Sarah Marie Johnson

Update: 2024-09-02

Digest

The episode begins with a discussion of the mysterious death of Ben Keeta, an 18-year-old found hanging in the woods. Authorities initially ruled it a suicide but later changed it to undetermined. The hosts then transition to the main case, the murder of Alan and Diane Johnson in their home in Bellevue, Idaho. Their daughter, Sarah, was a suspect from the beginning due to her troubled relationship with her boyfriend, Bruno Santos. The hosts detail the gruesome crime scene, the initial suspicions surrounding Sarah and Bruno, and the evidence found in the garbage, including a bloody bathrobe and gloves. Sarah's behavior after the murders, described as cold and distant, further fueled suspicions. Authorities questioned her and obtained her fingerprints and DNA. Sarah's story about an intruder changed with each interview, and DNA evidence from a glove found in the trash matched Sarah's, leading to her arrest. Sarah was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, with the motive believed to be her parents' disapproval of her relationship with Bruno. Bruno was initially a suspect but was later cleared after extensive investigation. Sarah pleaded not guilty, and her defense argued that she was improperly questioned while under the influence of medication and that investigators ignored her right to an attorney. The prosecution presented evidence found at the crime scene, including a bloody bathrobe, gloves, and bullets. Sarah's inconsistent statements and attempts to shift blame were also highlighted. Witnesses testified about Sarah's behavior on the morning of the murders, including her lack of concern for her parents' well-being. Bruno Santos testified that he had nothing to do with the murders. The defense attempted to cast doubt on Sarah's guilt by highlighting Bruno's motive and past drug use. The hosts discuss the lack of evidence collected at the crime scene, including towels, carpets, and the comforter from the victim's bed. Neighbors testified about hearing gunshots and screams. One neighbor described the scream as fake and forced, potentially influenced by knowing Sarah was a suspect. The defense attorney argued that Bruno had a strong motive to kill and lie, attempting to plant reasonable doubt in the jury's mind. Bruno testified about his relationship with Sarah, which lasted only three months. He described Alan's confrontation with him and Sarah's strange behavior. Bruno cooperated with investigators and provided samples. Mel Spiegel, who rented the guest house, testified that only the family knew where he stored his gun. Janet Silt, the housekeeper, testified that she didn't take anything from the Johnson's. The defense questioned her about past convictions, highlighting their tactics to cast doubt on anyone involved. Fingerprint analysis yielded no identifiable prints from the crime scene or the murder weapon. DNA evidence, however, linked Sarah to items found in the garbage. Witnesses testified about Sarah's actions leading up to the murders, including her request for the key to the gun safe. This suggests a level of familiarity with firearms. Sarah's cellmates testified about her obsession with money and her statements about her brother and Bruno Santos. A blood spatter expert testified that the pink robe worn by the killer had blood from both victims. The expert believed the robe was worn backwards for protection. Matthew Johnson, Sarah's brother, testified about the family's relationship with Sarah and their attempts to address her relationship with Bruno. The defense argued that Bruno was involved and could have recruited someone to help him. Experts testified about the lack of blood on Sarah and the possibility of a murder suicide. Forensic scientist Keith Inman testified that DNA from an unknown male was found on several pieces of evidence, highlighting the importance of the jury's perspective. Sarah was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Sarah appealed her conviction, arguing that she had ineffective representation and that her sentence violated the Eighth Amendment. Her appeals were rejected. The hosts discuss the importance of timing and the evidence found in the garbage can, which played a crucial role in Sarah's conviction. They reflect on the shocking nature of the crime and the difficulty of understanding a 16-year-old's mindset. The hosts conclude the episode by discussing the calculating nature of the murders and the question of whether Sarah would have continued to be a danger to society.

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