dateline: Dateline: Kill Switch - 5 Harrowing details about Larry Isenberg's murder, explored

Larry Isenberg's murder is a tragic and complex case that has captured public attention due to its shocking details. Larry was born in Idaho, completed his graduation from the University of Idaho with a degree in forestry, and started working in the lumber industry.

Isenberg was 68 when he died under suspicious circumstances in February 2018, apparently in a tragic accident on Lake Coeur d'Alene. Initially thought to be an accidental drowning, investigations revealed a darker narrative involving his wife, Lori Isenberg.

As the case progressed, it was clear that Lori had poisoned Larry with a fatal amount of diphenhydramine, which is a common ingredient in over-the-counter drugs such as Benadryl. This was interwoven with her fraudulent scheme, which she tried to cover up.

Five chilling facts about Larry Isenberg's murder

1) The Lake Coeur d'Alene Incident

On the February 13, 2018, Larry Isenberg was declared missing after falling into Lake Coeur d'Alene during an inspection of their motor boat, according to reports. As reported by the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, Lori had asserted that Larry Isenberg plunged into the lake during a couples' night on the lake.

Expand Tweet

Two hours went by while Lori searched for Larry before calling the police via 911 from Larry's phone when she believed Larry had drowned. This hesitation created initial suspicion on the cause of his disappearance.

2) The Delayed Discovery of Larry's Body

Larry Isenberg's remains were not found until March 1, 2018, close to three weeks since his disappearance. They were discovered face down floating in Sun Up Bay by a neighborhood resident who informed 911.

Although a search was done for him thoroughly by rescue parties for the first few days when he disappeared, Larry was never found until this time. This lag in body recovery added to the mystery and intrigue of the case.

Expand Tweet

3) Autopsy Results Uncovers Poisoning

An autopsy on Larry Isenberg turned up shocking results: no signs of drowning at all. Rather, toxicology tests showed him to have acute diphenhydramine toxicity, with levels more than seventy times higher than the norm.

This new information turned the case from a suspected accidental drowning into one of a possible homicide. The fact these levels of the drug were found created more serious questions regarding how and why Larry took it.

4) Lori Isenberg's Behavior and Online Searches

Following Larry Isenberg's death, investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that Lori had been involved in internet searches related to boating accidents and water depths shortly before his death.

Expand Tweet

The searches meant there was premeditation involved and added to suspicion of her participation. Lori also was charged with embezzlement by her employer, adding another motive for wanting her husband dead.

5) Conviction and Sentencing of Lori Isenberg

Lori Isenberg was indicted for the murder of her husband in February 2020 after she turned herself in after evading capture for two months. She eventually pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment with the option for parole after thirty years.

At her sentencing, Lori asserted that she had planned to kill herself using Benadryl but maintained that Larry's death was an accident. Few believed her, however, including relatives, who suspected she did it out of desperation to deflect attention from her fraudulent scheme.