Ep 14. River of Sadness

On The Case With Paula Zahn is a true crime show that investigates different cases and attempts to piece together the clues. In season 12, episode 14 titled "River of Sadness," Paula Zahn delves into a heartbreaking case of a missing young woman.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the victim, 21-year-old college student Mollie Tibbetts, who disappeared while jogging in her hometown of Brooklyn, Iowa. Mollie’s disappearance sparked a nationwide search effort that would ultimately end in tragedy.

Paula Zahn speaks with members of Mollie’s family and friends as they recount the events leading up to her disappearance. Mollie was an outgoing and vibrant young woman who loved running and spending time with her loved ones. On July 18, 2018, Mollie went for a jog as she did nearly every day, but she never returned home. Her frantic family reported her missing, and the entire town came together to search for her.

The investigation into Mollie’s disappearance was led by law enforcement, with the FBI and a team of volunteers all aiding in the search. Paula Zahn walks the viewers through the timeline of Mollie’s last known whereabouts and the various theories surrounding her abduction. With no sign of Mollie or any leads on potential suspects, the case continued to grow cold.

Months passed without any new developments, until a major break came in the case. A farmer in the area discovered Mollie’s body in a nearby cornfield, and her cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation. The discovery of Mollie’s body brought renewed attention to the case and the hunt for her killer intensified.

Paula Zahn speaks with law enforcement officials involved in the investigation as they recount their tireless efforts to track down Mollie’s killer. The breakthrough in the case came when they were able to locate surveillance footage of Mollie jogging, which led them to Cristhian Bahena Rivera, the man who would eventually be charged with her murder.

Paula Zahn delves into the details of the investigation that led to Rivera’s arrest and eventual conviction. Rivera, an undocumented immigrant, confessed to abducting Mollie while she was out for her jog, causing her to panic and ultimately leading to her death. The community was shocked by the revelation that Mollie’s killer was someone who had lived and worked in their town for years.

The episode explores the impact of Mollie’s death on her family, friends, and the community at large. Paula Zahn speaks with those who knew Mollie best as they remember her vibrant spirit and the devastating loss they’ve experienced. Despite the tragedy, Mollie’s family has remained strong and has used her memory to inspire others to live life to the fullest.

In conclusion, "River of Sadness" is a gripping and heartbreaking episode that delves into the tragic murder of Mollie Tibbetts. Paula Zahn presents a detailed and compassionate exploration of the case, allowing viewers to understand the impact of her life and death on those around her.