When Online Dating Turns Deadly

In early 2012, Dave Kroupa moved from Wisconsin to Nebraska. Looking to start fresh after a long-term relationship, he turned to online dating. Within days, he met Shanna “Liz” Golyar, a housekeeper and mother of two. Their relationship was on-and-off for about six months until Kroupa met Cari Farver, a single mother who was a customer at his auto repair shop.

A Promising New Connection

Kroupa and Farver quickly hit it off and began dating. Farver, who worked at a telecommunications company, made it clear she wasn’t looking for a serious relationship. However, just two weeks into their dating, Kroupa received an unexpected text from Farver one morning asking, “Do you want to move in together now?” Surprised and confused, Kroupa sent a dismissive reply. Farver’s response was immediate and intense, with messages like “I hate you” and “You ruined my life.”

The Harassment Begins

Soon, the texts and emails intensified, with more than 18,000 emails and 50,000 text messages bombarding him from accounts associated with Farver. These messages included threats against Kroupa, his former partner Amy Flora, and his current partner Liz Golyar, whom he resumed dating. The harassment escalated to acts of vandalism, burglary, and even arson.

A Mysterious Disappearance

Meanwhile, Farver had vanished without a trace. Her family reported her missing, noting that she had left her bank accounts untouched and her teenage son in her mother’s care. Despite her disappearance, the barrage of threatening messages continued, leaving Kroupa and Golyar living in constant fear. Their properties were vandalized, and in 2013, Golyar’s house was burned down, killing her pets. Desperate for safety, Kroupa relocated, but his tormentor found him through his online dating profile, proving the harassment was relentless and pervasive.

The Investigation Heats Up

In April 2015, detectives from the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office took on Farver’s case. They concluded that Farver had likely been dead since November 2012, when the harassing messages began. With help from a digital forensic specialist, they traced the messages to an IP address linked to Golyar. Although they identified Golyar as the culprit, they lacked the evidence to arrest her immediately.

The Shocking Truth Uncovered

In December 2015, Golyar was shot in the leg and claimed Kroupa’s former partner Amy Flora was responsible. However, investigators quickly determined that Golyar had shot herself to frame Flora, just as she had framed Farver. Search warrants revealed Golyar had been using software to mask her identity and schedule texts and emails in Farver’s name. More disturbingly, evidence suggested Golyar had actually murdered Cari Farver.

Golyar’s Mug Shot

Justice Served

In May 2017, Golyar was convicted of first-degree murder and second-degree arson. She was sentenced to life without parole plus 20 years. Dave Kroupa now lives more cautiously, closely guarding his personal information.

Kroupa’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in the world of online dating. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and caution in online relationships, highlighting how quickly a search for companionship can turn into a nightmare. You can learn more about this story by watching “Lover, Stalker, Killer”, now playing on Netlix®.

Reference: Real-Life Fatal Attraction: Nebraska Love Triangle Turns Deadly