Ep 7. Blood Money

On The Case With Paula Zahn is a true crime series that follows renowned journalist Paula Zahn as she delves into some of the most shocking and intriguing murder cases in America. In season 11, episode 7, titled "Blood Money," Zahn investigates the mysterious death of a young woman in Wisconsin who vanished after going to a dance club one night.

The episode begins with the disappearance of Stephanie Roller, a 28-year-old mother of three who worked as a fitness instructor at a local gym. Stephanie's husband, Dale, initially reports her missing to the police, but he is soon revealed to be a person of interest in her disappearance. As Zahn interviews friends and family members of Stephanie, she learns that Dale was controlling and had been physically abusive in the past.

The investigation takes a shocking turn when police discover Stephanie's body buried in a shallow grave near a lake. The autopsy reveals that she had been bludgeoned to death with a hammer. With this new evidence, Dale becomes the prime suspect in the case. However, he denies any involvement in Stephanie's death and claims that he was home with their children on the night she disappeared.

Zahn traces Dale's movements on the night of Stephanie's disappearance and uncovers a web of lies and deceit. She discovers that Dale had taken out a large life insurance policy on Stephanie just weeks before she died and had been living a double life, dating multiple women and lying about his job and financial situation. Zahn also uncovers evidence of Dale's financial problems, revealing a possible motive for him to kill Stephanie for the insurance money.

As the case progresses, Zahn interviews key witnesses and examines forensic evidence to try to piece together what really happened to Stephanie. The investigation becomes even more complex when another potential suspect emerges – a man who had been stalking Stephanie and had a history of violent behavior.

Throughout the episode, Zahn speaks with law enforcement officials and forensic experts to understand the science behind the investigation. She sheds light on the challenges investigators face when trying to solve a murder case, including the importance of forensic evidence and the difficulty of sorting through conflicting witness statements.

In the end, Zahn reveals the shocking conclusion to Stephanie's story and discusses the impact her death had on her friends and family. Through interviews with those who knew Stephanie best, Zahn paints a portrait of a vibrant and caring young woman who was taken too soon.

Overall, "Blood Money" is a gripping true crime episode that explores the dark side of human nature. With a complex investigation and compelling interviews, Zahn sheds light on the inner workings of a murder case and the challenges that come with solving such a complex crime.