Dateline NBC “Stone-Cold” August 23 2024 Recap & Preview
On August 23, 2024, NBC’s “Dateline” will present the episode titled “Stone Cold,” delving into the tragic and complex murder of Nicolas Morelos in Tucson, Arizona. The episode will explore the life and death of Morelos, a 45-year-old ex-Marine and director of maintenance at Marana Aerospace Solutions, who was found shot to death in his home on July 18, 2016.
Morelos, known for his tough demeanor and reputation as a ladies’ man, was found by his fiancée, Kristina Trepanitis. She discovered him dead with eight bullet wounds, including one to the head, and numerous shell casings scattered around the crime scene. The brutality of the crime and the numerous suspects, including spurned lovers and workplace enemies, created a challenging investigation.
The episode will highlight how investigators, initially overwhelmed by a long list of potential suspects, eventually focused on James Lapan, a colleague of Morelos who was romantically involved with one of his exes. Lapan’s jealousy and a significant cut on his arm drew suspicion. Further investigation revealed crucial evidence linking him to the crime, including shell casings that matched those found at the scene and a DNA match. Lapan was eventually convicted and sentenced to life without parole.
Josh Mankiewicz will report on the case, examining the personal and professional conflicts that led to Morelos’s murder.
