Deadly Women: 30 Military and Veteran Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery (July 20, 2018)

Posted on July 20, 2018 by Jennifer Norris

More Than A Pretty Face (1952):

Preview: Anjette Lyles felt the best way to deal with her problematic home life was to poison the people around her. -Secrets and Lies, Deadly Women (S4, E11)

Deadly Women Premiered ‘Secrets and Sins’ on Investigation Discovery: Everything You Need to Know About Serial Killer Anjette Lyles (October 28, 2010) #DeadlyWomen

A Gold-Digger Buries Secrets in Her Basement (1961):

ID Go: Selfish women will sometimes sell their souls to the devil to get what they want. A scorned lover weaves a web of lies, a teenage Goth orders a reign of terror, and a gold-digger buries secrets in her basement. -Souls of Stone, Deadly Women (S7, E18)

Deadly Women Premiered ‘Souls of Stone’ on Investigation Discovery: Gold Digger Iva Kroeger Strangled a Married Couple Because She Wanted What They Had (November 15, 2013) #DeadlyWomen

Dark Secrets are the Stock-in-Trade of Deadly Women (1971):

Full Episode: Dark Secrets are the stock-in-trade of Deadly Women -Dark Secrets, Deadly Women (S2, E4)

‘Black Widow’ Judy Buenoano Executed by the State of Florida for Three Homicides; First Woman to Die by Death Penalty in Florida Since 1848 (March 30, 1998) #DeadlyWomen #MyFavMurder

Mommy’s Little Helpers (1981):

Full Episode: The mother-son relationship is a dynamic one. Mothers are role models, teaching self-worth, respect, and the value of healthy relationships. But these women teach their sons to hate and kill when they enlist the support of “Mommy’s Little Helpers.” -Mommy’s Little Helpers, DeadlyWomen (S6, E15)

Eric Witte Manipulated by Mother Hilma to Murder Abusive Father at Age Fifteen; Joined Navy to Prevent Grandmother Elaine Witte from Dying (September 1, 1981) #DeadlyWomen #EvilLivesHere

When a Deranged Mind of Deadly Woman Snaps (1985):

ID Go: When a deranged mind of deadly woman snaps, there’s no telling when the killing will stop. In a rage driven by years of untreated schizophrenia, a 25-year-old opened fire on innocent shoppers in a Philadelphia Mall in 1985. -Twisted Minds, Deadly Women (S2, E3)

Army Veteran Sylvia Seegrist Went on Shooting Spree at Shopping Mall Killing Recife Cosmen, Ernest Trout & Augusto Ferrara; Sentenced to Life in Prison (October 30, 1985) #DeadlyWomen #TwistedPhillyPodcast

A Middle-Aged Woman Sacrifices Lives for Money (1987):

Full Episode: A beautiful, vibrant young woman fell to her death from a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Initially, investigators thought it was just a terrible accident. But after a closer forensic examination of photographs taken at the scene, police had a very different story of what had happened. -The Financial Downfall, Forensic Files (S9, E12)

Deadly Women Premiered ‘Vicious Vixens’ on Investigation Discovery; Virginia Reardon & Billie Joe McGinnis Killed Their Navy Son’s Wife (S7, E5) #ForensicFiles #DeadlyWomen

She Uses Her Children as Money (1988):

ID Go: A mother’s role is to love & protect her children, but for some, that doesn’t ring true. When a Missouri mom uses her children for money, it’s clear they lack motherly love. -Evil Guardians, Deadly Women (S7, E6)

Deadly Women Premiered ‘Evil Guardians’ on Investigation Discovery: Single Mother Ellen Boehm Killed Two Sons for the Life Insurance (August 23, 2013) #DeadlyWomen

Killing For Her Lover (1990):

Full Episode: Jennifer Reali was having a wild affair with Brian Hood, he made her shoot his wife to death in a parking lot. She did, and now she is serving life in prison. Former FBI profiler Candice DeLong talks face to face with Jennifer to find out the truth -Love Before Life, Facing Evil (S1, E3)

Army Spouse Jennifer Reali Shot & Killed Lover’s Wife; Sentenced to Life in Prison, Paroled in December 2017 & Died From Pancreatic Cancer Three Months Later (September 12, 1990) #DeadlyWomen #HomicideHunter #FacingEvil

Mistress Kills Her Lover’s Wife to Escape (1991):

Full Episode: Seeking freedom from his controlling wife, Dennis Hawley begins seeing drug-addicted prostitute Brandita Taliano and supporting her financially. In 1993, when Joan receives an inheritance and makes plans to divorce, Dennis, fearing financial ruin, enlists his lover to help murder his wife. -Second Best, Deadly Women (S8, E10)

