Podcast Summary: Snapped: Women Who Murder – Episode: Judith Nix

Release Date: May 11, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder, hosted by Oxygen, listeners delve into the chilling case of Judith Nix, a woman whose intricate personal and financial struggles culminated in the tragic death of her ex-husband, Kenneth "Ken" Nix. Spanning over 29 seasons, "Snapped" explores the darkest corners of true crime, and this episode is no exception, offering a detailed examination of motive, manipulation, and the pursuit of justice.

Background: The Nix Family Dynamics

Ken Nix was a successful businessman with a passion for mechanics, owning multiple service stations and inland diving businesses. Born on September 19, 1946, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Ken's early life was marked by tragedy, including the suicide of his first wife, Manita Moriarty, in 1974, leaving him to raise three children alone.

In 1984, Ken met Judith Bailey, a divorced mother of two, and the two quickly bonded over shared interests like scuba diving. They married in February 1985, integrating Judith into Ken's already complex family structure, which included his children Angela and Shelly. Despite a flourishing business and a seemingly stable family life, underlying tensions began to surface, particularly regarding financial management and interpersonal relationships.

Notable Quote:

• "Judy coddled her kids, financed her kids anytime they had a problem. And that caused turmoil between my father and Judy." [11:34]

The Incident: March 21, 2016

On the evening of March 21, 2016, Judith Nix made a frantic 911 call reporting that Ken had died from an apparent suicide. She claimed to have found him in the master bedroom with a gun in his hand. However, several inconsistencies soon emerged.

Timeline of Events:

• 7:30 AM: Ken Nix is estimated to have died from a gunshot wound.
• 9:11 PM: Judith calls 911, reporting Ken's death.
• 9:20 PM: Judith mentions attempting to contact Ken earlier but receiving no response.
• 9:42 PM: She explains she left Ken due to his grumpiness and returned to find him dead.

Notable Quote:

• "He starts to relay that there's more going on here that you need to be aware of." [02:30]

Investigation Unfolds

Detectives quickly grew suspicious of Judith's account. Key evidence contradicted her suicide narrative:

1. Multiple Bullet Holes:

   • The medical examiner discovered two bullet holes approximately an inch apart in Ken's head, unlikely in a suicide scenario.
   • "Who commits suicide in his ability to shoot themselves twice in the head." [16:52]

2. Blood Patterns:

   • Blood stains on Ken's shirt did not align with the position he was found in, suggesting movement after the shooting.
   • "The blood stain on the shirt... the blood ran at an angle from his left side to his navel instead of straight down." [17:08]

3. Security Camera Footage:

   • A security camera pointing toward the master bedroom was found with no recoverable footage, heightening suspicions.

Family Involvement:

• Judith's daughters, Shelly and Angela, provided conflicting statements. Shelly admitted to being at the house on the day of the murder, despite the estimated time of death being earlier.
• Todd Moore, Angela's ex-husband, later provided crucial information indicating a possible cover-up plan orchestrated by Judith and her daughters.

Notable Quote:

• "Judith and her daughters are unwavering in their loyalty to one another." [26:27]

The Trial: Unraveling the Truth

The prosecution built a strong case against Judith Nix, focusing on motive and evidence discrepancies:

1. Financial Motive:

   • Judith stood to gain full ownership of the marital home due to a right of survivorship clause in their divorce agreement. This financial incentive was pivotal.
   • "At the time of their divorce, Judith maintained the right of survivorship. If Kenneth is gone, Judith receives the house in its entirety." [40:32]

2. Evidence of Abuse:

   • Judith alleged that Ken was abusive, both physically and financially. However, inconsistencies in her story and the forensic evidence pointed towards premeditation rather than self-defense.
   • "He always has money. There never seemed to be enough for him." [28:38]

3. Daughters' Testimonies:

   • Both Shelly and Angela testified against their mother, corroborating the prosecution's narrative of Judith's animosity towards Ken.
   • "Judith's daughters... they helped establish a timeline and knock out alternative possibilities." [44:50]

4. Expert Testimony:

   • The defense introduced an expert to discuss Battered Woman Syndrome, attempting to position Judith as a victim rather than the perpetrator.

Notable Quote:

• "The decision was made to ultimately bring a murder first degree charge against Judith Nix." [41:58]

Verdict and Aftermath

On March 10, 2017, after a brief deliberation of just under two hours, the jury found Judith Nix guilty of first-degree murder, sentencing her to life in prison with eligibility for parole but unlikely to be released within a human lifetime.

Post-Trial Developments:

• Appeal: In 2018, Judith's appeal was denied, solidifying the conviction.
• Family Impact: Ken's children and grandchildren continue to honor his legacy, emphasizing his role as a loving father and committed businessman.
• Other Family Members: Angela Moore and Shelly Davis were not charged, as investigations concluded insufficient evidence of their direct involvement beyond supporting their mother.

Notable Quote:

• "Judith Nix did not seem like she would hurt a fly." [41:26]

Conclusion

The Judith Nix case serves as a compelling example of how complex family dynamics, financial desperation, and manipulative behavior can culminate in tragedy. Through meticulous investigation and the unraveling of misleading narratives, justice was served, highlighting the critical role of forensic evidence and truthful testimonies in solving cold cases.

Listeners are left reflecting on the thin line between victim and perpetrator, and the profound impacts of unresolved trauma and financial strain on personal relationships.

Notable Highlights:

• "He was always getting his pills taken. I believe it was to fuel her drug habit." [32:25]
• "Judith lunged at him, and a scuffle ensued. I grabbed the gun... I didn't know what I was planning on doing." [29:42]
• "He was targeted, premeditated. Admit to sow terror." [47:07]

This detailed examination of the Judith Nix case underscores the intricate interplay of personal vendettas, financial motives, and the relentless pursuit of truth by investigators, making it a standout episode in the Snapped: Women Who Murder series.