Podcast Summary: BONUS: Nadya Swartz and Justin Hooker (Snapped: Killer Couples)
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Host: Stephanie Gomolka
Produced by: Oxygen
Introduction
In this compelling bonus episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder, host Stephanie Gomolka delves into the tragic case of Kenny Bunn, whose life was brutally cut short, unraveling a complex web of relationships and dark motives. This detailed examination highlights how a seemingly idyllic community in northern Georgia was shaken by violence, ultimately exposing the sinister actions of an unlikely murderer couple.
Discovery of the Body
The episode opens on a serene morning in Murray County, Georgia, shattered by a disturbing 911 call about a dead body near the Conasauga River.
- Detective Adam Jones recounts the grim discovery:
"I think we've run up on a dead body." (02:07)
Upon arrival, the victim is identified as a white male, yet no identification is found, leaving investigators puzzled about his identity and the motive behind his death.
Identifying the Victim: Kenny Bunn
The investigation takes a pivotal turn when a lead surfaces connecting the unidentified body to Kenny Bunn, a 27-year-old from Dalton, Georgia.
- Stephanie Gomolka narrates the emotional confirmation:
"I could tell it was him by the look on the detective's face." (08:23)
Kenny is portrayed as a beloved figure who had overcome past struggles with depression and substance abuse, striving to rebuild his life with a promising career and personal aspirations.
Investigating the Scene
Despite initial theories suggesting a random act of violence or robbery, evidence points toward an execution-style murder with no signs of struggle or motive linked to robbery.
- Adam Jones provides insight into the autopsy findings:
"He died from multiple gunshot wounds. It was four shots, three in the head, one in the chest... I think it was an execution, just an ambush." (12:55)
This revelation steers the investigation toward a more calculated and personal motive behind Kenny's murder.
Connecting Nadia Swartz and Justin Hooker
Further probing leads detectives to Nadia Swartz, Kenny's ex-girlfriend, and her new boyfriend, Justin Hooker, both of whom emerge as key suspects.
- Stephanie Gomolka details Nadia's involvement:
"Nadia was searching for Kenny, but her interactions raised suspicions." (15:59)
Surveillance footage captures Nadia and Justin together with Kenny shortly before his disappearance, establishing a critical connection.
Arrest and Interrogation
As investigators piece together the timeline, suspicions intensify against Justin Hooker, especially after evidence links him to the firearm used in Kenny's murder.
- Adam Jones confronts Justin:
"Do you have any idea why we're here?" (37:04)
"I want an attorney." (38:13)
Under mounting pressure, Justin's evasive behavior and Nadia's contradictory statements lead to their eventual arrest.
Trial and Plea Deals
Facing overwhelming evidence, both Nadia and Justin opt for plea deals, acknowledging their roles in the premeditated murder of Kenny Bunn.
- Stephanie Gomolka reflects on the outcome:
"Nadia and Justin agree to the terms... Authorities believe Kenny's murder was premeditated." (42:58)
Their sentences include life in prison with the possibility of parole, marking a somber closure to the case.
Concluding Insights
The episode underscores the tragic loss of Kenny Bunn, a man striving for love and stability, ultimately falling victim to the manipulative and destructive desires of Nadia Swartz and Justin Hooker.
- Stephanie Gomolka offers a heartfelt conclusion:
"I wish Kenny hadn't went off with him that night. I lost my everything. I want him to be remembered by his good heart and his helpless. He was more than a murderer. He was a person." (46:13)
Key Takeaways
- Premeditation and Manipulation: Nadia orchestrated the circumstances leading to Kenny's murder, manipulating Justin into committing the crime.
- Impact of Appearance and Judgment: The case highlights how societal judgments based on appearance can obscure the true nature of individuals.
- Emotional Trauma: The narrative delves into the emotional devastation experienced by Kenny's family, emphasizing the human cost of such tragedies.
Notable Quotes
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Detective Adam Jones:
"They're romanticizing what they've done and that they're outlaws together." (03:04)
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Stephanie Gomolka:
"She didn't care which one of them died. She just wanted someone to kill for her. That's pure evil, I think." (03:11)
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Detective Adam Jones:
"This was an execution, just an ambush. Kenny didn't know that it was coming." (31:00)
Conclusion
This bonus episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder provides a meticulous exploration of Kenny Bunn's murder, revealing the dark dynamics of Nadia Swartz and Justin Hooker's relationship. Through detailed investigation and emotional storytelling, Stephanie Gomolka paints a vivid picture of how love, jealousy, and manipulation can culminate in irrevocable tragedy.