Susan Cox Powell

On December 6, 2009, 28-year-old Susan Marie Cox Powell disappeared from the home she shared with her husband Josh Powell and their two young sons, Charlie (4) and Braden (2), in West Valley City, Utah. When police conducted a welfare check the next day at the request of Susan's concerned employer, they found Josh and the boys away from home. Josh claimed he had taken the boys on a spontaneous midnight camping trip in the freezing desert—in December—leaving Susan at home.

The investigation quickly focused on Josh, whose story was widely disbelieved. The minivan had the back seats removed and smelled of gasoline. Wet towels were found in the washing machine. Susan's purse and cell phone were at home. Neighbors reported hearing nothing unusual. Josh hired an attorney and moved with his sons to his father Steven Powell's home in Puyallup, Washington.

In 2011, Steven Powell was arrested and convicted on voyeurism charges for secretly filming young neighbor girls. As a result, Josh lost custody of Charlie and Braden, who were placed with Susan's parents. During a supervised custody visit on February 5, 2012, Josh locked the case worker out of his house and set it on fire, killing himself and both boys in the explosion and blaze. A hatchet was found at the scene, suggesting he had attacked the children before the fire.

Before the explosion, Josh had sent an email saying 'I can't live without my boys.' His act destroyed the two most important potential witnesses to what happened to Susan. Susan's body has never been found, and no one has ever been charged in her disappearance. The case file remains open with the West Valley City Police Department.