Dateline NBC An urgent manhunt in Ohio. A widow stands trial a third time. Plus, a deep dive on arson investigations.
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Jan 8, 2026 In this intriguing discussion, Ryan Chandler, NBC News correspondent, shares gripping details about the double homicide of Dr. Spencer and Monique Tepe in Ohio, including police investigations and a mystery person of interest. Marissa Meyer, a Dateline producer, dives deep into the controversial case of Susan Embert, revealing the trials' tumultuous history and evidence that has baffled courtrooms. Additionally, arson investigator Scott Coleman explores the scientific methods used to uncover the truth behind fire-related crimes.
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Widow's Case Returns To Court
- Susan Embert reported finding her husband Jake dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot on June 28, 2014, but prosecutors later charged her with murder and attempted poisoning.
- She was convicted in 2019, had that conviction overturned in 2024, and faced a mistrial in December before a third trial began.
Hair Sample Fueled Poison Theory
- The prosecution's poisoning theory relied on toxic chemicals detected in Jake's hair, including DEET, antifreeze, and arsenic.
- The defense challenged chain-of-custody and alternative exposure explanations for those chemicals.
Lab Credibility Upended Poison Case
- The lab that reported toxins was later barred from forensic testing for inaccurate results, preventing prosecutors from using that tox report at retrial.
- A coroner's courtroom slip mentioning "antifreeze" caused an immediate mistrial in December.
