Podcast Summary: Murder With My Husband - Episode 252: The Hitman Survivor - Susan Kuhnhausen

Podcast Information:

• Title: Murder With My Husband
• Host/Author: OH NO MEDIA
• Description: A true crime podcast that ventures into the darkest crimes with a wife who loves it and a husband who hates it.
• Episode: 252. The Hitman Survivor - Susan Kuhnhausen
• Release Date: January 20, 2025

1. Introduction

In Episode 252 of "Murder With My Husband," hosts Peyton and Garrett Moreland delve into the harrowing true story of Susan Kuhnhausen, a resilient woman who survived an attempted murder orchestrated by her own husband, Mike Kunhausen. This episode intricately explores the complexities of their troubled marriage, Mike's descent into desperation, and Susan's courageous fight for survival.

2. The Marriage of Susan and Mike

Susan Collins, a dedicated ER nurse at Providence Portland Medical Center in Portland, Oregon, sought companionship and love outside her demanding career. At age 33, she placed a personal ad in the newspaper—akin to the 1988 version of Tinder—seeking a meaningful relationship. Her efforts led her to Mike Kunhausen, a stocky, bearded man with sandy hair and oversized glasses. Despite Mike's bitterness over his previous divorce and his resentment towards his ex-wife, Susan was initially enamored by their shared interests in nature and adventure.

Peyton Moreland [06:39]: "If you are going to kill someone, that's crazy. Well, I'm just saying when we're thinking about this question after doing so many episodes, do not hire a hitman. It just don't do it."

The couple married on December 11, 1988, and for the initial years, their marriage seemed harmonious. They enjoyed activities like bird watching and trips along the Oregon coast. However, underlying issues began to surface as Mike's obsession with money and his burgeoning collection of sports memorabilia strained their relationship.

3. Mike's Descent into Bitterness

Mike's fixation on his sports memorabilia, which he viewed as lucrative investments worth tens of thousands, clashed with Susan's indifferent attitude towards material possessions. This divergence in values led to increasing tensions. Mike's frequent mood swings, characterized by extreme negativity and bitterness, became more pronounced, especially when things didn't go his way.

Garrett Moreland [12:20]: "Sounds like a good guy."

Peyton Moreland [12:21]: "This was another concerning trait of Mike's, maybe even another red flag. He had a tendency to blame other people for his own problems..."

Despite Susan's attempts to communicate and seek therapy for Mike, his refusal to acknowledge any issues only deepened the rift between them. Over the course of 17 years, Susan nurtured hope that Mike would overcome his internal struggles, but his behavior continued to deteriorate, manifesting in increasingly aggressive and threatening outbursts.

4. The Plot to Kill Susan

By 2005, Susan had reached the end of her tether. Fearing that Mike's suspicions and paranoia over a potential divorce were escalating towards domestic violence, she asked him to move out. Although Susan aimed for an amicable separation, Mike's desperation to prevent a divorce—coupled with his inability to manage his mounting resentment—led him to contemplate drastic measures.

Peyton Moreland [20:31]: "You're walking a slippery slope of, in your mind, starting to justify murder."

In September 2006, Mike, now isolated and convinced that Susan intended to ruin him financially and emotionally, decided to hire a hitman to murder her before the divorce could proceed. His search for an accomplice led him to Ed Haffey, a recently released felon with a history of violent crimes, including conspiracy to commit murder. Through manipulative persuasion, Mike convinced Ed to undertake the sinister task for a substantial sum.

5. The Night of September 6, 2006

On September 6, 2006, Mike executed his plan. He drove Ed to Susan's now solitary home in Southeast Portland, granting him access by using their anniversary date as the security system code. Mike’s attempt to frame the murder as a burglary involved staging his sports memorabilia collection to appear looted.

As Susan returned from her demanding shift at the hospital, she entered her home and was immediately confronted by a man wielding a hammer—unbeknownst to her, Ed the hitman. What ensued was a life-or-death struggle showcasing Susan's unyielding will to survive.

Peyton Moreland [28:56]: "Looks her in the eyes and says, you're strong."

In the ensuing fight, Susan utilized her training and innate resilience to fend off the attacker. Despite severe injuries and exhaustion, she managed to overpower Ed, ultimately leading to his incapacitation. However, the ordeal left Susan not just physically scarred but emotionally traumatized by the reality of betrayal from someone she deeply trusted.

6. The Aftermath: Arrest and Trial

Following the attack, Ed's mishandling of evidence provided a crucial lead for investigators. A backpack left behind contained a day planner dated two days before the murder attempt, with notes linking back to Mike. This evidence was instrumental in unveiling the conspiracy.

Mike, realizing his plan had unraveled and fearing retribution, attempted to evade capture but was apprehended nine days later on September 15, 2006. His daughter’s intervention, claiming his plausibly staged suicide note, further complicated his defense.

Garrett Moreland [42:49]: "That's so ironic."

During the sentencing in September 2007, Susan addressed Mike directly, expressing that while she could never find peace while he lived, she would not allow his actions to destroy her.

Peyton Moreland [43:15]: "She expressed this to Mike during his September 2007 sentencing hearing... 'As long as you live, I will never have a measure of peace, but I will not be destroyed.'"

Mike was sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit aggravated murder. Susan, however, would carry the emotional and psychological burdens of the incident long after Mike's incarceration.

7. Susan's Life After the Attempted Murder

The aftermath of the attack forced Susan to reevaluate her life entirely. She faced the painful decision to change her identity to ensure her safety, alongside implementing stringent security measures to protect herself from any potential future threats.

Susan channeled her trauma into advocacy, dedicating her post-incident life to assisting victims of violent crimes. She founded organizations aimed at supporting survivors and established a website to provide resources and information on ongoing cases and offender tracking.

Peyton Moreland [43:59]: "She created this website because it's also going to help her. Mike was behind bars, but years could still get out."

In 2015, Mike's unexpected death from prostate cancer before his early release brought a complex mix of emotions for Susan. While she did not mourn his passing, reflecting on the life he might have led had circumstances been different, she continued to strive for personal peace and continued her mission to aid others.

Peyton Moreland [47:12]: "Susan's case just goes to show, like, fighter, man. She is a fighter."

8. Conclusion

Episode 252 of "Murder With My Husband" masterfully narrates the tragic yet inspiring story of Susan Kuhnhausen. It highlights the devastating impact of marital betrayal and the extraordinary resilience of a woman determined to reclaim her life against all odds. Susan's journey from a victim to a survivor and advocate underscores the enduring human spirit's capacity to overcome profound adversity.

Notable Quotes:

• Peyton Moreland [06:39]: "If you are going to kill someone, that's crazy... do not hire a hitman."

• Peyton Moreland [20:31]: "You're walking a slippery slope of, in your mind, starting to justify murder."

• Peyton Moreland [28:56]: "Looks her in the eyes and says, you're strong."

• Peyton Moreland [43:15]: "'As long as you live, I will never have a measure of peace, but I will not be destroyed.'"

• Peyton Moreland [47:12]: "Susan's case just goes to show, like, fighter, man. She is a fighter."

This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities within personal relationships and the profound strength individuals can summon in the face of unimaginable challenges.