Snapped: Women Who Murder – BONUS Episode Summary: Alice and Gerald Uden (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Release Date: January 15, 2025
Host/Author: Oxygen
Episode Title: BONUS: Alice and Gerald Uden (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Introduction
In this special bonus episode of Snapped: Killer Couples, Oxygen delves into the chilling case of Alice and Gerald Uden, a couple whose seemingly idyllic life in Fremont County, Wyoming, concealed dark and murderous secrets. Spanning over three decades, this case highlights the complexities of identifying and prosecuting lethal partnerships.
Background: The Udens' Beginnings
Narrator:
"Alice Prunty, a 37-year-old mother of five, sought a fresh start in Fremont County, Wyoming, after three failed marriages."
[03:40]
Alice Uden's Child:
"She was the baby, a very spoiled baby. My mother was an awesome mom."
[04:08]
Shortly after settling into her new community, Alice met Gerald Uden, a 32-year-old maintenance worker at a local steel mine, also recovering from a third failed marriage.
Investigator:
"To Gerald, Alice was the whole package. She was independent, resourceful, she could support herself."
[05:19]
Five months into their relationship, they married and purchased a farm in Pavilion, Wyoming, blending their lives and families.
The Disappearance of Virginia Uden and Her Sons
In the summer of 1980, Gerald’s ex-wife, Virginia Uden, along with her two sons, Richard (11) and Reagan (10), moved to Lander, Wyoming, reuniting with Gerald after he had adopted them from a previous marriage.
Narrator:
"On September 13, 1980, Virginia and her sons mysteriously disappeared, sparking a 40-year-old cold case."
[02:03]
Three weeks after their disappearance, authorities found Virginia's Ford station wagon near a canyon, containing human blood matching her type and .22 caliber shells.
Forensic Expert:
"We found human blood in the back deck of that station wagon."
[02:03]
[09:00]
Virginia and her sons were never seen again, leading to suspicions and increasing pressure on the Udens.
Rising Suspicion and the Investigation
Initial investigations pointed fingers toward Gerald and Alice due to their proximity and strained relationships with Virginia.
Mariska Hargitay:
"Virginia and the boys were a tremendous source of tension in the relationship between Alice and Gerald."
[10:39]
Despite suspicions, lack of concrete evidence kept both Gerald and Alice free initially. The Udens moved to Chadwick, Missouri, in 1982, distancing themselves from the ongoing investigation.
Breakthrough: The Murder of Ron Holtz
In 1990, a pivotal revelation came when Todd Scott, Alice's oldest son, confessed that Alice had murdered her third husband, Ron Holtz.
Todd Scott (Alice Uden's Child):
"Alice and Ron's marriage was tumultuous... one night, she shot him in the back of the head."
[15:31]
Despite the confession, no remains of Ron Holtz were found until 2013, when police discovered his skeletal remains in an abandoned mine, leading to Alice's arrest for his murder.
Investigators:
"Robust evidence led to Alice's arrest for the 39-year-old murder of Ron Holtz."
[30:20]
The Unraveling of Gerald Uden
Following Alice's arrest, investigators hoped to leverage this development to shed light on the disappearance of Virginia and her sons. Gerald's reaction during the investigation was telling.
Mariska Hargitay:
"Gerald didn't show any remorse... he just kind of a matter of fact, nonchalant."
[39:57]
Under scrutiny, Gerald confessed to the murders of Virginia and her sons in 2013, revealing the extent of their brutal actions.
Gerald Uden (Willie Geist):
"Virginia was there, the gun was there. I shot her right square in the back of the head... 10 seconds and they were gone."
[37:15]
He detailed how he disposed of the bodies, tying his actions to financial motivations regarding child support.
Legal Proceedings and Aftermath
Gerald pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and was sentenced to three life sentences in 2013.
Narrator:
"In September 2019, the court rejects Gerald's attempt to withdraw his guilty plea."
[46:09]
Alice faced trial for the murder of Ron Holtz in 2014. Despite evidence and testimonies, she was acquitted of first-degree murder but convicted of second-degree murder, receiving a life sentence. She passed away in prison in 2019.
Expert Commentator:
"Alice was a profoundly evil person who found a match in Gerald, creating a perfect storm of sociopathy and narcissism."
[46:28]
Conclusion: The Dark Legacy of the Udens
The case of Alice and Gerald Uden serves as a sobering reminder of how appearances can be deceiving. Their ability to mask their heinous crimes for decades underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in untangling complex criminal partnerships.
Mariska Hargitay:
"With Gerald and Alice, we have a perfect storm of, of a sociopath and a narcissistic person."
[46:28]
Their story, meticulously uncovered through relentless investigative efforts, highlights the enduring quest for justice long after crimes have been committed.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Alice Uden's Child:
"I was the baby. I was a very spoiled baby." [04:08] -
Forensic Expert:
"We found human blood in the back deck of that station wagon." [02:03] -
Mariska Hargitay:
"Virginia and the boys were a tremendous source of tension in the relationship between Alice and Gerald." [10:39] -
Gerald Uden (Willie Geist):
"Virginia was there, the gun was there. I shot her right square in the back of the head." [37:15] -
Expert Commentator:
"Alice was a profoundly evil person who found a match in Gerald." [46:28]
Note: This summary omits advertisements, promotional content, and non-essential segments to focus solely on the critical narrative and investigative elements of Alice and Gerald Uden's case.