Ep 9. Never The Same

With a focus on the facts surrounding real-life criminal investigations, On The Case With Paula Zahn season 18 episode 9, titled "Never The Same," is an intense exploration into the violent murder of an innocent 20-year-old college student. The episode dives deep into the grisly details of the crime and the investigative process that ultimately led to the apprehension of the perpetrator.

On July 16, 2016, Mollie Tibbetts, a vivacious and talented student, went for an evening jog in Brooklyn, Iowa, and never returned home. Her loved ones were immediately concerned and contacted authorities, who launched a massive search and rescue effort in the area. As days turned into weeks and there was still no sign of Mollie, authorities feared the worst.

In this episode, Paula Zahn explores how the investigation into Mollie's disappearance unfolded. Over the course of the days following her disappearance, suspicion began to fall on a man named Cristhian Rivera who worked at a nearby dairy farm. Rivera, who was an undocumented immigrant, was believed to have been the last person to have seen Mollie before she went missing.

Through interviews with investigators and others close to the investigation, "Never The Same" chronicles how authorities pieced together the evidence surrounding Mollie's disappearance and ultimately apprehended Rivera. The episode reveals the painstaking process used by investigators to track Rivera down and build a case against him, including the use of surveillance footage, cell phone data, and interviews with Rivera's co-workers and acquaintances.

As the investigation continued, a picture of Rivera began to emerge. Details of his past, including his undocumented immigration status and a history of legal troubles, were uncovered. But despite these challenges, authorities were able to build a solid case against him and he was ultimately charged with Mollie's murder.

Through interviews with experts in the fields of criminal justice and law enforcement, "Never The Same" offers compelling insights into the investigative process and how authorities use a wide range of tools to solve complex cases such as this one. With meticulous attention to detail and a clear-eyed focus on the facts, the episode offers a riveting look into one of the most shocking crimes of recent years.

Ultimately, "Never The Same" is a powerful reminder of the impact that violent crime can have on individuals, families, and entire communities. But through the diligent work of law enforcement professionals and others dedicated to bringing perpetrators to justice, there is always hope for closure and healing.