20/20 (ABC News)
Episode: The Hunt for Mr. Right
Date: January 17, 2026
Episode Overview
This gripping true crime episode investigates the murder of American University professor Sue Marcum and the multi-year, international manhunt for her alleged killer, Jorge Landeros. Through intimate interviews, police accounts, and trial coverage, 20/20 peels back the layers of a perplexing mystery involving friendship, deceit, financial intrigue, and the dogged pursuit of justice. The story stretches from the quiet suburbs of Maryland to the sprawling cities of Mexico, culminating in a courtroom drama years in the making.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Life and Legacy of Sue Marcum
- Sue Marcum, an accounting professor at American University, was beloved for her vibrant personality and unconventional approach to teaching.
- Her background included a stint as tax manager for the Ringling Brothers circus, exemplifying her free-spirited nature.
- “She was very bubbly, wore very outrageous outfits, wasn’t afraid to do that.” (C, 03:05)
- Sue had a close circle of friends but no children, and was described as always searching for love and fulfillment.
2. The Crime Scene and Initial Investigation
- On October 25, 2010, Sue was found dead in her Bethesda home by best friend Larry March after missing her regular morning call.
- “There’s got to be something wrong... I had a key to her house. So I opened the door, walked in there. I saw TVs laying on the sofas. I noticed the table was turned over, some glass was broken.” (C, 06:25)
- The scene suggested a violent struggle; DNA under Sue’s fingernails pointed to her fighting back.
- “There was DNA under one of her fingernails, and it wasn’t her DNA. So that was a big clue. That’s a suspect’s DNA.” (C, 09:31)
- Police initially theorized a burglary gone wrong, citing a ransacked home and missing items, including her gold Jeep Cherokee (A/D/E, 11:46–12:59).
3. A Red Herring: The Wrong Suspect
- DeAndrew Hamlin, 18, was apprehended after leading police on a high-speed chase in Sue’s stolen Jeep (E/C/D, 15:18–17:21).
- Despite his history with the law, Hamlin was cleared as his DNA did not match evidence from the scene (D/E, 22:43–22:54).
4. Focus Shifts: The Mysterious Jorge Landeros
- Investigators discovered substantial financial and personal ties between Sue and her former Spanish/yoga teacher, Jorge Landeros.
- $500,000 life insurance policy naming Landeros as sole beneficiary was uncovered (D, 29:44)
- Emails revealed Sue was financially entangled with Landeros, with over $300,000 invested and never returned, causing her immense stress and desperation.
- “She had remortgaged her houses. She had borrowed money from her father. She had took money out of her retirement fund. She couldn’t pay her bills.” (C, 32:06)
- Friends were unaware of Sue’s financial entanglement and life insurance designation, shocked at her silence and vulnerability.
5. The Evidence and the Hunt
- DNA found at scene (under nails, on tequila bottle and glasses) matched Landeros, collected when he voluntarily submitted a swab during a border crossing.
- “The DNA profile...matched...back to Landeras.” (C, 35:49)
- By then, Landeros had crossed back into Mexico. Authorities in the US began a labyrinthine process of coordination with Mexican authorities and Interpol to pursue extradition.
6. Fugitive Years: Reinventing as 'Leon Ferrara'
- Landeros lived openly in Mexico, teaching yoga, writing poetry, and even taunting US authorities via email and press interviews.
- “He seems to be kind of a charismatic guy, very, very sure of himself. Was he arrogant? Yes, very much so.” (D/E, 38:03–38:09)
- Eventually, Landeros assumed the identity “Leon Ferrara” and laid low in Guadalajara, cultivating a devoted following unaware of his true history (B/A, 45:15–46:32).
- Attempts to locate and apprehend him were frustrated for years, until a digital clue led authorities to Guadalajara.
7. Arrest and Extradition to the United States
- In early 2022, after months of surveillance, Landeros was captured while walking his dogs (E/B, 53:10).
- Shock rippled through his Mexican students and friends, who knew nothing of his fugitive status.
8. The Trial: Arguments and Verdict
- The prosecution described Landeros as a manipulator who killed for financial gain, chronicling the evidence and Sue’s financial ruin.
