Ep 7. A Murder in Coralville

A Murder in Coralville is the seventh episode of season 16 of the true crime series On The Case With Paula Zahn. In this episode, Zahn delves into the mysterious murder of a loving mother and wife, Corey Wieneke, in Coralville, Iowa.

Corey was reported missing by her husband, Mike Wieneke, in December 2017. The couple was said to have a happy marriage, so her sudden disappearance left the community in shock. The investigation quickly escalated when Corey's body was found in a remote field, fully clothed and covered in snow. The autopsy results revealed that Corey had been strangled to death.

As with any murder investigation, the police first looked at her immediate circle of contacts, including her husband. Mike had an alibi but appeared to be evasive in his answers, so the police brought him in for questioning. During the interrogation, it was revealed that Mike had a history of infidelity, leading the detectives to believe he might have had a motive to kill Corey.

As the investigation proceeded, the police uncovered more details about the Wieneke family dynamics. They learned that Mike had a mistress, a younger woman who worked as a nurse in a local hospital. The detectives also found out that Corey knew about Mike's affair and that the couple was going through a rough patch.

But was this enough evidence to tie Mike to the murder of his wife? Zahn interviews the lead detectives of the case, who talk about the challenges they faced during the investigation. They had to rely heavily on forensic evidence, including DNA found on Corey's body and tire tracks discovered at the crime scene. They also had to consider other suspects, including a neighbor who had a history of stalking women in the area.

Zahn also interviews family members and friends of Corey, who share their memories of her. They describe her as a kind, loving, and devoted mother, who put her children above everything else. They also express their shock and grief over her brutal murder.

The investigation took over a year, and the police had to analyze hundreds of pieces of evidence before they finally made an arrest. The culprit turned out to be someone unexpected, surprising the community and the detectives working on the case.

The episode also explores the impact of the murder on the town of Coralville and the Wieneke family. The tragedy left a scar on the community, and many people struggled to come to terms with the loss of Corey. Mike's infidelity and involvement in the murder also shattered the trust and loyalty that was once the foundation of their family.

Overall, A Murder in Coralville is a chilling and emotional episode that examines the complexity of human relationships and the impact of violence on small communities. Through interviews with law enforcement officers, family members, and friends, Zahn exposes the heartbreaking reality of a family torn apart by betrayal and tragedy.