Sins and Secrets Premiered ‘Ocean City’ on ID: Tourists Joshua Ford & Martha Crutchley Reported Missing in Maryland (March 1, 2012)

On March 1, 2012August 16, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, True Crime, VeteransLeave a comment

In 2002, Erika and BJ Sifrit’s vacation in Ocean City, MD ended with them in the back of a squad car arrested for armed robbery. When two dismembered bodies were later unearthed, the connection between the two crimes would reveal a grisly murder. -Ocean City, Sins and Secrets (S2,E8)

A seemingly perfect young couple is concealing a sinful life of crime and sexual depravity. Then later, a threesome of lovers ends in a bizarre homicide and cover-up. -Killers on the Run, Deadly Sins (S3,E9)

Forensic Files:

Full Episode: The couple spent Memorial Day weekend at the beach, and then they simply vanished. Their clothes and personal items were still in the rented condo, their car was parked outside, and there were no signs of forced entry or foul play. A week later, police would get an unexpected lead from a robbery in progress, and the evidence they found helped them to solve a crime of unparalleled violence and brutality. -Dirty Little Seacret, Forensic Files (S13, E46)

Oxygen:

A young woman’s scrapbook offers insight into a shocking crime. -Erika Sifrit, Snapped (S8,E11)

A vacationing couple’s disappearance exposes the horrific crimes of a murderous husband and wife. -Erika and BJ Sifrit, Killer Couples (S11,E2)

Podcast:

Once Upon A Crime – Episode 112: Listener Suggestions: Erika and Benjamin Sifrit – Killer Couple (December 22, 2018)

Editor’s note: With a cable subscription, you can download the free ID Go app and watch Investigation Discovery programming at your convenience. And for those who do not have cable, you can watch “unlocked” episodes on the ID Go app including the latest premieres. For those who prefer commercial free programming during your binge session, Prime Video has an ID channel: ‘True Crime Files by Investigation Discovery” available for $3.99 a month. It’s a compilation of older seasons but totally worth the cost if you are a true crime addict. Download the ID Go app or purchase ID True Crime Files & binge away.

Snapped Premiered ‘Erika Sifrit’ on Oxygen: Woman’s Arrest Leads to Shocking Homicides of Tourists in Ocean City, Maryland (June 16, 2011)

On June 16, 2011August 16, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, True Crime, VeteransLeave a comment

A young woman’s scrapbook offers insight into a shocking crime. -Erika Sifrit, Snapped (S8,E11)

A vacationing couple’s disappearance exposes the horrific crimes of a murderous husband and wife. -Erika and BJ Sifrit, Killer Couples (S11,E2)

Oxygen (Previews & Bonus Clips):

Erica Sifrit was your typical girl next door during high school, but experienced issues with anxiety and OCD at Mary Washington College. -Erika & BJ Sifrit, Killer Couples (January 29, 2019)

Erika and Benjamin Sifrit’s marriage ended in thrill killings, pain, and anguish. -Erika & BJ Sifrit, Killer Couples (January 29, 2019)

Scott Bernal, Ocean City Lead Detective discusses the murder trials of Erika and Benjamin Sifrit’s for the death two tourists. -Erika & BJ Sifrit, Killer Couples (January 30, 2019)

Ocean City Detectives Brett Case and Scott Bernal reflect on the murder of Joshua Edward Ford and the acquittal of Benjamin Sifrit, and his potential release. -Erika & BJ Sifrit, Killer Couples (January 30, 2019)

Kristen Heinbaugh, a high school friend of Erika Sifrit, reflects on the character of the person she used to know before the murders of Joshua Edward Ford and Martha Margene Crutchley. -Erika & BJ Sifrit, Killer Couples (January 30, 2019)

Forensic Files:

Podcast:

Once Upon A Crime – Episode 112: Listener Suggestions: Erika and Benjamin Sifrit – Killer Couple (December 22, 2018)

Snapped Premiered ‘Monique Berkley’ on Oxygen: Navy Reservist Paul Berkley Shot and Killed While Home on Leave for Christmas (May 26, 2011)

On May 26, 2011August 24, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, Stateside Death, True CrimeLeave a comment

A military wife is caught in deadly love triangle. -Monique Berkley, Snapped, Oxygen (S8,E8)

Investigation Discovery:

The young and wild Monique Wallace is married to 40-year-old Paul Berkley, a navy reservist and father of two in suburban North Carolina. But with Paul leaving on a mission overseas, temptation and lust will lead them all down a dark path to murder. -Rules of Engagement, Scorned: Love Kills (S2,E7)

Some women like others to do their dirty work. A drama queen brings her love triangle to a permanent end; an intimate betrayal turns friends into deadly foes; and a loose woman will do anything to protect her freedom. -Murder for Me, Deadly Women (S9,E11)

Art Student Samantha ‘Shelley’ Nance Found Murdered in Dallas, Texas; Navy Veteran Daniel Willyam Sentenced to Life in Prison (September 11, 2009)

On September 11, 2009October 25, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, VeteransLeave a comment

Samantha Shelley Nance 2 — Samantha ‘Shelley’ Nance was found murdered on September 11, 2009 in Dallas, Texas.

Dallas News: It wasn’t the first time the gay former Navy pastry chef had had thoughts of using knives on someone who upset him, according to Veterans Affairs medical records submitted as evidence during the punishment phase of Willyam’s trial. In describing March 2005 problems that led to his removal from his ship at his own request, Willyam told a psychologist “that he was so upset with superiors that he might be tempted to use pots and pans or hot grease and knives to hurt them,” the records said. “He asked to be removed from the ship [because] he was concerned that in the heat of the moment he wouldn’t be rational.” There was also at least one prior occasion on which Willyam acted violently, according to the records. “He reports nightmares, general anxiety, and one rageful outburst, though he was typically more mellow and calm,” the records said. “This outburst occurred in November and he tore up his brother’s room in his mother’s house with a Samurai sword and says that he was surprised by his actions after he had calmed down.” (November 4, 2011)

Investigation Discovery:

Teresa Palaia discusses the murder of Samantha Nance. -Investigation Discovery (March 19, 2012)

When Shelley Nance is found stabbed to death, the shocking murder sends the community of Lake Highlands, Texas into a panic. Friends are stunned as police zero in on her closest friends. What they uncover is jealousy, hate, and a bizarre fatal attraction. -Investigation Discovery (October 29, 2016)

Shelley Nance Art Exhibit:

The family of Shelley Nance held an art exhibit to showcase her talent and to raise funds for a scholarship in her name Saturday, March 10 at the Ellis County Art Museum. -Waxahachie Daily Light (March 13, 2012)

Related Links:
Samantha Michelle “Shelley” Nance | Find A Grave
Texas art student’s slaying flies under media radar
Boyfriend, his roommate questioned in Art Institute of Dallas student’s death
Suspect Named in Art Student’s Murder
Arrest made in murder of Dallas art student
Jealousy drove suspect to kill art student, Dallas County jury is told
Gay ex-Navy pastry chef was so obsessed with roommate that he murdered girlfriend
Man gets life for fatally stabbing Dallas art institute student
Dateline: Infatuation – Why Daniel Willyam killed Shelley Nance
Art Student Shelley Nance Killed By Boyfriend’s Gay, Jealous Roommate
Samantha ‘Shelly’ Nance was murdered by Daniel Willyam in a frenzied attack – In Plain Sight spotlights tragic case
People Who Killed Out of Jealousy | Ranker
Dateline Extra MSNBC February 17, 2019 7:00pm-9:00pm PST
Art Imitates Death | Fatal Encounters | Investigation Discovery
The Art of Murder | Nightmare Next Door | Investigation Discovery
A Friend to Die For | In Plain Sight | Investigation Discovery
Murdered In Bizarre Love Triangle
The Moment This Mother Knew Something Wasn’t Right With Her Missing Daughter
Shelley Nance Art Exhibit

Forensic Files Premiered ‘Plastic Puzzle’: Navy Veteran Kirk Hudson Struck & Killed in Hit-And-Run Accident in Kalamazoo, Michigan (June 1, 2005)

On June 1, 2005August 6, 2020 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Navy, True Crime, VeteransLeave a comment

A man riding a bicycle was fatally injured, and police believed he was the victim of a hit-and-run accident. Tiny clues found at the scene created a picture of the vehicle which struck him and led police to its driver. -Plastic Puzzle, Forensic Files (S10,E3)

Editor’s Note: Full episodes of Forensic Files are available on a variety of media platforms. Forensic Files Channel features full episodes of Forensic Files on YouTube. You can also find full episodes of Forensic Files on both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. On Netflix, the seasons are grouped as collection 1-9. On Amazon Prime Video, you can find Season 1-10 here; Season 11; Season 12; Season 13; Season 14; Season 15; Season 16; Season 17; Season 18; Season 19; Season 20; and Season 21. Start bingeing and see for yourself why Forensic Files is such a hit!

Related Links:
Kirk Glenstan Hudson (February 18, 1995)
Plastic Puzzle | Forensic Files | IMDb
Plastic Puzzle | Forensic Files | Full Episodes (S10,E3)
Plastic Puzzle | Forensic Files | Netflix (Collection 2, E11)
Plastic Puzzle | Forensic Files | Amazon Prime Video (S10,E1)
Forensic Files: 13 Active Duty Military and Veteran Homicide Cases [Full Episodes]
PEOPLE of the State of Michigan, Plaintiff-Appellant v. James Arthur NORTHEY, Defendant-Appellee (Court of Appeals of Michigan, 1998)

Forensic Files Premiered ‘The Financial Downfall’: Navy Spouse Deanna Wild Falls to Her Death While Sightseeing at Big Sur Cliff in California (August 11, 2004)

On August 11, 2004August 6, 2020 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, True CrimeLeave a comment

A beautiful, vibrant young woman fell to her death from a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Initially, investigators thought it was just a terrible accident. But after a closer forensic examination of photographs taken at the scene, police had a very different story of what had happened. -The Financial Downfall, Forensic Files (S9,E12)

Related Links:
Forensic Files Wiki: Virginia McGinnis
The Financial Downfall | Forensic Files | IMDb
The Financial Downfall | Forensic Files | Facebook Fan Club
The Financial Downfall | Forensic Files | Full Episodes (S9,E12)
The Financial Downfall | Forensic Files | Netflix (Collection 4, E20)
The Financial Downfall | Forensic Files | Amazon Prime Video (S9,E21)
Virginia Reardon & Billie Joe McGinnis Pushed Deanna Wild Off Cliff in California; Reardon Sentenced to Life, McGinnis Died Before Trial (April 2, 1987)
Deadly Women Premiered ‘Vicious Vixens’ on ID; Virginia Reardon & Billie Joe McGinnis Kill Son’s Wife for Life Insurance Benefits (August 16, 2013)
Deadly Women: 30 Military and Veteran Homicide Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery

Department of Defense: Statement of Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on Accident in Vietnam (April 7, 2001)

On April 7, 2001August 7, 2019 By AdministratorIn Accidents, Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, Non Combat DeathLeave a comment

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld today released the following statement (April 7, 2001):

“Americans are saddened by today’s tragic loss of life of both U.S. and Vietnamese service personnel in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Those of us in the Department of Defense, and the families of our missing, are keenly aware of the dedication of both the American and Vietnamese team members who were, on this very day, searching for servicemen who have been missing in action since the end of the war.”

Read more from the Department of Defense here.

7 Americans, 9 Vietnamese Die in Viet Helo Crash (April 10, 2001):

“The Americans killed in the crash were identified as Army Lt. Col. Rennie M. Cory Jr., commander, Detachment 2, Joint Task Force-Full Accounting; Army Lt. Col. George D. Martin III, incoming commander; Air Force Maj. Charles E. Lewis, deputy commander; Army Sgt. 1st Class Tommy J. Murphy, mortuary affairs team sergeant, Central Identification Laboratory-Hawaii; Navy Chief Petty Officer Pedro J. Gonzales, corpsman; and Air Force Master Sgt. Steven L. Moser and Tech. Sgt. Robert M. Flynn, linguists. U.S. Pacific Command officials in Hawaii released the names April 9 at 7 p.m. The Vietnamese dead include the three-member crew and four aircraft technicians. Also killed were two members of the Vietnamese agency that assists U.S. Pacific Command’s Joint Task Force-Full Accounting in its investigation and recovery efforts.”

Read more from the Department of Defense here.

“A Pacific Command investigation into an April 7 helicopter crash that killed seven U.S. servicemen in Vietnam found that deteriorating weather conditions, poor visibility and the Vietnamese pilot’s failure to “properly react” to those conditions were predominant factors in the accident.” –Honolulu Advertiser (October 17, 2001)

Related Links:
Statement of Secretary Rumsfeld on Accident in Vietnam (April 7, 2001)
7 Americans, 9 Vietnamese Die in Viet Helo Crash (April 10, 2001)
US officials mourn Vietnamese helicopter crash victims
U.S. Releases Names of Those Killed in Vietnam Crash
Army, Air Force identify dead in Vietnam crash
Hawaii residents among dead in Vietnam chopper crash
Bodies of 7 returned from Vietnam
Remains of 7 MIA Hunters Return to U.S.
Vietnam crash brings pain to the isle
Never Forgotten: Accounting for American MIAs
Fayetteville Soldier Killed In Helicopter Crash In Vietnam
Virtual Vietnam Veterans In Memory Honor Roll | Rennie Melville Cory Jr.
In Memory of Lt. Col. Rennie Cory Jr
The Bone Collectors | Newsweek
Honoring JTF-FA Heroes
Poor visibility, pilot blamed in Vietnam copter crash
Gone but Never Forgotten

Forensic Files Premiered ‘Beaten By A Hair’: Laura Houghteling Reported Missing, Confessed Killer Led Police to Body (November 26, 1998)

On November 26, 1998August 6, 2020 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, PTSD, TBI, Mental Illness, True Crime, VeteransLeave a comment

Full Episode: In 1992, Laura Houghteling disappeared from her Bethesda home and was never seen again. Five days later, police discovered a bloody pillow and pillowcase lying in the woods near Laura’s house. Laura’s bedroom was then searched and forensic science was used to direct them a to prime suspect. -Beaten By a Hair, Forensic Files (S3,E9)

Related Links:
Laura Bettis Houghteling (1969-1992)
Hadden Clark – Wikipedia
Hadden Clark | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers
Beaten By a Hair | Forensic Files | IMDb
Beaten By a Hair | Forensic Files | Full Episodes (S3,E9)
Beaten By a Hair | Forensic Files | Netflix (Collection 3,E3)
Beaten By a Hair | Forensic Files | Amazon Prime Video (S3,E8)
Hadden Clark | Forensic Files Wiki | FANDOM
Forensic Files: 13 Active Duty Military and Veteran Homicide Cases [Full Episodes]
Cape search for girl’s body closes
Murder Suspect’s ‘Lifestyle is Getting Even’
Hadden Clark returned to Cape to search for graves
Remains Found After 14 Years?
Houghteling’s Body Found
Maryland Police Unearth Body of Girl, Ending Mystery of Her 1986 Disappearance
A Hole in the Ground | The New Yorker
A Hole In The Ground – Longform
Greater Good – Baltimore Sun
Hadden Irving CLARK, v. STATE of Maryland (September 26, 2001)
Appeals Court Rejects Clark Appeal in Michele Dorr’s Murder
Brothers in barbarity | Toronto Sun
Jailed ‘Cross Dressing Cannibal Serial Killer’ tops brother’s violent history, claims he slayed at least 12 women
Gruesome catalogue of cannibal killer and his sick brother who killed girl, 6, and drank her blood
Sibling rivalry taken to a disturbing level: How cannibalistic killer’s brother became a deranged multi-murderer who confessed to drinking six-year-old girl’s blood
Serial Killer and Cannibal Hadden Clark – ThoughtCo
Hadden Irving Clark: The Cross-Dressing Cannibal | 1987: Year of the Serial Killer
Born Evil: A True Story of Cannibalism and Serial Murder (Book)
Ep 14: Cannibal Clarks pt 2 — Part Time Podcasts
15. Hadden Clark – True Crime Basement
The Cross-Dressing Cannibal – Convicted Killer Hadden Clark
10 Gruesome Cases Of Cannibalism In Modern-Day America

Kelly Eckart Found Murdered in Indiana; Michael Overstreet Sentenced to Death But Court Ruled Not Competent for Execution (September 27, 1997)

On September 27, 1997October 6, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, PTSD, TBI, Mental Illness, Sexual Assault, VeteransLeave a comment

Kelly Eckart, Indiana

Michael Dean Overstreet

Offender: Michael Dean Overstreet
Occupation: US Navy veteran (discharged for psychological problems after one month), construction, frequently unemployed
Pathology: Stranger abduction, rape, and murder by strangulation, shot victim in forehead
Dates: September 27, 1997
Location: Franklin, Indiana, moved body to Atterbury Wildlife Preserve (Brown County)
Motive: Hunted prey, lured victim, stranger abduction, rape & murder
Victim: Kelly Eckart (18), Franklin College student
M.O.: Stalked at work, followed home after work shift, bumped her car while both driving on road, abducted after she pulled over
Conviction: Sentenced to death (July 31, 2000), Indiana court ruled not competent to be executed in 2014, still on death row
Status: Incarcerated, death row
Appearance: Blanket of Evidence (Forensic Files); All-American Sweethearts (Murder Comes to Town); Death Row (Real Stories); First Love, Forever Evil (Evil Lives Here)
Red Flags: Deprived and abusive childhood, Schizotypal Personality Disorder, mother failed to seek mental health for him, got in fights, bully in high school, went to jail for having a gun at school, isolated & controlled significant other, stalking, threatening, long history of domestic abuse, obsession with weaponry especially knives, always carried a knife, owned firearms, threatened wife with knife, grabbed wife by throat & pointed gun at her head (shot it next to her head), threatened wife with rifle, unexplained absences, secret life/two lives, hallucinations, volatile temper, unpredictable, paranoid, admitted to wife he killed people (delusional thoughts), psychological deterioration, liked killing animals, spent a lot of time alone in the woods, obsessed with media after crimes committed, wife afraid to call the police with suspicions, one misdemeanor in criminal history, loves his family & two children, model prisoner

In the News:

A northern Indiana judge is nearing a decision on whether a man convicted of abducting and killing a Franklin College student in 1997 should be put to death. -RTV6 The Indy Channel (November 13, 2014)

Overstreet ruled not competent to face death penalty. -WTHR (November 20, 2014)

Full Episode: Housing 1900 inmates, 12 of whom are on death row, Trevor spends two weeks in the dark and forbidding world of Indiana State Maximum Security Prison. He hears from men who know what it is like to live under the shadow of the death penalty and even the date and time they will die. -Indiana Death Row, Part 1, Real Stories (August 28, 2017)

Full Episode: Indiana Death Row | Part 2 | Real Stories (August 30, 2017)

Forensic Files:

Full Episode: A young woman disappeared after working the late shift in a department store. Days later, her body was found in an isolated ravine. Tiny clues told police a great deal about the killer. He would own olive-colored carpeting, a white blanket, and distinctive bullets made from wax, not lead. -Blanket of Evidence, Forensic Files (S11, E38)

Investigation Discovery:

Eighteen-year-old Kelly Eckart disappears one night after finishing up her shift at a local hardware store. Hours later her car is discovered abandoned by the side of the road, still running, but Kelly is nowhere to be found. -All-American Sweethearts, Murder Comes to Town (S1, E3)

Melissa Holland was certain that her high school boyfriend, Michael Overstreet, was the man she’d always dreamed of. But only after they were married did she begin to realize that her determination to live happily ever after had put her in mortal danger. -First Love, Forever Evil, Evil Lives Here (S3, E6)

Related Links:
Indiana Death Row: Michael Dean Overstreet
Just The Facts: Michael Overstreet | Indiana Infamy
Suspect arrested in coed’s death
Killer Sentenced To Death
Accused killer’s kids must keep name
Michael Dean OVERSTREET, Appellant v. STATE of Indiana, Appellee (2003)
Murder victim’s legacy lives on
Michael Dean Overstreet v. Superintendent (2011)
Condemned killer claims incompetence in death sentence appeal
Where`s The Justice? Victim`s Family Outraged By Killer`s Sentence
Murder victim’s family upset over killer’s death sentence hearing
Indiana To Use New Drug In Lethal Injections
Indiana use of new execution drug draws opposition
Indiana officials say death penalty protocol is sound
What do recent botched executions mean for death penalty?
Judge to decide if Michael Overstreet is competent to be executed
Indiana Won’t Appeal Overstreet Execution Ruling
Man who killed Franklin College student not competent for execution, judge rules
Indiana won’t appeal Overstreet execution ruling
Indiana Not Appealing Case Of Mentally Ill Death Row Inmate
State Won’t Appeal Delay of Overstreet Death Sentence
Prosecutor: Ruling an injustice to those “who worked to convict this animal”
Reliving a mother’s worst heartache
Executing the Insane Is Against the Law of the Land. So Why Do We Keep Doing It?
Overstreet ruling likely to be guide
Overstreet: State’s request for recusal ‘legally insufficient’
State appeals ruling that suspended death penalty
Meyer testifies on proposed state senate death penalty bill
Court officer recommends reprimand for Johnson County prosecutor
Michael Overstreet ‘had knife obsession’ before murder of Kelly Eckart says ex-wife
Michael Overstreet ‘had knife obsession’ before murder of Kelly Eckart says ex-wife
Webb: Why Indiana should abolish the death penalty
States Struggle with Determinations of Competency to Be Executed
Michael Dean Overstreet | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers
Judge weighs fate of student’s convicted killer
Overstreet ruled not competent to face death penalty
Death Row: Inside Indiana State Prison Part One (Prison Documentary) – Real Stories
Death Row: Inside Indiana State Prison Part 2 (Prison Documentary) – Real Stories
Blanket of Evidence | Forensic Files | FilmRise (S11,E38)
Blanket of Evidence | Forensic Files | Full Episode (YouTube)
Blanket of Evidence | Forensic Files | Netflix (Collection 1, E8)
Blanket of Evidence | Forensic Files | Amazon Prime Video (S11,E19)
All-American Sweethearts | Murder Comes to Town | Investigation Discovery (S1,E3)
All-American Sweethearts | Murder Comes to Town | Investigation Discovery (website)
All-American Sweethearts | Murder Comes to Town | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
First Love, Forever Evil | Evil Lives Here | Investigation Discovery (S3,E6)
First Love, Forever Evil | Evil Lives Here | Investigation Discovery (website)
First Love, Forever Evil | Evil Lives Here | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Forensic Files Premiered ‘Blanket of Evidence’: Michael Dean Overstreet Raped & Murdered Franklin College Student Kelly Eckart (April 4, 2007)
Murder Comes to Town Premiered ‘All-American Sweethearts’ on ID: Kelly Eckart Found Raped & Murdered in Indiana State Park (January 27, 2014)
Evil Lives Here Premiered ‘First Love, Forever Evil’ on ID: Michael Dean Overstreet Abused Wife, Raped & Murdered Kelly Eckart (February 11, 2018)
Forensic Files: 6 Active Duty Military and Veteran Homicide Cases

Navy Spouse Susan Russo Hired Drug Addicted Hitmen for $100 to Kill Husband David Russo for Life Insurance; Sentenced to Life in Prison (July 14, 1994)

On July 14, 1994July 14, 2020 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, Stateside DeathLeave a comment

Susan David Russo — Susan Russo and David Russo, U.S. Navy

Deadly Women on Investigation Discovery featured yet another military spouse who murdered because they were motivated by greed, selfishness, and sociopathic tendencies. While Navy sailor David Russo was at work at the Lemoore Naval Air Station in California, his wife was getting high on meth with her secret lover. Susan didn’t like that David controlled the purse strings because he might find out that she was blowing their cash on drugs. Then one day a military advisor stopped by the house to advise them of their financial affairs and Susan learned that her husband David was worth more dead then he was alive. He had a grand total of 1 million dollars worth of Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance and other insurance policies on himself. Susan saw her way out of domestic boredom and hatched up a plan with two of her drug addicted buddies, Jason Andrews and Bobby Morris. She offered them $100 to kill her husband and promised them more later after she got her hands on the life insurance payout.

On July 14, 1994, the trio striked. While David lay sleeping in his bed, the two men entered the Fresno, California marital home with Susan’s assistance, walked into David’s bedroom, and shot him one time in the back of the head. They then drove the body to a remote location so they could torch David and the car in an effort to destroy evidence. This plan would never come to fruition because they ran out of gas and then didn’t have enough gas to torch the car. When military personnel stopped by David’s home to see why he hadn’t showed up to work, Susan told them she didn’t know where he was and asked if she would still get his paycheck that week. Eventually David’s car and body was discovered by a local farmer. Of course investigators looked to the spouse first to determine what may have happened to David. Susan told investigators during the interview that they would find no evidence of wrong doing which of course intrigued them to probe further.

