Beloved professor killed, sparking international manhunt | 20/20 'The Hunt for Mr. Right' Part 1

The Unsolved Case of Sue Markham

Key Concepts: Homicide investigation, forensic evidence, personal relationships, behavioral patterns, missing calls, crime scene analysis, circumstantial evidence, unsolved mystery.

I. The Discovery & Initial Scene Assessment

On October 25th, 2010, Sue Markham, a beloved accounting professor at American University, was found dead in her Bethesda, Maryland home. The discovery was made by her close friend and daily contact, Larry March, after she failed to make her routine morning phone call – a highly unusual occurrence. Larry, who described Sue as exceptionally reliable, attempted to reach her repeatedly before going to her house with another friend, Lisa. Upon entering, they found a scene indicative of a struggle: TVs overturned, furniture displaced, and broken glass. The initial assessment by investigators, documented in crime scene video, revealed a “bloody violent struggle” and Sue’s body at the bottom of the basement stairs. Notably, there were no security cameras on Sue’s property or neighboring houses to provide immediate leads.

II. Sue Markham: A Portrait of the Victim

Sue Markham was described by colleagues, friends, and family as a vibrant, generous, and exceptionally kind individual. She was known for her engaging teaching style, earning the American University Kogod Business School Teacher of the Year award. Beyond academia, Sue was a “free spirit” who embraced individuality, often wearing “outrageous outfits” and a variety of glasses. She actively fostered a sense of community, establishing a scholarship for AU students pursuing advanced degrees. She was described as someone constantly seeking and offering love, which contributed to her effectiveness as an educator. Sue had no children of her own but formed close bonds with her nieces and nephews, who considered her a special figure in their lives.

III. An Unexpected Past: The Circus Years

Prior to her academic career, Sue Markham had a unique and unconventional experience working as the tax manager for Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. She recounted walking into the circus lobby and being immediately drawn to the atmosphere, specifically a large stuffed gorilla, deciding then and there that she wanted to work there. This period is presented as a testament to her adventurous spirit and ability to find joy in unexpected places, bringing a “colorful endeavor” to the field of accounting.

IV. The Disrupted Routine & Initial Concerns

Sue’s daily routine was remarkably consistent. She called Larry March every morning as an “alarm clock” and followed up with two additional calls throughout the day. The break in this pattern on October 25th immediately raised Larry’s concerns. He attempted to contact her repeatedly throughout the morning, both before and during his teaching schedule, but was unsuccessful. Larry’s statement, “Sue does not let me down,” underscores the significance of this deviation from her normal behavior and the urgency he felt to check on her.

V. Early Investigation & Lack of Immediate Leads

The initial police response focused on securing the crime scene and beginning a preliminary investigation. The lack of surveillance footage presented an immediate challenge. The scene itself indicated a violent confrontation, suggesting Sue had “been fighting back.” The narrative emphasizes the mystery surrounding the events leading up to her death, with questions raised about who she might have been socializing with the night she was killed, given her tendency to avoid casual acquaintances.

VI. The Lingering Mystery & Unanswered Questions

The transcript ends on a cliffhanger, highlighting the ongoing mystery surrounding Sue Markham’s death. The investigator’s statement, “And when investigators make their way down to the basement, what or who will they discover?” emphasizes the unresolved nature of the case and the lack of immediate answers. The narrative suggests a complex and potentially sinister situation, with the investigator describing the case as a “labyrinth” from which it’s difficult to escape, even after attempting to move on. A later comment, referencing a “Honey Lecter moment,” hints at a disturbing and potentially psychologically driven aspect to the case.

Notable Quotes:

• “This story is like a labyrinth. Once you get in, you cannot get out.” – Investigator, highlighting the complexity of the case.
• “Sue does not let me down.” – Larry March, emphasizing Sue’s reliability and the unusual nature of her silence.
• “She was vibrant. You know, everyone thinks of us accountants as boring and and living in our spreadsheets, but she really drew you in.” – Graduate assistant, describing Sue’s personality.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The transcript presents the initial stages of a perplexing homicide investigation. The case is characterized by a lack of immediate evidence, a disrupted routine, and a victim described as universally loved and reliable. The narrative establishes a sense of mystery and foreboding, suggesting a complex and potentially disturbing set of circumstances surrounding Sue Markham’s death. The absence of clear leads and the investigator’s comments hint at a challenging and potentially long-term investigation.