In this episode of Dateline: Secrets Uncovered, titled “A Monster at Large,” the story of Susan Woods, a 30-year-old woman who met a gruesome end, is brought to light. Natalie Morales looks at the investigation of Woods’ murder, which was discovered when she didn’t show up for work and was found dead in her bathtub. The case took a dark turn when DNA evidence revealed the true killer to be Joseph Scott Hatley, the first cousin of Susan’s best friend.
The investigation initially focused on Susan’s estranged husband, Michael Woods, due to a cassette of him making vulgar comments. However, two decades later, in 2005, DNA evidence unmasked the true perpetrator. Joseph Scott Hatley, the first cousin of Susan’s best friend, Cindy Hayes, was identified as the murderer. Hatley died before his motives could be uncovered, but disturbing personal writings left behind confirmed his disturbing actions.
Dateline: Secrets Uncovered ‘A Monster at Large’ airs on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 8:00 PM on Oxygen.
