Crime House Daily: First Watch
Episode: Professor Found Dead, Then Her Killer Spent 11 Years on the Run
Host: Katie Ring
Date: December 1, 2025
Overview
In this “First Watch” episode, Katie Ring covers two major, active true crime cases:
- The murder of American University professor Sue Ann Marcum—her financial entanglement and tragic end at the hands of Jorge Rueda Landeros, who spent over a decade as a fugitive before his recent conviction.
- The story of Taylor Cadle, a courageous survivor in Florida who, years after escaping her abusive adoptive father and a failed justice system, is now fighting for accountability by suing her abuser and negligent officers.
Both cases highlight the long, difficult pursuit of justice for victims and the systemic failures that can impede it.
Case 1: The Murder of Sue Ann Marcum
00:40 – 15:59
Victim Background
- Sue Ann Marcum grew up in Syracuse, NY: described as bright, stylish, ambitious, and warm.
- She became a successful CPA, holding roles like tax director at Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey ("she always shared her amusement at recording things like hay and manure on circus tax returns" – Katie, 03:28).
- Sue later returned to teach at American University and was beloved by students, winning ‘Professor of the Year’ three times.
Relationship with Jorge Rueda Landeros
- Met Jorge in 2005; he gave her Spanish and yoga lessons, their relationship turning romantic and financial.
- Jorge was financially dependent: "One, a man who doesn't pitch in at all, he doesn't make money, and he doesn't even help around the house either. The men who just expect you to do everything and take, take, take, are dangerous" (Katie, 06:39).
- Sue mortgaged her house to fund their shared investment account. Jorge contributed nothing; instead, he siphoned off Sue’s funds, resulting in her losing over $300,000.
Financial Strain and Suspicions
- Sue was “stressed over finances, couldn’t sleep,” and confronted Jorge in email: “I don’t know how I allowed myself to get into this mess. I just want out of the whole situation.”
- She was manipulated into keeping him in control, even as friends warned her.
The Crime
- October 25, 2010: A friend found Sue dead in her home—blunt force trauma and asphyxiation, staged as a robbery ("a scene that could have been taken straight out of a horror movie," 08:44).
- Forensics soon revealed valuable items were untouched; robbery was a ruse.
Investigation and Manhunt
- Police traced Sue’s Jeep, stolen hours after her murder, to a D.C. teen, Andrew Hamlin, who was cleared of involvement.
- Key evidence: Jorge’s DNA under Sue's fingernails and on the murder weapon (a broken tequila bottle).
- April 2011: An arrest warrant issued for Jorge Landeros.
- Jorge’s Response: Investigators contacted him by email; he replied, stating he knew of the warrant but wouldn’t turn himself in.
- He vanished, living as a yoga instructor in Guadalajara, Mexico, under the name “Leon Ferrara.”
Break in the Case
- December 2022: A documentary viewer recognized Jorge, tipping off authorities.
- July 2023: Jorge extradited to Maryland.
- Trial Outcome: After eight days, Jorge was convicted of second-degree murder (not first, due to lack of proof of premeditation).
- "Jorge preyed upon Sue Marcum’s caring nature and used her for his own gain. And when she had nothing left to give, he killed her." (Assistant State's Attorney Debbie Feinstein, quoting Katie at 15:34.)
- Notable Moment: When verdict was read, Jorge "didn't show any emotion." (15:52)
- Sentencing is scheduled for February 6, 2026; he faces up to 30 years.
Case 2: Taylor Cadle’s Quest for Justice
16:00 – 32:52
Background and Early Childhood
- Taylor was born into a turbulent home, eventually entering foster care.
- Adopted at age 8 by her great uncle, Henry Cadle, and his wife, Lisa.
- Adoption led to extreme abuse, both physical and sexual, by Henry—starting at age 9.
