Ep 10. Buried Dreams

On The Case With Paula Zahn season 17 episode 10, entitled "Buried Dreams," is an intense exploration into a devastating case of a missing young woman and the painstaking investigation to uncover the truth of what happened to her.

The episode begins with the introduction of 23-year-old Stephanie Roller, a beautiful and ambitious mother of three who lived in a small Colorado town with her husband, Dale Bruner. Stephanie was beloved by everyone who knew her, and her family and friends were deeply concerned when she suddenly went missing one day in 2010.

The investigation into Stephanie's disappearance was led by Detective Mike Bone of the local sheriff's department, and from the very beginning, it was clear that there were more questions than answers surrounding the case. Stephanie's car was found abandoned on the side of a highway, and her purse and cell phone were missing. As the days turned into weeks and then months, the search for Stephanie became increasingly desperate.

With few leads or solid information, Detective Bone began to look closely at Stephanie's husband, Dale. As the investigation progressed, it became clear that there were significant cracks in their seemingly perfect marriage, and that Dale had a history of violence and controlling behavior. Despite his initial claims of innocence, Dale eventually confessed to murdering Stephanie and burying her body in the mountains near their home. He was later found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

The episode delves deep into the police work behind this intense investigation, detailing the efforts of law enforcement to gather evidence and bring Dale to justice. Paula Zahn provides an insightful look at the strategies used by detectives to uncover the truth, including interviews with key players in the case and surveillance footage of Dale's behavior in the days and weeks after Stephanie's disappearance.

Beyond the murder investigation itself, the episode also explores the emotional toll that Stephanie's disappearance had on her family and the community at large. Interviews with Stephanie's friends and family members reveal the intense pain and anguish they experienced as they waited for answers about what had happened to her. Paula Zahn speaks to those closest to Stephanie, including her mother, who tearfully reflects on the senseless tragedy that took her daughter's life.

As with all episodes of On The Case With Paula Zahn, "Buried Dreams" provides a compelling and empathetic look at a real-life crime that devastated a community. The narrative offers insight and context into the intricacies of a homicide investigation, while also highlighting the human cost of violent crime. Overall, "Buried Dreams" is a sobering but ultimately inspiring reminder of the resiliency of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.