Air Force Retiree Dennis Dawley & Mistress Brandita Taliano Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole for the 1991 Bludgeoning Death of Joan Dawley in California (April 15, 1997) #DeadlyWomen #AmericanMonster

If She Couldn’t Have Them, Nobody Could (1993):

ID Go: A grandmother caring for her grandchildren, a young girl in love with a boy, a mother protecting her son – are all consumed with intense love. But when that love is threatened, they find it too much to bear and take measures into their own hands. -Deadly Possession, Deadly Women (S5, E10)

Caroline Young Killed Her 2 Grandchildren After Losing Custody of One to Father & Marine Recruiter Barrington Bruce; Sentenced to Death, Died in 2005 of Kidney Failure (June 18, 1993) #DeadlyWomen

Perfect Wife Plots To Have Husband Killed For Money (1994):

Preview: Susan Russo was a Navy wife who ran a tight ship. But she had a secret life, and devised a way to profit off her husband’s substantial military life insurance. -Cash In, Deadly Women (S10, E6)

Navy Spouse Susan Russo Hired Drug Addicted Hitmen for $100 to Murder Husband David Russo for the Life Insurance; Sentenced to Life in Prison (July 14, 1994) #DeadlyWomen

One Good Man Wasn’t Enough (1997):

Full Episode: For these women, one good man wasn’t enough. An army wife didn’t want a soldier but a squad. -For the Money Honey, Deadly Women (S8, E11)

Army Veteran Doug Gissendaner Murdered for Marital Home & Life Insurance; Wife Kelly Sentenced to Death & in 2015 Executed in Georgia (February 7, 1997) #DeadlyWomen

When Kevin Goes Away, Gina Plays (1997):

ID Go: Kevin and Gina Spann know that life in the military is anything but easy. But when Kevin goes away, Gina plays. -Special Delivery, Deadly Affairs (S2, E9)

Army Soldier Kevin Spann Fatally Shot by Two Teenagers at Front Door of Georgia Home; Wife Gina Spann Pleaded Guilty to Avoid the Death Penalty, Sentenced to Life in Prison (May 11, 1997) #DeadlyAffairs #DeadlyWomen

She Made a Mockery of Marital Commitment (1998):

Full Episode: When some brides vowed to love and honor their husbands, they lied. These Deadly Women made a mockery of marital commitment. They only promised “To Have and To Kill”. -To Have and To Kill, Deadly Women (S8, E14)

Fort Hood Army Soldier Gary Prokop Murdered by Wife & Friends for Military Death Benefits & Life Insurance; Tyshee Prokop Sentenced to Life in Prison (June 25, 1998) #DeadlyWomen

Disabled Veteran Targeted for Disability Benefits & Assets (1999):

ID Go: Four years after a 71 year-old Korean War hero goes missing near Upland, California, a DA’s investigator picks up a trail of clues that seem to lead to the victim’s closest friends. -Come Back Jack, Murder Book (S2, E13)

Disabled Army Veteran Jack Irwin Murdered for Disability Benefits, Bank Account & Assets; Marcia Johnson Sentenced to Life, No Parole (September 13, 1999) #MurderBook

A Scorned Lover Weaves a Web of Lies (1999):

Full Episode: Gail Fulton, a librarian living in a Detroit suburb, was gunned down in a parking lot by a trio of Florida killers. Donna Trapani, a nurse from Pensacola, hired the three because she had been jilted by Gail’s husband. This documentary goes on the road, re-riding the death trip from the deep south. It’s a crime of passion that leaves behind a ruined family. -Red Neck Revenge, Mugshots (TruTV)

Deadly Women Premiered ‘Souls of Stone’ on Investigation Discovery: Donna Trapani Hired 3 Hitmen to Kill Lover’s Wife; Sentenced to Life, No Parole (S7, E18) #DeadlyWomen #Mugshots

When Love Leaves Town (2001):

ID Go: With hearts of stone, these Deadly Women give their men special send-offs when “Love Leaves Town.” -Love Leaves Town, Deadly Women (S10, E12)

Navy Veteran Christopher Ingraham, Jr. Fatally Shot in Maine Home While Sleeping; Live-in Girlfriend Katrina Bridges Found Guilty & Sentenced to 47 Years in Prison (January 4, 2001) #DeadlyWomen

Together They Form a Team with the Cold Power to Kill (2002):

Full Episode: The couple spent Memorial Day weekend at the beach, and then they simply vanished. Their clothes and personal items were still in the rented condo, their car was parked outside, and there were no signs of forced entry or foul play. A week later, police would get an unexpected lead from a robbery in progress, and the evidence they found helped them to solve a crime of unparalleled violence and brutality. -Dirty Little Seacret, Forensic Files (S13, E46)

