Podcast Summary: Snapped: Women Who Murder – Theresa Cox

Host: Oxygen
Episode Date: March 22, 2026

Episode Overview

This true crime episode from Oxygen’s “Snapped: Women Who Murder” delves into the brutal double homicide of Alex Shute and Briana Sproul in Willard, Missouri. What initially looked like a shocking porch gunfight in a peaceful small town soon unravels into a story of custody disputes, manipulation, and a murder plot orchestrated by Alex’s ex-wife, Theresa Cox. Through interviews, police investigation, and court proceedings, the episode lays out the tangled relationships, mounting motives, and the chilling aftermath for the victims’ young daughter.

1. The Crime Scene & Initial Response

• Discovery of the Bodies
  • [01:25] A neighbor, serving breakfast to her family, sees two bodies sprawled on the porch: Alex Shute (28) and Briana Sproul (30), both shot multiple times.
  • [03:12] “There was blood all over the ground and there was a gun lying just outside of his hand.” (First Responder)
• Child Found Safe
  • [05:22] During the sweep, police find the couple’s 4-year-old daughter unharmed in the bathroom.
    • “She acted like she was happy to see us, just like nothing happened.” (First Responder)
• Early Theories and Initial Evidence
  • [13:10] The positioning, caliber mismatch, and fully loaded weapon quickly rule out murder-suicide.

2. Backgrounds & Relationships

• Alex Shute’s Story
  • [06:30] Raised in St. Louis, described as fun-loving, close to his family, and a dedicated father.
  • [09:39] Served in the Army National Guard as a military police officer.
• Theresa Cox
  • [08:12] Met Alex in high school; both shared interests in anime and video games.
  • [09:12] Married soon after high school.
  • [10:52] Family describes her as aloof to motherhood.
• Briana Sproul
  • [11:26] Alex’s new partner post-divorce, described as deeply loving towards Alex’s daughter.
• Custody Battle
  • [25:04] Teresa’s neglect leads Alex to seek—and win—full custody.
    • “She just would leave her there to cry, and she would show no love for her.” (Family Member of Teresa Cox, [25:04])

3. The Investigation & Motive

• Pinpointing the Timeline
  • [16:13] Police use a neighbor’s doorbell camera to pinpoint gunshots to 1:21 am.
• Notable Evidence
  • [18:03] No forced entry; legal paperwork and loaded weapons suggest victims anticipated danger.
• Theresa Cox as Suspect
  • [19:27] Custody paperwork and prior threats from Teresa soon place her in investigators’ sights, especially after the revelation of her animosity toward Alex.
    • “My suspicion immediately went to Theresa Cox.” (Lead Detective, [19:56])
• Alibi and Phone Evidence
  • [22:29] Teresa’s supervisor confirms she was at work, and cell data places her in Springfield, not at the murder scene.
• Text Messages Reveal Accomplice
  • [27:45] Messages point to an intimate accomplice, Duncan Bogle, who is later placed at the scene via cell data.

4. Unfolding the Murder Plot

• The Co-Conspirators
  • [28:33] Duncan Bogle (partner) and Matthew Plum (Theresa’s manager) emerge as co-conspirators.
  • [33:56] Suspicious behavior from Matthew Plum leads to further interrogation.
    • “He did eventually tell us that he conspired with Teresa. ‘I was supposed to be the alibi.’” (Prosecutor or Police Interviewer, [35:05])
• Acquisition & Disposal of the Murder Weapon
  • [31:16] Discovery of a gun box and ammunition matching the crime scene, purchased by Teresa.
  • [32:00] Gun reported stolen coinciding with escalation in the custody dispute.
  • [37:29] The murder weapon is recovered in a nearby creek, confirming ballistic matches.
• Matthew’s Confession
  • [35:55] Plum admits to giving advice on how to dispose of the gun and being the alibi during the murder.

5. The Aftermath: Arrests & Trials

• Fugitives on the Run
  • [38:42] Teresa and Duncan flee, dyeing their hair and using a new phone to evade capture.
    • “They were trying to blend in with homeless people and disappear.” (First Responder, [40:06])
  • [40:21] Both are found and arrested in San Francisco after a co-worker's tip.
• Prosecution
  • [40:48] Matthew Plum strikes a plea for eight years (5 for conspiracy, 3 for tampering).
  • [42:48] Both Theresa Cox and Duncan Bogle plead guilty to two counts of second-degree murder.
  • [43:06] Both receive two consecutive life sentences (plus an additional year for Bogle for child endangerment).
• The Victim’s Legacy
  • [44:14] Alex’s daughter is adopted by his parents, who reassure her that her parents are “still there… just in heaven.”

6. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Relationship’s Downfall:
  • “I don't think Teresa understood what being a mother was.” (Family Member of Teresa Cox, [10:52])
• Regarding Motive:
  • “I believe Theresa decided to murder him the day his daughter got forcibly removed.” (Sibling or Close Relative of Alex Shute, [41:34])
• Tying it Together:
  • “Her narrative was, Alex is a bad person, Alex is abusive. Nothing that was ever founded but those negative things probably make Matt or make Duncan Bogle feel like they're actually helping her out…” (Prosecutor or Police Interviewer, [42:00])
• Victims' Memory:
  • “We point out to her that mom and dad are still there. They're just in heaven.” (Family Member of Alex Shute, [44:14])

7. Timeline of Key Events

| Timestamp | Event | |-----------|-------| | 01:25 | Crime discovered (bodies on porch) | | 05:22 | Child found safe; removed from home | | 13:10 | Murder-suicide theory ruled out | | 16:13 | Doorbell camera helps set timeline | | 19:27 | Theresa becomes prime suspect | | 22:29 | Alibi established via supervisor and cellphone data | | 27:45 | Suspicious texts lead to Duncan Bogle | | 31:16 | Gun purchase and matching ammunition found | | 37:29 | Murder weapon’s recovery | | 40:06 | Fugitives found in San Francisco | | 42:48 | Guilty pleas and sentencing | | 44:14 | Victims’ daughter adopted by grandparents |

Tone & Style:
The episode’s language is clinical but compassionate, with the narration interwoven with emotional reactions from family and friends, candid law enforcement analysis, and direct quotes from those involved. The story unfolds with methodical investigative detail and personal accounts, highlighting both the horror of the crime and the resilience of those who survived its aftermath.