Snapped: Women Who Murder – Episode Summary: Hilma Marie Witte
Introduction
In the gripping episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder, listeners are taken deep into the disturbing world of Hilma Marie Witte, a woman whose manipulative actions led to the tragic deaths of her husband and mother-in-law. Hosted by Oxygen, this episode delves into the intricate web of deceit, control, and ambition that defined the Witte family saga.
Background of the Witte Family
Paul Witte, a beloved member of the Beverly Shores, Indiana community, was known for his strong work ethic and vibrant personality. Born in Michigan City, Indiana, in 1937, Paul served in the Navy before settling into a stable life as a steel company employee and volunteer fireman. His marriage to Marie Witte in 1964, when he was 27 and Marie was just 16, raised eyebrows but ultimately led to the birth of their two sons, Eric and Butch.
The First Tragedy: Paul Witte’s Death
On September 1, 1981, the seemingly peaceful life of the Witte family was shattered when Paul Witte was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head. Marie Witte reported the incident, claiming it was an accidental discharge of a .357 Magnum revolver by their 15-year-old son, Eric.
- Marie Witte (02:15): "He was told he didn't have a choice. You have to do something about this. It has to happen now."
- Eric Witty (11:20): "When Paul was shot, it was on the television in South Bend. My mother called me and I was at work. I couldn't believe it. He was my big brother and he was gone."
Detective Sergeant Boyd, assigned to the case, harbored doubts about the accident narrative, particularly due to the angle of the gunshot, which suggested foul play rather than a simple mishap.
- Detective (14:01): "It appeared he'd been shot in the top of the head and sort of at a downward angle. And if he had tripped, the bullet would have come in more of a direct angle as opposed to a downward angle. I didn't think it was an accident."
Life After Paul’s Death
Following Paul's tragic death, the Witte family faced financial and emotional turmoil. With the family home slated for incorporation into a national park, Marie and her sons moved in with Paul's stepmother, Elaine Witte, in Trail Creek, seeking solace and a fresh start.
The Disappearance of Elaine Witte
Three years later, in May 1984, another tragedy struck the Witte family. Elaine Witte, Paul's stepmother, vanished without a trace, sparking suspicions of foul play. Initial investigations struggled to piece together her disappearance, especially when suspicious activities surrounding the family's finances came to light.
- Sergeant Skip Pierce (25:11): "I began to realize that I had dealt with these people in the past and that these were the same people. Her son had tripped and shot her husband in the head. You know, I think we got a problem."
As investigators delved deeper, inconsistencies in Marie Witte’s accounts and unusual financial transactions raised red flags, leading to heightened scrutiny of the family.
Confessions and Unraveling the Truth
Under mounting pressure from authorities, Marie’s mother, Marcy O'Donnell, eventually cracked and revealed the horrifying truth: Marie had orchestrated the murders of both Paul and Elaine to secure financial gain. She manipulated her sons, Eric and Butch, compelling them to commit these heinous acts.
- Butch Witty (37:45): "We pulled out floorboards, wallboards to see if we could find any blood, anything like that."
Butch’s detailed confession illuminated the extent of Marie’s manipulation and the brutal methods used to dispose of Elaine’s body, including dismemberment and disposal in a landfill.
Trials and Convictions
The culmination of the investigations led to the arrest and conviction of Marie Witte, along with her sons. The courtroom drama underscored the psychological manipulation Marie exerted over her children, ultimately leading them to commit murder.
- Butch Witty (45:08): "She was able to manipulate her two children to do some pretty horrific things."
Marie Witte received a life sentence, while her sons, Eric and Butch, were sentenced for their roles in the murders. Marcy O'Donnell was also convicted for her involvement and assistance in the crimes.
Aftermath and Consequences
The Witte family’s legacy is marred by tragedy and loss. Marie Witte remains incarcerated, serving her sentence at the Indiana Women's Prison with an earliest possible release date in October 2026. Both sons were released from prison in the mid-1990s, with Butch passing away in 2008 and Eric in 2022. Marcy O'Donnell died shortly after her release.
Notable Quotes
- Eric Witty (11:20): "When Paul was shot, it was on the television in South Bend. My mother called me and I was at work. I couldn't believe it. He was my big brother and he was gone."
- Detective (14:01): "It appeared he'd been shot in the top of the head and sort of at a downward angle. And if he had tripped, the bullet would have come in more of a direct angle as opposed to a downward angle. I didn't think it was an accident."
- Butch Witty (37:45): "We pulled out floorboards, wallboards to see if we could find any blood, anything like that."
- Butch Witty (45:08): "She was able to manipulate her two children to do some pretty horrific things."
- Eric Witty (46:19): "Anybody who would do that must have been a sociopath."
Conclusion
The Snapped: Women Who Murder episode on Hilma Marie Witte offers a chilling exploration of how manipulation and greed can drive individuals to commit unimaginable crimes. Through meticulous investigation and the unraveling of the Witte family’s dark secrets, listeners gain a profound understanding of the complexities behind familial relationships and the extent of psychological control exerted by a sociopathic individual.