Dateline: Unforgettable is examining the murder of Larry Isenberg, who was poisoned by his scheming wife, Lori Isenberg, and dumped into the icy waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
In the weeks leading up to 68-year-old Larry’s murder, Lori was already facing a jail sentence for embezzling $579,495 from her employer. Lori worked for the North Idaho Housing Coalition, an organization that aims to provide financial help to families hoping to buy a home.
Lori used her position to funnel funds illegally to her daughters. In January 2018, the NIHC confronted Lori, which resulted in her termination of employment and a criminal investigation.
On February 13, 2018, Lori was on bail when she and her husband, Larry, rented a boat and sailed out onto Lake Coeur d’Alene. Lori later claimed the couple had hoped to see the sunrise.
However, a few hours later, Lori dialed 911 and told them Larry had a stroke and fell overboard. She later explained that Larry had been attempting to fix the motor when he suddenly keeled over and fell into the water.
Lori said she spent the next two hours steering the vessel around the lake, looking for her husband. She said it took two hours to alert the authorities because she had left her phone ashore.
About a week later, Lori pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was subsequently sentenced to five years in federal prison.
Watch the Latest on our YouTube ChannelRemains of Larry Isenberg found floating in the water after murder
On March 1, a lakeside resident of Sun Up Bay, ID, reported seeing a body floating face down in the water. The authorities quickly identified the remains as Larry, and an autopsy revealed he died from an overdose of diphenhydramine, an antihistamine drug.
Lori later claimed that she had made the poisonous drink for herself because of the pressure from her fraud case. She said Larry had accidentally drunk the toxic concoction.
The killer said that when she realized Larry was dead, she decided to kill herself by throwing herself into the water. However, she supposedly changed her mind, concluding that she should live a little longer to make sure her family would be ok.
In court, Lori said, “From the very beginning, I say a week or two after the embezzlement was discovered, I knew my life was over, and I had two options. Death or life in prison.”
Lori Isenberg was convicted of killing husband Larry Isenberg
The prosecution called Lori a manipulative and cunning liar who had spun a web of lies.
Eventually, Lori agreed to an Alford plea, accepting that the prosecution had enough evidence to find her guilty of murder but allowing her to maintain her innocence. She was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
Dateline: Unforgettable airs Thursdays at 8/7c on Oxygen.