Cold Case Files: "Viciously Murdered" Released January 21, 2025 | Hosted by Paula Barros
Overview
In the gripping episode titled "Viciously Murdered," Paula Barros delves into the harrowing and unresolved case of Susan Schwartz, a young woman whose brutal murder in 1979 left her family and community in shock. This case, emblematic of the one-third of American murders that remain unsolved, showcases the relentless pursuit of justice by dedicated investigators and the transformative power of forensic advancements. The episode masterfully intertwines personal narratives, investigative procedures, and breakthroughs in technology that eventually brought closure decades later.
The Crime
On October 22, 1979, Susan Schwartz, a 24-year-old woman, was found brutally murdered in her well-kept home in Alderwood Manor, Washington. Susan's body was discovered by her boyfriend, Bill Hassler, who arrived home to a scene of unspeakable violence.
Notable Details:
- Location: Alderwood Manor, Washington
- Victim: Susan Schwartz, 24 years old
- Discovery: By her boyfriend, Bill Hassler
Distressing Description:
Ken Christensen [02:08]: "The house was off the main road. It wasn't very large. The home looked very tidy, very well kept. But there was a body in the bathroom... She was nude and she appeared to have a gunshot wound to her head."
Susan was found with her hands tied using an electrical cord, a black bra gagged over her mouth, and multiple gunshot wounds to her head, indicating an execution-style killing. The absence of signs of a burglary, despite the home's tidy appearance, immediately suggested a personal motive behind the crime.
The Investigation Begins
Detective Ken Christensen of the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office was among the first responders to process the grim crime scene. His initial assessment raised suspicions that the murder was far from a random act of violence.
Key Observations:
- Lack of Ransacking: No signs of forced entry or significant theft.
- Forensic Clues: Unique carpet prints suggesting the presence of two individuals.
Christensen's Frustration:
Ken Christensen [03:14]: "Maybe she had interrupted a burglar. It didn't make any sense because most burglars run when they're confronted by somebody."
Despite thorough processing of the scene, investigators struggled to find concrete leads. The meticulous nature of the crime scene and the absence of a clear motive left the case stalling.
Initial Forensic Findings:
Jim Scharf [11:33]: "The cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds to her head... It appears that she was attacked... There was nothing."
Personal Impact and Family Tragedy
Susan's murder had a profound impact on her family, particularly her 13-year-old sister, Valerie Rao. Valerie recounted the family's devastating realization of Susan's death and the ensuing fear that echoed the loss of their sense of security.
Valerie's Heartache:
Valerie Rao [07:26]: "When this terrible thing happened to my sister, I was 13 years old... It was nice. It was nice. I was at school, and they came to my class and took me to the office... Our family was just devastated. Numb. They were really numb with shock."
Her testimony underscored the emotional toll the case took on the Schwartz family, highlighting the enduring trauma caused by Susan's violent death.
Initial Leads and Suspects
The investigation initially focused on Bill Hassler, Susan's boyfriend, who was devastated by the loss. However, his alibi, corroborated by colleagues at work, eventually ruled him out as a suspect.
Bill's Alibi:
Jim Scharf [10:40]: "Sue's boyfriend, Bill Hassler, he was very emotional, very upset when they talked to him about what happened when he came home and found her."
Detectives also explored potential connections to Gregory Johnson, Karen Smith's abusive husband, due to his strained relationship with Susan. However, without substantial evidence, his involvement remained speculative.
Cold Case Revival: 1986 and Beyond
Seven years after Susan's murder, another similar killing occurred in Seattle involving Molly McClure. Sherwood Knight, with a criminal record, was arrested for Molly's murder, which bore striking similarities to Susan's case. This overlap suggested the possibility of a serial offender.
Molly's Murder Parallels:
Jim Scharf [17:44]: "In 1986, there was a murder in Seattle that bore many similarities to Sue's murder... There was a pillow next to her head that had blood on it and a bullet hole shot through it."
Despite these similarities, the lack of direct evidence linking Sherwood Knight to Susan's murder meant Susan's case remained unresolved, drifting into obscurity for decades.
The Cold Case Team and Forensic Breakthrough
Nearly three decades later, in February 2005, Valerie Rao rekindled hope by approaching the Snohomish County Cold Case team. Leveraging advancements in DNA technology, investigators re-examined the evidence, although initial DNA tests did not yield new leads.
Valerie's Determination:
Valerie Rao [21:15]: "I kept wishing, I kept wanting for the person to be caught, but I think I lost hope that it would ever happen... A lot sooner."
The persistence of the Cold Case team and the family's unwavering dedication set the stage for an unexpected breakthrough years later.
A Decades-Long Revelation: 2008 Breakthrough
In July 2008, a pivotal moment occurred when Sherwood Knight, while serving time for Molly McClure's murder, received a deck of cold case playing cards. Recognizing his name and the connection to Susan Schwartz, Knight reached out with critical information implicating his half-brother, Gregory Johnson, in Susan's murder.
Sherwood's Revelation:
Jim Scharf [27:32]: "Sherwood Knight... said that he had information about who killed Sue Schwartz."
Knight detailed an encounter on the day of Susan's murder, where Gregory Johnson verbally confessed his role in the crime. This confession, although fraught with intimidation tactics, provided the necessary link to formally charge Johnson.
Gregory Johnson’s Arrest and Trial
With compelling testimony from Sherwood Knight and a reluctant but crucial witness—Gregory's girlfriend—Detectives were able to locate and arrest Gregory Johnson in Seattle in 2011. Facing overwhelming evidence, Johnson opted for a plea deal to avoid the uncertainties of a trial.
Trial Dynamics:
Lisa Paul [38:28]: "Gregory Johnson pled guilty to a second-degree murder charge... approximately 25 years."
Despite the conviction, Johnson never fully accepted personal responsibility, instead blaming Susan for meddling in his relationship. The family's sense of justice was mixed, finding solace in the conviction yet grappling with the decades-long anguish.
Valerie's Reflections:
Valerie Rao [38:48]: "I wanted him in there for life... We didn't really have a choice. The evidence just... it wasn't there."
Emotional Aftermath and Legacy
The resolution of Susan Schwartz's case brought a measure of closure, yet the emotional scars endured by her family and friends remained profound. Valerie Rao expressed both gratitude and frustration over the delayed justice, emphasizing the importance of coming forward with information to prevent such prolonged suffering.
Karen Smith’s Sentiments:
Karen Smith [34:07]: "Sue was special. She was just a good person. And we just don't have that many good people in this world anymore."
Valerie's heartfelt message underscored the lasting impact of Susan's loss and the enduring quest for justice that defines many cold case stories.
Conclusion
"Viciously Murdered" serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of truth and justice by both law enforcement and grieving families. Through unwavering determination and the evolution of forensic science, the harrowing case of Susan Schwartz was eventually unraveled, providing a semblance of closure after over three decades. This episode not only highlights the personal tragedies intertwined with unsolved crimes but also celebrates the rare triumphs that offer hope to countless other unresolved cases.
Notable Quotes:
- Ken Christensen [03:14]: "Maybe she had interrupted a burglar... It was an execution. She was killed by somebody that she knew."
- Valerie Rao [07:26]: "Our family was just devastated. Numb. They were really numb with shock."
- Jim Scharf [27:32]: "Sherwood Knight... said that he had information about who killed Sue Schwartz."
- Valerie Rao [38:48]: "I wanted him in there for life... the evidence just wasn't there."