True Crime with Kendall Rae: Neighbor Heard Screaming From the Woods & Then She Vanished: Where Is Suzanne Simpson?

Release Date: January 30, 2025
Host: Kendall Rae
Produced by: Mile Higher Media & Audioboom Studios

Introduction

In this harrowing episode, Kendall Rae delves deep into the baffling and tragic case of Suzanne Simpson, a beloved Texas mother of four who vanished under suspicious circumstances. Despite extensive search efforts, Suzanne's remains have yet to be found, leaving her family and community in anguish. Kendall meticulously unpacks the events leading up to her disappearance, the subsequent investigation, and the evolving legal battle against her husband, Brad Simpson.

Who Was Suzanne Simpson?

[02:30] Kendall introduces Suzanne Clark Simpson, born on June 16, 1973, in Bear County, Texas. Described as kind-hearted, social, and selfless, Suzanne was a dedicated mother to her four children—three daughters and one son, aged 20, 18, 15, and 5 at the time of her disappearance. A graduate of the Texas Military Institute and the University of Texas in Austin, Suzanne built a successful career in luxury real estate with Nick's Realty.

Notable Quotes:

• [05:45] “She was the type of person who would smile at every stranger and introduced herself to everyone she met.” – Suzanne’s mother, Barbara Simpson.

The Night of Disappearance: October 6, 2024

On October 6, Suzanne and her husband Brad attended a party at the exclusive Argyle dinner club. Witnesses report a verbal altercation between the couple during the event, which visibly upset other guests.

Timeline of Events:

• 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Suzanne, Brad, and their youngest daughter attend the party.
• 8:40 PM - 8:51 PM: Suzanne and her daughter make a brief trip to the HEB supermarket.
• 9:15 PM: Suzanne leaves home to visit a friend, making a distressed phone call to her mother, revealing that Brad had assaulted her.
• 9:25 PM: Suzanne arrives at her friend’s house but returns home within an hour.

Alleged Incident:

• [15:10] A neighbor recounts hearing loud altercations between Suzanne and Brad around 10-11 PM. The neighbor witnessed a physical struggle where Suzanne attempted to flee Brad's grasp. Afterward, Suzanne ran into the nearby woods, followed by Brad. The neighbor then heard two to three loud screams from the woods before Brad left the area in his truck.

Notable Quotes:

• [16:50] “It’s very frustrating, but maybe there's more information to understand later.” – Kendall Rae on the neighbor not reporting the incident.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Delayed Reporting: Suzanne was reported missing on October 7, 2024, not by Brad, but by a concerned friend after Brad delayed the report until after midnight, raising immediate red flags.

Family’s Response:

• [21:53] Suzanne’s eldest daughter, Chandler, criticized the police's initial handling, emphasizing the lack of urgency until the family intervened.

Evidence and Charges:

• October 9, 2024: Brad Simpson was arrested on charges of assault, causing bodily injury, family violence, and unlawful restraint. A search of the Simpson home revealed an indentation in the wall, suggesting a violent altercation.
• [30:07] During a vigil, Suzanne’s mother, Barbara, revealed she had devised a plan to help Suzanne escape her abusive husband, which she never got to implement.

Notable Quotes:

• [30:07] “They had this fight at the Argyle Club, they came home, the neighbors witnessed it...” – Teresa Simpson discussing the family's understanding of the situation.

Escalation of Charges and New Evidence

Additional Charges:

• October 22, 2024: Brad was charged with tampering with evidence and possession of a prohibited weapon after attempting to hide an unregistered AK-47 with the help of his business partner, James Cotter. Surveillance footage captured suspicious items in Brad’s truck, including trash bags and an ice chest.

Forensic Findings:

• [43:50] DNA evidence linked Suzanne to a reciprocating saw found in Brad’s possession, suggesting a possible tool used in her disappearance or murder.

Notable Quotes:

• [37:22] “This thorough and tireless investigation has been conducted in efforts to find justice for Suzanne and her family.” – Barton Simpson, Brad’s brother.

Impact on the Family

Emotional Toll: Suzanne’s disappearance has left her children and extended family devastated. Chandler Simpson voiced the profound loss and the ongoing struggle to support her siblings.

