Josh Mankiewicz and Keith Morrison discuss the mysterious death of Susann Sills in 'If These Walls Could Talk,' revealing suspicious evidence, emotional family interviews, and behind-the-scenes filming details. They also touch on Monopoly Go, preserving legacies, handling viewer feedback, controversial doctor decisions, and unique defense theories in murder cases.
The investigation into the fertility doctor's alleged murder revealed challenges in securing evidence and unraveling his contrasting reputation.
Personal insights from the victim's family highlighted the emotional toll and the legal system's pursuit of justice.
Deep dives
Investigation Dilemma
The prosecutors faced challenges in building a case against the fertility doctor suspected of murder. Delayed forensic results complicated the process, leaving doubts about the cause of death being homicide or an accidental fall. The defendant's esteemed reputation as a fertility specialist added layers of complexity to unravel his contrasting personas: a caring doctor versus a potential culprit, raising questions about motive and the meticulousness of the investigation.
Suspicious Circumstances
Suspicions around the doctor's actions grew as details emerged post the incident. Inconsistencies such as the staged body positioning indicated a possible cover-up, conflicting with his medical knowledge. The failure to perform CPR during the 911 call raised doubts about his intentions and medical expertise. Furthermore, the discovery of DNA evidence in the crime scene added to the prosecution's case, challenging the credibility of the defendant's actions and asserting foul play.
Personal Accounts and Legal Outcomes
Revealing personal insights shed light on the victim's life and family dynamics post-tragedy. Interviews with the victim's family members, including her brother and mother, highlighted the emotional toll and the quest to preserve the victim's legacy. The judicial proceedings, with a detailed jury deliberation, led to a second-degree murder verdict, emphasizing the unpredictability of human behavior and the legal system's pursuit of justice amidst complex family and professional ties.
Josh Mankiewicz and Keith Morrison sit down to talk about Keith’s most recent episode, “If These Walls Could Talk.” In November 2016, Susann Sills was found dead at the bottom of the staircase in the home she shared with her husband and their two children in San Clemente, California. Susann’s death appeared to have been a terrible accident, but investigators soon discovered evidence that led them to believe it was something more sinister. Keith tells Josh about the puzzling circumstances surrounding Susann’s death and shares behind-the-scenes details of filming the episode.
Keith also plays a podcast-exclusive clip from his interview with one of Susann’s brothers and Dateline producer Michelle Madigan joins in to answer viewer questions.