Ep 13. Diane Borchardt

Diane Borchardt, the thirteenth episode of the eighteenth season of Snapped, is a harrowing story of love gone wrong and the tragic consequences that follow. Diane Borchardt was a married mother of two who was having an affair with a coworker. When her husband, Ruben Borchardt Sr., found out about her infidelity, he became enraged and threatened to ruin her life.

Determined to keep her secrets safe, Diane plotted to have her husband killed. She recruited several teenage boys, including her own son, to carry out the murder. On the morning of March 19, 1994, Ruben Sr. was found dead in his home. He had been shot three times in the head.

Police initially suspected Ruben Jr. of the crime, as he had a history of violence and a strained relationship with his father. However, as the investigation continued, they began to focus on Diane. Her alibi was weak, and witnesses reported seeing her with the boys on the night of the murder.

As the evidence against her mounted, Diane began to crack. She tried to flee the state, but was tracked down by police and arrested. In court, she claimed that she had only wanted her husband beaten up, not killed. However, the jury didn't believe her and she was convicted of first-degree murder.

The episode explores Diane's motivations for the crime, as well as the aftermath for her family. Her children, now grown, reflect on their mother's actions and the toll it took on them. Interviews with detectives who worked on the case provide insight into the investigation and the challenges they faced.

Throughout the episode, viewers are left to grapple with the question of whether Diane was a manipulative mastermind or a woman pushed to her breaking point. The show's trademark reenactments bring the events to life, adding to the tension and drama of the story.

Overall, Diane Borchardt is a gripping episode of Snapped that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Underlying the sensational story is a deeper exploration of the complex, often messy realities of human relationships.