Snapped: Women Who Murder – Episode Summary: "Candy Jo Webb"

Release Date: July 20, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Candy Jo Webb" from the podcast Snapped: Women Who Murder, listeners are taken through the harrowing journey of Candy Jo Webb, whose actions led to the tragic death of her grandfather, AJ Hardin. Hosted by Oxygen, this episode delves deep into the complexities of family relationships, hidden motives, and the intricate investigation that ultimately unravels the truth.

Family Background

AJ Hardin was an 83-year-old man with deep roots in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Born on April 2, 1938, AJ grew up in a small, tight-knit community and served in the Navy before settling into a life centered around his family and local businesses.

• AJ's Family Life:
  • Married to Virginia, AJ had three children: Shane, Tommy, and Candy Jo.
  • Tragically, Shane died in childhood, adding emotional strain to the family.
  • In the early 2000s, the family moved back to Fort Sumner, where they started a hamburger stand that became a family endeavor.

Candy Jo Webb, AJ's youngest daughter, faced numerous personal struggles:

• Early Life and Challenges:
  • Candy battled addiction in the 1990s, which strained her relationship with her family.
  • Despite these challenges, Candy was considered the "shining star" of the family, excelling academically and athletically.
  • Graduated high school in 2012 with aspirations to play college volleyball, supported by her family.

Notable Quote:

Reporter (02:52): "Candy Jo struggled with motherhood and maintaining relationships due to her battles with addiction."

The Discovery

On October 15, 2020, a gruesome discovery shook the small town of Fort Sumner. Chad Abeda, his father Louis, and Chad's son Aaron were exploring a makeshift dump site behind their rental property when they stumbled upon what appeared to be human remains in a toolbox.

• Initial Findings:
  • The skeleton had duct tape around its mouth and wrists, indicating restraint (04:09).
  • A business card was found inside the victim's shirt pocket, bearing the name AJ Hardin.

Notable Quote:

Medical Examiner (04:33): "As soon as I saw the tape, I knew at that point in time, we're dealing with a homicide."

Investigation Unfolds

The discovery prompted an immediate investigation by the Dbacca County Sheriff's Department and the New Mexico State Police. Initial inquiries pointed towards someone with family ties and a history of legal troubles.

• Focus on Aaron Hardin:
  • Aaron Hardin, AJ's grandson, became a person of interest due to his frequent visits to the dump site.
  • Despite his troubled past and strained relationship with Candy Jo, evidence began to suggest otherwise.

Notable Quote:

Detective (14:14): "After learning about Aaron Hardin, Michael talked to one of the deputies who was still on scene and asked him, who is Aaron Hardin? Turns out that Aaron Hardin is... his grandfather."

Shift to Candy Jo Webb

As the investigation progressed, discrepancies arose in Candy Jo Webb's statements and actions:

• Inconsistent Alibis:

  • Candy claimed to have placed AJ in a retirement facility but struggled to provide specific details about its location (19:06).
  • Her inability to recall the facility's name raised suspicions among investigators.

• Financial Motives:

  • It was uncovered that Candy had access to a joint bank account with AJ, using it to write unauthorized checks amounting to approximately $1,500 (32:22).

Notable Quote:

Family Member (32:54): "Candy Jo obtained the no trespass order so he couldn't tell A.J. but investigators now wonder if it was because A.J. was already dead."

Breakthrough and Arrest

Eight days into the investigation, a concerned source provided a pivotal lead:

• Garrett Bean's Testimony:

  • Garrett, Candy Jo's boyfriend, revealed that AJ had allegedly asked Candy Jo to help end his life. According to Garrett, Candy Jo administered muscle relaxers, leading to AJ's death, which she then disposed of in the tool chest (34:11).

• Candy Jo's Flight:

  • Upon this revelation, a search warrant was obtained, and authorities attempted to locate Candy Jo, who had fled to Jacksonville, Florida, using prepaid debit cards and purchasing a Greyhound ticket (37:39).

Notable Quote:

Detective (35:14): "She used that trailer to haul the tool chest with AJ's human remains in there to dump it out."

Trial and Conviction

During her interrogation, Candy Jo shifted her narrative from a supposed mercy killing to claiming AJ's death was accidental. However, investigators found her statements untrustworthy, citing numerous inconsistencies.

• Legal Proceedings:
  • Candy Jo pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, fraud, and tampering with evidence on July 27, 2022.
  • She received an 18-year sentence, with the possibility of being released in 12 years after accounting for time served and good behavior.

Notable Quote:

Detective (43:22): "We are now confident that Candy did murder AJ. Therefore, we set out an arrest warrant for her on October 28th."

Conclusion and Aftermath

The Fort Sumner community was left reeling from the betrayal and tragedy that unfolded within a familiar family. While Candy Jo Webb serves her sentence at the Western New Mexico Correctional Facility, the legacy of AJ Hardin remains a somber reminder of lost lives and fractured family bonds.

• Family Reflections:
  • Sean Perkins, Candy Jo's ex-partner, expressed disbelief and pain over the events, highlighting the deep emotional scars left by AJ's death and Candy's actions.

Notable Quote:

Family Member (45:19): "With good time, she may be out in 12 years. I don't feel that 12 years would be enough for someone that did something so atrocious."

Key Takeaways

• Complex Family Dynamics: The episode underscores how underlying family tensions and personal struggles can escalate into tragic outcomes.

• Investigation Nuances: The meticulous investigative work, including piecing together financial motives and personal relationships, was crucial in uncovering the truth.

• Impact on Community: AJ Hardin's death not only affected his immediate family but also sent ripples through the tight-knit Fort Sumner community, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of such crimes.

End of Summary

This detailed summary encapsulates the key elements of the "Candy Jo Webb" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those unfamiliar with the podcast. Notable quotes with timestamps offer authenticity and depth, ensuring an engaging and informative recount of the events surrounding this true crime case.