“Kill Switch”: Dateline Reports on Larry Isenberg Homicide July 5 2025

On Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 9/8c, NBC will air an encore presentation of Dateline NBC’s “Kill Switch,” reported by Keith Morrison. The episode examines the mysterious death of Larry Isenberg, a case that began as a tragic boating accident but evolved into a chilling investigation exposing financial crimes and a calculated plan to kill. Through interviews, evidence, and courtroom footage, Dateline unravels the events that led to Larry’s death and the secrets his wife, Lori Isenberg, tried to keep hidden.

The episode guides viewers through the shocking twists of a story that seemed unimaginable: a grandmother and nonprofit director accused of murdering her husband to conceal massive embezzlement. What began as a routine search-and-rescue effort soon uncovered a dark plot involving poison, deception, and betrayal.

A Picture of a Happy Marriage

Larry and Lori Isenberg’s life together appeared ideal. They lived in a picturesque home nestled in Idaho’s Cougar Gulch, surrounded by gardens and scenic views of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Larry, a retired timber executive, enjoyed the serenity of retirement, while Lori, a well-regarded nonprofit director, was preparing to join him in retirement. Together, they shared a blended family and looked forward to their golden years.

To those around them, the couple seemed deeply in love. Larry’s children recalled how he gazed at Lori with admiration, and Lori’s daughters described Larry as a kind stepfather. They traveled often and spent time with their grandchildren, crafting what looked like a happy and fulfilling life. But beneath the surface, Lori harbored a secret that would soon shatter their family.

The Morning of Larry’s Disappearance

On February 13, 2018, Lori and Larry set out before sunrise for a boat ride on Lake Coeur d’Alene. According to Lori’s 911 call, they encountered engine trouble. She told dispatchers that Larry went to check the motor, gave her an odd look, and fell overboard. Lori claimed she was unable to reach him in time and injured herself trying to help. When emergency responders arrived, they found Lori bloodied and disoriented, alone on the boat.

Initially, authorities treated the case as an accident. The lake’s depth complicated search efforts, and it wasn’t until weeks later that Larry’s body was discovered. But inconsistencies in Lori’s story and new evidence would soon lead investigators to question what really happened on that boat.

Uncovering Lori Isenberg’s Financial Crimes

Even before Larry’s death, Lori’s professional life was unraveling. Investigators discovered Lori had embezzled nearly one million dollars from the North Idaho Housing Coalition by creating fake companies and invoices, then siphoning government funds into accounts controlled by her and her daughters. This financial scheme implicated four of Lori’s daughters, some of whom unknowingly received funds through the fraudulent activity.

The day of Larry’s disappearance, a local newspaper ran a story detailing Lori’s suspected embezzlement, bringing her secret to light. Prosecutors believed Lori feared Larry would learn of her crimes, knowing he valued financial integrity. Investigators concluded that Lori’s motive for killing Larry was to prevent him from discovering her theft.

Toxicology Findings Point to Murder

A turning point came with Larry’s toxicology report. Examiners found lethal levels of diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, in Larry’s system. This dosage would have caused severe disorientation and loss of balance, explaining the strange look Lori described before he fell overboard. Investigators reviewed Lori’s internet search history and found that she had researched drownings, water depths, and local lake currents.

Detectives also uncovered an earlier incident on a trip to Florida when Larry experienced similar symptoms and emailed his doctor about severe dizziness and mental fog. Authorities believed this may have been an earlier, failed attempt on Larry’s life, reinforcing their theory that Lori’s actions on the boat were premeditated.

Courtroom Drama and Lori’s Alford Plea

In 2021, Lori Isenberg was charged with second-degree murder. Rather than proceeding to trial, Lori entered an Alford plea, acknowledging there was enough evidence to convict her without admitting guilt. In court, Lori claimed she had planned to take her own life and accidentally gave Larry a drink laced with Benadryl, but prosecutors and Larry’s family rejected this explanation.

During sentencing, Lori delivered a lengthy statement, apologizing for the embezzlement and taking responsibility for Larry’s death. However, her shifting stories left prosecutors and Larry’s children unconvinced. Family members testified about the betrayal they felt, describing the deep pain Lori’s actions caused and the irreplaceable loss of Larry.

Sentencing and Final Consequences

Judge Scott Wayman sentenced Lori Isenberg to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years. He cited the overwhelming evidence contradicting Lori’s claims and her lack of acceptance of the truth. In addition to the murder sentence, Lori received five years for her financial crimes. Her daughters implicated in the embezzlement scheme pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges, receiving probation and restitution orders.

Family members expressed profound grief over losing Larry, a man they described as loving, honorable, and devoted. They also voiced anger toward Lori for continuing to manipulate loved ones even after Larry’s death.

A Community Left Stunned

The case of Larry and Lori Isenberg left the Coeur d’Alene community shocked. What appeared to be an accidental drowning revealed layers of deceit and calculated decisions. Dateline’s “Kill Switch” brings viewers a comprehensive look at this harrowing story, exploring how a facade of a perfect marriage concealed a desperate attempt to hide years of fraud. As Keith Morrison’s narration lays bare the details, the episode stands as a stark reminder of how secrets and greed can destroy lives and families.

This encore presentation of Dateline NBC’s “Kill Switch” provides a detailed account of a case that captivated and horrified many, inviting viewers to consider how even those closest to us can harbor the darkest of secrets.