Ep 13. Cynthia Mueller

Cynthia Mueller was just 16 years old when she married her husband, 24-year-old Doug Mueller, in 1982. The couple had two children and appeared to have a typical suburban life, but behind closed doors, their relationship was anything but normal.

Doug was controlling and abusive, and Cynthia eventually sought help from a local domestic violence organization. She even went to the police to file a restraining order against her husband, but it was denied.

On the night of February 5, 2012, Doug was found dead in his bed from a single gunshot wound to the head. Cynthia claimed that she had been asleep next to him and had no idea what had happened.

However, investigators quickly found holes in her story. Forensic evidence showed that the gunshot had been fired from a gun that had been wiped clean, and Cynthia's behavior after the shooting raised suspicion.

As the investigation continued, it was revealed that Cynthia had been planning to leave her husband and had been having an affair with a coworker. She had even gone so far as to purchase a new home and had started packing up her belongings in anticipation of leaving.

Despite her claims of innocence, Cynthia was charged with first-degree murder. At her trial, the prosecution argued that she had carefully planned the murder in an effort to escape her abusive husband. The defense argued that the gunshot could have been accidental and that Cynthia's behavior after the shooting was due to shock and fear.

In the end, the jury found Cynthia guilty of manslaughter and she was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The case has continued to be a controversial one, with some arguing that Cynthia was a victim of domestic abuse who was failed by the system, while others believe that she got away with murder.