Forensic Files Premiered ‘Dirty Little Seacret’: Thrill Killers Erika and Benjamin Sifrit Murdered Two Tourists in Ocean City, Maryland (May 28, 2010) #ForensicFiles #Snapped #DeadlyWomen #SinsAndSecrets #DeadlySins

Life Insurance is a Common Motive for Murder (2002):

Full Episode: An Army Major lay lifeless in his bed, shot twice at close range while sleeping next to his wife. Investigators would soon uncover an intricately planned murder plot involving sex parties, adultery and coercion. -Behind the Picket Fence, Scorned: Love Kills (S1, E1)

Army Major David Shannon Fatally Shot by Step Daughter Elizabeth While Sleeping in N.C. Home; Wife Joan Shannon Guilty of Conspiracy, Sentenced to Life, No Parole (July 23, 2002) #ScornedLoveKills #MarriedWithSecrets

Julian Falls Hard for a Much Younger Woman (2002):

Full Episode: Marriage is a lifelong commitment of love, and wedding vows. ‘To have and to hold; for better, for worse; until death do us part’. But for these monstrous wives, it was only the vow of ‘death do us part’ they upheld. -To Love and To Murder, Deadly Women (S5, E5)

Army National Guardsman Charles ‘CJ’ Lewis Fatally Shot Before Deployment to Iraq; Step-Mother Teresa Lewis Executed by the State of Virginia for Two Homicides (October 30, 2002) #DeadlyWomen #FatalVows

She Tormented Her Neighbor (2003):

Full Episode: Neighbors can be a source of friendship and community comfort. But what happens when a neighbor stops watching out for you, and starts watching you. The sinister minds of these women begin to turn sour and they begin to torment their neighbors. -Loathe Thy Neighbor, Deadly Women (S5, E2)

Shonda Walter Used a Hatchet to Kill Neighbor & WWII Vet James Sementelli; Sentenced to Death But Commuted to Life in Prison, No Parole Due to Ineffective Counsel (March 25, 2003) #DeadlyWomen

A Crazed Mother Took a Custody Battle Too Far (2004):

Full Episode: When these women were betrayed, they demanded payback. They settled their scores by wreaking “Lover’s Revenge”. -Lover’s Revenge, Deadly Women (S8, E8)

Army Veteran Gregg Whitmore and Girlfriend Karen Cummings Stabbed to Death in Home; Ex-Wife Shana Parkinson Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison (February 1, 2004) #DeadlyWomen

A Drama Queen Brings her Love Triangle to a Permanent End (2005):

ID Go: Some women like others to do their dirty work. A drama queen brings her love triangle to a permanent end; an intimate betrayal turns friends into deadly foes; and a loose woman will do anything to protect her freedom. -Murder for Me, Deadly Women (S9, E11)

Navy Reservist Paul Berkley Murdered by Wife Monique & Friends in North Carolina while Home on Leave from Middle East, SGLI was the Motive (December 18, 2005) #DeadlyWomen #Snapped #ScornedLoveKills

Cougar Seduces, Tortures and Kills Men (2006):

Preview: This cougar uses her feminine wiles to get the attention of young men, breaks them down and leaves their remains. -Master Manipulators, Deadly Women (S4, E6)

Serial Killer Sheila LaBarre Murdered Army Veteran Kenneth Countie at Epping, New Hampshire Horse Farm; LaBarre Sentenced to Life in Prison for Two Homicides (March 21, 2006) #DeadlyWomen

Two Can Keep a Secret if One of Them is Dead (2006):

Preview: Robert McClancy was found dead in his home, but was it suicide triggered from his PTSD, did his best friend who found him turn out to be the one who killed him, or was it his seemingly loving wife behind it all? -Snapped, Oxygen Media

Deadly Women Premiered ‘Hit and Run’ on Investigation Discovery: Martha Ann McClancy and Charles Kaczmarczyk Killed a Marine Vet for Cash (S11, E6) #DeadlyWomen #Dateline #Snapped

A Former Prom Queen Refuses the Feeling of Rejection (2010):

Preview: Kim Coleman had a lot going for her – except control of her own emotions. Her idea of loving Brian was completely possessing him. Love would never survive her suspicious mind. -Suspicious Minds, Deadly Women (S10, E8)

Air Force SSgt. Brian Spinks Stabbed to Death by Jealous Girlfriend; Kimethia Coleman Sentenced to Life, No Parole (January 17, 2010) #DeadlyWomen

Hearts of Stone (2011):

