Snapped: Women Who Murder – Episode Summary: Purdy Clark
Introduction
In this gripping episode of "Snapped: Women Who Murder," hosted by Oxygen, listeners delve into the mysterious and chilling case of Purdy Clark. Purdy's calculated actions and manipulative nature led to the deaths of three individuals, creating a tangled web of deceit and greed. This summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those unfamiliar with the case.
Background: The Calm Before the Storm
The story unfolds in San Angelo, Texas, a close-knit town where everyone knows each other. James Bud Phillips, a 60-year-old man with a troubled past, had recently attempted to lead a disciplined life after serving 14 years in prison for selling drugs. Bud's orderly and organized nature was a stark contrast to his earlier life, and he sought to rebuild his relationship with his adult son, Michael Phillips.
In 2007, Bud's life took an unexpected turn when he met Purdy Clark, a raven-haired beauty who had recently lost her first husband, Kim Clark, to a mysterious murder. Despite a nearly 30-year age difference, Bud and Purdy's whirlwind romance quickly blossomed, leading Purdy to move into Bud's home.
Narrator [08:30]: "When Bud met the mother of three, she was still grieving the loss of her first husband, 42-year-old Kim Clark, who had died just months earlier in September of 2006."
The Relationship Turns Deadly
Bud's family cherished the harmonious relationship he shared with Purdy, unaware of the dark intentions lurking beneath her charming facade. However, two and a half years after mourning her first husband's death, Purdy became entwined in another tragedy — Bud Phillips' sudden death.
On February 16, 2009, Bud was rushed to the emergency room, where he was pronounced dead from what was initially believed to be a heart attack. However, Bud's son, Michael, harbored suspicions about the true cause of his father's demise.
Investigator 2 [10:46]: "Michael did not believe that Mr. Phillips had died of a cardiac arrest while he was 60. He carried himself as being much younger. He was in very good physical condition."
Unraveling the Truth: Strychnine Poisoning
Michael's insistence led to an autopsy, revealing a lethal dose of strychnine in Bud's system, overturning the initial assumption of a natural heart attack. Strychnine, a potent poison commonly used in ranching for predator control, was the key to unraveling the mystery.
Investigators focused on the presence of strychnine in Bud's environment and discovered an overturned carton of chocolate ice cream in his home — the perfect medium to mask the bitter taste of the poison.
Investigator 3 [29:56]: "The chemist at the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office told us that there was a lethal dose of strychnine in the chocolate ice cream. It was a huge break because now we knew how it got into Bud."
Purdy Clark: A Pattern of Deceit and Murder
As the investigation deepened, detectives unearthed Purdy Clark's alarming history. In 2006, Purdy was already under suspicion for the murder of her first husband, Kim Clark. Kim was found dead on September 14, 2006, shot twice in the head, a case that remained unresolved.
Further complicating matters, Purdy's subsequent partner, Robert Dwayne Murphy, was found dead in October 2006 under suspicious circumstances. A letter purportedly from Murphy confessed to killing Kim Clark, but investigators doubted its authenticity, suspecting foul play to silence him.
Witness 2 [21:27]: "From the investigator standpoint, it looked like Purdy wanted to murder Kim for his money. And she also murdered Dwayne because he knew too much about Kim's murder."
Connecting the Dots: Purdy's Motive and Methods
Investigators identified a consistent motive—greed—and a pattern of manipulating relationships to gain financial benefits. Purdy's attempted sale of Bud's property without authorization was a clear indicator of her intentions to exploit his assets.
Michael Phillips provided crucial insights into how Purdy disrupted Bud's disciplined life, turning his orderly home into chaos. This behavioral shift further fueled suspicions about Purdy's true intentions.
Investigator 1 [27:54]: "Purdy came into his life and just filled his house with junk. There was stuff everywhere. This caused a lot of arguments since Bud liked keeping things organized. But even with that, Bud didn't see that as a reason to leave Purdy."
The Arrest and Aftermath
With substantial evidence linking Purdy to Bud's death through the presence of strychnine in his ice cream and eyewitness accounts placing her at the scene, authorities obtained a murder warrant for Purdy Clark. However, Purdy adeptly evaded capture, leading to a manhunt that spanned thirty miles to her hideout in El Dorado.
During her capture, Purdy exhibited no fear, remaining unfazed as law enforcement apprehended her. She was subsequently charged with Bud Phillips' murder and faced ongoing investigations related to the deaths of Kim Clark and Dwayne Murphy.
Investigator 2 [32:18]: "We definitely had an unnatural death of Mr. Phillips, a lethal concentration of strychnine. We had eyewitnesses placing her at the scene. She had access to Mr. Phillips. She had access to the contents of his house where other people didn't."
Legal Proceedings and Plea Deal
As the trial approached, Purdy's attorney highlighted the potential impact of her criminal history on the case. Facing overwhelming evidence and the weight of her past crimes, Purdy opted to accept a plea deal before her trial commenced.
In June 2011, Purdy Clark agreed to a plea agreement, receiving a 40-year sentence for her orchestrated crimes, including the murder of Bud Phillips. While this deal provided closure for Bud's family, the investigations into Kim Clark and Dwayne Murphy remained open, leaving the door ajar for future revelations.
Investigator 3 [44:48]: "The district attorney offered a plea agreement that if she pled guilty, she would receive 40 years for the chaos that she committed over the span in people's lives this that she disrupted."
Conclusion: A Legacy of Deceit
Purdy Clark's case serves as a stark reminder of how charm and manipulation can mask sinister motives. Her actions not only resulted in multiple deaths but also left lasting scars on the lives of those she touched. As the investigations into her past crimes continue, Purdy remains a symbol of calculated evil, her legacy one of greed and destruction.
Witness 1 [45:17]: "I don't think she should even have a parole. I think she is evil from toes up and I think she should have got more time for killing somebody. I mean that's just not right."
Key Takeaways
- Manipulative Charm: Purdy Clark utilized her allure and charm to manipulate and control her relationships, leading to lethal outcomes.
- Consistent Motive: Greed was the primary motivator behind her actions, driving her to exploit and eliminate those who stood in her way.
- Evasion and Capture: Despite her cunning attempts to evade law enforcement, diligent investigative work ultimately led to her apprehension.
- Ongoing Investigations: The deaths of Kim Clark and Dwayne Murphy remain under scrutiny, with Purdy's involvement still a focal point.
Notable Quotes
- Investigator 2 [10:46]: "Michael did not believe that Mr. Phillips had died of a cardiac arrest while he was 60. He carried himself as being much younger. He was in very good physical condition."
- Witness 1 [21:27]: "From the investigator standpoint, it looked like Purdy wanted to murder Kim for his money. And she also murdered Dwayne because he knew too much about Kim's murder."
- Investigator 3 [44:48]: "The district attorney offered a plea agreement that if she pled guilty, she would receive 40 years for the chaos that she committed over the span in people's lives this that she disrupted."
- Witness 1 [45:17]: "I don't think she should even have a parole. I think she is evil from toes up and I think she should have got more time for killing somebody. I mean that's just not right."
Final Thoughts
"Purdie Clark" is a testament to the complexities of human behavior and the dark paths that can emerge from seemingly ordinary lives. The episode meticulously charts Purdy's descent into murder, driven by greed and a relentless desire for control. For true crime enthusiasts, this case underscores the importance of diligent investigation and the pursuit of truth, no matter how deeply it's buried.