NBC’s Dateline returns tonight with a new true-crime investigation, “The Mushroom Mystery,” examining the 2020 death of Indiana resident David Fouts and the criminal case that followed.
Reported by correspondent Blayne Alexander, the episode explores the investigation into Fouts’ death after authorities discovered poisonous mushrooms in his stomach and the evidence that ultimately led to a conspiracy conviction.
“Dateline: The Mushroom Mystery” premieres Friday, July 24, at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on NBC.
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Stream NowWhat to expect from the episode
“The Mushroom Mystery” follows investigators as they work to determine how David Fouts died after his body was discovered along a rural road near Noblesville, Indiana, in April 2020. With no obvious signs of trauma and early toxicology testing providing few answers, detectives pursued additional forensic testing that pointed to poisonous mushrooms as a possible factor in his death.
The broadcast features interviews with Jennie Thomas, the woman who discovered the body, Matt Tanner and Chris Tanner, friends of David Fouts, and Dr. Mary Catherine Aime, a Purdue University mycology expert who discusses poisonous mushrooms and their role in the investigation.
More about the case
Police eventually arrested Fouts’ wife, Katrina Fouts, along with retired Richmond police officer Terry Hopkins. According to prosecutors, the investigation uncovered evidence suggesting a plot to kill David Fouts. Hopkins later confessed to participating in the crime but died before his case went to trial.
In 2022, a jury found Katrina Fouts not guilty of murder but guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and failure to report human remains. She was sentenced to 34 years in prison and is eligible for parole in 2046, according to Fox59.