Ep 4. Lone Star Obsession - Re-do of S24E11

Lone Star Obsession is the fourth episode of season twenty-nine of Dateline, and it is a re-do of an episode that aired in season twenty-four. The episode explores the story of an obsession that turned deadly in a small Texas town.

The episode opens with a picturesque view of San Angelo, Texas, as the narrator explains that the town had a dark secret lurking beneath its serene exterior. In the summer of 2015, a love affair between a married woman and a bachelor would spiral out of control, leading to murder.

The episode focuses on the story of Bonnie Contreras, a 32-year-old mother of three who was married to her high school sweetheart. Bonnie had always been drawn to the bad boys growing up, and that pattern continued after she got married. She started a secret affair with another man in town, 29-year-old Cole Johnson, who was also known as a ladies' man.

Bonnie's obsession with Cole would escalate over time, and she would become increasingly jealous and possessive of him. Bonnie's husband, Alex, knew about her infidelity but chose to turn a blind eye to keep his family together. However, Bonnie's behavior became more erratic, and she started to stalk Cole and his ex-girlfriends.

The episode takes a deeper look at Bonnie's psyche and her troubled past, which included abuse and trauma. Experts on the show explain how emotional pain can sometimes manifest in obsessive behavior and lead to violent outcomes.

As Bonnie's behavior became more extreme, Cole attempted to distance himself from her, but she would not let go. The situation eventually boiled over on the night of August 6, 2015, when Bonnie showed up at Cole's apartment armed with a gun.

The episode then shifts focus to the investigation into Cole's murder. Police quickly honed in on Bonnie as a suspect, and they found evidence that tied her to the crime. However, Bonnie maintained her innocence and even went on the run to evade capture.

The episode follows the investigation as police track Bonnie down and bring her to trial. The trial provides insights into Bonnie and Cole's tumultuous relationship and helps to paint a picture of how obsession can lead to tragedy.

The episode concludes with the aftermath of the trial and how the families of both Bonnie and Cole have been affected by the tragedy. It also offers a final commentary on the dangers of obsession and how it can destroy lives.

Overall, Lone Star Obsession is a gripping episode that takes a deep dive into the psyche of a woman who became increasingly consumed by her obsession with a man. The re-do of the episode from season twenty-four offers new insights and a fresh perspective on a tragic event that shook a small Texas town.