ID Go: With hearts of stone, these Deadly Women give their men special send-offs when “Love Leaves Town.” -Love Leaves Town, Deadly Women (S10, E12)

Army Veteran Samuel Wiggins Jr. Stabbed to Death by Live-In Girlfriend; Carmen Montelongo Found Guilty & Sentenced to 26 Years to Life in Prison (May 29, 2011) #Snapped #DeadlyWomen

Dumped and Dangerous (2012):

Full Episode: When their love life goes sour these Deadly Women take lethal revenge. They are “Dumped and Dangerous.” -Dumped and Dangerous, Deadly Women (S11, S13)

Shannon O’Roark Griffin Murdered Estranged Husband’s Mistress Veterans Affairs Psychiatrist Dr. Irina Puscariu; Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison (2012) #DeadlyWomen

Ex-Lover Jealousy Turns Lethal (2012):

Preview: A young Navy recruit falls for a fellow officer, but becomes overwhelmed by jealousy when she learns he is friendly with the mother of his child. -Cling ‘Til Death, Deadly Women (S10, E4)

Navy Veteran Victor Saucedo Shot and Killed in Home by Ex-Girlfriend; Navy Veteran Vegas Bray Sentenced to 50 Years to Life in Prison (October 16, 2012) #DeadlyWomen

A Secret Addiction Drives a Young Woman to Kill (2014):

ID Go: A secret addiction drives a young woman to sacrifice her wheelchair bound employer; a scheming caregiver betrays the man who trusts her; and a single mother’s desire for a better life leads to a brutal dismemberment. -The Vulnerable, Deadly Women (S9, E13)

Disabled Army Veteran Richard Englander Murdered by Live-In Caregiver in New York 5 Days After Move In Date; Sara Moore Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison (February 6, 2014) #DeadlyWomen

Editor’s note: With a cable subscription, you can download the free ID Go app and watch all of the Investigation Discovery programming at your convenience. And for those who do not have cable, you can watch “unlocked” episodes on the ID Go app including the latest premieres. Download the ID Go app and binge away. For those who prefer commercial free programming during your binge session, Prime Video has an ID channel: ‘True Crime Files by Investigation Discovery” available for $2.99 a month. It’s a compilation of older seasons but totally worth the cost if you are a true crime addict.

Facing Evil with Candice DeLong Premiered ‘Love Before Life’ on Investigation Discovery: Jennifer Reali Fatally Shot Lover’s Wife in Colorado (November 26, 2010)

Posted on November 26, 2010 by Jennifer Norris

Lt. Joe Kenda, a homicide detective with the Colorado Springs Police Department, was angry when he found out about this murder. Whoever did it gunned down a housewife and mother and he vowed to catch them. On September 12, 1990, a Lupus support meeting was held in a recreational area in Colorado Springs, Colorado. One of the participants was Dianne Hood, who just 18 months earlier after her third child was born, was diagnosed with Lupus. But Dianne was a fighter and was in remission. After the meeting let up, she walked outside with a fellow Lupus support group member, Karen Johnson, and was robbed and shot twice. Karen went flying back into the building and informed the others that Dianne had been shot. Another support group member Sarah was a registered nurse so she ran outside to help. Sarah found Dianne laying in a pool of blood and observed her gasping for breath as she began compressions. EMTs arrived on the scene and took over for Sarah. Dianne had two bullet wounds, one in the shoulder and the other in her chest area. She was pronounced dead at the hospital. This crime sent a shockwave through the community.

After Lt. Kenda arrived on the scene, he found blood on the ground and a couple shocked witnesses. It was assumed initially that this was a robbery gone bad. Kenda interviewed Karen Johnson first because she was the best witness he had. Karen reported that she and Dianne were walking to their cars when they heard footsteps from behind. The person was wearing dark clothes and a ski mask. Dianne gave up her purse to the robber and began to run. The shooter first fired at her shoulder and that put her down and then this person fired a fatal shot at her chest. Everything did in fact look like a robbery gone bad. Unfortunately, Karen didn’t know much about the shooter aside from they were shorter they she was. Kenda and fellow police officers began canvassing the area to see if they could find any additional evidence. Criminals usually have a planned exit so Kenda used a K9 unit to comb the area looking for the scent of the shooter. About about a mile, the dog locked onto a scent. The dog led officers to a garbage can and then sat down. This is dog’s alert system. Inside the garbage can the police found an olive drab field jacket, a pair of gloves, a black ski mask, and some camouflage pants.

