Chapter 1: The Disappearance

On May 20, 2016, Nicole Vander Heyden, a 31-year-old mother, enjoyed a night out with friends in Green Bay, Wisconsin. When she failed to return the following day, her boyfriend, Douglas Detrie, 35, alerted authorities about her disappearance.

Initially, police focused on Detrie as a suspect, as the delay in reporting her missing raised suspicions. The couple shared a home and had a six-month-old son, and although they appeared happy, they often argued about their relationship. Detrie expressed doubts about his readiness for family life, while Nicole frequently accused him of being unfaithful.

The couple attended a glam rock concert that night, excited to have a break from parenting. They arranged for a babysitter for their infant, along with two other children from Nicole’s previous relationship. However, as the evening progressed, their drinking escalated, leading to a heated argument. They eventually separated to socialize with different groups of friends.

Throughout the night, Nicole sent angry messages to Detrie, who initially responded but later ceased communication. Nicole found herself at a bar named The Sardine Can, while Detrie returned home alone. Around midnight, as her friends decided to leave, she indicated that she would find her own way back, but she never arrived home. It wasn't until the next afternoon that Detrie reported her missing.

When questioned about the delay, Detrie claimed he believed Nicole had stayed at a friend's house and was not overly concerned. Additionally, upon arriving at the police station, he appeared freshly showered, which raised further suspicions among investigators.

Not long after Detrie's statement, Nicole's body was discovered approximately three miles from home. She was found naked, with only a pair of socks and a pink wristband remaining. Her clothing had been discarded along a nearby highway. Evidence suggested that her murder occurred elsewhere, and her body had been disposed of down an embankment. The brutality of the attack left authorities only able to identify her through den