On April 6, 2025, NBC aired a new episode of its acclaimed news show, Dateline NBC, titled "The Last Mile," focusing on the tragic disappearance of Mollie Tibbetts, a 20-year-old college student from Brooklyn, Iowa. This gripping episode, the 29th of season 33, delves deep into the circumstances surrounding Tibbetts' disappearance during a routine jog on July 18, 2018, and the subsequent investigation that captivated the nation.
According to NBC's press release, the episode offers a detailed narrative of how the close-knit community of Brooklyn came together to search for Tibbetts after she failed to return home from her evening run. With interviews from law enforcement officials, family members, and friends, the episode paints a vivid picture of a community in distress and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Mollie Tibbetts was last seen around 7:30 PM on that fateful evening, wearing a pink athletic top and dark shorts. She was staying at her boyfriend Dalton Jack's house while he was away for work. Her disappearance prompted an extensive search effort involving local police, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the FBI, as well as hundreds of volunteers who scoured the area for any sign of her.
The breakthrough in the case came when investigators reviewed security footage from a local homeowner's camera. This footage revealed a black Chevy Malibu closely trailing Tibbetts as she jogged through the streets of Brooklyn. The car was linked to Cristhian Bahena Rivera, a 24-year-old farmworker living nearby. This pivotal clue set the stage for the investigation that would unfold over the next several weeks.
As highlighted in the Dateline episode, the timeline of events leading to the discovery of Tibbetts' body is both chilling and heartbreaking. After being brought in for questioning, Rivera initially denied any involvement in her disappearance. However, during a lengthy interrogation, he eventually confessed to approaching Tibbetts during her run. He claimed that when she threatened to call the police, he became angry and blacked out. When he regained consciousness, he found her bleeding in the trunk of his car.
Rivera led law enforcement to a cornfield in rural Poweshiek County, where Tibbetts' body was found on August 21, 2018, more than a month after her disappearance. The Iowa State Medical Examiner later confirmed that she died from multiple sharp force injuries.
In the courtroom, Rivera's trial began on May 17, 2021. The prosecution presented a compelling case, emphasizing his earlier statements and the evidence linking him to the crime. Despite his claims that two masked men forced him to drive them around and commit the murder, the jury ultimately found him guilty of first-degree murder on May 28, 2021. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on August 30, 2021.
Throughout the trial, the case drew national attention, sparking discussions on women's safety and immigration enforcement, as Rivera was confirmed to be living in the U.S. illegally at the time of the crime. However, the focus remained on the evidence connecting him to Tibbetts' death rather than his immigration status.
As the episode unfolds, it includes interviews with key figures involved in the case, including Special Agent Trent Vileta, Deputy Steve Kivi, and Tibbetts' friends and family members. These interviews provide personal insights into Mollie's character, portraying her as a brilliant, friendly, and outgoing individual whose sudden disappearance shocked everyone who knew her.
Dateline NBC's "The Last Mile" stands out from typical true crime shows by maintaining a focus on factual reporting and eyewitness testimony. The episode avoids sensationalism, instead providing a thorough examination of the investigation and trial. By sticking closely to the timeline and featuring voices from both sides of the case, it offers viewers a comprehensive understanding of the events surrounding Tibbetts' tragic fate.
The episode also reflects on the impact of Tibbetts' murder on her hometown of Brooklyn, Iowa. Community members share their thoughts on how the tragedy has forever changed their town, leading to memorial scholarships and public education campaigns aimed at promoting safety. The case has left an indelible mark on the national conversation about safety, surveillance, and justice.
As viewers tune in to this poignant episode, they are reminded of the profound effects one tragic event can have, not only on a family and community but on a nation grappling with issues of safety and justice. The episode aired at 9 PM Central Standard Time, wrapping up at 10 PM, and serves as a powerful testament to the enduring search for truth and accountability in the face of tragedy.
