Podcast Summary: What Happened to Talina Zar – Episode Horizon E8
Podcast Information:
- Title: What Happened to Talina Zar
- Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
- Description: What Happened to Talina Zar unravels the chilling mystery of a woman who vanished during the COVID-19 lockdown, the internet sleuths who followed her trail, and the dark subcultures and interpersonal betrayals they unearthed.
- Episode: Horizon - Talina Zar E8
- Release Date: June 19, 2025
1. Introduction to Talina Zar’s Disappearance
The episode opens by setting the scene in the summer of 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Talina Zar, a licensed realtor in Mena, Arkansas, mysteriously vanished without a trace, sparking initial suspicions and turning her disappearance into a complex case intertwined with the uncertainties of lockdown measures.
Key Highlight:
- Melissa Jeltson (Host): "This is an iHeart podcast. The best AI assistant isn't one that knows the whole world. It's one that knows your world." [00:00]
2. The Mysterious Phone Call and Property Purchase
Seven months before Talina's body was discovered, a pivotal phone call occurred. A woman named Corey, using the alias "Deb Bombley," contacted Talina expressing a strong desire to purchase a specific 4-acre plot of undeveloped forest land in Arkansas.
Key Points:
- Corey's Persistence: Despite the property lacking utilities, Corey was adamant about purchasing it immediately.
- Contract Rejection: Initially, the contract for the sale was rejected due to financing issues. Corey proposed selling personal items to pay in cash but eventually ceased communication, leaving the property unsold.
Notable Quote:
- Voice Actor (Recounting Realtor’s Account): "She said she wanted to live there and wanted to buy the piece of property today. A sale is a sale." [Approx. 05:30]
3. Discovery of Talina’s Body and New Evidence
In January 2021, Talina’s remains were found in a white box freezer in a remote area off Woody Lane, a dead-end logging road in Arkansas. This grisly discovery was made by a woman who had previously noticed a suspicious truck and trailer in the area, connecting the scene back to Corey's earlier interest in the property.
Key Developments:
- License Plate Evidence: The license plate from the suspicious truck matched Talina's 2007 Dodge Ram, which Corey had previously sold for scrap.
- Cell Phone Data: Investigators found that Corey had been present in the vicinity of where Talina's body was found multiple times in June and July.
Notable Quote:
- Narration: "Detective Joel Weber has been waiting for this small piece of paper." [Approx. 12:45]
4. Corey's Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Following the new evidence, authorities obtained an arrest warrant for Corey Bommeli on charges of first-degree murder and desecration of a corpse. The arrest took place in Wisconsin, where Corey resided with her mother, Janet.
Key Events:
- Failed Initial Traffic Stop: Corey attempted to evade a traffic stop, leading to a high-speed pursuit before she complied.
- Public Statement: Wagner County District Attorney Jack Thorpe announced the charges, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Notable Quote:
- DA Jack Thorpe: "This is still a very active investigation and it will remain so for some time after today." [Approx. 20:15]
5. Impact on Friends and Community
The discovery of Talina’s body and Corey's subsequent arrest had profound effects on Talina’s friends and the local community. Friends grappled with shock, betrayal, and fear as they reevaluated their relationships with Corey, who had seamlessly integrated into their lives months before the tragedy.
Personal Accounts:
- Nicole, Talina’s Friend: Describes the traumatic experience of witnessing the freezer trailer and the lasting emotional impact.
- Greg: Reflects on unknowingly aiding Corey by discarding a mattress frame, realizing too late its potential connection to the crime.
Notable Quote:
- Nicole: "I had a complete meltdown. I had to get him to pull over because I couldn't be next to that freezer on that trailer." [Approx. 25:30]
6. Insights from Internet Sleuths
Jess, an internet sleuth from Minnesota, played a crucial role in piecing together the mystery surrounding Talina’s disappearance. Her relentless research and collaboration with other online investigators helped uncover significant leads that led to Corey's arrest.
Jess’s Theory: Jess theorizes that Corey may have discovered unauthorized use of Talina's credit card, leading to a confrontation that escalated into murder. She believes Corey meticulously planned and executed the crime, taking advantage of the pandemic-induced chaos to obscure her actions.
Notable Quote:
- Jess: "I think tlena found out that Corey had either opened a credit card in her name or had used one without her permission... Corey started planning her murder." [Approx. 35:50]
7. The Ongoing Legal Battle and Trial Preparations
As of June 2025, Corey remains in custody awaiting trial for Talina’s murder. Prior to the murder trial, she faces charges for attempted murder in Wisconsin, accused of trying to poison former neighbors using homemade ricin. The legal process has been prolonged, with trial dates extending years beyond the initial incident.
Legal Developments:
- Extradition and Trial Scheduling: Corey was extradited to Oklahoma for Talina’s case, with the murder trial scheduled for June 2025.
- Jess’s Involvement: Jess anticipates being subpoenaed as a witness, given her extensive role in the investigation.
Notable Quote:
- Corey's Lawyer, Janet Hudson: "Anybody who's been charged with such a serious offense should be shocked and should be concerned." [Approx. 28:40]
8. Emotional Toll on Talina’s Family
Talina’s family continues to suffer immense grief, compounded by the delay in bringing closure through the legal process. The inability to cremate her body immediately prevented the family from having a proper memorial, exacerbating their trauma.
Family Reflections:
- Cheryl, Talina’s Sister: Opens up about the prolonged silence and the emotional struggle of not being able to publicly mourn Talina until recently.
- Talina’s Mother: Expresses profound anguish over not having had a place to rest Talina’s remains, highlighting the ongoing pain.
Notable Quote:
- Cheryl: "When I woke up today, she is in pieces in a freezer with my mom. And we woke up today, she's in pieces in a freezer." [Approx. 55:00]
9. Jess’s Personal Journey and Future Outlook
Jess reflects on her deep involvement in the case, acknowledging the personal cost of her obsession. Her journey from an armchair investigator to a key witness underscores the intricate relationship between online communities and real-world investigations.
Jess’s Reflections:
- Self-Assessment: Jess admits to a black-and-white sense of morality, questioning her actions but ultimately believing her efforts were justified.
- Ongoing Commitment: Despite the emotional toll, Jess remains dedicated to uncovering the full extent of Corey’s actions, suspecting there may be additional undiscovered crimes.
Notable Quote:
- Jess: "I know she’s done more, just from knowing who she is. I know she's done more." [Approx. 1:05:20]
10. Conclusion and Future Developments
The episode concludes with an update on Talina’s cremation, offering a semblance of closure for her family. However, the fight for justice continues as Corey’s trial looms, promising further revelations and emotional testimonies from those affected.
Final Notes:
- Talina’s Memorial: Description of Talina’s urn and family photos symbolize the enduring hope for remembrance and justice.
- Upcoming Episodes: The podcast announces the release of bonus episodes covering the Wisconsin trial and subsequent developments.
Notable Quote:
- Host Melissa Jeltson: "We do not blame authorities. What happened was they determined that they needed her body. This case is more circumstantial than evidence wise." [Approx. 1:10:45]
Closing Remarks: What Happened to Talina Zar Episode Horizon E8 provides a comprehensive exploration of Talina Zar’s tragic disappearance, the meticulous investigation led by both official authorities and dedicated internet sleuths, and the profound emotional impact on her family and community. As the legal proceedings unfold, listeners are left anticipating the resolution of this haunting case.