Ep 2. Susan Monica

Susan Monica has led a troubled life, with multiple marriages, divorces, and legal troubles along the way. But her problems come to a head when she is accused of the murder of two former employees on her remote Oregon farm. In the second episode of season 29 of the hit true crime show Snapped, viewers are taken on a journey through Susan's turbulent past and the circumstances that led to the brutal killings.

The episode begins with a dramatic recreation of the discovery of the bodies of Robert Haney and Stephen Delicino, former employees of Susan's farm. Their bodies were found hidden in a pig pen, with evidence suggesting they had been shot, dismembered, and fed to the pigs. As the police investigation begins, Susan is brought in for questioning and ultimately charged with the murders.

From there, the episode delves into Susan's troubled past, starting with her childhood. She grew up in poverty and was raised by her grandparents, who were reportedly abusive. As a young adult, she worked as a stripper and was involved in drugs and petty crime. She had multiple marriages and divorces, and her relationships with men were often volatile and abusive.

Eventually, Susan moved to Oregon and purchased a farm where she could live a self-sufficient lifestyle. She made money by raising cattle and selling organic produce, and she also took in farm workers to help with the work. But things started to sour when she became involved with a man named Ray Sholes, who was one of her employees.

Ray was a drifter with a criminal record, and he quickly became possessive and controlling towards Susan. She filed multiple restraining orders against him, but they continued to have an on-again, off-again relationship. Meanwhile, other employees on the farm started to report problems with Susan as well, including verbal abuse and overworking them.

The tension on the farm came to a head on August 27, 2013, when Robert Haney and Stephen Delicino were last seen alive. According to the prosecution, Susan had a longstanding grudge against Robert, who she believed was stealing from her. She had also been having problems with Stephen, who had been expressing his concerns about farm safety and working conditions.

The prosecution's case hinged on circumstantial evidence, including cell phone records and a video recording of Susan buying ammunition. But the defense argued that there was no direct evidence linking Susan to the murders, and that she had no motive to kill the men. They also pointed to the fact that the bodies were not discovered until several weeks after the men went missing, leaving open the possibility that someone else was responsible.

As the trial played out, Susan's behavior in court was often erratic, and she frequently clashed with the judge and her own attorneys. But ultimately, the jury found her guilty of two counts of aggravated murder and she was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Throughout the episode, viewers are left to ponder the question of whether Susan Monica was truly guilty of the heinous crimes she was accused of, or whether she was simply a troubled woman who had been driven to the brink by circumstances beyond her control. The episode provides a thought-provoking look at the complexities of criminal justice and the human psyche, leaving viewers with plenty to think about long after the credits roll.

Overall, season 29 episode 2 of Snapped is a gripping and emotional installment in the long-running true crime series. With solid storytelling, compelling interviews, and striking visuals, it will keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.