Dateline NBC “Something Sweet” December 9 2023 Recap & Preview
The mysterious death of Ray Kotomski in August 2009, initially thought to be either a suicide or murder, will be the focal point of an upcoming episode of Dateline NBC titled “Something Sweet.” Scheduled to air on December 9, 2023, at 9 PM ET/PT and 8 PM CT, this episode delves into the intriguing details of the case.
What Happened to Ray Kotomski & Killer Teresa Kotomski?
Ray Kotomski, a 65-year-old retired corrections officer, tragically passed away from ethylene glycol poisoning, a substance found in antifreeze. He was discovered unconscious and unresponsive, prompting questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
While Ray’s family suspected foul play, his estranged wife, Teresa Kotomski, maintained that he had either taken his own life or deliberately poisoned himself in an attempt to win back her affection. The situation became more complex due to the presence of another potential suspect, Robert Reichard, who had previously harbored hostile intentions towards Ray and had even sent him a mail bomb. Despite serving time in prison, he was released shortly before Ray’s death, raising suspicions.
The investigation faced numerous obstacles, including limited resources at the Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Department. However, Ray’s family’s unwavering determination played a pivotal role in uncovering the truth.
Ray and Teresa’s relationship had taken a toll following the tragic death of Teresa’s daughter and their grandchild’s cancer diagnosis. Arguments and stress had strained their marriage, eventually leading to Teresa leaving with her grandchildren.
On the day Ray fell ill, Teresa found him in a concerning state, yet she refrained from seeking immediate medical assistance. When her mother checked on Ray the following day, he was found unconscious. Despite medical efforts, Ray’s condition worsened, and Teresa made the heart-wrenching decision to remove him from life support.
Medical examiners confirmed ethylene glycol poisoning as the cause of death, but the circumstances—whether it was suicide or homicide—remained uncertain. Teresa claimed Ray had mentioned consuming something sweet before feeling unwell, alluding to a possible suicide. Conversely, Ray’s family vehemently believed he would never take his own life.
During the investigation, antifreeze was discovered in the garage, although no fingerprints were found. Additionally, there were allegations from Teresa’s ex-husband regarding her previous actions involving poison.
Both Teresa and Robert Reichard emerged as prime suspects. Reichard’s history of animosity toward Ray, including the mailing of a bomb, made him a person of interest. However, investigators could not establish a direct link between him and Ray’s death.
The case went cold for several years due to financial constraints until Ohio’s attorney general reopened it in 2012. Subsequently, Teresa was arrested in 2014, and in 2015, she was convicted of murder, receiving a sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
Teresa steadfastly maintains her innocence, contending that Ray’s death resulted from uncontrolled diabetes. Nevertheless, she remains incarcerated, with the possibility of parole in 2030. Despite her claims and contradictory evidence, the judge found her guilty, culminating in a complex case that will be explored in detail on the Dateline NBC episode “Something Sweet” on December 9, 2023, at 9 PM ET/PT and 8 PM CT.