The items in the garbage can matched the witnesses description of the shooter at the scene. They also found brown hair in the ski mask and evidence of gun residue on the gloves upon testing at the forensic’s lab. The K-9 dog eventually lost the scent of the shooter because this person most likely got in a car and drove away. The only promising lead just hit a dead end. Kenda didn’t have a suspect, he had a masked maniac so he decided to look into Dianne Elaine Hood’s life; he wanted to know everything about her to find out who in her life wanted her dead. With no other substantial leads, police started canvassing the neighborhood, knocking on every door, to see if anyone saw anything. They encountered a woman who indicated David Burns could have had something to do with it. Kenda learned the locals gave Burns the nickname Homicidal Dave. Kenda wanted to know who this guy was because he wore camouflage similar to that of the shooter. Kenda learned Burns was a veteran of the first Gulf War, spoke loudly and obnoxiously to others, and the community felt he was dangerous. Upon further investigation, David Burns was cleared because he alibi checked out on the night of the murder. With no suspect or person of interest to investigate further, Kenda needed to expand the investigation.

Expanding the investigation meant combing through all the evidence to find new clues. After reading through Karen Johnson’s testimony again, Kenda deduced that someone wanted to make this look like a robbery. Kenda believed Dianne Hood was targeted and that this was an assassination. During the autopsy, two bullets were recovered from Dianne Hood’s body so they were sent to ballistics. Kenda received a call the next day informing him he was looking for very rare and valuable gun, a Colt Peacemaker patent 1872 single action Army revolver, a cowboy gun. This was a huge limiting factor because this rare gun was worth thousands, maybe this person was a gun collector. During a homicide investigation, the police look at everything. Dianne’s life didn’t raise any red flags; she was a devoted mother of three and housewife. Kenda turned to Dianne’s husband Brian Hood and after bringing him to the station, Brian’s life appeared to be just as idyllic as Dianne’s was. Brian Hood was extremely well liked by his neighbors and co-workers. He used to play football and Dianne was a cheerleader; that’s how they met. Brian’s physical stature eliminated him as the shooter.

During the interview, Brian admitted that he was addicted to working out and went to the gym almost every day to keep up his physique. So Kenda went to the gym, spoke with a couple employees, and learned that Brian spends a lot of time with a girl named Jennifer, who worked at a flower shop. Joe went to the flower shop and learned her full name was Jennifer Reali. She was married to Benjamin Reali who was a Captain in the Army and an intelligence officer. The shop owner shared that he liked Ben because they both collected antique guns. This was a solid lead for Kenda. Does Ben own the same antique gun used in the shooting? Did Ben shoot Dianne Hood because of the relationship Brian had with Jennifer at the gym? Did Jennifer shoot Dianne? Ben worked at Fort Carson as a criminal investigator for the US Army so he knew as a soldier, he is an expert in killing and as an investigator, he knew how to get away with it. The clothing recovered in the garbage can was military clothing. Was this his clothing? Ben’s stature did match that described by the shooter. Kenda surprised Ben at work and he immediately went on the defensive. Ben admitted to owning several antique guns and one of them was a Colt 45 Peacemaker (patent 1872).

Kenda wanted the antique gun so it could be analyzed. Ben appeared to be confused and concerned but he handed over the gun. The police couldn’t recover any fingerprints on it. Kenda then invited Ben to go to the police station so they could interview him. The police put Ben on their turf so he wouldn’t be in his normal comfortable setting. Ben was seated and Kenda laid out the clothing they found in the garbage can. Without even looking, Ben said he didn’t recognize the clothing. Kenda said, Ben you need to look at these clothes and examine them. Kenda then threatened to call his military Commander and ruin his career overnight or at a maximum arrest him for murder. Ben admitted the clothing were his and the ballistics office confirmed his gun matched the one they were looking for. Ben claimed he last saw the clothing in his closet at his house but he hadn’t been living there for about 3 weeks; he was staying on post. Ben then told Kenda his wife asked him to hold the gun that morning and a couple weeks ago, she wanted to shoot it so he took her to the gun range to practice. Ben went from a person of interest to a witness. Kenda remembered the witness telling him the shooter put the purse over their shoulder like a woman would do.

Ben Reali was eliminated as a suspect because Kenda knew they were looking for a woman. Forty-eight hours after Dianne was murdered, Kenda was on the hunt for twenty-eight year old Jennifer Reali. He needed to find out more about his prime suspect. He learned she was a college graduate and a mother of two daughters. From outward appearances, she didn’t fit the modus operandi of a killer. Kenda brought Jennifer to the station in the hopes that she would break after he pressed her. While at the station Kenda realized Ben was not a co-conspirator but was struggling with the fact that his wife might be a murderer. The clothing was Ben Reali’s and the bullet casings matched the same gun owned by Ben Reali; as a result Jennifer was arrested for first degree murder and Ben had a hard time with it. After the arrest, Kenda turned all his attention to Jennifer Reali. She denied any knowledge of anything so Kenda presented the evidence to her and backed her into a corner. He could tell she was used to being in control and didn’t like being cornered. Jennifer tried to say the gun must have been stolen but that was ludicrous, as if someone would return the gun after stealing it. Jennifer finally broke and admitted that she did it; Kenda got his confession.

