Snapped: Women Who Murder - Episode Summary: Beatrice Camper

Podcast Title: Snapped: Women Who Murder
Host/Author: Oxygen
Episode: Beatrice Camper

Introduction to Beatrice Camper

In the compelling episode of "Snapped: Women Who Murder," Oxygen delves into the tragic and complex story of Beatrice Camper and the murder of her husband, Terry Camper. The narrative unfolds in Peekskill, New York, painting a vivid picture of a seemingly idyllic life that spiraled into darkness.

Marriage to Terry Camper

Beatrice Ingraham, later known as Beatrice Camper, had a tumultuous past marked by poor choices and struggles with substance abuse. [01:37] A family member describes her as someone who "made some poor choices." Despite these challenges, Beatrice found love with Terry Camper, a 53-year-old cab driver known and loved in the Peekskill community. Their marriage in 2002 was a beacon of hope and stability for Beatrice, who had previously faced addiction and personal turmoil.

Carl (Host): "They spent 10 happy years together. But in 2012, their marriage would suddenly, tragically end." [01:03]

The Murder of Terry Camper

On the afternoon of October 3, 2012, a 911 call shattered the peace of Peekskill. A mail carrier reported a "dead man on the street" on Pine Street. Police Chief Liz Fulch arrived promptly, finding Terry Camper slumped in his taxi with gunshot wounds to the back of his head. Contrary to initial reports of a possible heart attack, Terry had been "shot twice in the back of the head." [02:15]

Beatrice Camper: "Why would you want to shoot him? You know, why would anybody do that?" [02:30]

The Investigation Begins

The community was left reeling, as Terry was a beloved figure with no apparent enemies. Initial theories pointed towards a robbery gone wrong, especially since murder weapons and eyewitnesses were scarce. Investigators found Terry's empty wallet and a live round in the backseat of his cab, suggesting a planned attack. However, Terry's cell phone was missing, leading authorities to track it to a location near West Point.

Detective: "He had been shot twice in the back of the head." [05:08]

Suspicions Around John Murray

The investigation took a pivotal turn when police traced the last phone call made from Terry's phone to John Murray, a convicted murderer recently released from prison. Murray, known for his criminal history, was found to be in Newburgh, just across the Hudson River from Peekskill, at the time of the murder. Surveillance footage placed his vehicle near the Bear Mountain Bridge around the time Terry was killed, raising suspicions.

Detective: "We were able to observe the vehicle, which we believe to be John Murray's, across the Bear Mountain Bridge approximately 1pm heading east toward Peekskill." [20:02]

Beatrice Camper's Involvement

As investigators delved deeper, they uncovered a startling connection between Beatrice and John Murray. It was revealed that Beatrice and John had rekindled an old affair that dated back to their youth in Queens. Despite Beatrice's marriage to Terry, she maintained a secret relationship with John, characterized by hundreds of phone calls and letters during John's incarceration.

Beatrice's Family Member: "There were hundreds of phone calls, hundreds." [22:33]

Searches of Beatrice's apartment yielded a box of "hundreds of letters of correspondence between Beatrice and John," providing concrete evidence of their ongoing relationship. Under intense questioning, Beatrice admitted to the affair and confessed to conspiring with John to murder Terry for life insurance money.

Beatrice Camper: "He told her he had been shot in the back of the head. They don't know who did it, but he had been shot in the back of the head twice." [14:20]

The Trial and Verdict

In April 2014, the trial concluded with a guilty verdict for John Murray, who was sentenced to life in prison. Beatrice Camper, who had pleaded guilty to second-degree murder as part of a plea deal, testified against John. Her testimony was crucial yet controversial, as it was the linchpin connecting John to the crime in the absence of direct evidence like a murder weapon or eyewitnesses.

Beatrice's Family Member: "They executed Terry Camper. You know, that's just pure evil." [46:13]

The defense argued that Beatrice was the true perpetrator, motivated by her obsession with John and her desire to secure life insurance. They posited that Beatrice had manipulated the situation to frame John by disposing of Terry's phone, thereby misleading the investigation.

Aftermath and Appeals

Despite Beatrice's guilty plea, her conviction was subject to appeal in 2016, which was ultimately denied. She is eligible for parole in 2027 at the age of 75. Terry's family remains determined to see her serve a longer sentence, expressing deep skepticism about the plea deal and supporting the prosecution's case that both Beatrice and John were equally culpable in the premeditated murder of Terry Camper.

Beatrice Camper: "I think she need to be in prison the rest of her life." [45:49]

Conclusion

The tragic story of Beatrice Camper serves as a poignant reminder of how hidden affairs and unresolved past relationships can lead to devastating consequences. Through meticulous investigation and the unraveling of deeply buried secrets, "Snapped: Women Who Murder" presents a gripping account of love, betrayal, and the quest for justice in the wake of a senseless murder.

Notable Quotes:

• Beatrice Camper: "Why would you want to shoot him? You know, why would anybody do that?" [02:30]
• Detective: "He had been shot twice in the back of the head." [05:08]
• Beatrice's Family Member: "There were hundreds of phone calls, hundreds." [22:33]
• Beatrice Camper: "He knew what the stakes were. He knew that he was looking at a lifetime sentence without the possibility of parole." [45:03]

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Beatrice Camper's story as presented in the podcast episode, highlighting the key events, characters, and revelations that shaped this true crime narrative.