20/20 Podcast Summary: "There Is a Monster in Me (Rebroadcast)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: 20/20
• Host/Author: ABC News
• Episode: There Is a Monster in Me (Rebroadcast)
• Release Date: July 26, 2025
• Description: Unforgettable true crime mysteries, exclusive newsmaker interviews, hard-hitting investigative reports, and in-depth coverage of high-profile stories.

1. Introduction to the Case

The episode opens with Deborah Roberts highlighting the rarity of a violent murder in the small town of Stephenville, Texas, a community of approximately 12,000 residents. The focus is on the brutal murder of Susan Woods, a young woman whose death left the town in shock and suspicion.

2. Susan Woods: Background and Murder

Susan Woods was portrayed as "sincere and sweet and humble," embodying the ideal young woman in Stephenville. Her life took a tragic turn in late July 1987 when she was found brutally murdered in her bathtub. Don Miller describes the horrific crime scene: “The body was draped over the tub with the chest and head submerged in water” (00:49).

Key details of the murder include:

• Signs of Struggle: Evidence pointed to a desperate fight for life (00:57, 01:01).
• Varying Methods of Assault: Susan endured assault via a pillow, an electrical cord, and finally drowning (13:30).
• Forensic Evidence: Six cigarette butts were found at the scene, belonging to an unknown male, complicating the investigation (12:42, 14:19).

3. Initial Suspect: Michael Woods

The investigation quickly zeroed in on Michael Woods, Susan's estranged husband, due to circumstantial evidence:

• Jealous Messages and Notes: Michael left numerous threatening notes around the house, including in the microwave, kitchen drawer, coat pocket, and medicine cabinet (01:22, 32:42).
• Volatile Relationship: Their tumultuous breakup and Michael's departure in a stolen yellow Mustang fueled suspicions (31:28, 32:33).

Don Miller recounts, “I knew he had killed her. I told him, I said, he'd killed her” (01:09, 15:37), reflecting the town's consensus.

Despite strong local suspicions, Detective Donnie Hensley found no concrete evidence linking Michael to the crime (16:39). Consequently, attention shifted to alternative suspects, particularly J.C. Bowman, a bartender who had been involved with Susan prior to her murder.

4. Shifting Investigations and New Leads

J.C. Bowman emerged as a suspect after:

• Proximity: He had been spending significant time with Susan, including in the bathtub (16:49).
• Inconclusive Alibi: His alibi during the time of the murder was weak, as he was alone at home (19:18, 19:46).

However, DNA testing at the time was not advanced enough to conclusively link him to the crime, leading to his eventual clearance.

The investigation remained stalled until new evidence surfaced decades later, primarily through advancements in DNA technology and the discovery of additional forensic clues.

5. The Monster Unveiled: Joseph Scott Hatley

In a startling turn of events, Joseph Scott Hatley was identified as the true killer of Susan Woods:

• Fingerprint Match: Decades after the murder, fingerprints from Hatley's 1988 armed robbery arrest were matched to those found at the Susan Woods crime scene (50:25, 48:56).
• Confession Through Writings: After Hatley's death in 2021, pages of his handwritten account revealed his motivations and actions, implicating him in multiple violent crimes, including the murder of Susan Woods and the rape of Shannon Myers (73:28, 75:07).

Don Miller reflects on the discovery: “This is the same person who killed Susan Woods” (40:30), emphasizing the betrayal and hidden nature of Hatley's crimes.

Hatley's writings unveiled a history of abuse, psychological trauma, and violent fantasies, which eventually manifested in his heinous acts (73:28, 74:02).

6. Resolution and Aftermath

Hatley's arrest brought closure to the prolonged investigation:

• Legal Proceedings: Hatley pled guilty to Susan Woods' murder without a public trial, opting for a plea deal that granted him 30 years in prison while bypassing charges related to domestic violence and Shannon Myers' rape (69:12, 69:37).
• Community Reaction: The revelation exonerated Michael Woods, who had endured decades of wrongful suspicion and ostracization. However, the confirmation of Hatley's guilt shocked the community and highlighted significant injustices within the investigative process (66:02, 71:56).

Don Miller expressed relief but also frustration over the prolonged suffering caused by misdirected suspicions: “DNA tells a story and it doesn't lie” (67:45).

7. Impact on Individuals and the Community

The case profoundly affected several individuals:

• Michael Woods: Cleared of all charges, yet decades of mistrust and isolation left him emotionally scarred (77:22, 80:12).
• Detective Don Miller: Driven by a commitment to justice, Miller's persistence ultimately led to the truth but also exposed systemic flaws in the investigation (78:01, 81:09).
• Shannon Myers: As a survivor of Hatley's abuse, Shannon found solace and a sense of justice with the resolution of Susan Woods' case, though the scars of her trauma remained (80:03, 81:22).

The broader community grappled with the realization that the true perpetrator had been hiding in plain sight, undetected for years.

8. Concluding Insights

The episode underscores the complexities of criminal investigations, especially in tight-knit communities where preconceived notions and biases can hinder the pursuit of justice. The eventual identification of Joseph Scott Hatley serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of tunnel vision and the importance of continual re-evaluation of evidence with advancing technologies.

Brian Burroughs, the author involved in the podcast, concludes with a reflection on the human capacity for darkness hidden beneath seemingly ordinary exteriors: “You don't realize that sometimes there are monsters that live in the hearts of other people. Right under your nose” (77:37).

The case of Susan Woods not only brought closure to a tragic event but also highlighted the resilience of victims and the relentless pursuit of truth by dedicated individuals like Detective Don Miller.

Notable Quotes:

• David Muir: “I knew he had killed her. I told him, I said, he'd killed her.” (01:09)
• Don Miller: “Sometimes there are monsters that live in the hearts of other people.” (01:57)
• Deborah Roberts: “The cassette tapes and these little notes change everything. They take a nasty breakup...” (32:33)
• Joseph Scott Hatley (via writings): “I've become a walking demon. I was his servant, his slave. I was the devil.” (70:44)
• Don Miller: “DNA tells a story and it doesn't lie. The proof is there that, that I didn't do it...” (67:45)

Timestamps:

• Key moments and quotes are referenced with timestamps, e.g., [00:49], [13:30], etc., correlating to specific parts of the transcript for detailed listening or review.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the intricate narrative of Susan Woods' murder, the misdirection of initial investigations, the eventual revelation of the true perpetrator, and the profound effects on all parties involved. It serves as a testament to the enduring quest for justice and the hidden evils that can lurk within seemingly ordinary communities.