Dateline: Who was Susan Casey and what happened to her? Disturbing details of the 2008 murder, revealed

Dateline has covered hundreds of true crime stories, but few are as chilling as the 2008 murder of Susan "Susie" Casey. A mother of four from Glendive, Montana, Susan's disappearance shocked her loved ones and the close-knit community she was part of. What started as a search for a missing person quickly turned into a dark story of control, jealousy, and, ultimately, murder.

Her story revealed the tragic consequences of abuse and obsession. A compassionate nurse in her job, Susan's life appeared stable on the outside. Behind the scenes, she was struggling in an abusive relationship with her ex-husband, Walter Martin "Marty" Larson Jr., whose intimidations and jealousy led to a violent outcome. Dateline once again drew national attention to the case and highlighted the dangers of abusive relationships where warning signs are ignored.

Who was Susan Casey?

Susan Casey was a Montana native. She was a nurse dedicated to her four children, always putting their needs first. Her relationship with former husband Marty Larson wasn't perfect as he was controlling and over-possessive. Susan began dating another man named Brad Holzer before she was murdered. This led to Larson becoming a suspect of the crime.

The night she disappeared

Susan was last seen on the evening of April 12, 2008, when she left her apartment complex in Glendive after attending a party at a friend's house. She did not return home to see her children, and her friends and family immediately found this unusual.

Eventually, it became clear that she had not vanished by choice. When Susan did not show up the next day, her family reported it missing to the authorities. The investigators moved quickly, and Larson's behavior was soon under scrutiny as he had a history of stalking, harassment, and threats against Susan.

Dateline highlighted how the initial hours of the investigation set the foundation for revealing the truth.

Discovery of her body

Approximately three weeks after she went missing, Susan's body was discovered in the Yellowstone River.

In the autopsy, it was discovered that she had been strangulated and then thrown into the river. The discovery stunned the community of Glendive, which rarely experienced such enormity of crimes.

For the police, it was the clue that led them to connect Larson to the crime. Dateline later recorded how the sad discovery turned the missing person's case into a murder trial.

The trial of Walter "Marty" Larson

Prosecutors in court made a revelation of the appalling history of Larson's behavior. Witnesses testified that he had repeatedly threatened Susan, stating that if he couldn't have her, no one else could. They described his harassment, intimidation, and brutality methods. The prosecution had alleged Larson jumped Susan on the street near her house, strangled her to death, and disposed of her body in the river.

The jury was presented with proof of his stalking behavior as well as extreme jealousy over Susan being involved with Holzer. Larson was convicted of deliberate homicide in 2011 and sentenced to jail for 100 years with parole not being an option until after 30 years. Dateline's episode on the trial demonstrated how the evidence did not leave room for doubt over his guilt.

Disturbing facts uncovered

Testimony during the court revealed just how clever Larson's plans were. According to the investigators' testimony, he observed Susan around, waited for an appropriate time, and then killed her. The brutal act of strangulation, followed by leaving her body in the river, revealed the extent of his control and rage.

Dateline highlighted how the case brought out the deadly consequences of obsession, especially when threats and warning signs are dismissed.

Dateline coverage of Susan Casey's case

When Dateline reported on the case, it exposed Susan's case to the country. The program reenacted the night she vanished, the rescue and search, and the ultimate trial. With her family, investigators, and legal experts, Dateline chronicled both the personal tragedy and the larger warning signs of battering relationships.

The show also brought out how rural society lacks the resources required by domestic violence victims, and thus, finding protection becomes harder for people like Susan.

Legacy and impact

Dateline's report ensured that her case would not be forgotten. It reminded everyone of the risks of uncontrolled jealousy and the need for action in controlling relationships. Larson's conviction was justice, but the tragedy still stands as a stark reminder of what can go wrong when obsession gets violent.