The Secrets of Cottonwood Creek
- Sep 30, 2020
- 1:24:07
- Full Episode
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In this Dateline classic, Fred and Leslie Mueller are weeks away from celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary when a photo-op during a hike goes horribly wrong. Andrea Canning reports. Originally aired on NBC on May 30, 2014.
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Brief Summary
Leslie Muller died in a hiking accident, raising suspicions about her husband Fred, leading to two trials and eventual charges being dropped.
Key points
- A Tragic Accident. Leslie Muller falls during a hike, leading to a frantic search for her.
- The Aftermath. Fred Muller struggles to cope with the loss of his wife, Leslie.
- Unraveling the Mystery. Questions arise about the circumstances of Leslie's death and Fred's account.
- Sheriff's Gut Feeling. Sheriff Bruce felt something was off about Fred's demeanor after Leslie's death.
- Investigators' Theory. Sheriff Bruce theorizes that Fred chased Leslie and drowned her in the creek.
- Arrest Warrant. Fred Muller is arrested for the murder of his wife Leslie after years of investigation.
Episode highlights
- A Tragic AccidentLeslie Muller falls during a hike, leading to a frantic search for her.“In an instant, Leslie was gone.”7:35Sep 30, 2020
- The AftermathFred Muller struggles to cope with the loss of his wife, Leslie.“It's kind of disbelief, really.”13:15Sep 30, 2020
- Unraveling the MysteryQuestions arise about the circumstances of Leslie's death and Fred's account.“Did they kind of, like, in hindsight, think back?”22:43Sep 30, 2020
- Sheriff's Gut FeelingSheriff Bruce felt something was off about Fred's demeanor after Leslie's death.“The vibes were all wrong. All the alarm bells were going off.”24:13Sep 30, 2020
- Investigators' TheorySheriff Bruce theorizes that Fred chased Leslie and drowned her in the creek.“It's almost like a hare and a wolf.”28:03Sep 30, 2020
- Arrest WarrantFred Muller is arrested for the murder of his wife Leslie after years of investigation.“It felt great. It felt great.”43:10Sep 30, 2020
- The Trial BeginsAs the trial commenced, the courtroom atmosphere was charged with tension and uncertainty.“Are you all just anxious for this trial to start?”46:37Sep 30, 2020
- Prosecution's CaseThe prosecution laid out a compelling narrative, suggesting Fred's story was implausible.“Injuries are going to tell you a story that Leslie Mohler was drowned by her husband.”48:38Sep 30, 2020
Episode quotes
Tension
75/ 100High tension
