288: Online Dating Scam Ends With Two Bodies Floating in the River | The Case of Laura Kowal
2Digest
This podcast investigates the death of Laura Coal, who was found dead in the Mississippi River after sending $1.5 million to her online boyfriend, "Frank Boer," a fabricated persona used in a large-scale romance scam. Her daughter, Kelly, discovered the scam after Laura's disappearance and the involvement of federal agents. The investigation revealed a complex operation involving multiple individuals acting as money mules. While the police ruled Laura's death a suicide, inconsistencies and the reported sighting of a second body in the river cast doubt on this conclusion. The scammers, including Samuel, Jennifer Gosha, and Anthony, were eventually arrested and sentenced, but Kelly continues to seek answers and raise awareness about online scams and the need for thorough investigations in such cases. She received a response from "Frank" after emailing from her mother's account, further highlighting the ongoing mystery.
Outlines
Laura Coal's Disappearance and the Initial Investigation
Laura Coal disappears after her daughter, Kelly, receives a call from federal agents investigating a fraud scam. Laura is found missing, leaving behind only her dog, prompting an investigation into her financial activities.
Unveiling the Romance Scam and Financial Losses
Kelly discovers her mother sent $1.5 million to her online boyfriend, "Frank Boer," a fake persona. The investigation reveals the extent of the romance scam and the involvement of a larger criminal network.
The Discovery of Laura's Body and a Second Unidentified Body
Laura's car is found at a boat ramp, and her body is later discovered in the Mississippi River. A witness claims to have seen a second body in the river the same day, adding another layer of mystery to the case.
Competing Theories: Suicide or Murder?
The episode explores two theories regarding Laura's death: suicide or murder. Kelly questions the police's suicide ruling due to inconsistencies and the unexplained second body.
The Arrest of the Scammers and Kelly's Ongoing Fight for Justice
The scammers are arrested and sentenced. Kelly continues her investigation, seeking answers and raising awareness about online scams. She receives a response from "Frank" after sending an email from her mother's account.
Keywords
Romance Scam
A fraudulent scheme where perpetrators manipulate victims' emotions to obtain money or other valuables under the guise of a romantic relationship.
Catfishing
Creating a fake online persona to deceive others, often for romantic purposes or financial gain.
Online Dating Scams
Fraudulent activities targeting individuals using online dating platforms.
Money Mule
An individual who unknowingly or knowingly transfers illegally obtained funds for a criminal organization.
Online Safety
Practices and precautions to protect oneself from online fraud and scams.
Laura Coal
The victim of a romance scam and the subject of the podcast investigation.
Kelly Gow
Daughter of Laura Coal and advocate for justice in her mother's case.
Mississippi River
Location where Laura Coal's body was found.
Q&A
Was Laura Coal's death a suicide or a murder?
The police ruled her death a suicide by drowning, but her daughter and others question this conclusion due to inconsistencies and the report of a second body found in the river the same day. The true cause of death remains uncertain.
How did the scammers operate in this case?
The scammers created a fake online profile ("Frank Boer"), love-bombed Laura, and gradually extorted large sums of money from her. They also involved others as money mules to launder the funds.
What happened to the scammers involved in the case?
The scammers received various sentences ranging from probation to 20 years in prison depending on their plea and role in the scam.
What are the key takeaways from this case regarding online safety?
Always be cautious in online relationships. If something feels wrong, trust your intuition. Never share sensitive financial information or click on suspicious links. Report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
What is Kelly Gow doing now?
Kelly is actively working to raise awareness about online scams and catfishing, advocating for better investigation of her mother's case and seeking justice.
Show Notes
🔎Join Our True Crime Club & Get Exclusive Content & Perks 🔎
Join The Club: https://www.patreon.com/annieelise
🎧 Need More to Binge?
Listen to EXTRA deep dive episodes every week on Apple!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/serialously-with-annie-elise/id1519456164
🚩Announcements🚩
Want to Catch Annie LIVE on Tour? 🎤
🎟Grab your tickets now for a city near you: https://annieelise.com/pages/tour\
🌸 Spring Merch is on Sale NOW! 🌸
Shop now at https://annieelise.com/collections/shop-all
Don't miss out before your faves sell out! 🛒🌷
Follow Annie on Socials 📸
🩷Instagram: @ _annieelise, https://www.instagram.com/_annieelise/?hl=en
💜TikTok: @_annieelise, https://www.tiktok.com/@_annieelise?lang=en
🗞️ Substack: @annieelise, https://substack.com/@annieelise
💙Facebook: @10tolife, https://www.facebook.com/10toLIFE
⭐️Sponsors ⭐️
SKIMS: Shop the SKIMS Fits Everybody Collection and more at http://SKIMS.com. After you place your order, be sure to let them know I sent you! Select "podcast" in the
survey and be sure to select my show in the dropdown menu that follows.
Olipop: Head to http://drinkolipop.com/AE and get a free can of Olipop.
CBDistillery: Save 25% off your entire purchase when you visit http://CBDistillery.com and use the promo code AE.
Ka’Chava: Go to http://kachava.com and use the code AE for 15% off your next order.
Shop Annie’s Closet & Must-Haves! 👗
Poshmark: https://posh.mk/Tdbki6Ae0Rb
ShopMY: https://shopmy.us/annieelise
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/10tolife?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_aipsfshop_BKN1ZMCMEZHACVFQ2R75&language=en_US
Disclaimer ‣ Some links may be affiliate links, they do not cost you anything, but I make a small percentage from the sale. Thank you so much for watching and supporting me.
🎙️ Follow the podcast for FREE on all podcast platforms!
Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/serialously-with-annie-elise/id1519456164
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/6HdheEH8WeMTHoe5da34qU
All Other Platforms: https://audioboom.com/channels/5100770-serialously-with-annie-elise
Get Involved or Recommend the Case 💬
About Annie: https://annieelise.com/
For Business Inquiries: 10toLife@WMEAgency.com
Episode Sources 🔗
13 WREX
CBS News
CBS Sunday Morning
CIMB Group
Daily Mail
Eyewitness News
Fifty Grande
GovInfo
MarketWatch
Midwest Living
PC Mag
Sandhills Express
SensorTower
The Protectors Podcast
The Sun
*Sources used to collect this information include various public news sites, interviews, court documents, FB groups dedicated to the case, and various news channel segments. When quoting statements made by others, they are strictly alleged until confirmed otherwise. Please remember my videos are my independent opinion and to always do your own research.
••••••••••••••••••
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this video are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company. Assumptions made in the analysis are not reflective of the position of any entity other than the creator(s). These views are subject to change, revision, and rethinking at any time and are not to be held in perpetuity. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information on this video and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. It is the reader’s responsibility to verify their own facts
Table of contents
United States
