John Leake: On the Trail of a Suspected Black Widow Serial Killer. True Crime Author #377
In this episode of the Tommy T Podcast, John Leake examines the circumstances surrounding the gunshot deaths of the three husbands of Sandra Bridewell. The podcast explores the suspicious nature of the deaths, initially ruled as suicides, and scrutinizes the police investigations for potential missteps and oversights. It provides insights into Sandra's troubled childhood, manipulative personality, and eventual conviction for fraud.
Leake traces the efforts of determined individuals who helped re-examine the long-closed cases, shedding light on inconsistencies and evidence suggesting homicides linked to Sandra Bridewell's estranged third husband's murder. The blurb invites listeners to delve into this complex case, considering the potential motives and actions of a suspected black widow serial killer.
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1-Page Summary
The deaths of Sandra Bridewell's three husbands
The podcast examines the suspicious gunshot deaths of Sandra Bridewell's three husbands, highlighting evidence that suggests foul play rather than suicide, as originally ruled. Tommy T. points to staged death scenes and inconsistent evidence in the cases of David Steigle and Betsy Bagwell that indicate homicide. Sandra's estranged third husband Alan Rarig was also found shot, with Sandra as the primary suspect but never charged due to lack of evidence.
Sandra's troubled childhood and personality
Sandra was adopted at 2 after her mother's death. Her abusive stepmother fostered a troubled upbringing marked by mistreatment and belittlement. Sandra learned to use charm and manipulation from a young age, aspiring to marry wealthy. Tommy T. describes her "smoldering sensuality" and ability to captivate others.
Police investigations scrutinized
The police failed to connect the similar circumstances surrounding the three deaths that were initially ruled suicides. Evidence from photos, statements, and expert analysis suggest the first two were likely homicides linked to Alan's murder. Potential witnesses were reluctant to testify, potentially fearing Sandra. Four women - Alan's mother, a deputy, a reporter, and an investigator - drove efforts to re-examine the cases.
Sandra's fraud conviction
Sandra exploited an elderly widow's trust while posing as a missionary, stealing her identity to obtain credit and attempt to reroute Social Security benefits. Convicted for identity theft, she served 2 years in a low-security "camp" prison despite suspected involvement in other frauds.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- In homicide cases, a staged death scene is when evidence suggests that the scene of the death has been deliberately altered or manipulated to mislead investigators. Inconsistent evidence in such cases means that there are contradictions or discrepancies in the information gathered, which can cast doubt on the official ruling of the death as a suicide. These factors can point towards the possibility of foul play or murder being involved in the deaths under investigation.
- Sandra Bridewell's troubled childhood was marked by mistreatment and belittlement from her abusive stepmother, leading to a challenging upbringing. This environment shaped Sandra's character, influencing her use of charm and manipulation from a young age. Her experiences with abuse and neglect played a significant role in her development and aspirations.
- Sandra's use of charm and manipulation from a young age can be understood as her ability to influence others through appealing behavior and tactics to achieve her goals. This behavior was developed as a coping mechanism in response to her troubled upbringing and mistreatment, allowing her to navigate difficult situations and relationships. Sandra's charm and manipulation were described as key traits that helped her captivate people and potentially play a role in her interactions and relationships, including her marriages.
- Sandra Bridewell was suspected in her third husband's death, but she was not charged due to insufficient evidence linking her directly to the crime. The lack of concrete proof or witnesses willing to testify hindered the authorities' ability to bring charges against her. This absence of compelling evidence made it challenging for law enforcement to pursue a case against Sandra for the death of her estranged husband. Despite suspicions, the legal threshold for prosecution was not met, leading to her not being formally charged in the case.
- The police initially classified the deaths of Sandra Bridewell's three husbands as suicides without considering the possibility of foul play. They did not connect the similar circumstances and inconsistencies in the cases, which could have indicated a pattern of homicide. It was only through later scrutiny and re-examination by concerned individuals that the potential for these deaths to be linked as homicides emerged. Witnesses were hesitant to come forward, possibly due to fear of Sandra, hindering the initial investigations.
- The potential witnesses in the cases of Sandra Bridewell's husbands were individuals who may have had crucial information about the deaths but were hesitant to come forward, possibly due to fear of Sandra or other reasons. These witnesses, including Alan's mother, a deputy, a reporter, and an investigator, played a role in pushing for a re-examination of the cases due to their suspicions about foul play. Their reluctance to testify could stem from concerns about potential repercussions or intimidation. Their involvement suggests a deeper layer of complexity and intrigue surrounding the investigations into the deaths.
- Sandra exploited an elderly widow's trust by deceiving her and stealing her personal information. This act is known as identity theft, where someone uses another person's identity for fraudulent purposes. In Sandra's case, she used the stolen identity to access financial resources and benefits that did not belong to her. This behavior is illegal and can result in criminal charges and imprisonment.
- Sandra Bridewell was convicted of identity theft for exploiting an elderly widow's trust and attempting to reroute Social Security benefits. She served a 2-year sentence in a low-security prison for her involvement in this fraudulent activity.
