In 2016, Seattle nurse and mother of three Ingrid Lyne met someone through the dating app Tinder.

They exchanged messages.They met in person.Over the course of several weeks, a new relationship appeared to be developing.

To friends and family, nothing about the situation seemed unusual.

But on the night of 8 April 2016, Ingrid Lyne disappeared.

The following day, human remains were discovered in a recycling bin in another part of Seattle. The investigation that followed led police to the man she had been dating — John Robert Charlton.

In this episode of Dangerous Trust, we examine the case of Ingrid Lyne and the broader question it raises about how trust forms in modern relationships.

Because today, more than half of new couples report first meeting online.

Digital platforms allow people to connect outside traditional social networks — without shared acquaintances, reputation, or context.

And when trust develops quickly between strangers, the difference between familiarity and knowledge can become difficult to see.

Case Sources

King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.State of Washington v. John Robert Charlton — Plea and Sentencing Records (2017).

Seattle Police Department.Investigation into the death of Ingrid Lyne (2016).

Reporting by:

• The Seattle Times

• KING 5 News Seattle

• KOMO News

Court records and sentencing statements relating to the conviction of John Robert Charlton.

Legal Context

John Robert Charlton pleaded guilty in February 2017 to second-degree murder in the death of Ingrid Lyne.

He was sentenced in King County Superior Court to approximately 27 years in prison.

Under Washington State law, second-degree murder applies when a person intentionally causes the death of another without premeditation.

The guilty plea avoided a full trial and resulted in a determinate sentence under Washington’s sentencing guidelines.

Data Sources

Rosenfeld, M., Thomas, R., & Hausen, S.How Couples Meet and Stay Together (Stanford University).

Pew Research Center (2023).Online Dating and Relationships.

Bond, C., & DePaulo, B. (2006).Accuracy of deception judgments. Psychological Bulletin.

Levine, T. (2014).Truth-Default Theory: Humans tend to assume honesty in communication.

Tidwell, L., & Walther, J. (2002).Computer-mediated communication effects on interpersonal relationships.

Support Resources

If this episode raises concerns about abuse or violence in a relationship, support is available.

United Kingdom

National Domestic Abuse Helpline0808 2000 247https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Women’s Aidhttps://www.womensaid.org.uk

United States

National Domestic Violence Hotline1-800-799-SAFEhttps://www.thehotline.org

Emergency

If you believe you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services.

Credits

Host and Research: Sara Santoro

Production: Dangerous Trust