Podcast Summary: Snapped: Women Who Murder - Episode: Lisa Suter

Date: December 14, 2025
Podcast Host: Oxygen
Case Covered: The murder of Alfred “Freddy” Suter by his wife, Lisa Suter

Overview of the Episode

This gripping episode examines the shocking case of Lisa Suter, a woman from a prominent Missouri family, who orchestrated the murder of her husband, Alfred Suter (“Freddy”). Featuring firsthand accounts from investigators, friends, legal experts, and witnesses, the episode unravels Lisa’s life of privilege, unraveling marriage, mounting debts, and the disastrous choices that led to murder. The narrative takes listeners inside the investigation, detailing how detectives dismantled her carefully constructed alibi, investigated her lover, and ultimately revealed a plan driven by greed and desperation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Crime Scene & Initial Response

• The 911 Call: On October 12, 1991, Lisa Suter calmly calls 911 after finding her husband Freddy dead on the couch with a gunshot wound to the head.
  • “It was rather calm and collected. There was no hysterics. There was no screaming into the phone.” – Investigator [03:35]
• Investigation Begins:
  • No sign of struggle or burglary. The murder weapon, a 9mm, is missing from the scene.
• High-profile Attention:
  • Lisa’s father, Judge Dalton, arrives and is denied entry, prompting authorities to call the Major Case Squad to keep the investigation impartial.
  • “They still told him that he could not enter, at which point he respected that decision.” – Narrator [12:41]

2. Background of Lisa and Alfred “Freddy” Suter

• Freddy’s Story:
  • A Swiss engineer and immigrant chasing the American dream; respected and much loved by his peers.
  • “Freddy was an awesome, friendly, sparkling person.” – Co-worker/Friend [04:51]
• Lisa’s Upbringing:
  • Youngest daughter of a powerful local judge, raised with privilege and expectations.
  • Attempts a career in law enforcement but fails out, then starts a fragrance business with Freddy’s financial backing.

3. Cracks in the Marriage and Lisa’s Character

• Marital Strife:
  • Friends and coworkers describe the marriage as troubled. Lisa craved freedom and was “manipulative.”
  • “She was one of those gimme, gimme, gimme people. She wanted the money. She wanted that house.” – Reporter [25:27]
• Financial Struggles:
  • Lisa’s perfume business, LA Designs, is hemorrhaging money; over $100,000 in debt.
  • “She could barely pay her own bills. If it wasn't for Alfred's money, she wouldn't be able to keep the business up and running.” – Investigator [32:04]
• Violent Intimidation:
  • Freddy once woke up to Lisa pointing a gun at him.
  • “See what I could do to you anytime I want.” – Reporter [26:24]

4. Suspect Pool and Elimination

• Initial Theories:
  • Investigators consider the possibility of an intruder but quickly realize the basement window was broken from inside the house—pointing to a staged scene.
• Exploring Lisa’s Circle:
  • Her alibi checks out; attention shifts to acquaintances, notably fellow police academy student Richard, who is ruled out after establishing an airtight alibi.

5. Lisa’s Affairs, Motives, and Manipulations

• Workplace Dynamics:
  • Lisa described as flirtatious and manipulative, particularly towards men.
• Affair with Employee Danny Johnson:
  • Danny, 23, is described as “a puppy dog after Lisa.”
    • “He was off. Danny would have been more submissive. He was a puppy dog after Lisa.” – Narrator [28:43]
  • Claims he was led to believe Lisa would leave Freddy and that they would marry.
• Murder Plot Emerges:
  • Lisa orchestrates a plan for Alfred to be killed in an apparent home invasion to secure a $100,000 life insurance payout.
    • Lisa had attempted to increase the policy just before the murder.

6. Unraveling the Conspiracy: Danny Johnson’s Confession

• Dorothy (Landlord) Testimony:
  • Danny told her Lisa was seeking a hitman; when they couldn't find one, he'd “have to do the murder himself.” [34:02]
  • Dorothy saw Danny cleaning a semi-automatic pistol the night of the murder.
• Polygraph and Interrogation:
  • Danny fails key questions on the polygraph relating to Freddy’s homicide and possession of the murder weapon.
• Danny’s Account:
  • Lisa provided the gun, staged the scene, and insisted Freddy had to die.
    • “The plan was to make this look like a home invasion.” – Narrator [36:12]
  • On Lisa’s instructions, Danny carries out the murder, shoots Freddy while he sleeps, tries to stage a break-in, and throws the gun in the river.
    • “As soon as this was all settled, they would get married.” – Investigator [36:50]

7. Legal and Judicial Complications

• Lisa’s Powerful Family:
  • Her father’s status as a presiding judge forces all local judges to recuse themselves, moving the trial to Boone County.
  • “She had a father who was a presiding circuit judge. No judge in circumstances St. Charles county or anywhere close by was going to touch that case.” – Legal Expert [39:54]

8. Trial, Evidence, and Verdict

• Prosecution’s Case:
  • Danny pleads guilty in exchange for testifying against Lisa.
  • Two other men testify Lisa previously solicited them to kill her husband.
    • “They were very clear on the stand when they testified she asked them to kill her husband.” – Legal Expert [42:11]
• Lisa’s Defense:
  • Tries to discredit witnesses, portrays Lisa as “lost and lonely.”
    • “She wanted out. She tried to divorce a guy. Her parents wouldn't let her. She's stuck in a marriage that she doesn't want to be in.” – Legal Expert [43:07]
  • Lisa does not testify.
• Guilty Verdict:
  • “Lisa was found guilty of rapid murder in the first degree.” – Reporter [43:57]
  • Sentenced to life without parole.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “All of us pretty much pointed the finger at Lisa right off the bat, you know, no hesitation. But we just felt, who else would do something like that to Freddie?” – Co-worker/Friend [24:18]
• “Lisa told the police... She had a Beretta 9 millimeter. That was not found in the kitchen... The 9 millimeter Beretta is missing.” – Reporter [14:59]
• “Danny said that Lisa had been looking for a hitman on her husband Alfred.” – Narrator [34:02]
• “Lisa Suter was absolutely furious and sent him back to her home. The next night.” – Reporter [36:59]
• “[Lisa] wanted everything that a single woman wants could have but without Freddie. She saw the only way to get all these things was by Freddie leaving the scene with a bullet through his head.” – Reporter [41:36]
• “She was just evil, evil, evil.” – Co-worker/Friend [44:08]
• “Freddie was just that friendly and he was taken advantage of to the extreme. It just broke everybody's heart. You kind of lost a little faith, you know, in all humanity over it.” – Co-worker/Friend [44:27]

Timestamps of Key Segments

| Segment Topic | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Discovery of Freddy’s body & 911 call | 03:05-04:11 | | Alfred & Lisa’s background & marriage | 05:06-09:26 | | Growing marital problems & Lisa's finances | 18:02-19:49 | | Introduction of Danny Johnson and affair | 27:56-30:35 | | Danny’s confession and police interrogation | 33:06-36:31 | | Details of murder & break-in staging | 36:31-38:03 | | Arrest and bond for Lisa | 38:52-39:18 | | Trial, testimonies, and verdict | 41:05-44:08 |

Conclusion

Through meticulous police work, the deconstruction of alibis, and the confession of her lover, Danny Johnson, the truth behind Alfred Suter’s senseless murder emerges: a calculated plot by Lisa Suter, driven by financial desperation and a desire for a new life. This episode reveals the dark underside of privilege, manipulation, and greed—and the devastating consequences for everyone involved.
Today, both Lisa Suter and Danny Johnson serve life sentences for their roles in the murder of Alfred Suter.