Ep 17. Michelle Hetzel

Michelle Hetzel seemed to have it all- beauty, brains, and a successful career. However, behind the scenes, Michelle was struggling with deep insecurities and a toxic marriage. When her husband, Randy, became abusive and controlling, Michelle decided to take drastic measures to regain control of her life.

On July 5th, 2004, Michelle Hetzel called 911 to report that her husband had been shot in their home in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. When police arrived, they found Randy slumped over in a chair, a bullet wound in his head. Initially, Michelle claimed that an intruder had broken into their home and shot Randy in front of her. However, as police dug deeper into the case, they began to suspect that Michelle may have been involved.

Over the course of their investigation, police discovered a complex web of lies and deceit. Michelle had been having an affair with her coworker, Mike Johnson, and the two had been planning to start a new life together. In order to do so, they decided to kill Randy and make it look like a burglary gone wrong. Michelle enlisted the help of her friend, Jay Jensen, to carry out the murder. Jensen was promised a cut of the insurance payout that Michelle would receive after Randy's death.

As the investigation continued, Michelle's web of lies began to unravel. She was eventually arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide. At trial, Michelle's defense attempted to argue that she had been a victim of domestic abuse and had acted in self-defense. However, the prosecution presented evidence that showed Randy was unarmed at the time of his death and had not posed a threat to Michelle.

After a two-week trial, Michelle Hetzel was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Her lover, Mike Johnson, was also convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Jay Jensen, the man who had actually pulled the trigger, was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

The episode of Snapped that tells the story of Michelle Hetzel is a chilling reminder of how far some people will go to achieve their goals. It also highlights the dangers of staying in an abusive relationship and the importance of seeking help when needed. Throughout the episode, viewers will follow the investigation as police work to uncover the truth behind Randy's murder. With interviews from law enforcement officials, family members, and friends, as well as footage from the trial, viewers will get a comprehensive look at this tragic case. Snapped season 8 episode 17 is a must-see for true crime enthusiasts and anyone interested in the psychology of crime.