Dateline is back with another classic episode that explores a cold case from decades ago. In “Mystery in Montana,” airing on April 30, 2024, the show revisits the death of a Montana man, Bryan Rein, whose son is about to open up a box of case files, shedding light on what really happened to his father.
In the small town of Geraldine, Montana, in 1996. Bryan Rein, a 31-year-old veterinarian, was found dead in his home with his own gun. Initially ruled as a suicide based on a 911 call, it was later determined to be a homicide, sparking a 20-year quest for justice.
As the investigation gets underway, it is revealed that Bryan had started dating Ann Wishman, who was previously in a relationship with Thomas Jaraczeski. Thomas struggled to accept the end of their relationship and exhibited aggressive behavior towards the new couple. On July 14, 1996, Bryan was found dead in his trailer with three gunshot wounds, and Thomas, by then Ann’s ex-boyfriend, became the prime suspect.
Thomas Jaraczeski, 23 at the time, was arrested and charged with various offences, including stalking, trespassing, and attempting to harm a person. However, he maintained his innocence in the murder and was released due to a lack of evidence. The case went cold for 18 years until Jaraczeski was arrested again in 2014, leading to a trial in 2015.
The episode includes interviews with Bryan Rein’s sisters, Teresa Noll and Charlene Rein-Murphy, as well as investigators and others involved in the case.
Dateline: Mystery in Montana airs on NBC at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