Abuse and Initial Disclosure
- Taylor bravely disclosed the abuse at age 12 to her church minister’s wife, who alerted the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
- Detective Melissa Turnage immediately wrote Taylor off as lying: "Detective Turnage didn’t believe her. She even told Henry Taylor was making up allegations." (23:41)
- Henry refused a polygraph and made bizarre statements. Still, Turnage sided with him.
Systemic Failures and Further Trauma
- Taylor was interrogated and accused of fabricating the abuse, eventually being charged with “giving false information.”
- Lisa (adoptive mother) forced her to plead guilty. Taylor’s punishment: probation and the cruelty of writing apology letters to both her abuser and the police department ("makes me absolutely sick to my stomach" – Katie, 25:59).
Taking Evidence Into Her Own Hands
- Knowing the system wouldn’t protect her, Taylor documented the next assault with photos and video, collected physical evidence, and called 911 herself.
- “Taylor knew what she had to do to make sure nothing was left to chance…In reality, she was taking photos and videos of what Henry was doing to her. And he had no idea.” (27:13)
- Police arrested Henry immediately upon viewing evidence.
Justice and Aftermath
- DNA confirmed Henry’s guilt. He pled no contest to custodial sexual battery, receiving a 17-year sentence and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
- Taylor, now 22 and thriving, is pursuing further justice with a lawsuit against Henry, Detective Turnage, and two other officers for mishandling her case.
- Katie: "I hope Officer Turnage takes a long, hard look in the mirror. And I hope she gets fired, too, because these are the people who are tasked with protecting children. And she just turned her cheek and called her a liar." (31:45)
- The case will be monitored for further developments.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On financial abusers:
- "The men who just expect you to do everything and take, take, take, are dangerous. No bueno, sayonara. Cut them loose." (Katie, 06:39)
- On Sue’s career at the circus:
- “She always shared her amusement at recording things like hay and manure on the circus tax returns.” (Katie, 03:28)
- Jorge’s callousness:
- “He said he knew they were looking for him, but that he had no intention of turning himself in.” (Katie, 13:47)
- On Detective Turnage's disbelief:
- "Detective Turnage didn't believe her. She even told Henry Taylor was making up allegations that he was essaying her." (Katie, 23:41)
- Taylor’s bravery:
- "Taylor knew what she had to do to make sure nothing was left to chance…In reality, she was taking photos and videos of what Henry was doing to her. And he had no idea." (Katie, 27:13)
- Henry’s lack of remorse:
- "It's not all my fault neither. Yes, I'm the adult, but it's not all my fault." (Henry, quoted at 29:54)
- On system failures:
- "These are the people who are tasked with protecting children. And she just turned her cheek and called her a liar." (Katie, 31:45)
Key Timestamps
- Main Theme Introduction: 00:02–01:00
- Sue Marcum Case Begins: 02:41
- Sue’s life and achievements: 03:00–05:00
- Financial entanglement with Jorge: 05:00–07:00
- Murder and crime scene: 08:44
- Investigation and arrest warrant: 10:31–14:00
- Trial and verdict: 15:34–15:59
- Taylor Cadle Case Begins: 16:00
- Childhood and adoption: 16:50–18:15
- Abuse details: 18:15–20:00
- Systemic failures and Turnage’s disbelief: 23:41–26:00
- Taylor’s self-recorded evidence and aftermath: 27:13–29:54
- Lawsuit against officers: 31:00–32:52
Tone and Emphasis
Katie Ring maintains a compassionate, urgent, and frank tone throughout—calling out systemic failures and the dangers of manipulative partners, while highlighting the bravery of victims and the importance of vigilance in justice.
Summary
This gripping episode from Crime House Daily unpacks both a headline-grabbing murder case and an equally important story of survival and resilience. From the tragic loss and delayed justice for Sue Ann Marcum to the systemic betrayal and courageous fightback of Taylor Cadle, the episode underlines just how hard-won true justice can be, and why it must be closely watched and pursued.