Disappearance Of Susan Powell
Missing Person Investigation
CLASSIFICATION: Missing Person
LOCATION
West Valley City, Utah
TIME PERIOD
December 2009
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
On December 6, 2009, Susan Marie Powell, a 28-year-old woman from West Valley City, Utah, was reported missing under suspicious circumstances. Her husband, Joshua Powell, became a person of interest shortly after her disappearance but was never formally charged. In February 2012, following a custody battle that resulted in the couple's two young sons being awarded to Susan's parents, Joshua killed himself and the children, further complicating the investigation. The West Valley City police closed their active investigation in May 2013, concluding that Joshua likely murdered Susan with the assistance of his deceased brother, Michael Powell, who was also believed to have helped conceal her body. Efforts to have Susan legally declared dead have been ongoing since the investigation's closure.
Joshua Powell is widely believed to have murdered Susan Powell, with speculation that his brother, Michael, assisted in hiding her body. Investigators concluded that Joshua's actions following Susan's disappearance, including his suicide and the murder of their two sons, further indicate his guilt. There are ongoing efforts by Susan's family to have her legally declared dead, reinforcing the belief that she was a victim of foul play.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Susan Powell
A Vanishing Act in West Valley City
On a chilly December day in 2009, the tranquil neighborhood of West Valley City, Utah, became the epicenter of a chilling mystery. Susan Marie Powell, a vibrant woman born on October 16, 1981, in Alamogordo, New Mexico, vanished without a trace. Her disappearance, under deeply suspicious circumstances, captivated the nation and left a trail of unanswered questions that linger to this day.
Susan was a beloved figure known for her radiant smile and deep involvement with her family and community. She was last seen by a neighbor who visited her on December 6, 2009, around 5:00 p.m. Little did anyone know, this would be the last time Susan was seen alive outside her home.
A Troubled Marriage
Susan's life with Joshua Powell, whom she married in April 2001, was far from idyllic. Joshua, born on January 20, 1976, in Puyallup, Washington, had a troubled past marred by family dysfunction and personal turmoil. His father, Steven, was known for his abusive behavior and disaffection with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which spilled over into Joshua's life. As a teenager, Joshua exhibited disturbing behavior, including an alleged incident where he killed his sister Alina's pet gerbils and even threatened his mother with a butcher knife.
Joshua's relationship with Susan began after a chance reunion at a dinner party in Tacoma, Washington, in November 2000. The couple soon married and started a family, welcoming two sons, Charles and Braden, in 2005 and 2007, respectively. Yet, beneath the surface, their marriage was fraught with tension.
Steven Powell, Joshua's father, had developed an unsettling obsession with Susan. He would secretly record her, spy on her using mirrors, and even steal her personal belongings. Susan's rejection of Steven's advances, captured inadvertently on his camcorder, led the Powells to move to Utah, partly to escape Steven's watchful eye.
Suspicion and Secrets
As the investigation into Susan's disappearance unfolded, the spotlight turned to Joshua. On December 7, 2009, when Susan failed to show up for work and her children were not dropped off at daycare, alarm bells sounded. Joshua's mother, Terrica, and his estranged sister, Jennifer Graves, were among the first to raise concerns. A police search of the Powell home revealed two ominous box fans blowing at a wet spot on the couch, but no sign of Susan. Her purse, wallet, and identification were left behind, and her cell phone was found in the family minivan.
Joshua's alibi was peculiar, claiming he had taken their young sons camping on the Pony Express Trail in western Utah after midnight, despite the harsh winter conditions. This story, coupled with his failure to inform his employer about his absence, raised immediate suspicion.
A Web of Deception
The investigation deepened when police discovered traces of Susan's blood in the Powell residence, a life insurance policy worth $1.5 million in her name, and a letter expressing her fear for her life. Joshua's behavior following Susan's disappearance was equally alarming. He liquidated her retirement accounts, canceled her appointments, and withdrew their children from daycare. His own son, Charlie, later revealed that Susan had accompanied them on the camping trip but did not return.
Detectives also scrutinized Joshua's brother, Michael, who sold a car to a wrecking yard shortly after Susan's disappearance, raising further suspicions. A cadaver dog detected traces of human decomposition in the vehicle, but DNA tests were inconclusive.