Counterarguments
- The deaths being ruled as suicides initially could indicate that law enforcement found compelling evidence at the time to support those conclusions, and the re-examination of the cases might be influenced by public pressure or media portrayal rather than new evidence.
- Sandra's troubled childhood and learned behaviors could be presented in a way that unfairly biases the listener against her, implying a causative link between her upbringing and the deaths of her husbands without direct evidence.
- The description of Sandra's personality traits, such as "smoldering sensuality," could be subjective and irrelevant to the legal aspects of the case, potentially perpetuating gender stereotypes.
- The reluctance of witnesses to testify could be due to reasons other than fear of Sandra, such as a lack of confidence in the legal system or personal reasons unrelated to the case.
- The involvement of four women in driving the re-examination of the cases could be framed as a positive example of advocacy and persistence in seeking justice, rather than implying any gender-specific motive or approach.
- Sandra's conviction for identity theft, while serious, does not necessarily correlate with a propensity for violence or murder, and it is important to maintain the legal principle of presumption of innocence regarding unproven allegations.
- The term "low-security 'camp' prison" could be seen as minimizing the consequences Sandra faced for her conviction, as any deprivation of liberty is a significant punishment regardless of the security level of the facility.
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The deaths of Sandra Bridewell's three husbands
The podcast delves into the mysterious gunshot deaths of individuals closely connected to Sandra Bridewell, exploring the deaths of her three husbands and the absence of thorough investigations, pointing to a disturbing pattern that suggests foul play.
David Steigle, the first husband
David Steigle, Sandra Bridewell's first husband, was found shot in bed, with the initial ruling being suicide in 1975. However, Tommy T. re-examines the death and brings forth evidence that points to homicide staging. The original death scene photographs show the scene was possibly manipulated, including a razor blade on the sheet and superficial cuts on his arm that would not be lethal. The position of David's body, the pattern of the gunshot wound—a close-up shot, not a contact wound—and the lack of blood on the blade all cast doubt on the suicide ruling. The consistently smoothed bed covers also suggest post-mortem rearrangement, indicating homicide instead of suicide.
Betsy Bagwell, wife of Sandra's doctor
The narrative shifts to contemplate the death of Betsy Bagwell, the wife of the doctor who treated Sandra's second husband. Found shot in her car at the airport, initial impressions of suicide were questioned when details such as blood spatter in the backseat, a wedged gun between her thigh and gearshift, and inconsistent blood patterns suggested someone else staged her body postmortem. Dr. Bagwell's claim that Sandra was instrumental in Betsy's death, Sandra's alleged alibi construction, and her suspicious behavior on the night of ...
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The deaths of Sandra Bridewell's three husbands
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The podcast explores the deaths of Sandra Bridewell's three husbands, suggesting a pattern of suspicious circumstances and potential foul play. Despite initial rulings of suicide in some cases, evidence and inconsistencies point towards the possibility of homicide staging. Sandra's connections to the deceased individuals and her behavior around the incidents raise questions about her involvement in the deaths. The lack of concrete evidence has prevented authorities from charging Sandra, leaving the connections between the deaths and her involvement ambiguous.
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Sandra's childhood and personality
Sandra's formative years were marked by adversity and challenges, including adoption, abuse, and the development of persuasive personal traits.
Adopted at a young age
Born in 1944, Sandra was adopted as a child. Tragedy struck when her adoptive mother died in a car accident, leaving two-year-old Sandra motherless.
Abused by wicked stepmother
The loss of her adoptive mother led to the introduction of a stepmother, who Sandra would later reference as her "wicked stepmother" among her high school friends. The relationship was fraught with abuse; Sandra reported being locked in a closet and enduring whippings with willow branches at the hands of her stepmother. The mistreatment didn't stop at physical abuse; Sandra was compelled to complete housework to perfection, redoing any tasks her stepmother deemed inadequate. She was consistently told she was worthless and felt unloved, as her stepmother not only demanded physical perfection but also targeted Sandra's sense of self-worth.
Learned to use charm and manipulation
Growing up, Sandra harnessed her charm as a means of navigating the world around her, aspiring to marry a wealthy man rather than pursuing a career. This preference was evident to her peers, who saw her focus on cultivating an attractive persona. Sandra's time at Tyler Junior College, in a wealthy Texan area booming due to the petroleum industry, likely influenced her aspiration ...
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Sandra's childhood and personality
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Clarifications
- Sandra developed persuasive personal traits such as charm and manipulation as coping mechanisms in response to her challenging upbringing, using these qualities to navigate her environment and relationships. These traits were observed by those around her, who noted her ability to captivate and influence others through her magnetic personality and engaging demeanor.
- Sandra's behaviors were seen as charm and manipulation because she used her charisma and allure to influence others, often to her advantage. This perception arose from her ability to make people feel s ...
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Police investigations
Police investigations into a string of related deaths have come under scrutiny for missed connections and failure to reconsider initial judgments.
