Podcast Summary: Snapped: Women Who Murder

Episode Title: Vanessa Cameron
Host: Oxygen
Air Date: September 7, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode follows the murder investigation of Samuel Johnson Jr., a promising young father found shot dead in a San Antonio cemetery in January 2010. What begins as a puzzling crime scene soon unravels into a tale of betrayal, greed, and manipulation, centering on Sam’s ex-partner Vanessa Cameron. The episode dives deep into Sam’s relationships, the love triangle that emerged, and the conspiracy that led to his tragic death.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Discovery of the Body & Initial Investigation

[01:19] Detective Miller: Quips about the oddity of finding a body "not in a grave" at a cemetery, setting the grim tone.
[03:10] Details the tourist’s discovery: Sam appeared to be “sleeping,” but closer inspection revealed his death.
[03:30] Medical Examiner: Notes visible blood on Sam’s chest and head before confirming, upon autopsy, he was shot multiple times.
[04:18] Detective Miller: Explains the challenge of identifying Sam due to the absence of ID, leading to a missing persons report match for Samuel Johnson Jr.

2. Victim Background: Samuel Johnson Jr.

[06:25] Family Member: Reflects on Sam’s childhood dreams—"Mom, I want to be a lawyer"—portraying him as a determined, responsible young man.
[06:56] Recounts his relationship with high school sweetheart Erica Bridgeforth.
[08:24] Meeting with Vanessa Cameron, a vivacious woman who later becomes the mother of his child.

3. Sam and Vanessa's Relationship

[09:00] Vanessa’s background: Influenced by her police-officer mother and “fun-loving” father.
[09:27] Relationship escalates quickly: Sam moves in, they have a son, but the bond frays after a 2009 house fire.
[10:10] House fire is ruled accidental, Vanessa collects nearly $300,000 insurance.
[11:08] Family Member: Reveals Vanessa keeps all insurance money; Sam receives nothing, fueling tension and eventual separation.

4. Events Leading to Sam’s Death

[11:44] Sam reconnects with Erica, they get engaged, and she becomes pregnant again.
[12:28] Sam goes missing on January 13, 2010.
[13:06] Detective Miller: Details the lack of forensic evidence at the body site—no shell casings or prints.

5. Tracing Sam’s Last Hours

[17:27] Detective Miller: Sam’s last known errand is dropping Vanessa and their son off at the airport for a trip to Mississippi.
[18:13] Vanessa claims to have not seen Sam after the drop-off.
[19:08] Erica, however, says Sam visited her afterwards to discuss picking up money (his share of the insurance) from Vanessa’s sister Susan.

6. Emergence of Suspects and Alibis

[19:48] Medical Examiner: Erica suspects Vanessa would have motive to harm Sam.
[20:00] Detective Miller: Scrutinizes possible suspects and motives.
[21:07] Medical Examiner: Initially finds Erica's emotional reaction convincing and does not suspect her.

7. Breakthrough via Out-of-State Tip

[24:24] Detective Miller: Receives a tip from Adrienne in Mississippi—Vanessa’s friend—regarding Vanessa’s bizarre behavior and statements about Sam’s death.
[25:48] Vanessa allegedly hints her sister Susan and Susan’s boyfriend BJ might have killed Sam during an altercation.

8. Police Interrogations and Confessions

[27:45] Vanessa questioned, attempts to cast suspicion on Erica, claiming “I think she is obsessed with Sam.”
[29:09] Susan says Sam picked up money and left—denies knowledge; Vanessa blames Susan; Susan returns to “tell what really happened.”
[32:13] Family Member: Susan confesses Vanessa orchestrated their house fire for insurance, then tried to manipulate family into murder for a life insurance payout.

9. Murder Plot Unveiled

[33:18] Detective Miller: Discloses a $750,000 life insurance policy on Sam, which Vanessa eyed for herself.
[34:09] Susan implicates herself, BJ, and Lakeisha Brown (BJ’s cousin), but says she ultimately couldn't go through with the murder. Vanessa "needed an alibi," so she left town.
[37:04] Family Member (Lakeisha): Admits to hitting Sam, describes duct-taping, handcuffing, and eventual shooting at a ranch. Sam pleads for his life, is shot nine times.
- [37:57] Detective Bauer: "He asked why. The response was, because this is what Vanessa wanted."
[38:50] Medical Examiner: Physical evidence (shell casings, burnt clothing, handcuffs, rope) corroborates Lakeisha's narrative.