Tragic Endings and Lingering Mysteries
As the investigation continued, tensions between the Powell and Cox families escalated. In 2011, Steven Powell was arrested for voyeurism and child pornography, further entangling the family in scandal. Joshua's move to Washington with his sons only deepened the rift, and he was eventually required to move out of his father's home to regain custody of his children.
The situation reached a horrific climax on February 5, 2012, when Joshua killed himself and his two young sons in a fiery explosion during a supervised visit, leaving the world in shock and sorrow. His brother Michael, also a person of interest, died by suicide in February 2013.
Despite the tragic loss of life, Susan's disappearance remains an open case. In May 2013, West Valley City police closed their active investigation, maintaining their belief that Joshua was responsible for Susan's death, possibly with Michael's assistance. Efforts to have Susan legally declared dead have been ongoing, as the hope for closure persists.
A Legacy of Questions
The story of Susan Powell is a haunting reminder of the complexities of human nature and the mysteries that sometimes elude resolution. Her case remains a chilling testament to the dark secrets that can lie within even the most familiar relationships, leaving a lasting impact on all who seek justice for Susan and her beloved sons.
Sources
For a more detailed account, visit the Wikipedia article.
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Susan Powell Disappears
Susan Powell is last seen at home after attending church.
Family Reported Missing
Relatives report the entire Powell family missing after Susan fails to show up for work.
Blood Found at Home
Investigators find traces of Susan's blood and a handwritten note expressing fear for her life.
Murder-Suicide Incident
Joshua Powell kills himself and his two sons in a house explosion after losing custody.
Case Closed
West Valley City police close the active investigation into Susan's disappearance, suspecting Joshua's involvement.
Michael Powell Commits Suicide
Joshua's brother Michael kills himself, raising further suspicions about the Powell family's involvement in Susan's disappearance.
Estate Battle Settled
Chuck Cox wins control of Susan's estate after a protracted legal battle with Joshua's family.
Search for Remains
A cave exploration crew finds possible human remains in a mine shaft while searching for Susan.
DNA Results Returned
DNA tests conclude that bones found in the mine shaft do not belong to Susan Powell.
On December 6, 2009, Susan Marie Powell, a 28-year-old woman from West Valley City, Utah, was reported missing under suspicious circumstances. Her husband, Joshua Powell, became a person of interest shortly after her disappearance but was never formally charged. In February 2012, following a custody battle that resulted in the couple's two young sons being awarded to Susan's parents, Joshua killed himself and the children, further complicating the investigation. The West Valley City police closed their active investigation in May 2013, concluding that Joshua likely murdered Susan with the assistance of his deceased brother, Michael Powell, who was also believed to have helped conceal her body. Efforts to have Susan legally declared dead have been ongoing since the investigation's closure.
Joshua Powell is widely believed to have murdered Susan Powell, with speculation that his brother, Michael, assisted in hiding her body. Investigators concluded that Joshua's actions following Susan's disappearance, including his suicide and the murder of their two sons, further indicate his guilt. There are ongoing efforts by Susan's family to have her legally declared dead, reinforcing the belief that she was a victim of foul play.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Susan Powell
A Vanishing Act in West Valley City
On a chilly December day in 2009, the tranquil neighborhood of West Valley City, Utah, became the epicenter of a chilling mystery. Susan Marie Powell, a vibrant woman born on October 16, 1981, in Alamogordo, New Mexico, vanished without a trace. Her disappearance, under deeply suspicious circumstances, captivated the nation and left a trail of unanswered questions that linger to this day.
Susan was a beloved figure known for her radiant smile and deep involvement with her family and community. She was last seen by a neighbor who visited her on December 6, 2009, around 5:00 p.m. Little did anyone know, this would be the last time Susan was seen alive outside her home.
A Troubled Marriage
Susan's life with Joshua Powell, whom she married in April 2001, was far from idyllic. Joshua, born on January 20, 1976, in Puyallup, Washington, had a troubled past marred by family dysfunction and personal turmoil. His father, Steven, was known for his abusive behavior and disaffection with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which spilled over into Joshua's life. As a teenager, Joshua exhibited disturbing behavior, including an alleged incident where he killed his sister Alina's pet gerbils and even threatened his mother with a butcher knife.
