A FARMER'S WIFE IS IMPALED ON A CORN RAKE - WAS IT AN ACCIDENT OR MURDER?

"48 Hours" Investigates in "The Corn Rake Murder"

Saturday, Sept. 26

Correspondent Jim Axelrod and 48 HOURS investigate the strange death of Amy Mullis and the case against her husband Todd Mullis in "The Corn Rake Murder" to be broadcast Saturday, Sept. 26 (10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Amy Mullis was found in a shed on her family's Iowa farm with a corn rake sticking out of her back. The tool had four steel tines, but doctors who examined her found six puncture wounds. Police started investigating Mullis' husband, Todd Mullis, after learning she was considering leaving him. However, Todd Mullis had an alibi - their 13-year-old son.

It's a case that shook a small Iowa farm community. The investigation revealed what had appeared to be a good marriage was actually one fractured by Amy's affairs. A divorce could have split the family apart and could mean loss of the farm, which was worth millions.

"Everyone knew Amy Mullis," says Dina Nesheiwat, a legal expert hired by 48 HOURS to look at the defense's case. "You know, she was ... very bubbly, outgoing. ... All of a sudden one day she's dead."

So what happened?

"This is not a long-distance gunshot," says Matthew Troiano, a legal expert hired by 48 HOURS to look at the prosecution's case. "This is up close and personal."

Todd Mullis told investigators that he didn't know what happened and that he assumed she fell on the corn rake. His son told police he was with his father working in the hog barn when Amy was injured. But the number of puncture wounds, combined with the couple's marital problems, led investigators to think otherwise. Todd Mullis was arrested and charged with Amy's murder. In September 2019, Todd Mullis went on trial and 48 HOURS examines the dramatic outcome.

48 HOURS: "The Corn Rake Murder" is produced by Betsy Shuller, Lisa Freed and Lauren Clark. Marc Goldbaum is the development producer. Kat Teurfs is the field producer. Gary Winter, Greg Kaplan, Michael McHugh and Diana Modica are the editors. Peter Schweitzer is the senior producer. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. Judy Tygard is the executive producer.

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