Current Update on Danelle Geier and George Ishler Ahead of Snapped on Oxygen

In a chilling case that shocked the academic community, Danelle Geier and George Ishler Jr. were found guilty of the homicide of Professor Ronald Bettig in 2018. Both individuals received life sentences for their roles in this grave crime.

Currently, George Ishler is incarcerated at Coat Township State Prison, located in Northumberland County, while Danelle Geier is serving her sentence at Muncy State Prison in Lycoming County, according to prison records.

Oxygen Network’s upcoming episode of Snapped, Season 34, Episode 13, titled “Danelle Geier,”will delve into the details of this harrowing case. Scheduled to air on November 3, 2024, at 6 PM ET, this episode promises to bring new insights into the investigation.

The Murder of Professor Ronald Bettig

Professor Ronald Bettig, aged 56, had an impressive academic background, having graduated from the University of California and the University of Illinois. He was a well-respected media studies professor at Penn State University and authored several publications. Tragically, his life was cut short in August 2016, when his body was discovered at the bottom of Blackhawk Quarry in Potter Township, as reported by the Centre Daily Times.

Initially reported missing by his acquaintances, including Geier and Ishler, Bettig’s disappearance prompted a missing person report three days after he failed to return home. Alongside his absence, his car was also notably missing. Tragically, upon further investigation, authorities established that Bettig had met with foul play.

At first, Bettig’s death appeared to be a suicide; however, suspicions quickly fell on Ishler and Geier. Investigators uncovered that the trio shared a mutual interest in marijuana, an aspect that added complexity to the case. Allegedly, Ishler and Geier perpetrated the murder for financial gain, with reports indicating that Bettig had recently signed a will that would significantly benefit the pair after his death.

Details of the Conspiracy

Evidence surfaced suggesting that Geier and Ishler had initially plotted to drown Bettig but later opted to push him to his death. Text messages emerged that further implicated the duo, showcasing a premeditated plan to kill the professor.

During police interrogations, Ishler eventually confessed to pushing Bettig, while Geier disclosed that they had attempted to stage the crime scene to resemble either a suicide or a disappearance. Following the murder, they concealed Bettig’s vehicle and reported him missing three days later.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Danelle Geier and George Ishler were arrested and charged in 2016 with multiple offenses, including first and third-degree murder, conspiracy, aggravated assault, and evidence tampering. In April 2018, after Ishler’s guilty plea, both were found guilty by a jury of Bettig’s murder.

Ultimately, they were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The two are currently serving their sentences in separate facilities.

What to Expect in the Snapped Episode

The synopsis for the forthcoming Snapped episode reads:

“When a former Penn State professor mysteriously goes missing, police uncover clues to his untimely demise; the investigation leads to a grisly crime scene and two unlikely culprits, who would stop at nothing to eliminate him.”

To discover more about this compelling case, be sure to watch this episode on Oxygen on November 3.

For further reading, see more details in this source.