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The latest episode of Dateline: Secrets Uncovered will take a look at the murder of 29-year-old LaNell Barsock. Titled The Breakup, the new episode of Dateline: Secrets Uncovered was released on January 14, 2025. It will focus on the investigation that followed the discovery of LaNell's body in her home in Palmdale, California on June 16, 2010.
Investigators initially believed that LaNell's boyfriend was behind her murder. However, as they dug deeper into the case, they discovered the identity of the killer and his heinous plot to kill LaNell. They found out that it wasn't LaNell's boyfriend but her friend, La'Rene Austin, who planned on killing her.
Veteran journalist Josh Mankiewicz will present the episode and interview the detectives who worked on the case about its intricacies. He interviewed detectives Bobby Kenny, Joe Espino, and Marcel Fomotar about the case.
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Background of Dateline: Secrets Uncovered
Dateline: Secrets Uncovered is a true crime documentary series based on high-profile murder cases and the subsequent investigations. The show features interviews with detectives, family members, and friends of the victims, giving viewers a deeper look into who the victims were and how their deaths affected the community at large.
Each episode of Dateline: Secrets Uncovered has unexpected twists and turns, adding complexity to previously held beliefs in guilt or innocence. Dateline: Secrets Uncovered aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of each case for viewers.
About the crime
LaNell Barsock, a 29-year-old nurse was found dead in the garage of her house on June 16, 2010, with a black plastic bag over her head. Her autopsy revealed that LaNell had blunt force trauma to the head. There were also signs that she had been moved after her death after being killed in a different location in her house.
NBC reported that investigators found blood-stained bedding in her car, which was an important lead that helped them narrow down her boyfriend as a suspect. However, they soon learned that her boyfriend Louis Bonheur was innocent and hadn't killed LaNell.
Investigation
NBC reported that the case took a dramatic turn after one of LaNell's friend, La'Rene Austin, reported that she was the one who found the nurse's body. La'Rene was initially considered another victim or a potential witness but she soon became a person of interest.
According to NBC, as detectives pieced the evidence from the crime scene, they began suspecting that Austin had played a direct role in Barsock's murder. Upon further investigations, they discovered that La'Rene had bought several car parts very soon after Barsock's death.
Surveillance evidence also showed that Austin didn't have an alibi. Authorities theorized that Austin had killed Barsock with a hit to the head.
Resolution
According to NBC, as evidence mounted against Austin, she became increasingly desperate to deflect suspicion. Initially attempting to frame Bonheur for the murder, she fled the country after learning that investigators were closing in on her. Authorities eventually located her after an episode of America's Most Wanted aired featuring Barsock's case.
According to NBC, once apprehended, Austin faced multiple charges related to Barsock's murder. Although they did not recover the murder weapon the investigators gathered enough evidence to incriminate Austin. DNA matches and circumstantial evidence implicated her in her friend's death.
Aftermath
According to Oxygen, the murder of LaNell Barsock left a long-lasting impact on her family and friends.
The case highlighted issues surrounding domestic violence and jealousy in close relationships. In an article, Distractify examined the complexities of intimate relationships involved in the crime. La'Rene Austin was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for her involvement in Barsock's death, according to The Antelope Valley Times.
The LaNell Barsock case was featured on Dateline: Secrets Uncovered episode titled The Breakup and was set to re-air on January 14, 2025.