Joshua's relationship with Susan began after a chance reunion at a dinner party in Tacoma, Washington, in November 2000. The couple soon married and started a family, welcoming two sons, Charles and Braden, in 2005 and 2007, respectively. Yet, beneath the surface, their marriage was fraught with tension.
Steven Powell, Joshua's father, had developed an unsettling obsession with Susan. He would secretly record her, spy on her using mirrors, and even steal her personal belongings. Susan's rejection of Steven's advances, captured inadvertently on his camcorder, led the Powells to move to Utah, partly to escape Steven's watchful eye.
Suspicion and Secrets
As the investigation into Susan's disappearance unfolded, the spotlight turned to Joshua. On December 7, 2009, when Susan failed to show up for work and her children were not dropped off at daycare, alarm bells sounded. Joshua's mother, Terrica, and his estranged sister, Jennifer Graves, were among the first to raise concerns. A police search of the Powell home revealed two ominous box fans blowing at a wet spot on the couch, but no sign of Susan. Her purse, wallet, and identification were left behind, and her cell phone was found in the family minivan.
Joshua's alibi was peculiar, claiming he had taken their young sons camping on the Pony Express Trail in western Utah after midnight, despite the harsh winter conditions. This story, coupled with his failure to inform his employer about his absence, raised immediate suspicion.
A Web of Deception
The investigation deepened when police discovered traces of Susan's blood in the Powell residence, a life insurance policy worth $1.5 million in her name, and a letter expressing her fear for her life. Joshua's behavior following Susan's disappearance was equally alarming. He liquidated her retirement accounts, canceled her appointments, and withdrew their children from daycare. His own son, Charlie, later revealed that Susan had accompanied them on the camping trip but did not return.
Detectives also scrutinized Joshua's brother, Michael, who sold a car to a wrecking yard shortly after Susan's disappearance, raising further suspicions. A cadaver dog detected traces of human decomposition in the vehicle, but DNA tests were inconclusive.
Tragic Endings and Lingering Mysteries
As the investigation continued, tensions between the Powell and Cox families escalated. In 2011, Steven Powell was arrested for voyeurism and child pornography, further entangling the family in scandal. Joshua's move to Washington with his sons only deepened the rift, and he was eventually required to move out of his father's home to regain custody of his children.
The situation reached a horrific climax on February 5, 2012, when Joshua killed himself and his two young sons in a fiery explosion during a supervised visit, leaving the world in shock and sorrow. His brother Michael, also a person of interest, died by suicide in February 2013.
Despite the tragic loss of life, Susan's disappearance remains an open case. In May 2013, West Valley City police closed their active investigation, maintaining their belief that Joshua was responsible for Susan's death, possibly with Michael's assistance. Efforts to have Susan legally declared dead have been ongoing, as the hope for closure persists.
A Legacy of Questions
The story of Susan Powell is a haunting reminder of the complexities of human nature and the mysteries that sometimes elude resolution. Her case remains a chilling testament to the dark secrets that can lie within even the most familiar relationships, leaving a lasting impact on all who seek justice for Susan and her beloved sons.
Sources
For a more detailed account, visit the Wikipedia article.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Susan Powell Disappears
Susan Powell is last seen at home after attending church.
Family Reported Missing
Relatives report the entire Powell family missing after Susan fails to show up for work.
Blood Found at Home
Investigators find traces of Susan's blood and a handwritten note expressing fear for her life.
Murder-Suicide Incident
Joshua Powell kills himself and his two sons in a house explosion after losing custody.
Case Closed
West Valley City police close the active investigation into Susan's disappearance, suspecting Joshua's involvement.
Michael Powell Commits Suicide
Joshua's brother Michael kills himself, raising further suspicions about the Powell family's involvement in Susan's disappearance.
Estate Battle Settled
Chuck Cox wins control of Susan's estate after a protracted legal battle with Joshua's family.
Search for Remains
A cave exploration crew finds possible human remains in a mine shaft while searching for Susan.
DNA Results Returned
DNA tests conclude that bones found in the mine shaft do not belong to Susan Powell.