John and Susan Sutton - 581
Digest
This podcast delves into the shocking murder of Susan Sutton and the investigation that ultimately led to the conviction of her son, Christopher Sutton. The episode begins by introducing the Sutton family, highlighting Christopher's troubled past, including his history of anti-social behavior, vandalism, and threats towards his family. The hosts then detail the murder of Susan Sutton and the subsequent investigation, which focused on Christopher Sutton, Teddy Montoto, and a woman who threatened John Sutton. The investigation revealed Teddy Montoto's affair with Susan Sutton, but he was cleared as a suspect. The focus then shifted to Christopher Sutton, and Garrett Cobb, a friend of Christopher's, confessed to the murder, claiming Christopher hired him. The episode then covers Christopher Sutton's trial, which was delayed due to funding issues. Garrett Cobb pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against Christopher. Ultimately, Christopher was convicted of first-degree murder and attempted murder and sentenced to three life terms. The podcast explores the motives behind the crime, including Christopher's resentment towards his parents for sending him to the Paradise Cove boarding school and his desire to inherit their money. The episode also highlights the evidence presented against Christopher, including Garrett Cobb's confession, Juliet Driscoll's testimony, and Christopher's own statements about wanting to kill his parents.
Outlines
The Sutton Family and the Murder of Susan Sutton
This episode introduces the Sutton family, highlighting Christopher Sutton's troubled past and the murder of his mother, Susan Sutton. The investigation focuses on Christopher, Teddy Montoto, and a woman who threatened John Sutton.
The Investigation and Teddy Montoto's Affair
The episode details the investigation into Susan Sutton's murder, revealing Teddy Montoto's affair with Susan and his subsequent clearance as a suspect. The focus shifts to Christopher Sutton.
Garrett Cobb's Confession and Christopher's Trial
Garrett Cobb, a friend of Christopher Sutton, confesses to the murder, claiming Christopher hired him. The episode covers Christopher's trial, which was delayed due to funding issues.
Christopher's Conviction and Motives
Christopher Sutton is convicted of first-degree murder and attempted murder and sentenced to three life terms. The episode explores the motives behind the crime, including Christopher's resentment towards his parents and his desire to inherit their money.
Keywords
Christopher Sutton
Christopher Sutton is the son of John and Susan Sutton. He had a troubled past and was convicted of murdering his mother and attempting to murder his father.
Susan Sutton
Susan Sutton is the victim of the murder. She was a former head nurse and managed her husband's law office.
John Sutton
John Sutton is the husband of Susan Sutton. He was a successful lawyer who specialized in civil litigation. He was shot multiple times in the face but survived the attack.
Garrett Cobb
Garrett Cobb is a friend of Christopher Sutton. He confessed to murdering Susan Sutton and attempting to murder John Sutton, claiming Christopher hired him.
Paradise Cove
Paradise Cove is a controversial boarding school in Samoa. Christopher Sutton was sent there by his parents for behavioral modification. Former students reported abuse and severe punishments.
Teddy Montoto
Teddy Montoto was a business partner of John Sutton. He was having an affair with Susan Sutton. He was initially a suspect in the murder but was cleared.
Juliet Driscoll
Juliet Driscoll was Christopher Sutton's fiance. She testified against Christopher, claiming he had talked about killing his parents for years.
Q&A
What was Christopher Sutton's motive for allegedly hiring Garrett Cobb to kill his parents?
Christopher Sutton allegedly wanted to inherit his parents' money and felt entitled to it after being sent to the Paradise Cove boarding school. He resented his parents for sending him away and believed they owed him for his suffering.
What evidence was presented against Christopher Sutton at his trial?
Garrett Cobb's confession, Juliet Driscoll's testimony, and Christopher's own statements about wanting to kill his parents were presented as evidence against him.
What was the outcome of Christopher Sutton's trial?
Christopher Sutton was convicted of first-degree murder and attempted murder and sentenced to three life terms with no chance of parole.
Show Notes
August 22nd, 2004. Coral Gables, Florida. John Sutton called 911 after an armed intruder broke into his home and shot him and his wife Susan. John was the sole survivor. John’s son Christopher arrived at the crime scene and quickly offered an alibi to detectives, triggering their suspicions immediately.
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I saw this show on either 48 hours or 20/20 (several times) but don't remember why the sun, Chris, was 25 years old and not able to be financially independent, despite financial help from his parents. Something very wrong with that picture! I don't recall that he had any physical or mental disabilities or something that would preclude him from getting a job and being self-supporting..