“There Is a Monster in Me”: ’20/20′ Investigates Susan Woods Mystery January 19 2024
A chilling mystery that spanned over two decades, the case of Susan Woods’ murder is a tale that exemplifies the complexities and eventual triumphs of criminal investigations. The ABC network’s 20/20 episode, “There Is a Monster in Me,” airing on January 19, 2024 at 9pm / 8pm Central, promises to delve deep into this harrowing journey of discovery, betrayal, and ultimate resolution.
Contents
Background of the Case
On a fateful summer day in 1987, the small, tight-knit community of Stephenville was rocked by the discovery of Susan Woods’ lifeless body. Found in her own bathtub, Susan had been strangled or drowned, marking a violent end to her 30 years of life. The initial suspicion fell on Michael Woods, her estranged husband, primarily due to a disturbing cassette tape he left behind. This tape, laden with vitriolic and vulgar comments about Susan, seemed to paint a picture of a troubled and potentially dangerous individual.
Despite this seemingly strong lead, the case quickly stagnated. For two decades, it remained unsolved, with the shadow of suspicion continuously cast over Michael Woods. The local police force, along with Susan’s family and friends, grappled with the frustration and heartbreak of an unsolved crime that appeared to have no end in sight.
A Breakthrough in Investigation
The breakthrough in the case came with the relentless efforts of Lt. Don Miller of the Stephenville Police Department. Two decades after Susan’s murder, Lt. Miller, motivated by a sense of duty and a quest for justice, revisited the cold case files. Utilizing emerging forensic technologies, particularly DNA profiling, the investigation took a dramatic turn.
The pivotal moment arrived when DNA evidence collected from the crime scene was re-analyzed. This analysis revealed a match to Joseph Scott Hatley, a name previously unknown in the investigation. Hatley, a distant figure in Susan’s life, was the first cousin of her close friend Cindy Hayes. His fingerprints and DNA, found on cigarette butts at the crime scene, shattered the long-held suspicions against Michael Woods and redirected the focus of the investigation.
Hatley’s Confession and Sentencing
In June 2006, authorities located and apprehended Hatley. The subsequent interrogation in 2007 led to a startling confession: Hatley admitted to the murder of Susan Woods. Following his confession, Hatley was presented with a plea deal. In a decision that would later cause considerable controversy and anguish, Hatley was sentenced to only 30 years in prison, avoiding a potential life sentence.
The twist in this already convoluted tale came when Hatley was released from prison after serving just 11 years of his 30-year sentence. This early release, attributed to factors like prison overcrowding, sparked outrage and dismay among Susan’s family and the broader community. Hatley’s release was viewed by many as a miscarriage of justice, leaving a wound in the hearts of those who knew and loved Susan Woods.
Hatley’s Release
Post-release, Joseph Scott Hatley resided in Texas, keeping a low profile, with little public knowledge about his activities or whereabouts. The community’s reaction to his release was one of shock and apprehension. The feeling of unease was especially pronounced among those who had directly felt the impact of his actions, including Susan’s family and friends. Nicholas Hatley, Joseph’s son, expressed uncertainty about the reasons behind his father’s early release, highlighting a lack of transparency that fueled the community’s concerns.
Susan’s best friend, Cindy Hayes, was particularly vocal in her criticism. Having known Hatley as a family member, the revelation of his guilt and his subsequent early release was a double blow. Hayes’ outspoken labeling of Hatley as a “monster” echoed the sentiments of a community struggling to reconcile with the idea that a person they once knew was capable of such a heinous act.
Hatley’s life came to an end in 2021 at the age of 56. Reportedly found dead in his trailer house, he had been diagnosed with cancer and chose to take his own life.
Accusations and Lack of Indictment
Adding to the case’s complexity, Hatley faced accusations of rape and attempted murder in another incident, occurring roughly a year after Susan’s death. A 16-year-old girl in Erath County accused Hatley of a violent sexual assault. Despite her detailed testimony, a grand jury chose not to indict Hatley, citing insufficient evidence. This decision was met with dismay, especially by the victim, who felt let down by the justice system.
Years later, when Lt. Miller revisited Susan Woods’ case, he interviewed the same woman, who recounted her terrifying experience. She remained fearful of Hatley, reinforcing the notion that he was a threat to society. The decision not to indict Hatley in this case would come back to haunt the community, as it allowed a violent criminal to walk free and eventually led to Susan Woods’ murder.
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