Podcast Summary: Snapped: Women Who Murder – Episode: Angel Sawyer

Title: Snapped: Women Who Murder
Host/Author: Oxygen
Episode: Angel Sawyer
Release Date: December 15, 2024

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder, Oxygen delves into the harrowing case of Angel Sawyer, whose seemingly perfect marriage unraveled into a tragic tale of murder, deception, and betrayal. Set against the quiet backdrop of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, this story unravels the dark secrets behind a beloved community member’s demise.

The Crime: August 2, 2018

Timeline of Events:

• 2:00 AM: The peace of Elizabeth City is shattered when Milton Sawyer, a 55-year-old antique shop owner, is brutally murdered in his home. His wife, Angel Sawyer, is left severely injured but miraculously alive.

  Narrator [02:15]: "With a population of less than 20,000 people, Elizabeth City, North Carolina is about as quiet as a city can be."

• 2:03 AM: Angel, visibly traumatized, calls 911 to report the horrific event.

  911 Caller [02:03]: "Emergency, my next door neighbor just came and knocked on my door. She is crying and she says she thinks her husband is dead."

Crime Scene Details:

• The Sawyers' home showed signs of a violent struggle. Drawers were overturned, and valuables scattered across the floor, pointing towards a targeted robbery.

  Crime Scene Investigator [02:08]: "He attacked me in the walk through the crime scene. It was very indicative of some sort of struggle."

• Milton Sawyer was found face down in the master bathroom with his hands tied behind his back. Initial autopsy suggested positional asphyxiation, but further examination revealed manual strangulation.

  Crime Scene Investigator [23:29]: "The autopsy confirmed there was a fractured hyoid bone in some petechial hemorrhaging which is strongly indicative of strangulation."

Investigation Begins

Early Leads and Suspects:

• Time of Entry: The back door of the Sawyer home was found unlocked with a key left conspicuously on the back porch.

  Crime Scene Investigator [12:19]: "That is of particular note, how unusual that was... We submitted that key for fingerprint testing."

• Neighbor’s Testimony: Angel’s neighbor, who discovered her, provided crucial information about the assailant’s demands for jewelry and money.

  911 Caller [04:30]: "She repeats her answers to the 911 operator and she tells them the man had a gun. He came in and wanted my jewelry and our money."

Person of Interest Emerges:

• A couple named Dylan and his girlfriend become primary suspects due to their recent interactions with Milton over a potentially stolen TV.

  Deputy [13:09]: "The person was a frequent flyer, so when the name was said, everybody knew who it was."

• However, alibi discrepancies and lack of physical evidence initially cast doubt on their involvement.

  Detective [20:14]: "When we did phone records... it wasn't. So we completely rule them out."

Unveiling the Affair

Angel Sawyer’s Marital Troubles:

• Milton Sawyer, born in 1963, was a dedicated father and businessman who found companionship in Angel Kessinger in 2011. The couple blended their families and worked together at Milton’s antique shop, The Treasure Hunter.

  Milton's Brother [08:18]: "Milton was very committed to her."

• Despite outward appearances, Milton suspected Angel of infidelity due to her sudden changes in behavior following a minor accident that required physical therapy.

  Milton's Sister [26:00]: "Milton started noticing she was taking these long showers, dressing all up, putting on makeup just to go to the physical therapist."

Isaac Melcher: The Affair Partner

• Angel’s physical therapist, Isaac Melcher, became the focal point of Milton’s suspicions. Meticulously searching Isaac’s background, investigators found he was a married man with three children, making the affair motive questionable.

  Crime Scene Investigator [27:01]: "Isaac was... a very professional family man."

• Contradictions in Isaac’s alibi and his sudden departure to Oregon raised significant red flags, leading to his eventual confession.

  Crime Scene Investigator [28:41]: "Detectives believe that whatever was on Isaac's phone could connect him to Milton's murder."

The Confession and Trial

Isaac Melcher’s Revelation:

• Under interrogation, Isaac confessed to the murder, revealing a deep-seated obsession with Angel. He described how Angel manipulated him into believing that killing her husband was the only way to secure their future together.

  Isaac Melcher: "He walked in. She's crying... I couldn't get him to wake up."

• His confession included detailed accounts of the planning and execution of the home invasion, including his methodical efforts to eliminate evidence.

  Isaac Melcher: "He took Milton tied and choked him out until he knew he was bass."

Angel Sawyer’s Role:

• Initially portraying herself as a victim, Angel’s facade began to crumble as investigators uncovered her involvement in the affair and possible coercion of Isaac.

  Detective [41:34]: "She used Isaac as a weapon and loaded him and pointed him at Milton and pulled the trigger."

• Faced with overwhelming evidence and Isaac’s testimony, Angel admitted to the affair but denied any direct involvement in the murder plot, though prosecutors painted a picture of a woman desperate to escape a loveless marriage.

  Deputy [44:41]: "She did say... she was totally played."

Court Proceedings:

• In September 2021, Isaac pled guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for a 25-year sentence and his testimony against Angel.

  Detective [45:31]: "He testified that Angel's manipulation directed him to commit the murder."

• The prosecution argued that Angel orchestrated the murder to avoid the stigma of a second divorce, despite lacking direct evidence of financial motive.

  Prosecutors: "Her unhappy marriage and desire to maintain her reputation were the driving forces."

• On September 20, 2021, Angel was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and first-degree murder, receiving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

  Deputy [45:52]: "The jury found her guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and first degree murder."

Aftermath and Reflection

Impact on the Sawyer Family:

• The Sawyer family grappled with the loss of Milton and the revelation of Angel’s betrayal.

  Milton's Sister [46:11]: "Isaac would have never done this on his own. I'm 100% positive of that."

• Milton’s legacy as a beloved father and community member remains, while Angel faces life in prison, leaving behind a shattered family and unanswered questions about manipulation and control.

  911 Caller [46:39]: "He loved his children. He always wanted people to leave him happier than when they came to him."

Legal and Psychological Insights:

• This case underscores the complexity of relationships and the extent to which personal vendettas can escalate into violent crimes.

  Detective [45:09]: "Angel took advantage of an opportunity that Isaac was willing to do anything to be with her."

• It highlights the importance of thorough investigations, as initial suspects can sometimes lead away from the true culprits, necessitating persistent and detailed police work.

Conclusion

The Snapped: Women Who Murder episode on Angel Sawyer presents a chilling narrative of how underlying marital discord and manipulative behavior can culminate in tragedy. Through meticulous investigation and the unraveling of personal relationships, the truth behind Milton Sawyer’s murder was ultimately revealed, serving as a stark reminder of the hidden complexities within seemingly perfect lives.

Notable Quotes

• 911 Caller [16:01]: "I couldn't get him to wake up. I couldn't roll him over and make me happy. I couldn't get him to breathe."

• Crime Scene Investigator [33:37]: "Isaac had told him this kind of bizarre story of killing a man."

• Detective [41:34]: "She used Isaac as a weapon and loaded him and pointed him at Milton and pulled the trigger."

• Deputy [46:11]: "Isaac would have never done this on his own. I'm 100% positive of that."

This episode serves as a profound exploration into the darker facets of human relationships, the intricate dance between victim and perpetrator, and the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement.