Annamarie Cochrane Rintala, a young mother and paramedic, is found dead at the bottom of her basement stairs. The podcast explores the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death, including paint cover-ups, financial troubles, and complex relationships. After four trials and 13 years, justice is finally served with a surprising new verdict.
Annamarie Cochrane Rintala's death at the bottom of her basement stairs took four trials and 13 years for justice to be served.
Various possible suspects were considered in Annamarie Cochrane Rintala's murder case, including her emotional affair partner and a police officer with financial ties to her.
Deep dives
The Tragic Discovery
On a rainy day in Granby, Massachusetts, Cara Rintala returned home with her daughter to find her wife at the bottom of the basement stairs. Cara called for help, but Anne Marie was already dead. The scene was bizarre, with paint splattered everywhere and signs of a struggle.
Complicated Relationships
Anne Marie and Cara had a tumultuous relationship, marked by arguments and financial troubles. Anne Marie had an emotional affair with a fellow paramedic named Mark, who also cosigned credit cards for her. There were also allegations of domestic violence between Anne Marie and Cara, leading to restraining orders and a temporary separation.
Investigation and Suspects
The investigators focused on Cara as the main suspect, citing motive and opportunity. However, other possible suspects were considered, such as Mark and a police officer named Carla, both of whom had complicated relationships and financial ties with Anne Marie.
Multiple Trials and Convictions
Cara Rintala faced four trials for the murder of her wife. The first two trials ended in a hung jury, while the third trial resulted in a guilty verdict of murder in the first degree. However, this verdict was later overturned on appeal, leading to a fourth trial where Cara was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter.
When young mother and paramedic Annamarie Cochrane Rintala is found dead at the bottom of her basement stairs, it takes four trials and 13 years before justice is served. Dennis Murphy reports.
Dennis Murphy and Josh Mankiewicz go behind the scenes of the making of this episode in ‘Talking Dateline’: