DeepSummary
This podcast episode covers the disappearance of Susan Powell, a young mother from Utah, in 2009. It begins with Josh Powell taking his two sons on a mysterious late-night camping trip, claiming Susan was at home sleeping. As the investigation unfolds, disturbing details emerge about problems in their marriage and the unsettling behavior of Josh's father, Steven Powell, who had an inappropriate fixation on Susan.
The police search for Susan intensifies, and her secret journals and videos reveal her fears about her safety and suspicions that Josh was involved if anything happened to her. Josh maintains his innocence but behaves evasively, eventually losing custody of his sons after incestuous images are found on his computer. Tragically, on the eve of a court-ordered psychosexual evaluation, Josh murders his two young sons in a horrific house explosion before killing himself.
In the aftermath, Susan's parents wage a legal battle to hold the state of Washington accountable for negligence in allowing Josh unsupervised visitation with the boys before the murders. After a lengthy civil suit, they are awarded tens of millions in damages, though Susan's body is never found and the full truth about her disappearance remains unknown.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The disappearance of Susan Powell sparked an intricate investigation implicating her husband Josh but leaving many unanswered questions.
- Josh's disturbed father Steven had an inappropriate fixation on Susan, contributing to a dysfunctional family dynamic.
- Evidence like Susan's journals suggested she feared for her life, possibly at Josh's hands.
- After losing custody of his sons amid incriminating evidence, Josh horrifically murdered them and himself.
- Susan's parents pursued a civil case aiming to hold the state accountable for negligence in Josh's fatal unsupervised visitation.
- The civil case verdict aimed to enact systemic changes to better protect children in similar situations.
- Though awarded damages, the full truth about Susan's disappearance remained elusive without her body being found.
- The case exposed the complexities and limitations in handling suspected domestic crimes without concrete evidence.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “She even goes as far as to say, if I die, it may not be an accident.“ by Reporter
- “I love putting her underwear against my face, just smelling her scent.“ by Steven Powell
- “Brown v. Board of Education, Roe v. Wade. I mean, that's how things change.“ by Attorney
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Episode Information
20/20
ABC News
6/5/24