Dateline Season 19 Episode 50 The Bathtub Mystery

The Bathtub Mystery is the 50th episode of the 19th season of Dateline, a true crime series that investigates murder mysteries and justice-seeking across the United States. This particular episode delves into the enigmatic case of a woman who was found dead in her own bathtub under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind a grieving husband, a curious suspect, and an intrigued detective team.

The story is set in Bosie, Idaho, where the peaceful suburban community is disrupted by the shocking news of a local woman’s sudden death. The victim, named Angie Dodge, was a young and vibrant woman in her early twenties, who had recently moved into a new apartment after breaking up with her boyfriend. Angie was well-liked by her neighbors and coworkers, and had plans to pursue a career in photography. Her sudden demise stunned those who knew her, and set off a series of puzzling events that would challenge the skills of law enforcement and judicial officials.

The episode starts off by recounting the details of Angie’s untimely death, which took place in 1996. Angie was discovered by her friend and coworker, Carol, who had come to check on her after she failed to show up for work. Carol found Angie’s apartment door unlocked, and when she entered the bathroom, she saw Angie’s lifeless body submerged in the bathtub, with blood and water all around her. Carol immediately called the police, and the investigation began.

The case took a confusing turn when the chief suspect, Chris Tapp, was arrested and charged with Angie’s murder, despite lacking any clear evidence. Chris was a young man who lived in the same complex as Angie, and who had been acquainted with her through mutual friends. Chris was interrogated for hours by the police, who pressured him to confess to the crime, even though he maintained his innocence. Chris eventually signed a plea agreement, which led to his conviction and sentencing to life in prison without parole.

However, the case did not end there, as new evidence came to light years later that challenged Chris’s guilt and implicated another suspect. The episode reveals the efforts of an investigative team, led by Idaho Falls Police Department’s detective Mark Beck, who review the case files and examine the DNA evidence. The team uncovers startling facts that suggest Chris’s confession was coerced, and that several crucial elements of the crime scene were overlooked or manipulated.

The team also interviews Angie’s mother, Carol, who recounts her journey to find the truth about her daughter’s death and her efforts to clear Chris’s name. Carol’s advocacy leads to new DNA tests being conducted on the crime scene evidence, which reveal the presence of another man’s genetic material. This discovery opens up a new line of inquiry into the case and reinforces the possibility of Chris’s innocence.

As the episode progresses, the team reviews the possible scenarios that might explain what happened on the night of Angie’s death. They examine the evidence, the testimonies of witnesses, and the behavior of various suspects, including Angie’s ex-boyfriend, her neighbor, and a serial killer who was active in the area at the time. The team also uncovers the flawed methodology of the initial investigation, including false confessions, unreliable polygraph tests, and lack of physical evidence.

The Bathtub Mystery leaves viewers on the edge of their seats as they follow the twists and turns of this perplexing case. The episode raises important questions about the role of law enforcement, criminal justice, and media attention in shaping public opinion and pursuing justice. It also highlights the significance of DNA technology, forensic science, and public awareness in solving cold cases and bringing closure to families of victims. Overall, The Bathtub Mystery is a riveting and thought-provoking installment of Dateline that showcases the complexity and drama of real-life crime stories.