Dateline: Blind Justice - 5 harrowing details about the John and Susan Sutton case, revisited

Dateline NBC is a popular American news magazine show that focuses on true crime tales and real-life investigations, and it first aired in 1992. The unique show is now hosted by Lester Holt and is widely noted for its in-depth research, emotive interviews, and fascinating narrative.

One prominent episode, Blind Justice, tells the terrible story of John and Susan Sutton of Coral Gables, FL. The couple was attacked at their home in 2004; Susan was dead, and John was blind. Many were surprised to learn that their adoptive son, Christopher Sutton, had organized the attack.

The episode delves into the crime's profound emotional impact, as well as John's subsequent journey.

5 harrowing details about the Dateline episode of John and Susan Sutton case

Here are 5 details about the John and Susan Sutton case as per the Dateline episode:

1. John Sutton survived two gunshot wounds to the head

John and Susan were shot as they slept on August 22, 2004, after an assailant broke into the Suttons' house late at night. John survived despite being shot twice in the head, while Susan passed away at the site. As a result, he sustained serious facial injuries and lost his vision.

Nevertheless, he was able to dial 911 and was taken to the hospital right away. His survival was hailed as a miracle by the doctors, as per the Dateline episode.

2. Christopher Sutton had a long history of behavioral problems

Adopted as a baby, Christopher had experienced severe problems from an early age. He had previously aimed an unloaded gun at his mother and sister, been expelled from multiple schools, and been afoul of the authorities.

His parents found a note detailing a plot to murder them for cash when he was sixteen years old. His parents were frightened and sent him to a rigorous boarding school, even though he said it was a joke.

3. John had no idea his son was behind the attack

During his recovery, John stayed with Christopher, unaware that he was responsible for the shooting, and it wasn't until months later that authorities apprehended Christopher and his companion, Garrett Kopp, who were responsible for the attack. John was stunned and hurt by the betrayal.

4. Despite all this, John continued working as a lawyer

John decided to go back to work after he recovered, and despite being blind, he continued practicing law with the assistance of an aide and by learning legal documents by heart. He continued to practice law in Miami and did not allow his injury to deter him from his passion.

5. John Sutton spoke against his son in court

As per the Dateline episode, John was forced to testify against Christopher Sutton at his trial in 2010, and with this, he begged the jurors not to be forgiving of his son. This was done by giving a passionate statement to the court as per the Dateline episode.

According to John, he had already suffered unimaginable loss—losing his wife, his vision, and ultimately his child. He said that even though he was Christopher's father, he could not forgive such a terrible betrayal and that the harm caused by Christopher's actions could never be repaired.