The Bathtub Mystery
- Apr 2, 2020
- 1:24:22
- Full Episode
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In this Dateline classic, Ryan and Sarah are newlyweds of just 114 days. Home together on a quiet Monday evening, no one could ever imagine how their lives would soon take a turn for the worst. Dennis Murphy reports. Originally aired on NBC on May 6, 2011.
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Brief Summary
Ryan Widmer was convicted of murdering his wife Sarah, but questions about the evidence and circumstances remain.
Key points
- A Haunting Death. A beaming bride's life is cut short, leaving behind unanswered questions.
- Suspicious Circumstances. Detectives uncover inconsistencies in the drowning case of Sarah Widmer.
- The Bathtub Murder. The case of Sarah Widmer's death becomes a sensational true crime story.
- Prosecution's Case. The prosecution argues that Ryan's story doesn't add up, suggesting foul play.
- Defense's Argument. The defense claims Ryan had no motive and that Sarah's death could be explained by natural causes.
- The Verdict. After 23 hours of deliberation, the jury finds Ryan guilty of murder.
Episode highlights
- A Haunting DeathA beaming bride's life is cut short, leaving behind unanswered questions.“A beaming bride, a haunting death.”0:25Apr 2, 2020
- Suspicious CircumstancesDetectives uncover inconsistencies in the drowning case of Sarah Widmer.“A drowning in a dry bathroom?”6:46Apr 2, 2020
- The Bathtub MurderThe case of Sarah Widmer's death becomes a sensational true crime story.“The Bathtub Murder.”20:47Apr 2, 2020
- Prosecution's CaseThe prosecution argues that Ryan's story doesn't add up, suggesting foul play.“Ryan Widmer purposely killed Sarah Stewart Widmer and murdered her by drowning.”22:21Apr 2, 2020
- Defense's ArgumentThe defense claims Ryan had no motive and that Sarah's death could be explained by natural causes.“I know one thing. Ryan Widmer had nothing to do with his wife's death.”31:05Apr 2, 2020
- The VerdictAfter 23 hours of deliberation, the jury finds Ryan guilty of murder.“We, the jury, find the defendant Ryan K. Widmer, guilty of the lesser included offense of murder.”41:50Apr 2, 2020
- Ryan's Emotional ResponseRyan expresses his love for Sarah and insists he did not harm her after the verdict.“I love my wife and I did not hurt her.”42:51Apr 2, 2020
- The Jury's DeadlockAfter three days of deliberation, the jury could not reach a verdict, resulting in a hung jury.“We have decided that we cannot agree and that further deliberations will not serve a useful purpose.”55:32Apr 2, 2020
Tension
85/ 100High tension






