Snapped: Women Who Murder – Episode Summary: Susan Gigliotti

Podcast Information:

• Title: Snapped: Women Who Murder
• Host/Author: Oxygen
• Episode: Susan Gigliotti
• Release Date: December 8, 2024

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder, Oxygen delves into the harrowing case of Susan Gigliotti, a woman whose desperate actions led to the tragic murder of her ex-husband, Joe Gigliotti. Through compelling interviews, law enforcement insights, and psychological analysis, the podcast unravels the complex web of deceit, obsession, and manipulation that culminated in murder.

Background: Joe and Susan Gigliotti's Marriage

Joe Gigliotti, born in December 1967, was the eldest of eight children in New Jersey. Known for his charisma and sense of responsibility, Joe married his high school sweetheart, Susan Jones, in June 1986. The couple welcomed two sons, fostering a seemingly stable family life. However, as Joe pursued further education in accounting at Stockton University in the late 1990s, the strains on their marriage intensified.

• Friend/Family Member: "Joseph was really great with his kids. They were the sunshine of his life." [07:40]
• Officer Destefani: "His divorce had not been finalized. Joseph and Susan Gigliotti were still fighting for custody of the children." [10:54]

Their separation in early 2000, amidst ongoing custody battles, marked the beginning of Susan's descent into obsessive behavior.

The Day of the Murder: April 16, 2000

On a rainy night in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, Joe Gigliotti was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds. The initial report suggested a possible carjacking, but as investigators delved deeper, the narrative took a sinister turn.

• Reporter: "Susan Gigliotti told investigators that Joe recently found out about her illegal side business." [26:03]
• Officer Destefani: "The Ford Explorer had been stolen from the backyard after the shooting." [01:31]

Investigation Unfolds

Officers Marcelo Simone and Rich Destefani arrived swiftly at the scene, discovering Joe's lifeless body with bullet holes under his arms. Suspicion quickly fell on those closest to Joe, primarily his ex-wife, Susan.

• Officer Simone: "I recognized one of the females as Susan Gigliotti and an older woman, Susan's mother, Ruth Jones." [03:32]
• Susan Gigliotti: "This woman was going to have everybody killed. You got to be kidding me." [02:06]

Further investigation revealed Susan's involvement in an illegal computer business with her new boyfriend, Steve Fuhrman, raising questions about motive and opportunity.

• Susan Gigliotti: "Steve Fuhrman worked for the federal government and they had a warehouse in Brooklyn. They stored computers up there and they were interested in getting as many computers as they could out of there and bringing them back to Susan's house with the intention of selling those computers." [21:23]

Key Suspects: Steve Fuhrman and Rich DeBeau

As the investigation progressed, two primary suspects emerged:

1. Steve Fuhrman: Susan's new boyfriend involved in the illegal computer business. Initially evasive, Steve eventually agreed to wear a wire to bait Susan into confessing.

   • Officer Destefani: "Steve Fuhrman was made aware that the fact that we would maintain surveillance and we also provided him with a code word should anything go wrong." [35:13]
   • Susan Gigliotti: "We are suing Steve Fuhrman and a person who we believe had a hand in committing homicide." [22:45]

2. Rich DeBeau: A former lover of Susan, who later confessed to orchestrating Joe's murder under Susan's direction.

   • Officer Destefani: "Rich debau felt if he followed along and did what Susan asked him to do that he would win her back." [40:03]
   • Rich DeBeau: "I guess I am a cold hearted monster." [38:52]

The Confrontation and Confession

Under intense interrogation, Rich DeBeau broke down and detailed the murder plot orchestrated by Susan. He recounted how Susan manipulated him, providing a weapon and devising a plan to kill Joe.

• Rich DeBeau: "Rich threw his hands in the air and he said literally, okay, okay, okay, I'm going to tell you what happened." [37:15]
• Officer Destefani: "Rich DeBeau felt if he followed along and did what Susan asked him to do that he would win her back." [40:03]

Following DeBeau's confession, investigators focused on Susan’s role, revealing her intent to eliminate Joe to secure sole custody of their children and benefit from his insurance policy.

• Officer Destefani: "Susan Gigliotti was aware that Joseph Gigliotti had an insurance policy and had made statements to them that it would be easier if Joe was dead, that she wouldn't have to go through the aggravation of a divorce." [30:56]

Trial and Convictions

The judicial process swiftly unfolded:

• Susan Gigliotti was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, with eligibility for parole in 2030.

  • Officer Destefani: "I think she got what she deserved. She's evil and she's a manipulator." [44:45]
  • Friend/Family Member: "She didn't pull a trigger, but she planned it. I don't understand. I still to this day don't." [45:49]

• Rich DeBeau received a 40-year sentence for his role in the murder, passing away in prison in 2020 after serving 17 years.

  • Witness: "He was manipulated by this woman to do this crazy act to take a man's life." [45:09]

• Steve Fuhrman was convicted of computer theft and received four years probation, thanks to his cooperation with authorities.

Aftermath and Legacy

The Gigliotti family's life was irrevocably changed by Susan's actions. Joe's legacy lives on through their children, who were raised by Joe’s parents and have thrived despite the tragedy.

• Friend/Family Member: "Joseph's legacy is his kids. They are amazing kids that have had to grow up through this and still have been able to succeed and thrive and are both doing extremely well." [46:04]

Susan remains incarcerated at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women, serving her life sentence. The case stands as a stark reminder of how obsession and manipulation can lead to irreversible consequences.

Notable Quotes

• Susan Gigliotti: "This woman was going to have everybody killed. You got to be kidding me." [02:06]
• Officer Destefani: "Rich DeBeau felt if he followed along and did what Susan asked him to do that he would win her back." [40:03]
• Rich DeBeau: "I guess I am a cold hearted monster." [38:52]
• Friend/Family Member: "Joseph's legacy is his kids. They are amazing kids that have had to grow up through this and still have been able to succeed and thrive and are both doing extremely well." [46:04]

Conclusion

The Susan Gigliotti episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder offers a chilling exploration of a woman's capacity for manipulation and murder driven by obsession and desperation. Through meticulous investigation and the unraveling of Susan's intricate plans, the podcast paints a comprehensive picture of a tragic tale where love turned deadly.

For those intrigued by true crime and the darker aspects of human relationships, this episode serves as a compelling case study on the extremes of marital discord and the lengths one might go to in pursuit of personal gain.