Ep 32. A Long Dark Stretch of Road

In the season 17 episode 32 of Dateline named "A Long Dark Stretch of Road," the show explores the mysterious death of a woman named Sherri Rasmussen. In 1986, Sherri was found dead in her home with multiple gunshot wounds and signs of a violent struggle. The police initially believed that it was a burglary gone wrong, but as the investigation continued, they began to suspect that there was more to the story than met the eye.

The episode delves into the complicated case and the many twists and turns that the investigation took over the years. It explores the different suspects that the police looked into, including Sherri's ex-boyfriend, John Ruetten, who had recently married her at the time of her death. The police looked into whether he was involved in her murder, but he always maintained his innocence.

The episode also looks at other potential suspects, including a group of robbers who had been active in the area at the time of Sherri's death. However, as the years went by, the case went cold, and it seemed like it would never be solved.

In 2009, a new detective took over the case and decided to take a fresh look at the evidence. The episode follows the new detective as he re-examines the case and pieces together new details that were overlooked in the initial investigation. He interviews new witnesses and uncovers new forensic evidence that points to a shocking conclusion.

As the investigation unfolds, the episode explores the impact that Sherri's death had on her family and friends. Her husband, John, struggled to move on and always believed that her killer would be caught one day. Her parents and siblings also never gave up hope that justice would be served.

Overall, the episode is a gripping and emotional exploration of a complicated case that took years to solve. It shows how persistence, attention to detail, and new technology can help to solve even the most challenging of cases. It also highlights the devastating impact that violent crime can have on families and communities, but also demonstrates the resilience of those who are left behind.