cover of episode Death At Cottonwood Creek

Death At Cottonwood Creek

2024/10/24
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48 Hours

Key Insights

Why did investigators become skeptical of Fred Mueller's story about his wife's death?

Investigators became skeptical due to inconsistencies in Fred's story, the lack of visible injuries on Leslie's body, and the suspicious nature of the scratches on Fred's face.

Why did the prosecution argue that Leslie's body being found in a pristine condition was significant?

The prosecution argued that Leslie's body being found in a pristine condition was significant because it contradicted Fred's story that she had fallen from a 20-foot cliff and been swept downstream, which should have caused major injuries.

Why did the jury in the first trial reach a hung verdict?

The jury reached a hung verdict because they lacked a clear explanation of how Fred might have killed Leslie and were divided on the evidence presented, with 11 jurors voting for acquittal and one for guilty.

Why did the prosecution decide not to retry Fred Mueller after the second mistrial?

The prosecution decided not to retry Fred Mueller because they had no new evidence to present and felt that a unanimous verdict was unlikely.

Why did the Muller family feel disappointed after the case was dismissed?

The Muller family felt disappointed because Fred did not receive a full acquittal, which they believe he deserved, but they were grateful the case was dismissed so they could resume their lives.

Chapters

Leslie Mueller murió mientras caminaba con su esposo, Frederick, cerca de su casa de vacaciones en Lake City, Colorado. Frederick afirmó que Leslie perdió el equilibrio y cayó a un arroyo, pero los investigadores sospecharon que se trataba de un asesinato.
  • Leslie Mueller murió el 3 de mayo de 2008.
  • Su cuerpo fue encontrado 50 yardas río abajo de donde su esposo, Fred Mueller, dijo que se cayó.
  • La policía cuestionó la versión de Fred del incidente.

Shownotes Transcript

An updated report on the murder trial of Frederick Mueller, who was charged with the 2008 murder of his wife, Dr. Leslie Mueller. She was killed while the two were out for a walk near their vacation home in Lake City, Colorado. According to what Frederick Mueller told police, while the Muellers were hiking, Mueller stopped to take a photo of his wife near the edge of a cliff. He said his wife lost her footing near the waterfall and plunged into a creek. Her body was swept away downstream. It appeared to be an accident, but investigators were skeptical and believed it was murder. This classic "48 Hours" episode last aired on 9/6/2014. Watch all-new episodes of “48 Hours” on Saturdays, and stream on demand on Paramount+.

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