10. Investigation Conclusion and Arrests

[39:43] Detective Bauer: Vanessa's final defense is that Sam wanted to die for a payout, claiming the murder was "his idea." Detectives don’t believe her—a murder motivated by greed.
[40:19] Vanessa, Susan, BJ, and Lakeisha are arrested and charged.

11. Legal Proceedings & Aftermath

[41:30] Detective Bauer: Reveals Vanessa attempted to collect Sam's last paycheck and insurance within 24 hours of the murder.
[42:11] Narrator: Erica gives birth to Sam’s second son after his death.
[42:21] Susan and Lakeisha plead guilty and testify against Vanessa.
[43:47] Detective Miller: Prosecution highlights Vanessa’s motive and orchestration: “I would say three quarters of a million dollars is a whole lot of motive.”
[44:17] Detective Bauer: Vanessa convicted, sentenced to 75 years.
[44:28] Narrator: BJ Brown tried separately and acquitted due to lack of physical evidence.
[45:20] Family Member: Emotional closure from Sam’s family: “Miss my baby. Miss him so much... the love is there.”

12. Final Outcomes

[45:56] Narrator: Vanessa is serving a life sentence; Susan and Lakeisha receive 25 and 22 years respectively. Sam and Vanessa’s son is raised by Vanessa’s mother.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Detective Miller, on the cemetery call:
“You’re at a cemetery. It’s full of dead bodies. But this one is not in a grave.” [01:19]
Sam’s mother, reflecting on her son’s ambitions:
“Mom, I want to be a lawyer.” [06:25]
Detective Miller, on forensic challenges:
“I'm not going to try to count bullet holes because you don't know what's entrance, you don't know what's exit. It's always better to just wait for the autopsy.” [03:38]
Sam’s mother, on Vanessa’s character:
“She’s evil. I know that. I'm gonna tell you everything.” [07:57] and [32:24]
Detective Bauer, on Vanessa’s manipulation:
“She very much is a master manipulator. From manipulating people around her to…help her carry out this murder and do her dirty work for her.” [43:13]
Lakeisha (confession):
“Sam kept saying, ‘No, BJ, don’t kill me.’” [37:48]
“The response was, because this is what Vanessa wanted.” [37:57]
Detective Bauer, on the aftermath:
“After the murder, she went to the bus headquarters and she wanted to know how she could collect the insurance policy. She wanted to see if she could get his last paycheck.” [41:30]
Sam’s mother, grief-stricken:
“Miss my baby. Miss him so much.” [45:20]

Timestamps for Key Segments

Body Discovered at Cemetery: 01:19 – 04:14
Background on Sam Johnson and Family: 06:10 – 09:38
Relationship with Vanessa Cameron: 09:00 – 11:03
Insurance Money & House Fire: 10:10 – 11:08
Sam’s Disappearance: 12:28 – 13:20
Final Hours and Links to Vanessa & Susan: 17:27 – 21:07
Breakthrough via Out-of-State Tip: 24:24 – 27:18
Police Interrogations & Confessions: 27:45 – 34:09
Revelations about Murder Plot: 33:18 – 39:36
Vanessa Arrested and Charges Filed: 39:43 – 40:19
Legal Outcomes and Sentencing: 41:30 – 45:56

Conclusion

This episode of Snapped uncovers a chilling conspiracy rooted in betrayal, financial desperation, and cold-blooded manipulation. At its heart is Vanessa Cameron, whose drive for money led her to orchestrate the murder of Sam Johnson Jr., involving close family members and friends. Through meticulous police work and the unraveling of lies and shifting stories, justice is eventually served—but the emotional devastation remains for Sam’s loved ones and children.

For those seeking a gripping true crime story with layers of family conflict, financial motive, and calculated violence, this episode is a harrowing reminder of how trust can be destroyed from within.

Podcast Summary: Snapped: Women Who Murder

Episode Title: Vanessa Cameron
Host: Oxygen
Air Date: September 7, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Discovery of the Body & Initial Investigation

[01:19] Detective Miller: Quips about the oddity of finding a body "not in a grave" at a cemetery, setting the grim tone.
[03:10] Details the tourist’s discovery: Sam appeared to be “sleeping,” but closer inspection revealed his death.
[03:30] Medical Examiner: Notes visible blood on Sam’s chest and head before confirming, upon autopsy, he was shot multiple times.
[04:18] Detective Miller: Explains the challenge of identifying Sam due to the absence of ID, leading to a missing persons report match for Samuel Johnson Jr.

2. Victim Background: Samuel Johnson Jr.

[06:25] Family Member: Reflects on Sam’s childhood dreams—"Mom, I want to be a lawyer"—portraying him as a determined, responsible young man.
[06:56] Recounts his relationship with high school sweetheart Erica Bridgeforth.
[08:24] Meeting with Vanessa Cameron, a vivacious woman who later becomes the mother of his child.

3. Sam and Vanessa's Relationship

[09:00] Vanessa’s background: Influenced by her police-officer mother and “fun-loving” father.
[09:27] Relationship escalates quickly: Sam moves in, they have a son, but the bond frays after a 2009 house fire.
[10:10] House fire is ruled accidental, Vanessa collects nearly $300,000 insurance.
[11:08] Family Member: Reveals Vanessa keeps all insurance money; Sam receives nothing, fueling tension and eventual separation.

4. Events Leading to Sam’s Death

[11:44] Sam reconnects with Erica, they get engaged, and she becomes pregnant again.
[12:28] Sam goes missing on January 13, 2010.
[13:06] Detective Miller: Details the lack of forensic evidence at the body site—no shell casings or prints.

5. Tracing Sam’s Last Hours

[17:27] Detective Miller: Sam’s last known errand is dropping Vanessa and their son off at the airport for a trip to Mississippi.
[18:13] Vanessa claims to have not seen Sam after the drop-off.
[19:08] Erica, however, says Sam visited her afterwards to discuss picking up money (his share of the insurance) from Vanessa’s sister Susan.

6. Emergence of Suspects and Alibis

[19:48] Medical Examiner: Erica suspects Vanessa would have motive to harm Sam.
[20:00] Detective Miller: Scrutinizes possible suspects and motives.
[21:07] Medical Examiner: Initially finds Erica's emotional reaction convincing and does not suspect her.

7. Breakthrough via Out-of-State Tip

[24:24] Detective Miller: Receives a tip from Adrienne in Mississippi—Vanessa’s friend—regarding Vanessa’s bizarre behavior and statements about Sam’s death.
[25:48] Vanessa allegedly hints her sister Susan and Susan’s boyfriend BJ might have killed Sam during an altercation.

8. Police Interrogations and Confessions

[27:45] Vanessa questioned, attempts to cast suspicion on Erica, claiming “I think she is obsessed with Sam.”
[29:09] Susan says Sam picked up money and left—denies knowledge; Vanessa blames Susan; Susan returns to “tell what really happened.”
[32:13] Family Member: Susan confesses Vanessa orchestrated their house fire for insurance, then tried to manipulate family into murder for a life insurance payout.

9. Murder Plot Unveiled

[33:18] Detective Miller: Discloses a $750,000 life insurance policy on Sam, which Vanessa eyed for herself.
[34:09] Susan implicates herself, BJ, and Lakeisha Brown (BJ’s cousin), but says she ultimately couldn't go through with the murder. Vanessa "needed an alibi," so she left town.
[37:04] Family Member (Lakeisha): Admits to hitting Sam, describes duct-taping, handcuffing, and eventual shooting at a ranch. Sam pleads for his life, is shot nine times.
- [37:57] Detective Bauer: "He asked why. The response was, because this is what Vanessa wanted."
[38:50] Medical Examiner: Physical evidence (shell casings, burnt clothing, handcuffs, rope) corroborates Lakeisha's narrative.

10. Investigation Conclusion and Arrests

[39:43] Detective Bauer: Vanessa's final defense is that Sam wanted to die for a payout, claiming the murder was "his idea." Detectives don’t believe her—a murder motivated by greed.
[40:19] Vanessa, Susan, BJ, and Lakeisha are arrested and charged.

