Ep 7. When the Smoke Clears

When the Smoke Clears is the seventh episode of the 18th season of Dateline. In this episode, viewers will follow the story of a family who lost their beloved daughter and sister, Carla Stefaniak, in a tragic incident while she was on vacation in Costa Rica.

Carla had traveled to Costa Rica for her birthday celebration with her sister-in-law, but she went missing on the last day of her trip. Her family and friends grew worried when they couldn't reach her, and they soon received confirmation that Carla had been murdered.

The episode will explore the events leading up to Carla's disappearance and subsequent murder, as well as the investigation that followed. Viewers will see video footage from Carla's last moments, which were captured on security cameras at the Airbnb where she was staying. The footage reveals a stranger carrying Carla's luggage out of the property, which sparked suspicion among the investigators.

With no leads on Carla's whereabouts, her family traveled to Costa Rica to search for her and pressure the authorities to take action. They were eventually able to locate Carla's body, which was buried near the Airbnb property where she stayed.

The investigation ultimately led to the arrest and conviction of the man who killed Carla, who was a security guard at the Airbnb complex. Viewers will see interviews with Carla's family and friends as they share their memories of her and their grief over her loss.

When the Smoke Clears is a haunting and heartbreaking episode that offers an intimate look at the impact of violent crime on a family. Through expert storytelling and in-depth reporting, viewers will gain insight into the investigation that brought justice for Carla. The episode also serves as a cautionary tale for travelers and emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant and aware of potential dangers while abroad.