Digest

This episode of "Small Town Murder" dives into the complex and disturbing murder of Susan Janette Atkins in Stephenville, Texas. The episode begins by introducing the town and its unique character, highlighting its agricultural heritage and the presence of Tarleton State University. The hosts then introduce Susan and her husband, Michael R. Woods, a troubled individual with a history of clashes with the law. The episode details their tumultuous marriage, Michael's eventual departure, and Susan's subsequent disappearance. The investigation into Susan's murder initially focuses on Michael, but the case takes a surprising turn when a new lead emerges years later. Through a fingerprint match, the police identify Joseph Scott Hattley, Susan's cousin, as the perpetrator. The episode then delves into Scott Hatley's troubled past, his descent into darkness, and his violent actions against both Susan and a 15-year-old girl named Shannon Myers. The episode concludes with the arrest of Scott Hatley and the revelation of his true nature, highlighting the devastating impact of his crimes on his family and the community. The episode also explores the complexities of love and forgiveness, as the daughter of a deceased father grapples with his past transgressions and the challenges of reconciling love with wrongdoing.

Outlines

00:00:00

Stephenville, Texas: A Town with a Dark Secret

This chapter introduces Stephenville, Texas, known as the "Cowboy Capital of the World," and sets the stage for the chilling murder mystery that unfolds in the episode. The hosts discuss the town's history, demographics, and unique character, highlighting its agricultural heritage and the presence of Tarleton State University.

00:00:27

Susan Janette Atkins: A Quiet Life Cut Short

This chapter introduces Susan Janette Atkins, the victim of the murder mystery, and her husband, Michael R. Woods. The hosts describe Susan as a quiet and shy young woman who worked at a sandpaper factory, while Michael is portrayed as a rebellious and troubled individual with a nomadic lifestyle.

00:01:15

A Tumultuous Marriage and a Mysterious Disappearance

This chapter delves into the tumultuous marriage of Susan and Michael, highlighting their struggles and Michael's eventual departure. The episode then takes a dark turn as Susan mysteriously disappears, setting the stage for a murder investigation.

00:19:26

The Investigation Begins: A Search for the Truth

This chapter details the police investigation into Susan's murder, focusing on Michael as the prime suspect due to his history of anger and resentment towards Susan. The episode highlights the challenges faced by the police as they try to piece together the events leading up to Susan's death.

01:00:04

A New Lead Emerges: The Truth Unravels

This chapter introduces a new lead in the case, years after Susan's murder. The police receive information about Michael, but their investigation leads them to a shocking discovery: the true killer is not Michael, but his cousin, Joseph Scott Hattley.

01:46:26

Joseph Scott Hattley: A Life of Darkness and Violence

This chapter delves into the life of Joseph Scott Hattley, revealing his troubled past, his descent into darkness, and his violent actions against both Susan and a 15-year-old girl named Shannon Myers. The episode highlights the devastating impact of his crimes on his family and the community.

02:46:54

The Aftermath: Love, Forgiveness, and the Search for Meaning

This chapter explores the aftermath of Scott Hatley's crimes, focusing on the daughter of a deceased father who grapples with his past transgressions and the challenges of reconciling love with wrongdoing. The episode concludes with a discussion about the complexities of love, forgiveness, and the search for meaning in the face of tragedy.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is Stephenville, Texas known for?

  Stephenville is known as the "Cowboy Capital of the World" and is known for its agricultural and livestock industries. It also hosts the annual Moola Fest, a celebration of its dairy heritage.

• Who are the main characters in the Stephenville murder mystery?

  The main characters are Susan Janette Atkins, a quiet and shy young woman, and her husband, Michael R. Woods, a long-haired, motorcycle-riding outcast.

• What is the significance of Texas Monthly in this episode?

  Texas Monthly published a comprehensive article about the Stephenville murder mystery, providing the hosts with a wealth of information about the case.

• What is Michael's personality like?

  Michael is described as a rebellious and troubled individual with a nomadic lifestyle. He struggled to find a place in Stephenville and often clashed with neighbors and the police.

• What is the significance of Susan's marriage to Michael?

  Susan married Michael to avoid her parents' disapproval of living with a man out of wedlock. This decision highlights the societal pressures and expectations that existed in Stephenville at the time.

• What was the nature of Michael and Susan's relationship?

  Michael was portrayed as a difficult and unlikeable person, while Susan was depicted as a hardworking and devoted wife. Their relationship was tumultuous, with Michael often exhibiting anger and resentment towards Susan.

• Why did the police focus on Michael as the prime suspect?

  Michael's history of anger and resentment towards Susan, coupled with his disappearance from Texas, made him the prime suspect. The police harassed him in Indiana, hoping to force a confession.

• Who was the true killer?

  The true killer was identified as Joseph Scott Hattley, Cindy's cousin. Hattley had a history of violence and was previously accused of raping a 16-year-old girl. His fingerprints matched those found at the crime scene.

• What were some of the early signs of Scott Hatley's troubled personality?

  Scott Hatley struggled with religion, experienced confusion and violent thoughts, and was drawn to darker material, including true crime stories. He also developed an early addiction to alcohol and pornography.

Show Notes