Woman's Death Ruled Homicide After Initial Accident Suspicions

In November 2016, the death of Susann Sills in San Clemente, California, was initially thought to be a tragic accident. Her husband, Dr. Eric Scott Sills, called 911 claiming to have found her body at the bottom of the stairs in their home. However, as the investigation unfolded, suspicions emerged that herdeathmay have been more sinister.

This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations in suspected accidents, as it can lead to the uncovering of hidden crimes. It also underscores the need for families and authorities to remain vigilant and push for answers, even when initial evidence suggests a tragic accident.

Susann's mother, Theresa Neubauer, was left with nagging questions about her daughter's sudden death. "She fell? She never fell," Neubauer said, casting doubt on the initial accident theory. Investigator Dave Holloway found Susann's body covered with a blanket at the scene, raising further questions.

A preview of the Dateline episode "If These Walls Could Talk" revealed additional evidence that suggested the stairway may not have been the only crime scene. Blood was found on the drapes of a bedroom window, and dark marks were discovered on the carpet. Susann's half-brother Frank Gaulden and his wife Samantha are speaking out about her death for the first time in the episode.

Why this matters: In April 2019, nearly three years after Susann's death, Theresa Neubauer received a shocking phone call informing her that her son-in-law, Dr. Scott Sills, had been arrested on suspicion of murdering her daughter. During Sills' murder trial, the prosecutor revealed evidence of a violent struggle, alleging that Sills had strangled his wife and staged her body on the staircase.

Investigators found hair and bloodstains on a curtain and baseboard in the bedroom, indicating a possible struggle. The preliminary autopsy showed that Susann suffered multiple injuries, including defensive wounds and a ligature mark across her neck. Sills himself had a suspicious injury on his head, which he claimed was from fixing his car. Text messages also revealed problems in the couple's relationship, with Susann feeling trapped and arguing with her husband the night of her death.

In the end, Dr. Eric Scott Sills, a prominent fertility doctor, was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the death of his wife, Susann Sills. The case, which initially appeared to be a tragic accident, was revealed through a thorough investigation to be a homicide, shattering a family and bringing a shocking truth to light.

Key Takeaways

• Susann Sills' death in 2016 was initially thought to be an accident, but investigation revealed it was a homicide.
• Her husband, Dr. Eric Scott Sills, was arrested in 2019 and charged with her murder.
• Evidence showed a violent struggle, including hair and bloodstains, defensive wounds, and a ligature mark on Susann's neck.
• Dr. Sills was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
• The case highlights the importance of thorough investigations in suspected accidents.