Larry McNabney | The Ultimate Con
Summary
This episode details the disappearance of Reno attorney Larry McNabney, who was murdered by his wife, a woman using the alias Elisa McNabney. The story explores Larry’s history of addiction and his marriage to a woman who stole his identity, embezzled client funds, and killed him with horse tranquilizers. It follows the investigation into his death and the fugitive’s subsequent life on the run, where she continued to manipulate men and exploit her daughter, Haley, before being tracked down by law enforcement.
Topics discussed
Introduction to the Larry McNabney disappearance
Larry's early life and family tragedies
Struggles with addiction and recovery attempts
Law firm growth and expansion to Las Vegas
Meeting Elisa and the embezzlement scandal
Marriage, bar discipline, and move to California
Impact on daughter Haley and family dynamics
Larry's withdrawal and hiring of new staff
Elisa's close relationship with secretary Sarah
Summer 2001: Larry's isolation and Haley's departure
The final dinner and Larry's erratic behavior
Sponsor break: Newspapers.com
Larry's disappearance and Elisa's initial stories
Elisa's financial schemes and asset liquidation
Growing suspicion and police involvement
Elisa's flight and the horse trailer transport
Police interviews with Sarah and Haley
Discovery of Larry's body in a vineyard
Forensic analysis and toxicology results
Sarah's account of the night of the horse show
Sponsor break: Newspapers.com
Post-9/11 travel and Elisa's return to Sacramento
Investigation of Greg's ranch and the fridge
Discovery of xylazine and Sarah's changing story
Elisa's criminal past and identity fraud
Elisa's probation violation and move to Las Vegas
Elisa's journey to Florida and financial struggles
Elisa's new life in Destin and employment
Fraud in Destin and escape from the law firm
Sponsor break: Newspapers.com
Elisa's encounter with Bob and police pursuit
Haley's decision to call the police
Elisa's arrest and initial confession
Details of the murder: drugging and burial
Failed murder attempt and storage of the body
Life with the body in the house and near-misses
Final burial and Sarah's arrest
Sarah's interview and conflicting accounts
Sarah's story of the drive and discovery of death
Police deception and charging decisions
Elisa's suicide in jail
Sarah's trial: defense strategy and evidence
Witness testimony and psychiatric evidence
Verdict and sentencing of Sarah Dutra
Listen ad-free on Castria