Snapped: Women Who Murder

Episode: Susan Polk (December 7, 2025)

Episode Overview

This episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder delves into the complex and tragic case of Susan Polk, a Northern California woman convicted of murdering her psychologist husband, Dr. Felix Polk. The episode explores their darkly intertwined history, the violent circumstances of Felix's death, conflicting allegations of abuse and manipulation, a sensational courtroom drama, and the aftermath for the Polk family. The episode immerses listeners in the emotional, psychological, and legal fallout of this notorious crime.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Crime Scene and Immediate Aftermath

• Orinda, California Setting
  • The Polk family resided in an upscale area, known for its safety and affluence (02:25).
• Gabriel’s 911 Call
  • On October 14, 2002, the youngest son, Gabriel, calls 911, stating:
    • “My mom shot my dad.” (02:51)
  • First responders find Felix Polk dead in the pool house with extensive blood loss and injuries (05:01).
• Susan’s Reaction and Police Response
  • Officers described Susan as emotionless and detached when informed about Felix's death (11:09, 19:14).
  • “There's not crying or screaming or questions.” — Prosecutor (11:09)

2. Background: Felix and Susan’s Relationship

• Felix Polk’s Background
  • Born in Vienna, survived Nazi occupation, emigrated to the US, became a respected psychologist (06:09–07:04).
• Susan Polk’s Background
  • Noted for her high intellect; tested in the 99th percentile on an IQ test (01:50, 08:08).
  • Raised primarily by her mother after her parents' divorce, struggled with fitting in, began therapy in adolescence (08:00).
• Origins of the Relationship
  • Susan was Felix’s patient from age 15; allegations of inappropriate sexual relationship while she was underage (32:13–33:47).
  • “According to her mother, she was groomed and abused by Felix Polk when she was his patient when she was a teenager…” — Expert/Commentator (32:42)
• Marriage and Family Life
  • Married despite a 25-year age gap; had three sons (09:09, 09:19).
  • Susan managed household and business affairs (09:27).

3. Motive, Marital Breakdown, and Escalating Tensions

• Contentious Divorce
  • By 2002, the marriage was failing amidst mutual accusations, threats, and mounting legal disputes (09:50–10:14).
  • Felix secured a restraining order, sole possession of their home, and drastically reduced Susan’s financial support (29:49).
• Documented Threats and Hostilities
  • Both parties had accused each other of threats; Susan allegedly threatened Felix with a shotgun, though she denied owning any firearms (16:29, 19:22).
  • Felix called police after Susan changed the locks and moved his possessions while he was away (30:10–30:41).

4. The Investigation: Forensic Evidence and Suspicions

• Crime Scene Analysis
  • No forced entry or signs of struggle; blood evidence suggested Felix died hours before his body was found (14:21, 14:27).
  • Autopsy found Felix was killed by multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma (24:17, 24:41).
  • “He had something in the back of his head that looked like he had been hit with some blunt object.” — Detective (24:41)
• Crucial DNA Evidence
  • “The clump of hair that was found in Felix’s hand...came back to Susan Polk.” — Prosecutor (25:45, 25:48)

5. Susan’s Defense: Self Defense Claims and Abuse Allegations

• Initial Denial, Later Confession
  • Susan originally denied involvement, later claimed self-defense, alleging Felix attacked her first (26:11–26:27).
  • “He grabbed a knife, he attacked her...she kicked him in the groin, got the knife away...and stabbed him in self defense.” — Prosecutor (26:27)
• No Physical Evidence of Self Defense
  • Susan had no injuries; Felix had defensive wounds (28:03–28:09).
  • Investigators doubted self-defense, noting the severity and number of wounds (28:23–28:34).
• Duration Before Reporting
  • Felix’s body remained undiscovered nearly 22 hours after death; Susan never called 911 (28:45–29:12).
  • “If an ambulance had gotten there in time, he may have been saved.” — Family Member (29:12)

6. The Polks’ Troubled History

• Allegations of Grooming and Abuse
  • Susan’s mother claims Felix began sexually abusing her daughter at 15 (32:13–33:47).
  • Susan later publicized these claims during the investigation and trial (35:17–36:10).
• Impact on Family
  • Susan alleged Felix manipulated and gaslit the children, turning them against her and minimizing his own wrongdoing (36:22–36:29).
  • Family members described a house divided, with children struggling to stay neutral (18:18).

