Summary of "The Deck" Podcast Episode: Susan Poupart (7 of Spades, Wisconsin)

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Deck
• Host/Author: audiochuck
• Episode: Susan Poupart (7 of Spades, Wisconsin)
• Release Date: February 26, 2025

Introduction to Susan Poupart's Case

In this poignant episode of The Deck, host Ashley Flowers delves deep into the unresolved case of Susan "Susie" Poupart, a 29-year-old mother of two from Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin. Attended by her sister Dawn, Susie went missing after leaving a house party on Thanksgiving Day in 1990. Despite initial investigations, Susie's disappearance remains unsolved, leaving her family in anguish for decades.

The Night of Disappearance

Ashley's Overview: The episode begins with Ashley Flowers recounting the events of Thanksgiving Day 1990, when Susie attended a party in Lac du Flambeau. Surrounded by friends and seemingly safe, Susie should have been secure; however, her decision to leave the party with two younger men marked the beginning of a tragic turn of events.

Key Quote:

"At 29 year old Susie went to a house party on her reservation. Surrounded by friends and so close to home, she should have been safe." – Ashley Flowers [07:07]

Discovery of Remains

Six months after Susie's disappearance, her remains were discovered in the Shawamega Nicolay National Forest by deer hunters on Thanksgiving Day. Initially identified by an ID found in her jacket, the case quickly became the focus of local law enforcement.

Notable Quote:

"They saw the I.D. they called us because they knew that Susie Poupart was an open missing person case." – Sheriff Joseph Fathom [04:28]

Investigation and Suspects

The investigation primarily focused on two young men, Joe Cobb (19) and Robert Elm (18), who were the last known individuals seen with Susie. Both had prior records of violence and domestic abuse, raising suspicions about their involvement.

Detectives' Challenges:

• Intoxicated Witnesses: Many partygoers were too intoxicated to provide reliable statements.
• Inconsistent Alibis: Both suspects provided differing accounts of the night, leading to further ambiguity.

Key Quote:

"I think he thought they were going to give her a ride home." – Sheriff Joseph Fathom [07:19]

The Role of Fritz Schumann

A third individual, Fritz Schumann (22), cousin to Robert Elm, emerged as a person of interest. All three men exhibited strange behaviors following Susie's disappearance, including increased domestic violence incidents and attempts to leave the reservation.

Sheriff's Insight:

"Fritz is probably the biggest deer hunter of all of them. I think early on, we kind of assumed that Fritz helped identify where to get rid of Susie." – Sheriff Joseph Fathom [19:19]

Forensic Evidence and Challenges

The initial forensic evidence was minimal due to the decomposition caused by the swampy forest conditions and animal activity. Over the years, attempts to extract DNA from the remains and other evidence yielded inconclusive results.

Notable Developments:

• Deer Hair Analysis: Attempts to match deer hair from the crime scene to that found in Robert's car were thwarted by a hurricane that destroyed the laboratory handling the evidence.
• DNA Testing: Subsequent DNA testing in 2014 and 2024 found negligible male DNA on Susie's clothing and unsuccessful attempts to extract DNA from hair samples.

Key Quote:

"Ultimately, it's hard to determine what effect, if any, the delay in forensic testing had on Susie's case." – Ashley Flowers [26:06]

Impact on Susie's Family

Susie's disappearance has had a profound and lasting impact on her children, Jared (8 at the time) and Alexandria (3 at the time). Growing up without their mother and grappling with unresolved questions has shaped their lives deeply.

Alexandria’s Reflection:

"I think that's what hurts the most. Does not happen." – Alexandria Poupart [35:04]

Community and Cultural Implications

The case highlights broader issues affecting Indigenous communities, including the mishandling of cases involving Indigenous women. Susie's family and the community have voiced concerns over the years about the lack of progress and attention to the case.

Alexandria’s Concern:

"Why is life so unfair? Are we not people, too?" – Alexandria Poupart [25:38]

Recent Developments and Ongoing Efforts

Despite years of investigation, the case remains unsolved. Detectives continue to pursue leads, but without concrete evidence or confessions, the primary suspects remain uncharged. The community remains hopeful that renewed efforts and advancements in forensic technology may eventually bring closure.

Detective Sergeant Cody Remick's Statement:

"To this day, the general consensus among the Lac du Flambeau community seems to be that the three men were involved in Susie's murder." – Ashley Flowers [31:27]

Conclusion and Call to Action

Ashley Flowers underscores the enduring mystery surrounding Susie Poupart's disappearance and the relentless pursuit of justice by her family and community. Listeners are encouraged to come forward with any information to aid in solving this decades-old case.

Final Appeal:

"If you know anything about the 1990 murder of Susan Susie Poupart in Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin, please spread." – Ashley Flowers [36:28]

Notable Quotes Summary

• Sheriff Joseph Fathom:

  "They saw the I.D. they called us because they knew that Susie Poupart was an open missing person case." [04:28]

• Ashley Flowers:

  "At 29 year old Susie went to a house party on her reservation. Surrounded by friends and so close to home, she should have been safe." [07:07]

• Alexandria Poupart:

  "Why is life so unfair? Are we not people, too?" [25:38]

• Detective Sergeant Cody Remick:

  "To this day, the general consensus among the Lac du Flambeau community seems to be that the three men were involved in Susie's murder." [31:27]

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