Chapter 1: A Joyful Beginning

Ryan and Sarah Widmer (née Steward) first crossed paths through mutual acquaintances and quickly connected on a blind date at a local pub. Their chemistry was undeniable, leading to a strong bond. Ryan worked as a sports planner, while Sarah was a dedicated dental hygienist.

The couple tied the knot in April 2008 and purchased a home in Morrow, Ohio, right after their honeymoon in Costa Rica. They were already planning their next getaway to Cancun.

On the night of August 11, 2008, at 10:49 p.m., 27-year-old Ryan Widmer dialed 911, reporting that he had discovered his wife unresponsive in their bathtub. The distressing call lasted seven minutes, during which Ryan claimed that Sarah had simply fallen asleep in the tub.

Upon police arrival, they found Sarah unresponsive on the floor of their upstairs bedroom. Ryan recounted that after finishing work, he had settled down to watch the Bengals' pre-season game while Sarah went to enjoy a bath, seeking relief from headaches that had plagued her earlier.

As first responders performed