7. The Trial: Media Circus and Self-Representation

• Susan Represents Herself
  • Susan fired her attorneys, refused psychological evaluation, and acted as her own counsel (38:33–39:39).
  • “Am I going to just go down without a fight?” — Susan Polk (38:50)
• Courtroom Drama
  • The trial received maximum media attention for Susan’s self-representation and sensational accusations (39:39, 42:02).
  • “There were periods in the trial where some of her questioning was as good as I've ever heard from any lawyer.” — Prosecutor (41:37)
  • However, her questioning lapsed into bizarre territory; accusations of Felix as a Mossad agent and participation in 9/11 (42:02, 42:11).
• Children Testify
  • Gabriel and Adam testify against their mother; middle son Eli defends her, leading to heated, emotional exchanges (42:36–43:16).

8. Verdict and Aftermath

• Jury Deliberation and Verdict
  • After four days, Susan Polk was found guilty of second-degree murder (43:53–44:03).
  • “The jury by finding her guilty of second degree murder...gave her a gift. Sixteen years to life.” — Family Member (44:03)
• Impact Statements
  • Adam Polk and family express devastation at the loss and its violent nature (44:19–44:43).
  • “He was an imperfect person as we all are. But Susan had no right to take him from us.” — Prosecutor (44:43)
• Current Status
  • Susan serves her sentence at the California Institution for Women; parole denied in 2019 (44:52).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

The Crime and Its Aftermath

• “He's lying in a pretty big pool of blood. There's blood everywhere.” — Prosecutor (01:22, 05:01)
• "She didn't display any great emotions when I arrived. Seemed fairly calm." — First Responder/Officer (03:49)
• “He believed that his mom was responsible and she was inside the house.” — First Responder/Officer (03:25)

The Investigation

• “You have to really wait for the autopsy to be conducted to really know what killed him.” — Detective (13:46)
• “The clump of hair that was found in Felix's hand...came back to Susan Polk.” — Prosecutor (25:45, 25:48)
• “I did not kill my husband. I'm not that kind of person.” — Susan Polk (19:34)
• “That's your job. It's not my job.” — Susan Polk to Detective (23:00)
  • Detective's reaction: “You're the detective. You figure it out. And that just kind of blew my mind.” (23:04)

The Relationship and Trial

• “According to her mother, she was groomed...abused by Felix Polk when she was his patient.” — Expert/Commentator (32:42)
• “Am I going to just go down without a fight?” — Susan Polk (38:50)
• “There were periods...her cross examination was really, really good.” — Prosecutor (41:37)
• “She accused him of everything from being a Mossad agent to being involved in 9/11.” — Prosecutor (42:02)
• On Susan acting as her own attorney:
  • “Smarter than even most attorneys are.” — Narrator (40:01)

Aftermath and Reflections

• “He was not the controlling and manipulative individual that he was portrayed to be. He was an imperfect person as we all are. But Susan had no right to take him from us.” — Prosecutor (44:40–44:43)
• “Abuse is never okay. If you or someone you love isn’t in an abusive relationship, there is help available.” — Investigator/Narrator (44:52)

Key Timestamps for Major Segments

• Crime and 911 Call: 02:38–04:13
• Discovery of Body: 05:01–05:25
• Felix & Susan’s Background: 06:09–09:09
• Marriage and Early Family Years: 09:09–09:39
• Divorce and Escalation: 09:50–10:58, 29:49–31:02
• Susan’s Interrogation: 18:51–19:34, 23:00
• Forensic Evidence Revealed: 24:07–25:55
• Self-Defense Claim: 26:02–26:49
• Allegations of abuse/grooming: 32:03–33:47
• Trial Preparation and Susan Representing Herself: 38:33–41:37
• Trial Testimony of Children: 42:36–43:16
• Verdict and Sentencing: 43:39–44:52

Tone & Language

The episode adopts an investigative and suspenseful tone, shifting between factual, analytical discussion from law enforcement and legal experts, emotional testimonies from family, and matter-of-fact, sometimes aloof, declarations from Susan Polk herself. The tragic elements are always present, and the storytelling balances skepticism with empathy for all involved.

For Listeners

This episode provides a deep, nuanced look into one of the most infamous domestic homicide cases in Northern California. It unpacks the personal histories, mental health factors, legal strategies, and the tragic consequences for the entire Polk family. The story serves as a chilling cautionary tale about the long-term impacts of abuse, grooming, and unresolved marital animosity.