no, he's dead."
  • Cause of Death: Initially ruled as blunt force trauma with severe burns obscuring the body’s features.

• Investigation Begins:

  • [04:04] Detective: "This gentleman walked up into the woods, went through a small patch of woods and then went out into a field."
  • Challenges: The fire destroyed most of the evidence, making identification and cause of death determination difficult.

Unfolding the Investigation

As investigators delved into Danny’s life, they uncovered a portrait of a man without obvious enemies. However, hints of marital issues and Danny’s disdain for certain activities began to surface.

• Marital Dynamics:

  • [19:33] Family Member: "I was surprised at her demeanor compared to Danny's. She's just a much rougher person than he was."
  • Extramarital Affairs: Karen had several affairs, adding complexity to the investigation.

• Financial Motive:

  • [32:19] Investigator: "I'm aware of, of her obtaining, receiving like $50,000 for the death benefit."

Breakthrough: The Deathbed Confession

Years into the investigation, a pivotal moment occurred when convict Larry Nolan made a deathbed confession implicating himself and others in Danny’s murder.

• Confession Details:

  • [26:09] Investigator: "He confessed to his cellmate regarding a murder that he potentially set up and was involved with."
  • Involvement of Others: Karen Coleman allegedly orchestrated the murder, involving hitmen James Cornhart and Steve Mueller.

• Evidence Linking:

  • [30:14] Advertiser: "As far as the possibility of Danny being shot. Investigators ask the medical examiner to reevaluate her original findings."
  • Forensic Confirmation: New evidence suggested Danny was shot, aligning with Nolan's confession.

Arrests and Prosecution

With newfound evidence and testimonies, authorities moved swiftly to arrest those involved.

• James Cornhart and Steve Mueller:

  • [35:02] Expert: "James Cornhart and Steve Mueller are serving their life sentences in federal prison."
  • Conviction: Both were found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder for hire and first-degree murder, receiving life sentences on June 14, 2010.

• Karen Coleman’s Turnaround:

  • [43:37] Advertiser: "Karen admits she knew about Danny's life insurance policy and had planned to use the money..."
  • Plea Deal: Karen pleaded guilty to conspiracy and murder-for-hire charges, receiving a 20-year sentence in exchange for her cooperation.

• The Elusive “Dozer”:

  • [46:34] Advertiser: "Authorities continue to search for the mystery man known only as Dozer."
  • Status: Remains at large, with investigators urging anyone with information to come forward.

Conclusion: Justice and Closure

The episode culminates with the conviction of James Cornhart and Steve Mueller, providing some closure to Danny Coleman's family after nearly two decades. Karen Coleman’s cooperation was instrumental in securing these convictions, though her reduced sentence sparked mixed emotions among those affected.

• Final Reflections:
  • [45:56] Expert: "It did provide some closure for everybody involved. Joby was extremely thankful that they could finally get some closure on the case."
  • Legacy: Danny Coleman is remembered fondly by his family and community, his memory preserved as the case that stood the test of time and complexity.

Notable Quotes

• Family Member on Danny’s Character:

  "Danny was a very caring individual. He was a hunter safety instructor for children to teach them how to handle guns."
  [08:12]

• Detective on Karen and Danny’s Relationship:

  "Karen told us they, you know, were a loving couple, that they got along real well. You know, just kind of seemed like your average couple."
  [11:32]

• Expert on the Complexity of the Case:

  "The case was a very large conspiracy. It was difficult to investigate."
  [02:17]

• Family Member’s Reaction to Karen’s Actions:

  "I don't understand how a person that you've been married to for a long time and had a child with would want to have him killed."
  [42:15]

Closing Thoughts

The Karen Coleman case serves as a stark reminder of how appearances can be deceiving and how intricate personal dynamics can lead to unimaginable tragedies. Snapped: Women Who Murder masterfully unpacks the layers of this case, offering listeners a comprehensive look into the motivations, actions, and consequences surrounding Karen Coleman's decision to murder her husband for financial gain and personal liberation.

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