- The defense argued Landeros’ innocence, questioned the police investigation (including missing evidence and untested fingerprints), and suggested the possibility of another perpetrator—especially given unidentified prints and the earlier Hamlin episode (A/D, 73:05–74:24).
- Crucially, new DNA evidence from Sue’s neck, introduced late in the trial, strengthened the prosecution’s case (C, 75:13).
- Both sides rested after 27 witnesses; Landeros chose not to testify.
9. The Verdict and Reflections
- After eight hours of deliberation, the jury found Landeros not guilty of first-degree murder, but guilty of second-degree murder.
- “Asked to count one murder in the first degree, we the jury find...the defendant not guilty.” (A, 78:36)
- “As to murder in the second degree, we the jury find the defendant...guilty.” (E, 79:01)
- The show reflected on Sue’s enduring legacy and the diligence of investigators who refused to give up.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On Sue Marcum:
- “The warmest, kindest, most wonderful, giving person I’ve ever met. In my life, there’s just no question about that.” (C, 03:21)
- “She did a lot, but she could have done so much more. I would like the world to remember Sue as a fun, loving teacher who puts everyone before herself.” (A/C, 80:57–81:01)
On the Manhunt:
- “This story is like a labyrinth. Once you get in, you cannot get out. You can’t stop thinking about it. You can’t stop looking for the truth, looking for answers.” (B, 00:38; 57:46; 42:57)
- About Landeros taunting police: “He tells an El Paso detective, we can talk shop all you want. Markham’s neighbors are shocked at his cavalier attitude...Then he said, bring your Kevlar.” (A/E, 38:13–38:23)
On the Evidence:
- “There was DNA under one of her fingernails, and it wasn’t her DNA. So that was a big clue. That’s a suspect’s DNA.” (C, 09:31)
- “The DNA profile...matched...back to Landeras.” (C, 35:49)
On Justice Delayed:
- “When the police were finally able to get their hands on Landeros, they called a press conference...A case may vanish from the public’s consciousness. It may not be headline news anymore. But this really is a good example of some detectives who never gave up.” (D, 55:29–55:50)
In Court:
- “He took advantage of her kindness and her generosity. And when she had nothing left to give him, Jorge Landeros killed her.” (A, 63:59)
- Upon verdict: “As to murder in the second degree, we the jury find the defendant...guilty.” (E, 79:01)
Important Timestamps & Segments
| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | 00:38 | Introduction: The Labyrinthine Case | | 06:25 | Larry March describes finding Sue’s body | | 09:31 | Discussion of DNA under Sue’s fingernails | | 15:18–17:21| Car chase and arrest of DeAndrew Hamlin | | 29:09 | Discovery of Jorge Landeros as life insurance beneficiary| | 32:06 | Sue’s increasing financial distress | | 35:49 | DNA from border swab matches crime scene | | 38:13 | Landeros taunts police (“Bring your Kevlar”) | | 45:15 | Landeros reinvents himself as yoga teacher in Mexico | | 53:10 | Landeros arrested in Guadalajara | | 62:28 | Landeros extradited, trial begins | | 78:36/79:01| Jury verdict – Not guilty of first, guilty of second | | 80:32 | Sue Marcum memorial and legacy | | 81:45 | Landeros faces a maximum of 30 years in prison |
Tone and Storytelling Style
The episode is immersive and emotive, blending heartfelt remembrances of Sue Marcum with hard-edged investigative journalism. It captures the frustration, hope, and resilience of all those involved, especially Sue’s family, friends, and the detectives who dedicated years to pursuing her killer. There is a palpable sense of relief and bittersweet closure as justice is finally served—though not in the manner some wished.
Conclusion
"The Hunt for Mr. Right" is a masterful true crime narrative—a testament to persistence, community grief, and the hidden perils behind seemingly ordinary relationships. Sue Marcum is celebrated as much for her life as for the tragedy of her death, while the case against Jorge Landeros stands as a lesson in the complexities of financial trust, international fugitive pursuit, and the enduring quest for justice.
Key Takeaway:
- Even when justice seems forever delayed, dogged investigation and community support can bring answers and accountability—no matter how labyrinthine the path.