Ep 9. Tracey Richter

Tracey Richter was a charismatic and successful mother of three living in small-town Iowa, but her life took a deadly turn when she gunned down a man in her home in 2001. Richter claimed self-defense and told police that the man, Dustin Wehde, had broken into her home and threatened her life. However, investigators discovered a much more complex and sinister motive behind the killing.

As the Snapped episode delves into Richter's life before the murder, viewers are introduced to a woman who seemed to have it all. She was a former beauty queen, successful businesswoman, and devoted mother. However, her marriage had recently fallen apart, and she was embroiled in a bitter custody battle with her ex-husband.

It was during this tumultuous time that Richter began to make some questionable decisions. She became involved in a pyramid scheme and began to rack up sizable debts. She also started to date a man named Michael Roberts, who was known for his criminal past.

The night of the murder, Richter claimed that Wehde broke into her home and attacked her with a knife. She said she grabbed a gun and shot him in self-defense. However, investigators quickly became suspicious of her story. There were no signs of forced entry into the home, and Richter's wounds were inconsistent with a knife attack. Additionally, Richter's behavior in the aftermath of the shooting was erratic and suspicious.

As the investigation continued, more and more evidence emerged that suggested Richter had planned the murder. She had a long history with Wehde and was accused of harassing him in the past. She also had a history of manipulating those around her to get what she wanted.

Despite all of the evidence against her, Richter maintained her innocence throughout her trial. She hired a high-profile defense attorney and even testified on her own behalf. However, the jury ultimately didn't believe her story, and she was found guilty of first-degree murder.

The Snapped episode details the shocking twists and turns of the trial, including the testimony of key witnesses and the evidence that sealed Richter's fate. It also explores the aftermath of the murder, including the impact it had on the victim's family and the community as a whole.

Overall, the episode provides a fascinating look into the mind of a woman who seemingly had it all but ultimately destroyed her life through a series of bad decisions and a deadly act of violence. It raises important questions about the nature of self-defense, the psychology of killers, and the lengths people will go to protect themselves and their families.