Jennifer Reali admitted to killing Dianne Wood and that she did try to make it look like a robbery. She also shared that someone else was involved in the plot to kill Dianne; she claimed it wasn’t her idea. Jennifer disclosed that she killed Dianne for Brian Hood. She admitted to having an affair with him for the past eight months. She met him at the gym and they became close; this is how the personal and romantic relationship started. Their innocent flirtation eventually turned into a full-blown affair, she says they were in love. She brought Brian to her house when Ben was out of town. Jennifer was very specific about all the details with her affair with Brian. Brian told Jennifer that killing Dianne would help end her suffering with Lupus, a disease he said was going to kill her. He also had an insurance policy on her for $100,000 and if she was murdered, it would double the pay out to $200,000. For a period of months, Brian brainstormed various ways to kill his wife as if he was her mercenary. In the end, Brian decided a staged robbery in a parking lot would do.

Brian told Jennifer they already committed the sin of adultery and the sin of murder was no worse. He claimed that Jennifer was his whole life and he used passages from the Bible to let her know it was okay to kill Dianne as long as she repented. Brian also believed the police were stupid and would assume this was an armed robbery. This was his final plan to convince her they would get away with it. Brian pressured Jennifer for three months to kill his wife and then on September 12th, she went through with it. Jennifer was held in the El Paso County jail for first degree murder but the architect of the plot was still at large. The police hunted down and arrested Brian for conspiracy to commit first degree murder, solicitation to commit first degree murder, and first degree murder. In the meantime, one of Brian’s friends came forward with damning information after reading about his arrest in the paper. He told the witness that he wanted his wife dead. Police learned Brian’s friends were afraid of him because they wondered if he was capable of killing them too. Brian Hood pressured his friends until he found one that would do his bidding; he used his wife’s disease as an excuse to justify murder.

Brian maintained his innoncene throughout the investigation and trial. But the family doctor testified at trial that he told Dianne and Brian that she had the mildest form of Lupus and it could be easily managed; she was not going to die. Brian told his friends he wanted Dianne dead because she was going to die anyways; he knew that wasn’t true. A year after Dianne Hood was shot and killed on December 23, 1991, Brian Hood was found guilty of two counts of criminal solicitation, one count of conspiracy to murder his wife, however on the charge of first degree murder, he was found not guilty. Instead of life in prison, he was sentenced to 37 years. The police felt like he got away with murder. Jennifer Reali plead insanity claiming she had been brainwashed by Brian Hood. The jury didn’t buy it and she was found guilty of first degree murder and conspiracy to commit first degree murder. Jennifer Reali was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole at the Colorado State Penitentiary. The police got justice for Dianne when she couldn’t do it for herself but this murder was devastating to the Hood and Reali families. They couldn’t help but ask: Why would Brian do this? Why not get a divorce? Why kill her? Kenda explained that this was human nature at its worse.

What does a murderer look like? As it turns out they look like the cute mom next door. -Lt Joe Kenda, Retired Homicide Detective

Investigation Discovery:

Preview: She was broken down by every man who crossed her path, so when Jennifer’s lover told her that his wife had to die – Jennifer made sure she did. -Under His Control, Deadly Women (S4, E10)

ID Go: Mother of three Dianne Hood is shot to death by a masked gunman on her way home from a Lupus support meeting. Police initially assume it’s a robbery, but Lt. Joe Kenda uncovers a sordid web of lust and greed, revealing a killer no one ever expected. -I Now Pronounce You Dead, Homicide Hunter (S2, E1)

In the News:

The Colorado Springs woman, who’s been called the “fatal attraction killer,” Jennifer Reali, has a new address. -KRDO Colorado (August 5, 2014)

Gazette city editor Cary Vogrin talks with Eric Singer on Between the Lines about Jennifer Reali’s release to a halfway house from prison after years of serving time for a “fatal attraction” killing. -Colorado Springs Gazette (August 5, 2014)

A rare interview from three years ago sheds new light about the “fatal attraction killer.” -KRDO Colorado (August 6, 2014)

The Department of Corrections says Jennifer Reali has been transferred to a halfway house, despite having her parole denied three years ago. -KRDO Colorado (August 6, 2014)