Failed to connect the deaths or revisit eariler rulings
The police did not evaluate the deaths of the first husband and the doctor's wife in conjunction with the third husband's murder, although the cases should have been re-examined when the third husband was murdered. Tommy T. points out that the police failed to connect the common circumstances between the deaths that were initially ruled as suicides. In the case of Betsy's husband in 1982, the Dallas police apparently overlooked statements from Betsy's husband and quickly closed the case as a suicide.
There is a discernible pattern based on evidence from police documents, photographs, witness testimony, police records, and interview transcripts that suggest the first two deaths were not suicides but were actually homicides. This pattern links to the death of the third husband, Alan Rarig. Tommy T. acquired photographs of the death scenes through the State Open Records Act and had them reviewed by professionals. Upon consultation with a bloodstain pattern analyst and a former FBI forensic psychologist, it was concluded that the cases initially ruled as suicides were likely homicides.
Did not pursue strong evidence and witnesses
The podcast reveals a pattern where male individuals who had relationships with Sandra and were potentially strong witnesses seemed reluctant to provide testimony, likely because they did not want their wives learning about their infidelities. Compounding the issue was the reluctance of certain individuals, such as the pastor of the Highland Park Presbyterian Church, who indicated he had fore ...
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Police investigations
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The State Open Records Act is a law that allows individuals to request access to public records held by state government agencies. It aims to promote transparency and accountability by granting the public the right to obtain information about government activities and decisions. This law varies by state and provides guidelines on how to request and obtain public records. The Act helps ensure that government actions are open to public scrutiny and oversight.
- A bloodstain pattern analyst is a forensic expert who specializes in examining bloodstain patterns at crime scenes to draw conclusions about the nature and details of a crime. They use physics-based assessments and visual pattern recognition to interpret bloodstain patterns, aiding in crime scene reconstruction. This analysis helps in verifying statements made during investigations, identifying offender movement, and distinguishing between different types of incidents like homicides, suicides, and accidents. The International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA) is a key organization for professionals in this field.
- A forensic psychologist is a professional who applies psychological principles to legal issues. They may assess individuals involved in legal cases, provide expert testimony, and offer insights into criminal behavior. In the context of police investigations, an FBI forensic psychologist could assist in analyzing evidence related to potential homicides and providing expert opinions on psychological aspects of the case. This expertise can help law enforcement agencies understand the motivations and behaviors of individuals involved in criminal activities.
- Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas, is a prominent church in the community. In the context of the text, it is mentioned that the pastor of this church had information related to the ...
Counterarguments
- The police may have had valid reasons for not connecting the deaths, such as differing circumstances or lack of evidence at the time.
- Initial rulings of suicide might have been based on the best available evidence at the time, and only with hindsight do other possibilities emerge.
- The Dallas police may have followed standard procedures in closing the case quickly, especially if the evidence at the scene strongly suggested suicide.
- The conclusions of the bloodstain pattern analyst and former FBI forensic psychologist might not be definitive and could be subject to interpretation.
- Witnesses' reluctance to testify could be due to reasons unrelated to fear or wariness of Sandra, such as a desire for privacy or distrust of the media.
- The pastor's reluctance to share information could be due to confidentiality concerns or a lack of direct relevance to the case.
- The e ...
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Sandra's fraud crimes and conviction
Sandra's story of crime and punishment highlights a disturbing betrayal, as she exploited the kindness of an elderly woman who took her in, leading to her conviction and imprisonment.
Stole identity of elderly woman who took her in
Sandra engaged in a series of deceptive behaviors, including pretending to be a Christian minister and missionary. She exploited these facades to gain the trust of Sue Mosley, a 77-year-old widow. Sandra's deceptions were seen as particularly egregious because they represented a deep betrayal of Mosley's trust.
She moved in with Mosley under the premise of being between missions and willing to help with household tasks. In this position, Sandra was able to steal Mosley's identity, secure her social security number, take out credit cards in her name, and even attempted to reroute Mosley's social security benefits to herself. The widow's house, appraised at about $2.8 million, was a potential target for Sandra's scheme. Over the years, Sandra had used about 13 aliases including the name "Camille" after her adopted mother's name when she relocated to California.
Received two years in federal prison
Sandra was eventually arrested, with her conviction largely credited to the efforts of female sheriff's deputy Jane Todd from Brunswick County. Sandra was convicted for aggravated identity theft and sentenced to two years in federal prison. As part o ...
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Sandra's fraud crimes and conviction
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Clarifications
- Sandra engaged in deceptive behaviors by pretending to be a Christian minister and missionary to gain the trust of an elderly widow, Sue Mosley. She then stole Mosley's identity, including her social security number, and attempted to redirect her social security benefits to herself. Sandra also used multiple aliases, including the name "Camille," to further her fraudulent activities.
- Sandra was convicted of aggravated identity theft and sentenced to two years in federal prison. She entered a plea deal where she admitted to the identity theft charge while other fraud charges were dropped. She served her sentence in a federal prison with conditions likened to where Martha Stewart was incarcerated. The FBI suspected Sandra of additional charges like weapons offenses, mail fraud, and wire fraud, but these were not pursued at that time.
- The comparison of the prison conditions to where Martha Stewart was incarcerated ...
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