“Kristen Trickle: Autopsy of the Mind”: 48 Hours Reports February 8 2025

This Saturday, February 8, 2025, 48 Hours revisits the shocking case of Kristen Trickle in an encore presentation of Kristen Trickle: Autopsy of the Mind. The episode investigates the mysterious death of 26-year-old Kristen Trickle, who was found with a fatal gunshot wound in her Hays, Kansas, home on Halloween night in 2019. What was initially ruled a suicide soon turned into a complex criminal case, uncovering a disturbing web of deception, financial motive, and forensic uncertainty.

The case against her husband, Colby Trickle, took nearly two years to build as authorities pieced together new forensic techniques, financial transactions, and inconsistencies in his story. The prosecution’s use of Kansas’ first-ever psychological autopsy played a key role in challenging the initial ruling of suicide. The investigation and trial exposed chilling details about what really happened that night and how justice was finally served.

The Morning of the Tragedy

In the early hours of October 31, 2019, Colby Trickle placed a frantic 911 call, claiming his wife had shot herself in their bed. When first responders arrived, Kristen was still alive but gravely injured. Sergeant Brandon Hauptman of the Hays Police Department immediately noticed inconsistencies at the scene, including the positioning of Kristen’s body and the placement of the revolver used in the shooting.

Despite his suspicions, the county coroner, Dr. Lyle Noordhoek, ruled Kristen’s death a suicide three days later. This ruling effectively shut down key aspects of the investigation. However, law enforcement officers and Kristen’s family were not convinced. Investigators continued to examine the evidence, and over time, details emerged that pointed toward foul play rather than self-inflicted harm.

A Suspicious Financial Trail

Shortly after Kristen’s death, Colby Trickle collected over $120,000 from two life insurance policies—one through Walmart, where Kristen worked, and another through the U.S. military. While grieving spouses are expected to struggle emotionally after losing a partner, Colby’s behavior raised immediate concerns.

Two days after receiving his first insurance payout, he spent nearly $2,000 on a life-size sex doll. Over the next eight months, he rapidly burned through the remaining money, purchasing video games, paying off debts, and investing in music equipment. This erratic spending, combined with text messages suggesting Colby had been engaging in flirtatious conversations with another woman, deepened investigators’ suspicions.

Further examination of his phone records revealed something even more troubling—just ten days before Kristen’s death, Colby had searched online for information about spousal life insurance payouts. When confronted, he denied making the search, then later suggested Kristen may have done it herself. Surveillance footage from Walmart proved otherwise, showing that Kristen had been at work at the time.

Inconsistencies in the Suicide Theory

Several forensic details did not align with the initial ruling of suicide. Kristen’s alarm was still going off when officers arrived, indicating she had planned to wake up for work. Her body was found partially undressed, which investigators noted was unusual for a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Most notably, the weapon—a large .357 revolver—was considered too heavy for someone of Kristen’s size to easily maneuver in a self-inflicted shooting.

Investigators also noted an anomaly with the entry wound. The sight mark on Kristen’s chin suggested an unnatural firing position, making it unlikely she pulled the trigger herself. Additionally, while Colby claimed Kristen kept the gun on her side of the bed, photographs taken before her death placed the firearm on Colby’s side, further undermining his account.

The Psychological Autopsy and Legal Breakthrough

Frustrated by the lack of progress, newly elected county attorney Robert Anderson took an unprecedented approach. He ordered a psychological autopsy—a forensic analysis of Kristen’s mental state leading up to her death. Conducted by forensic psychologist Dr. Ashley Christiansen, the study concluded that Kristen showed no signs of suicidal ideation. She had been making plans for the future, including launching a pet boarding business, and had no history of self-harm.

This psychological analysis, combined with inconsistencies in Colby’s statements and forensic evidence, gave prosecutors the confidence to charge him with first-degree murder and interference with law enforcement in July 2021.

The Trial and Verdict

Colby Trickle’s trial began in September 2023. Prosecutors laid out a compelling case, arguing that Kristen’s death was the result of an elaborate scheme driven by financial gain, loss of control over his wife, and an extramarital affair. The life insurance search, the purchase of the sex doll, and forensic evidence all pointed toward premeditated murder.

The defense, led by attorney Cassy Zeigler, argued that Colby had no motive to kill Kristen and that his spending habits were merely coping mechanisms. His mother even testified that the sex doll was for comfort rather than sexual purposes. However, Kristen’s family and investigators saw things differently. They believed that Colby had manipulated Kristen and viewed her as expendable once she began asserting herself in their marriage.

After less than two hours of deliberation, the jury found Colby Trickle guilty of first-degree murder and false reporting to law enforcement.

Sentencing and Justice Served

On November 20, 2023, Judge Glenn Braun sentenced Colby Trickle to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 50 years. Before his sentencing, Colby maintained his innocence but admitted he could have been a better husband. His statement did little to sway the court or Kristen’s grieving family.

After the verdict, the county coroner revised Kristen’s death certificate to reflect the truth—it was not a suicide but a homicide. This final correction, while symbolic, brought closure to her family, who had fought tirelessly for justice.

Remembering Kristen Trickle

Kristen Trickle was more than a victim. She was a bright, ambitious young woman who loved animals and had dreams of starting her own business. Her life was taken too soon, but her family ensures her memory lives on. Her cousin Chloe Rice even wrote a song in her honor, capturing the loss they all feel.

As 48 Hours reexamines this tragic case, it serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough investigations and the dangers of jumping to conclusions. Kristen’s story highlights the necessity of questioning inconsistencies, trusting forensic evidence, and seeking justice, even when the truth takes years to uncover.

Catch Kristen Trickle: Autopsy of the Mind on 48 Hours this Saturday at 9:00 PM ET/PT on CBS, and stream it on Paramount+ the following day.

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