Community Response: The community initially remained silent, but a candlelight vigil on October 13, 2024, brought public attention. Suzanne’s children have been vocal about their mother’s abuse and the need for justice.

Notable Quotes:

• [56:30] “My mom was a victim of abuse from my father. My father took my mother's life in a state of rage and control...” – Chandler Simpson advocating against domestic violence.

Legal Proceedings and Trial Preparations

Indictment and Bail:

• November 7, 2024: Brad was charged with murder, leading to his indictment on several serious charges, including murder and aggravated assault.
• December 3, 2024: Brad was officially indicted by a grand jury, with his bail increased to $5 million. Charges included murder and tampering with evidence.

Defense Challenges: Brad’s defense team has sought an examining trial and attempted to reduce his bail, arguing the lack of evidence. However, his non-cooperation and mounting evidence have made these efforts unsuccessful.

Notable Quotes:

• [56:30] “Justice will be served and my mom will be brought home.” – Chandler Simpson, reinforcing the family's determination for justice.

Support for the Simpson Family

Kendall Rae emphasizes the importance of community support for Suzanne’s children, highlighting legitimate fundraising efforts while condemning fraudulent attempts to exploit their tragedy.

Support Initiatives:

• Meal Train and Grants: A Meal Train page has raised $90,000 for the Simpson children, and Kendall’s Higher Hope Foundation is working to provide additional grants.

Notable Quotes:

• [59:00] “There just are no words. It's horrible.” – Kendall Rae expressing her heartbreak for the family.

Final Updates and Trial Preparation

Recent Developments:

• December 16, 2024: Brad faced additional charges related to tampering with evidence, with his total bail reaching $3 million.
• December 17, 2024: The Simpson family held a private celebration of Suzanne’s life, away from the media spotlight.
• December 10, 2024: A gag order was imposed to ensure a fair trial, leading to minor violations by family members as they sought to support Suzanne publicly.

Trial Timeline: Brad’s trial is scheduled to begin on February 12, 2025. Prosecutors face the challenge of securing a conviction without a recovered body, relying heavily on circumstantial evidence.

Notable Quotes:

• [38:08] “Do the right thing. You know, I just think that.” – Barton Simpson urging Brad to cooperate for justice.

Conclusion

Kendall Rae wraps up the episode by reflecting on the profound sadness and anger surrounding Suzanne Simpson’s disappearance and alleged murder. She underscores the significance of speaking out against domestic violence and supports ongoing efforts to bring closure and justice to Suzanne’s family.

Final Thoughts:

• [62:03] “There is danger in not speaking out about domestic violence and there is especially danger in not educating people on what it looks like because it's not always physical.” – Kendall Rae.

Future Coverage: Kendall hints at covering similar cases, emphasizing the recurring challenges in solving crimes without direct evidence.

Support a Peaceful Resolution: Kendall encourages listeners to support the Simpson family through donations and spreading awareness, hoping for justice and healing in the near future.

Notable Quotes Summary

1. Barbara Simpson: “She was the type of person who would smile at every stranger and introduced herself to everyone she met.” [05:45]
2. Teresa Simpson: “They had this fight at the Argyle Club, they came home, the neighbors witnessed it...” [21:53]
3. Chandler Simpson: “My mom was a victim of abuse from my father. My father took my mother's life in a state of rage and control...” [56:30]
4. Barton Simpson: “Do the right thing. You know, I just think that.” [38:08]

Supporting the Simpson Family

• Meal Train: [Link in Show Notes] – Contribute to providing meals for Suzanne’s children.
• Higher Hope Foundation: [Link in Show Notes] – Donations to support the family with grants.

Kendall Rae encourages: “If you're in a position to make a donation, please do so. Every bit helps Suzanne's children in their time of need.”

Final Thoughts

This episode stands as a poignant reminder of the pervasive issue of domestic violence and the devastating impact it has on families. Kendall Rae's compassionate approach not only seeks justice for Suzanne Simpson but also amplifies the voices of those affected by such tragedies. As the legal battle continues, the hope remains that Suzanne's story will inspire change and support for victims of domestic abuse everywhere.

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Disclaimer:
All individuals mentioned in this summary are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.