Dateline NBC Dateline NBC

Talking Dateline: Heartless

Oct 14, 2026 · 27m

Summary

This episode discusses the disappearance of Talena Galloway in rural Oklahoma, focusing on the role of online "armchair detectives" and the investigation by local law enforcement. Reporter Josh Mankiewicz interviews Talena’s killer, Corey, who pled no contest to first-degree manslaughter, revealing her history of making ricin and involvement in a niche subculture. The conversation explores the complexities of amateur sleuthing, the various theories regarding motive, and the circumstantial evidence that led to Corey’s conviction.

Topics discussed

Sponsors and introduction to the Heartless episode Overview of the Talena Galloway disappearance case How the case gained national attention via Missing in America The role of armchair detectives and online sleuths Comparing amateur sleuths to professional investigations Police strategy to keep suspect Corey talking Corey's past and the ricin incident in Wisconsin The incompetence of the ricin and its discovery Sponsorship breaks for YouTube Premium and Rowe Investigating the 'Gorians' subculture and lifestyle Why Marty Wolfie was ruled out as the primary suspect Corey's demeanor and the nature of her relationship with Talena Interview excerpt: Corey denies romantic involvement Debating the motive: money, anger, or relationship issues Understanding the killer's mindset and lack of consequence The legal outcome: No contest plea and sentencing Sponsorship breaks and transition to audience Q&A Answering questions about accents and Corey's criminal history Clarifying prison attire and the mystery of the second person Closing remarks and promotion of other Dateline content Zepbound advertisement for sleep apnea
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