Susan Russo was a self proclaimed clean freak and cleaner by trade and was confident she had covered her tracks. But she did not account for the microscopic blood spatter on the headboard of the bed or the spent bullet casing located in the bedroom. Police charged Susan Russo and her two friends with the murder of her husband David Russo. Jason Andrews and Bobby Morris were both convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life. In 1996, Susan Russo was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Investigators described Susan as an evil, psychopathic person who manipulated her two drug addicted friends with the promises of money for more drugs. She didn’t care about David whatsoever, she only saw David as a way to cash in.

Source: Cash In, Deadly Women, Investigation Discovery

Investigation Discovery:

Preview: Susan Russo was a Navy wife who ran a tight ship. But she had a secret life, and devised a way to profit off her husband’s substantial military life insurance. -Cash In, Deadly Women (S10, E6)

ID Go: The stakes are high and the chips are down when these Deadly Women decide to “Cash In.” -Cash In, Deadly Women (S10, E6)

Related Links:
Susan Russo | The Injustice System
Killer sentenced “to slow death” gets life for murder of her husband
The PEOPLE v. Susan Lee RUSSO, Defendant and Appellant (2000)
People of California v. Susan Russo (2001)
Prison Inmates to Receive Prestigious Peacemaker Award
Woman convicted of husband’s murder has sentence reduced by Gov. Brown, could get parole
Sisters demand mom stay in prison after pardon from orchestrating husband’s 1994 murder
Parole Board Grants Parole to Murderer Susan Lee Russo | County of Fresno
Fresno County killer gets parole after more than 20 years
Fresno County killer, sentenced to life without parole, granted parole
Woman convicted of murdering her husband is granted parole
‘Black widow’ granted parole. She arranged the murder-for-hire of her Navy husband
Drop LWOP! | Newsletter of the California Coalition for Women Prisoners
Jerry Brown Getting Ready to Release Psychopath Killer from Prison
Vidak and Other Legislators Urge Governor Brown NOT to Release Convicted Murderer Susan Lee Russo
California governor won’t parole woman dubbed ‘black widow’
California governor won’t parole woman dubbed ‘black widow’
Governor denies parole for California husband killer
Gov. Jerry Brown decides against parole for woman dubbed a ‘black widow’
Daughter of Valley woman convicted of orchestrating husband’s death speaks out
Petition: Keep Susan Russo Behind Bars
Perfect Wife Plots To Have Husband Killed For Money (Preview)
Navy Wife and Mom With Secret Life Devises Plan To Have Husband Killed For Insurance Money (Preview)
Cash In | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (S10, E6)
Cash In | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (website)
Cash In | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Cash In | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (Hulu)
Deadly Women Premiered ‘Cash In’ on Investigation Discovery: Susan Russo Conspired to Have Husband Murdered for Life Insurance (September 30, 2016)
Fresno Bee: ‘Black Widow’ Granted Parole. She Arranged the Murder-for-Hire of Her Navy Husband (January 26, 2018)
Deadly Women: 30 Military and Veteran Homicide Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery

MILITARY JUSTICE FOR ALL

Tag: US Navy

Sins and Secrets Premiered ‘Ocean City’ on ID: Tourists Joshua Ford & Martha Crutchley Reported Missing in Maryland (March 1, 2012)

Snapped Premiered ‘Erika Sifrit’ on Oxygen: Woman’s Arrest Leads to Shocking Homicides of Tourists in Ocean City, Maryland (June 16, 2011)

Snapped Premiered ‘Monique Berkley’ on Oxygen: Navy Reservist Paul Berkley Shot and Killed While Home on Leave for Christmas (May 26, 2011)

Art Student Samantha ‘Shelley’ Nance Found Murdered in Dallas, Texas; Navy Veteran Daniel Willyam Sentenced to Life in Prison (September 11, 2009)

Forensic Files Premiered ‘The Financial Downfall’: Navy Spouse Deanna Wild Falls to Her Death While Sightseeing at Big Sur Cliff in California (August 11, 2004)

Department of Defense: Statement of Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on Accident in Vietnam (April 7, 2001)

Forensic Files Premiered ‘Beaten By A Hair’: Laura Houghteling Reported Missing, Confessed Killer Led Police to Body (November 26, 1998)

Kelly Eckart Found Murdered in Indiana; Michael Overstreet Sentenced to Death But Court Ruled Not Competent for Execution (September 27, 1997)

Navy Spouse Susan Russo Hired Drug Addicted Hitmen for $100 to Kill Husband David Russo for Life Insurance; Sentenced to Life in Prison (July 14, 1994)

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