Audio from the recent parole hearing for Jennifer Reali. The Colorado Springs woman explains why she killed Dianne Hood and why she’s sorry. -Colorado Springs Gazette (November 7, 2014)

Audio from Jennifer Reali’s recent parole board hearing telling officials why she can do more good being free to help others not follow the same path she did. She was convicted of killing her boyfriend’s wife. -Colorado Springs Gazette (November 7, 2014)

No parole for convicted killer, Jennifer Reali (2015) -KRDO Colorado (October 14, 2015)

Reali shot and killed her lover’s wife in 1990. -CBS Denver (April 6, 2018)</p

Video Links:
Reali denied parole
Reali reaction
Jennifer Reali wants to help others stay out of prison
Jennifer Reali interview released
Convicted kIller Jennifer Reali decribes her crime
‘Fatal attraction killer’ moved into halfway house
Colorado ‘Fatal Attraction’ killer Jennifer Reali granted parole
Between the Lines: The next step for convicted killer Jennifer Reali
Jennifer Reali Dies After Being Released From Prison
Under His Control | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (S4, E10)
I Now Pronounce You Dead | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (S2, E1)
Love Before Life | Facing Evil | Investigation Discovery (S1, E3)

Retired Navy Officer Robert Klosterman Shot his Wife Rebecca Because She ‘Ruined’ his Military Career, Then Shot Himself (2010)

Posted on May 2, 2010 by Jennifer Norris

Rebecca Klosterman

Robert Klosterman, US Navy

“Becky never called police because she feared it would make Robert angrier and jeopardize his career.” –The Virginia Pilot

Rebecca and Robert Klosterman were married in 1974 but by 2008 they were ready to call it quits after allegations of violence and an unfulfilled Navy career surfaced. The divorce was long, drawn out, and tense. Apparently finances and infidelity troubled the couple throughout their marriage. Rebecca learned about Bob’s secret life after he told her he had been frequenting strip clubs in Washington DC and had bought expensive gifts for dancers and waitresses. In 2008, Bob allegedly pointed a gun at Rebecca and then turned it on himself. Rebecca called the police, got a temporary restraining order, Bob moved out, and a few weeks later she filed for divorce. Bob on the other hand was angry that his wife had become “entrenched in the Tailhook scandal.” According to Bob, when the 1991 Tailhook scandal emerged, Rebecca took sides. She became friends with the wife of an officer who witnessed the drunken and misogynistic crowd at the Las Vegas convention. Rebecca also attended a 1993 hearing in Norfolk with this same woman who was compelled to testify. When the selection board considered Bob for admiral, he learned from a friend that the board discussed his wife. Robert never made the cut for Admiral despite his impressive resume. In 1997, Robert Klosterman retired from the Navy after 28 years and the couple settled in Norfolk, Virginia. Ultimately, Bob blamed Rebecca for his failure to make admiral and his bitterness swelled to violence. This would not only drive Rebecca toward divorce but it would end in a murder-suicide. On May 2, 2010, Bob shot his wife in the chest killing her. He then called police to report that he shot Rebecca Klosterman. The police arrived to find the couple dead, both killed by single shots to their chests. They found a 3 page letter near Bob’s body.

Bob and Becky Klosterman are a model couple – fit, attractive and well spoken.Bob is a retired high ranking Navy commander and Becky a busy homemaker. Their life seems ideal, until one of them snaps. Suddenly, their prefect life explodes at the seams. -Discovery ID

Shari Barbour Found Dead in Home; Retired Marine Deon Cartmell Found Guilty of Second Degree Murder, Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison (2010)

Posted on March 16, 2010 by Jennifer Norris

Shari Barbour Cartmell

Shari Barbour Cartmell was found dead in her home in Nashville, Tennessee on March 16, 2010. Her husband, Deon Cartmell, a retired Marine and police officer with the Nashville Police Department, claimed she committed suicide. According to Shari’s family and friends, they had witnessed an escalating series of domestic violence incidences over the course of their three year marriage. Deon and Shari were married in secret in 2007. Deon was described as obsessive and had angry outbursts. He was mostly upset about Shari’s spending habits. Deon attempted to isolate Shari from her family and treated her like a possession. Eventually, Shari learned that he was flirting with other women too. Police suspect that the night she died she told him she was going to leave him after learning about his “extracurricular activities” and he killed her. According to the police who responded to the scene, Leon was in a “disassociative” state when they arrived and appeared to be concerned about himself. On May 28, 2010, after a thorough investigation was completed, Deon Cartmell was charged with second degree murder. The investigation revealed that the forensic evidence at the scene did not match Deon’s version of events. In 2011, he was found guilty of second degree murder and sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Police officer arrested for killing wife, family reacts
Court hears emotional recording of cop on trial
Former Metro officer guilty in shooting death of wife
Ex-Metro police officer receives 18 years for killing wife
Former Metro cop sentenced to 18 years for wife’s murder
State of Tennessee v Deon Lamont Cartmell 2014
Former Metro cop loses appeal in murder of wife
ID’s ‘Fatal Vows’ Outlines Case Of Former Marine, Cop Who Shot Wife In Nashville Home
Deon Lamont Cartmell killed his wife, Shari; Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison
Fatal Vows: Death Brawl (Investigation Discovery)

