'Lover Stalker Killer' brings a twisted tale of love, deception and digital danger to Netflix

Prepare for a gripping journey into the dark side of love with Netflix's upcoming true crime documentary, Lover Stalker Killer, premiering on Feb 9. This chilling real-life thriller exposes a harrowing love triangle that escalates into a web of harassment, digital deception, and ultimately, murder.

What is Love Stalker Killer about?

In 2012, Dave Kroupa, fresh from a breakup and eager to reenter the dating scene, creates an online profile, leading him to Liz Golyar, a single mum with a love for animals.

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Little does he know that a chance encounter with another single mother, Cari Farver, would set off a chain of events leading to a tragic love triangle. The ensuing tale becomes the focal point of Lover Stalker Killer, the latest documentary from Curious Films and director Sam Hobkinson.

What was Dave Kroupa and Liz Golyar’s relationship?

In 2012, Dave Kroupa and Liz Golyar connected on an online dating site. While they hung out regularly, Kroupa made it clear he wasn't looking for a serious commitment, and Golyar seemed fine with that.

Soon after, Kroupa met Cari Farver at his auto shop in Macedonia, Iowa, and asked her out. On one of their early dates at Kroupa's apartment, things took an unexpected turn. As Farver left, Golyar coincidentally showed up, claiming she just needed to pick up a few things. Little did they know, this chance meeting would change their lives forever.

Who was stalking Dave Kroupa?

In the following weeks, Farver and Kroupa continued their interactions. On November 12, 2012, Farver stayed overnight at Kroupa's. According to Kroupa's account to the police, he gave her a morning goodbye kiss before heading to work. That would be the last time anyone saw Farver.

Despite her apparent disappearance, she remained digitally present, bombarding Kroupa and his ex-girlfriend with a barrage of threatening texts, accusing him of ruining her life. Golyar also claimed to have received similar messages from Farver, warning her to stay away from Kroupa.

Nancy Raney, Farver's mother, was also on the receiving end of messages. Farver informed her that she had relocated to Kansas for a new job and would soon discuss arrangements to pick up her 14-year-old son, Max.

Suspecting foul play, Raney took her concerns to the police. As weeks passed, Farver continued to miss crucial family events, including her son's 15th birthday, Thanksgiving, and even her father's funeral, as reported by ABC News.

What happened to Cari Farver?

Come spring 2015, Farver's family had not seen her for two and a half years. Intrigued by the mysterious case, Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office investigator Ryan Avis and Sergeant Jim Doty voluntarily took on the investigation.

On revisiting the evidence, Doty and Avis uncovered a shocking revelation: Farver hadn't been the one sending those threatening texts. It was Golyar, who, in 2012, had not only murdered Farver but also kept her phone to impersonate her online. This sinister plot not only covered Golyar's tracks but also created the illusion that Farver was the one causing trouble.

Additionally, Golyar was responsible for burning down her own house - tragically, with her pets inside - and shooting herself in the leg - both things that she claimed were the actions of Farver and, later, Kroupa's ex-girlfriend Amy Flora.

Where is Liz Golyar now?

A significant breakthrough occurred in the investigation when authorities discovered Golyar's phone with a photo of Farver's car and logins for numerous fake email accounts. Accessing a tablet revealed an old memory card owned by Golyar, containing thousands of photos, including one depicting Farver's dead body.

On December 22, 2016, Golyar was charged with the first-degree murder of Cari Farver. Found guilty, she is presently serving a life sentence.

Lover Stalker Killer premieres on Netflix on February 9.

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