11. Legal Proceedings & Aftermath

[41:30] Detective Bauer: Reveals Vanessa attempted to collect Sam's last paycheck and insurance within 24 hours of the murder.
[42:11] Narrator: Erica gives birth to Sam’s second son after his death.
[42:21] Susan and Lakeisha plead guilty and testify against Vanessa.
[43:47] Detective Miller: Prosecution highlights Vanessa’s motive and orchestration: “I would say three quarters of a million dollars is a whole lot of motive.”
[44:17] Detective Bauer: Vanessa convicted, sentenced to 75 years.
[44:28] Narrator: BJ Brown tried separately and acquitted due to lack of physical evidence.
[45:20] Family Member: Emotional closure from Sam’s family: “Miss my baby. Miss him so much... the love is there.”

12. Final Outcomes

[45:56] Narrator: Vanessa is serving a life sentence; Susan and Lakeisha receive 25 and 22 years respectively. Sam and Vanessa’s son is raised by Vanessa’s mother.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Detective Miller, on the cemetery call:
“You’re at a cemetery. It’s full of dead bodies. But this one is not in a grave.” [01:19]
Sam’s mother, reflecting on her son’s ambitions:
“Mom, I want to be a lawyer.” [06:25]
Detective Miller, on forensic challenges:
“I'm not going to try to count bullet holes because you don't know what's entrance, you don't know what's exit. It's always better to just wait for the autopsy.” [03:38]
Sam’s mother, on Vanessa’s character:
“She’s evil. I know that. I'm gonna tell you everything.” [07:57] and [32:24]
Detective Bauer, on Vanessa’s manipulation:
“She very much is a master manipulator. From manipulating people around her to…help her carry out this murder and do her dirty work for her.” [43:13]
Lakeisha (confession):
“Sam kept saying, ‘No, BJ, don’t kill me.’” [37:48]
“The response was, because this is what Vanessa wanted.” [37:57]
Detective Bauer, on the aftermath:
“After the murder, she went to the bus headquarters and she wanted to know how she could collect the insurance policy. She wanted to see if she could get his last paycheck.” [41:30]
Sam’s mother, grief-stricken:
“Miss my baby. Miss him so much.” [45:20]

Timestamps for Key Segments

Body Discovered at Cemetery: 01:19 – 04:14
Background on Sam Johnson and Family: 06:10 – 09:38
Relationship with Vanessa Cameron: 09:00 – 11:03
Insurance Money & House Fire: 10:10 – 11:08
Sam’s Disappearance: 12:28 – 13:20
Final Hours and Links to Vanessa & Susan: 17:27 – 21:07
Breakthrough via Out-of-State Tip: 24:24 – 27:18
Police Interrogations & Confessions: 27:45 – 34:09
Revelations about Murder Plot: 33:18 – 39:36
Vanessa Arrested and Charges Filed: 39:43 – 40:19
Legal Outcomes and Sentencing: 41:30 – 45:56

Vanessa Cameron

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Summary

Podcast Summary: Snapped: Women Who Murder

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Discovery of the Body & Initial Investigation

2. Victim Background: Samuel Johnson Jr.

3. Sam and Vanessa's Relationship

4. Events Leading to Sam’s Death

5. Tracing Sam’s Last Hours

6. Emergence of Suspects and Alibis

7. Breakthrough via Out-of-State Tip

8. Police Interrogations and Confessions

9. Murder Plot Unveiled

10. Investigation Conclusion and Arrests

11. Legal Proceedings & Aftermath

12. Final Outcomes

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Conclusion

Summary

Podcast Summary: Snapped: Women Who Murder

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Discovery of the Body & Initial Investigation

2. Victim Background: Samuel Johnson Jr.

3. Sam and Vanessa's Relationship

4. Events Leading to Sam’s Death

5. Tracing Sam’s Last Hours

6. Emergence of Suspects and Alibis

7. Breakthrough via Out-of-State Tip

8. Police Interrogations and Confessions

9. Murder Plot Unveiled

10. Investigation Conclusion and Arrests

11. Legal Proceedings & Aftermath

12. Final Outcomes

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Conclusion