Case 287: Half & Susanne Zantop
41Digest
This episode of Casefile tells the story of the brutal murders of Hoff and Susanna Zantop, Dartmouth professors, in their home on January 27, 2001. The couple was found by their friend Roxana Verona, who had arrived for dinner. The scene was gruesome, with both victims covered in blood and multiple stab wounds. The investigation led to two teenage boys, Robert Tullik and James Parker, who had purchased knives matching the sheaths found at the crime scene. The teenagers initially denied involvement, but their fingerprints were found on the sheaths. They fled their homes, but were eventually apprehended after a cross-country chase. During their interrogation, Robert admitted to the murders, stating that he had wanted to "get a few under his belt" and that the Xantops were chosen randomly. Jim Parker pleaded guilty to being an accomplice to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years to life. Robert Tullik pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. The case highlights the shocking and senseless nature of the crime, as well as the complex motivations of the perpetrators.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode and provides content warnings for listeners. It also mentions that the episode will deal with serious and often-distressing incidents.
The Discovery
This Chapter details the discovery of the bodies of Hoff and Susanna Zantop by their friend Roxana Verona. It describes the scene of the crime, including the disarray of the study and the presence of blood throughout the house.
The Investigation Begins
This Chapter describes the initial investigation into the murders, including the arrival of police and the collection of evidence. It also introduces the suspects, Robert Tullik and James Parker, who were identified through the purchase of knives matching the sheaths found at the crime scene.
The Chase
This Chapter follows the investigation as detectives track down Robert and James, who have fled their homes. It details the various leads and encounters that led to their eventual apprehension in Indiana.
The Confession
This Chapter describes the interrogation of Robert and James, who are arrested for the murders. Robert admits to the crime, stating that he wanted to "get a few under his belt" and that the Xantops were chosen randomly. Jim Parker also provides a confession, detailing the planning and execution of the crime.
The Sentencing
This Chapter describes the sentencing of Robert and James. Jim Parker pleads guilty to being an accomplice to second-degree murder and is sentenced to 25 years to life. Robert Tullik pleads guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and is sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
The Aftermath
This Chapter discusses the aftermath of the murders, including the impact on the victims' families and the legacy of Hoff and Susanna Zantop at Dartmouth College. It also mentions the recent parole of James Parker and the upcoming re-sentencing hearing for Robert Tullik.
Keywords
Hoff Zantop
Hoff Zantop was a geology professor at Dartmouth College. He was a six-foot-tall avid outdoorsman who earned a PhD in geology. He was known for his love of teaching and his generous nature. He was murdered in his home on January 27, 2001, along with his wife, Susanna Zantop.
Susanna Zantop
Susanna Zantop was a professor of comparative literature at Dartmouth College. She was a petite woman described as a bundle of energy. She obtained her master's in political science before later achieving a PhD in comparative literature. She was known for her passion for education and progressive politics. She was murdered in her home on January 27, 2001, along with her husband, Hoff Zantop.
Robert Tullik
Robert Tullik was a 17-year-old high school student who was convicted of murdering Hoff and Susanna Zantop. He was described as a gifted member of the school's debate team and had been elected student council president. He was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
James Parker
James Parker was a 16-year-old high school student who was convicted of being an accomplice to the murders of Hoff and Susanna Zantop. He was described as a talented musician and a drama student. He was sentenced to 25 years to life.
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College is an Ivy League university located in Hanover, New Hampshire. It is known for its academic excellence and its beautiful campus. Hoff and Susanna Zantop were professors at Dartmouth College. Their murders shocked the Dartmouth community and the surrounding area.
SOG SEAL 2000
The SOG SEAL 2000 is a commando knife with a seven-inch blade and a five-inch black contoured handle. It was named for the US Navy SEALs. The knife sheaths for this knife were found at the crime scene, leading investigators to Robert Tullik and James Parker, who had purchased the knives.
Chelsea, Vermont
Chelsea is a small town in Vermont, located about 35 miles north of Atnar, New Hampshire. Robert Tullik and James Parker lived in Chelsea and were apprehended there after fleeing their homes.
Atnar, New Hampshire
Atnar is a small town in New Hampshire, located near the border of Vermont. Hoff and Susanna Zantop lived in Atnar and were murdered in their home there.
Columbine Massacre
The Columbine Massacre was a school shooting that took place at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, on April 20, 1999. Two students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, killed 12 students and one teacher before committing suicide. The massacre had a profound impact on the United States and led to increased security measures in schools.
White Supremacy
White supremacy is a belief that white people are superior to other races and should have a dominant role in society. It is a form of racism that has been used to justify discrimination, violence, and oppression against people of color. Robert Tullik's bedroom was found to contain books related to white supremacy and Nazism, but detectives found no evidence that the murders were motivated by these beliefs.
Q&A
What was the motive for the murders of Hoff and Susanna Zantop?
According to Robert Tullik's confession, the motive for the murders was a combination of wanting to "get a few under his belt" and a desire for money. The Xantops were chosen randomly, and the teenagers initially planned to target their next-door neighbors but they were not home.
How were Robert Tullik and James Parker apprehended?
The teenagers were apprehended after a cross-country chase. They fled their homes after their fingerprints were found on the knife sheaths. They were eventually tracked down by investigators in Indiana, where they were arrested for the murders.
What was the role of each teenager in the murders?
Robert Tullik was the mastermind behind the murders, while James Parker was his accomplice. Robert planned the crime and carried out the attack on Hoff Zantop, while Jim Parker slit Susanna Zantop's throat. Robert was described as the leader of the two, while Jim was more of a follower.
What was the impact of the murders on the Dartmouth community?
The murders of Hoff and Susanna Zantop shocked the Dartmouth community and the surrounding area. Violent crimes were rare in the area, and the murders led to fear and speculation about who could be responsible. The university has since established a garden and a lecture series in honor of the couple.
What is the current status of Robert Tullik and James Parker?
Robert Tullik is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. He is eligible for re-sentencing in July 2024. James Parker was granted parole in April 2024. He is now free after serving 22 years in prison.
Show Notes
The married couple were both beloved professors at Dartmouth College, and no one could think of a reason why someone would want to harm them. But a crucial clue left at the crime scene would lead investigators directly to some unlikely suspects: two high school students with a deadly plan…
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Narration – Anonymous Host
Research & writing – Erin Munro
Creative direction – Milly Raso
Production and music – Mike Migas
Music – Andrew D.B. Joslyn
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10 k for two people for a year 😂 these kids are fuckin morons
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