Five Miles From Home - Ep. 6: "Haywire"
Summary
This Dateline episode examines the 2010 murder of Michaela Costanzo by her childhood friend Cody Patton and his girlfriend Tony Frato. The narrative explores Tony’s alleged jealousy, the conflicting accounts of premeditation versus a crime that went "haywire," and Cody’s rejection of a plea deal. Through interviews and parole hearings, the story highlights the enduring mystery of the motive and the divergent fates of the perpetrators, with Cody facing life in prison and Tony seeking parole.
Topics discussed
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Introduction: The mystery of Cody and Tony's motives
Backstory: Childhood friends and Tony's jealousy
Escalating tension: The kiss incident and Cody's violence
The day of the murder: Mickey's fear and isolation
Theory: Was the murder premeditated?
Cody's shifting story: Rejecting the plea deal
Attorney's theory: A confrontation gone wrong
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Interview setup: Meeting Tony in the Elko County jail
Tony's account: Denying jealousy and planning
The desert: Tony claims she was forced to stay
Tony's defense: Fear of Cody and lack of motive
Sponsor messages: Prenuvo, Serta, and DSW
Parole hearing 1: Tony's apology and denial
Parole hearing 2: Denied again in 2024
Aftermath: Family grief and Mickey's legacy
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