A handsome marine lands the girl of his dreams. But the perils of their long distance love push these newlyweds to the edge. When Shari and Deon’s romance misfires in a tragic accident – the collateral damage is deadly. -Discovery ID

Army National Guardsman Charles ‘CJ’ Lewis Fatally Shot Before Deployment to Iraq; Step-Mother Teresa Lewis Conspired, Executed by the State of Virginia (October 30, 2002)

Posted on October 30, 2002 by Jennifer Norris

Preview: Teresa Michelle Lewis used sex for currency to get what she wanted. -To Love and To Murder, Deadly Women, Investigation Discovery (S5, E5)

Charles ‘CJ’ Lewis, Maryland Army National Guard

In the News:

A Virginia woman, Teresa Lewis, is scheduled to be executed in on September 23, which would be the first US execution of a woman in five years and in the state of Virginia over a decade. A Virginia woman who used sex and money to persuade two men to kill her husband and her stepson, in order to collect a $250,000 life insurance policy. -RT America (July 30, 2010)

The US state of Virginia is set to execute by lethal injection a 41-year-old grandmother, the first woman to be put to death in Virginia in almost 100 years. -Al Jazeera English (September 23, 2010)

Despite Teresa Lewis’ admission of guilt, many are still coming to her defense. -ABC News (September 23, 2010)

Teresa Lewis set to die on death row – 5:30 p.m. -WAVY TV 10 (September 23, 2010)

Teresa Lewis execution – 6 p.m. -WAVY TV 10 (September 23, 2010)

Teresa Lewis, 41, became the first woman executed in Virginia in nearly a century. -CNN (September 23, 2010)

Teresa Lewis executed – 11 p.m. -WAVY TV 10 (September 24, 2010)

Woman executed in Virginia. -CNN (September 24, 2010)

Mentally Challenged Woman Executed? -The Young Turks (September 24, 2010)

Theresa Lewis before her tragic execution. -Ignored Voices (November 18, 2010)

Investigation Discovery:

ID Go: While mourning the death of his wife, Julian falls hard for his much-younger coworker Teresa. For a time, her spunk lifts him out of to his sorrows until a sordid affair plunges him even deeper into the abyss. -Second Chance at Death, Fatal Vows (S5, E1)

Video Links:
Sex, money and the death penalty
US grandmother set to be executed
Virginia Set to Execute First Woman Since 1912
Teresa Lewis set to die on death row – 5:30 p.m.
Teresa Lewis execution – 6 p.m.
CNN: Accounts of Teresa Lewis being put to death
Theresa Lewis before her tragic execution
Execution of Teresa Lewis
Teresa Lewis executed – 11 p.m.
Woman executed in Virginia
Teresa Lewis Receives Execution By Lethal Injection
Mentally Challenged Woman Executed?
Song A Day #634: The Ballad of Teresa Lewis
Death Row Prisoners Last Meals
The Puppetmaster | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (S5, E5)
To Love and To Murder | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (S5, E5)
Second Chance at Death | Fatal Vows | Investigation Discovery (S5, E1)
Teresa Lewis Documentary | Female Killers | Deadly Women (S5, E5)

MILITARY JUSTICE FOR ALL

No affiliation with the Department of Defense or any of the Armed Forces.

Tag Archives: Fatal Vows

Deadly Women: 30 Military and Veteran Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery (July 20, 2018)

Facing Evil with Candice DeLong Premiered ‘Love Before Life’ on Investigation Discovery: Jennifer Reali Fatally Shot Lover’s Wife in Colorado (November 26, 2010)

Retired Navy Officer Robert Klosterman Shot his Wife Rebecca Because She ‘Ruined’ his Military Career, Then Shot Himself (2010)

Shari Barbour Found Dead in Home; Retired Marine Deon Cartmell Found Guilty of Second Degree Murder, Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison (2010)

Army National Guardsman Charles ‘CJ’ Lewis Fatally Shot Before Deployment to Iraq; Step-Mother Teresa Lewis Conspired, Executed by the State of Virginia (October 30, 2002)