Susan Powell, a 28-year-old Wells Fargo broker and mother of two, vanished from West Valley City, Utah, on December 6, 2009. Her disappearance sparked suspicion, intense media coverage, and a chilling investigation centered on her husband, Josh Powell.
What Happened
On December 6, 2009, Susan Powell took her two young sons to church. The following morning, she failed to show up for work, and her children did not arrive at daycare. Josh Powell initially claimed the family had gone camping in freezing temperatures.
When police investigated, they found no signs of forced entry at the Powell home. However, Susan’s phone was discovered in Josh’s car with the SIM card removed. Officers also found shovels, tarps, gas canisters, and a generator in his vehicle. Two fans were blowing on a wet spot in the living room carpet, and later testing revealed blood containing Susan’s DNA.
Susan Powell’s Concerns
Prior to her disappearance, Susan had documented ongoing concerns about her marriage. She had written a secret will in 2008 stating:
“He has threatened to skip the country and told me if we divorce there will be lawyers.”
She also kept handwritten notes detailing her fear:
“I have been having extreme marital stress for 3–4 years now. For mine and my children’s safety I feel the need to have a paper trail.”
These documents highlighted her awareness of potential danger and her attempts to protect herself and her children.
Disturbing Clues
A few weeks after Susan went missing, her two-year-old son drew a picture of three people in a van and told daycare workers, “Mommy was in the trunk.” Investigators viewed this as a chilling insight from the child regarding the disappearance.
Susan’s secret will contained a foreboding note:
“If I die it may not be an accident. Even if it looks like one.”
Police were alarmed by the combination of her husband’s suspicious behavior, the tools found in his car, and the blood evidence inside the home.
Background and Family Life
Susan Powell was born on October 16, 1981, and married Josh Powell in 2001. Their marriage faced ongoing tensions, including Josh’s lavish spending, possessiveness, and obsession with his father. Susan had sought to document threats and marital stress, demonstrating her awareness of potential danger in her domestic life.
Investigation and Aftermath
Investigators quickly focused on Josh Powell due to suspicious circumstances, including inconsistent statements, evidence in his vehicle, and prior threats documented by Susan. Her disappearance remains one of Utah’s most disturbing domestic cases, with tragic implications for her family and community.
Closing Line
Susan Powell’s disappearance continues to serve as a haunting reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of documenting threats. The case has left her family and the public seeking answers and justice.
