Cases to watch in 2026: Pam Hupp and Kouri Richins. Plus, home burglars going high-tech.
Digest
Dateline True Crime Weekly's "Look Ahead 2026" previews significant upcoming trials and crime trends. The episode highlights the Cori Richens trial for poisoning her husband, the complex Pam Hupp case involving multiple murders, and the Rex Heuermann trial for the Gilgo Beach murders, noting the use of new DNA technology. It also discusses the rise of high-tech thieves using Wi-Fi jammers and camouflage cameras to bypass home security, offering advice for homeowners. Updates are provided on the Cori Richens and Rex Heuermann cases, alongside previews of other notable trials like Brendan Banfield and Matthew Farwell.
Outlines
Introduction and True Crime Previews
The podcast begins with advertisements and then introduces Dateline True Crime Weekly's "Look Ahead 2026," previewing major upcoming trials including Cori Richens, Rex Heuermann, and Pam Hupp. It also touches on emerging high-tech burglary methods.
High-Tech Crime and Case Deep Dives
This section delves into the increasing use of high-tech devices by thieves to bypass home security and provides an in-depth look at the ongoing Pam Hupp case, covering the murders of Betsy Faria and Louis Gumpenberger, and the legal proceedings.
Case Updates and Emerging Trials
Updates are provided on the Cori Richens murder trial, including new financial charges and witness issues. Further previews of 2026 trials are discussed, such as the Matthew Farwell and Brendan Banfield cases, alongside an update on the Rex Heuermann trial and the novel use of whole genome sequencing.
Keywords
Dateline True Crime Weekly
A podcast series from Dateline NBC that provides weekly updates and deep dives into true crime cases, featuring reporting from Dateline correspondents and producers. It covers upcoming trials, legal analyses, and victim stories.
Pam Hupp Case
A complex legal case involving Pam Hupp, accused of murdering her friend Betsy Faria and later Louis Gumpenberger. The case highlights issues of testimony, evidence, and the prolonged legal process.
Cori Richens Trial
The upcoming murder trial of Cori Richens, accused of poisoning her husband. The case involves allegations of financial motive, a children's book about grief, and a key witness's recantation.
High-Tech Burglary
A modern crime trend where thieves use advanced technology such as Wi-Fi jammers and hidden cameras to bypass security systems and conduct burglaries, often targeting affluent homes.
Whole Genome Sequencing
A DNA testing technology used in forensic science to analyze an individual's complete set of DNA. In the Rex Heuermann case, its use in a New York courtroom is novel and a point of contention.
Wi-Fi Jammer
A portable electronic device that disrupts or blocks Wi-Fi signals. Thieves use these to disable home security systems, cameras, and alarms that rely on Wi-Fi connectivity.
Rex Heuermann Trial
The trial of Rex Heuermann, the suspect in the Gilgo Beach serial murders. The prosecution is utilizing advanced DNA evidence, including whole genome sequencing, to build its case.
Q&A
What are the main cases being highlighted in Dateline True Crime Weekly's "Look Ahead 2026"?
The episode focuses on the upcoming trials of Cori Richens in Utah, the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann, IRS agent Brendan Banfield, and the ongoing saga of Pam Hupp. It also touches on high-tech burglary trends.
What is the central issue in the Pam Hupp case that is leading to her upcoming trial for Betsy Faria's murder?
The case revolves around the 2011 stabbing death of Betsy Faria. Hupp's testimony convicted Betsy's husband, Russ Faria, who was later acquitted. Hupp then killed Louis Gumpenberger and is now facing trial for Betsy's murder.
What new challenges are homeowners facing from modern thieves?
Thieves are increasingly using high-tech devices like Wi-Fi jammers to disable security systems and camouflage cameras to surveil properties undetected. This "burglary tourism" involves organized criminal rings using advanced technology.
What is the significance of the "catfish theory" in the Brendan Banfield case?
Prosecutors allege Banfield created a fake online profile for his wife, invited a stranger (Joseph Ryan) for a sexual encounter, and then, with the help of his wife's au pair, murdered both Ryan and his wife to frame Ryan.
What is the main defense strategy expected in the Cori Richens trial?
The defense is likely to argue that Cori Richens never obtained fentanyl, disputing the prosecution's claims about payments to her housekeeper. They will also attack the housekeeper's credibility and argue a lack of evidence that Richens administered a lethal dose.
What new technology is central to the Rex Heuermann trial?
The prosecution plans to use whole genome sequencing, a relatively new DNA testing method, to link Heuermann to the victims. The defense has challenged this technology, calling it "magic, not science."
Show Notes
Keith Morrison talks about the upcoming trial of Pam Hupp, alleged to have murdered her friend Betsy Faria in 2011. What will her defense be? In Utah, the countdown is on for Kouri Richins’ murder trial. She allegedly poisoned her husband, then wrote a children's book about grief. Could a new interview with a key witness shake up the case? Plus, thieves going high-tech, using Wi-Fi jammers and camouflage cameras to target homes.
Find out more about the cases covered each week here: www.datelinetruecrimeweekly.com.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Table of contents
United States
