The chilling saga of Cari Farver’s disappearance and murder, as chronicled in the Netflix documentary “Lover, Stalker, Killer,” unveils a sinister web of digital deception, unrequited obsession, and a meticulously executed crime that captivated and horrified the nation.

This narrative not only sheds light on the complexities of human emotions when entangled in the digital age but also underscores the profound implications of online impersonation and harassment.

The Beginning of a Nightmare

Dave Kroupa’s foray into online dating after ending a long-term relationship marked the beginning of an unforeseen nightmare. His encounters with Shanna Elizabeth Golyar, who went by Liz, and Cari Farver, a single mother not looking for a serious relationship, seemed innocuous at first.

However, Farver’s sudden disappearance in 2012, following a brief and casual dating period with Kroupa, set the stage for a harrowing ordeal that would unfold over the next four years.

A Web of Deceit

The case took a dark turn as Kroupa began receiving thousands of messages, initially believed to be from Farver, expressing anger and resentment. These messages escalated into a relentless campaign of harassment and threats, not only targeting Kroupa but also those close to him, including his children and on-again, off-again lover, Liz Golyar.

The persistence and intensity of the harassment led to acts of vandalism, arson, and an overwhelming sense of fear and paranoia, with Kroupa and Golyar seemingly bonded together as victims of Farver’s wrath.

Unraveling the Truth

The breakthrough in the investigation came when detectives, intrigued by the peculiar nature of Farver’s disappearance and the continuous stream of messages, decided to re-examine the evidence.

Their findings revealed a shocking truth: the messages were not from Farver but from Liz Golyar herself. Golyar had murdered Farver and meticulously orchestrated a digital facade, impersonating Farver to torment Kroupa and mask her own guilt.

The Conviction and Aftermath

In 2017, Liz Golyar was convicted of first-degree murder and second-degree arson, receiving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

The conviction brought some closure to the case but left many questions unanswered, particularly the whereabouts of Cari Farver’s remains. The tragedy of Farver’s murder is a stark reminder of the potential for digital technology to be weaponized and the devastating impact of obsessive love turned lethal.

Reflections on Digital Deception

Lover, Stalker, Killer not only recounts the events leading to Farver’s murder but also prompts a broader reflection on the dangers of digital impersonation and the ease with which lives can be manipulated and destroyed in the virtual realm.

The documentary serves as a cautionary tale about the dark underbelly of online interactions and the importance of vigilance in an increasingly connected world.

In the end, the story of Cari Farver, Dave Kroupa, and Liz Golyar is a tragic testament to the complexities of human emotions, the destructive power of jealousy, and the profound consequences of actions taken in the shadows of the digital age.