Ep 4. The Corn Rake Murder

In this episode of 48 Hours, titled "The Corn Rake Murder," viewers are drawn into a case that shook a small Iowa farming community to its core. The episode begins with the discovery of the body of Amy Mullis, a 39-year-old mother of three who was found dead in a shed on the family's farm. Her husband Todd Mullis, who informed authorities of her death, initially claimed that she had been accidentally impaled by a corn rake. However, as investigators began to dig deeper into the circumstances surrounding Amy's death, they uncovered a web of secrets and lies that would cast doubt on Todd's story and turn the case into a high-profile murder trial.

As the investigation unfolds, viewers are taken on a journey into the lives and relationships of the Mullis family and those who knew them. Through interviews with Amy's friends and family members, as well as law enforcement officials and expert witnesses, the episode paints a complex picture of a marriage that was fraught with tension and conflict. Despite Todd's claims that he and Amy were deeply in love and devoted to each other, evidence emerged that suggested otherwise. There were allegations of infidelity, financial troubles, and tensions over the future of the family farm.

Perhaps most chillingly, the episode delves into the details surrounding Amy's death, and the evidence that ultimately led to Todd's arrest and conviction. The handling of forensic evidence plays a crucial role in the case, and viewers are given an inside look into the complex technical processes involved in analyzing DNA and other materials found at the crime scene. The episode also explores the psychological aspects of the crime, as experts weigh in on Todd's mental state and whether or not he had the capacity to commit such a violent act.

Throughout it all, the question looms: What really happened to Amy Mullis, and who is responsible for her death? For viewers looking to explore the darker side of human nature, or to gain insight into the workings of the criminal justice system, "The Corn Rake Murder" is a fascinating and thought-provoking episode of 48 Hours.