Forensic Files

Talking Dateline: The Farmer’s Wife

Dateline NBC

  • Dec 17, 2025
  • 28:44
  • Full Episode
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<p>Josh Mankiewicz sits down with Andrea Canning to talk about her episode, “The Farmer’s Wife.” In 2021, 42-year-old husband and father Ryan Cooper was shot to death as he slept in a recliner in the living room of the family’s rural Iowa farmhouse. What at first looked like a terrifying home invasion, turned out to be something much darker, involving a hidden relationship, a web of lies, and a motive rooted in desire and greed. Josh and Andrea break down the case, including the chaotic crime scene and the digital trail of messages that ultimately helped crack it. Andrea also shares a podcast-exclusive clip of Ryan’s widow in court. Then she and Josh discuss binge-worthy thrillers on their must-stream lists. Plus, your questions from social media.</p><p>Have a question for Talking Dateline? DM us @DatelineNBC or leave a voicemail at (212) 413-5252 — your question could be featured in an upcoming episode.</p><p>Listen to the full episode “The Farmer’s Wife” on Apple:<a href="https://apple.co/44ud8Vl">https://apple.co/44ud8Vl</a></p><p>Listen on Spotify:<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7MYoHkig0fEZ5ELns9PnUS">https://open.spotify.com/episode/7MYoHkig0fEZ5ELns9PnUS</a></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Brief Summary

A farmer's murder reveals a twisted love triangle and shocking secrets in a small Iowa town.

Key points

  • Chaotic Scene. The chaotic aftermath of a murder reveals deeper, darker intentions.
  • The Farmer's Wife. A chilling tale of a murder rooted in a twisted love triangle.
  • Snapchat Revelations. Investigators uncover crucial evidence hidden in disappearing messages.
  • Heartbreaking Family Impact. The tragic consequences of murder on innocent children.
  • Heartbreaking Moment from Karina's Mom. Karina's mother expresses her heartbreak, asking where she went wrong in raising her daughter.
  • The Intimacy of Small Towns. In a small town, everyone knows each other, creating a tight-knit community around the tragedy.

Tension

75/ 100High tension

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