“If Something Happens To Me…”: ’20/20′ Reports on Susan Powell Homicide July 26 2024
On July 26, 2024, ABC’s “20/20” will air a special two-hour program titled “‘If Something Happens To Me….” This episode will delve into the unresolved case of Susan Powell, who vanished from her Utah home over a decade ago. Despite numerous investigations, her disappearance remains a profound mystery, leaving her family and friends in anguish.
The episode will present recent developments in the search for Susan’s remains, exploring the potential clues hidden in Susan’s secret will. It will also address the tragic and unexpected twist involving Susan’s two sons, which surfaced more than two years after her disappearance. Interviews with key figures will provide insights into the case, shedding light on the various facets of this haunting mystery.
Contents
The Disappearance of Susan Powell
Susan Powell, born Susan Marie Cox on October 16, 1981, in Alamogordo, New Mexico, disappeared on December 6, 2009, from her home in West Valley City, Utah. The initial report of her disappearance came after she failed to show up for work on December 7, prompting immediate concern from her family and colleagues.
Susan’s husband, Joshua Powell, claimed that he had taken their two young sons on a spontaneous camping trip, leaving Susan at home. This explanation raised suspicions due to the freezing weather conditions and the late hour of departure. Upon searching the Powell residence, investigators found traces of Susan’s blood, her purse, wallet, and identification, but no signs of forced entry.
Investigation and Initial Findings
The investigation quickly focused on Joshua Powell, whose behavior and actions following Susan’s disappearance were deemed suspicious. Joshua’s reluctance to cooperate with the police, his hasty relocation to his father Steven Powell’s home in Puyallup, Washington, and his attempt to withdraw money from Susan’s retirement account were alarming to investigators.
DNA analysis of blood samples found in the Powell home matched Susan’s, intensifying the suspicion surrounding Joshua. Additionally, interviews with the Powell children revealed troubling details. Their elder son, Charlie, mentioned that his mother had accompanied them on the camping trip but did not return. Braden, their younger son, drew a disturbing picture indicating that his mother was in the trunk of their vehicle.
The Tragic Outcome
On February 5, 2012, Joshua Powell committed a horrific act of murder-suicide, killing himself and his two sons, Charles and Braden, in a deliberately set house explosion. This tragic event occurred during a supervised visitation, where Joshua locked the social worker out of the house before igniting the blaze. Investigators determined that the children had been incapacitated with a hatchet before the explosion, a brutal and devastating end to their young lives.
The deaths of Joshua and his sons marked a grim turning point in the case, effectively closing the door on any immediate prospects of finding Susan alive. The incident also brought to light the severe shortcomings in the child protection system, prompting legal action and significant public outcry.
Steven Powell and Further Developments
Further investigation into the Powell family revealed disturbing details about Joshua’s father, Steven Powell. Steven had developed an obsessive infatuation with Susan, which included secret recordings, theft of her personal belongings, and inappropriate advances. In 2011, Steven was arrested and later convicted on charges of voyeurism and possession of child pornography.
The scrutiny on Steven and his son Michael, who was also suspected of being an accomplice in Susan’s disappearance, highlighted the deep dysfunction within the Powell family. Michael Powell’s suicide in February 2013 added another layer of tragedy and complexity to the case, further complicating efforts to uncover the truth about Susan’s fate.
Legal Battles and Ongoing Efforts
In the years following the murder-suicide, Susan’s family engaged in protracted legal battles to gain control of her estate and to hold the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services accountable for their perceived negligence. In 2019, a jury awarded $98 million to the estates of Susan’s sons, recognizing the state’s failure to protect the children.
Despite these legal victories, Susan Powell’s body has never been found. Periodic searches and new leads continue to emerge, but none have yet provided definitive answers. The episode of “20/20” seeks to bring renewed attention to this cold case, offering hope that one day, Susan’s family might find closure.
Conclusion
ABC’s “20/20” episode “‘If Something Happens To Me….” promises to be a detailed and emotional exploration of Susan Powell’s disappearance and the tragic events that followed. By revisiting the case and presenting recent developments, the program aims to shed new light on this enduring mystery and honor the memory of Susan and her two sons. The episode airs on July 26, 2024, from 9:01 to 11:00 p.m. EDT on ABC, and will be available the following day on Hulu.
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