Finding Rita
- Mar 14, 2023
- 1:23:06
- Full Episode
When a Colorado mother vanishes without a trace, the detective investigating her disappearance discovers a connection to a previous assault. Keith Morrison reports.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or is in crisis, please contact the following for help and resources:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or www.thehotline.org
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 or https://rainn.org/
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 or go to https://988lifeline.org/
Keith Morrison and Josh Mankiewicz go behind the scenes of the making of this episode in ‘Talking Dateline’:
Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/4faquse
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7tacgOR2BeTQTTJiZFL1BW
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Brief Summary
Rita Gutierrez Garcia's disappearance leads to a murder investigation tied to suspect Juan Figueroa, revealing a tragic story of violence and loss.
Key points
- Confrontational Boyfriend. The boyfriend of the missing woman becomes a person of interest after a tense interaction with police.
- Detective's Investigation. Detective Cody Clark begins piecing together the details of Rita's last known whereabouts.
- Family's Plea for Help. Rita's family makes a heartfelt appeal for her return during a press conference.
- Guilt and Regret. David reflects on his guilt about an argument he had with Rita before her disappearance.
- The Search for Rita. Detectives uncover chilling connections between two cases involving missing Rita and assaulted Kayleen.
- The 911 Call. Rita's phone made a haunting 911 call, but no one answered.
Episode highlights
- Confrontational BoyfriendThe boyfriend of the missing woman becomes a person of interest after a tense interaction with police.“When the officer tried to speak with the boyfriend, he was very confrontational.”0:17Mar 14, 2023
- Detective's InvestigationDetective Cody Clark begins piecing together the details of Rita's last known whereabouts.“But to know what happened, Detective Clark first had to know Rita.”8:21Mar 14, 2023
- Family's Plea for HelpRita's family makes a heartfelt appeal for her return during a press conference.“I just want to scream inside.”23:21Mar 14, 2023
- Guilt and RegretDavid reflects on his guilt about an argument he had with Rita before her disappearance.“If I didn't drink that beer that day she might still be here.”24:58Mar 14, 2023
- The Search for RitaDetectives uncover chilling connections between two cases involving missing Rita and assaulted Kayleen.“Could they be related?”34:45Mar 14, 2023
- The 911 CallRita's phone made a haunting 911 call, but no one answered.“A 911 call for help, and then nothing.”43:41Mar 14, 2023
- Desperate MeasuresDetectives devise a plan to lure Juan Figueroa out of hiding.“If he's getting money that way, then we can figure out pretty darn close where he's at.”50:07Mar 14, 2023
- The ArrestJuan Figueroa is arrested in Texas, linked to Kayleen's case.“That's the only warrant? That's it? It's for sexual assault?”52:52Mar 14, 2023
