Скачать или смотреть SLOTH: The Staudte Family Murders (with guest Erica Wilson)

The case of Diane Staudte is a disturbing and complex story of matricide and attempted murder that unfolded in Springfield, Missouri, between 2012 and 2013. While the name Diane Staudte might not be as widely recognized as some other infamous criminals, her case is a chilling example of the potential for violence within families and the devastating consequences of untreated mental health issues, perceived abuse, and the manipulation of vulnerable individuals. This summary will delve into the details of the case, exploring the family dynamics, the crimes, the investigation, the trials, and the aftermath.

The sin? Sloth.  

Ashley Willcott explores the deadly sin of sloth in this case. Later, in our breakdown segment, Ashley is joined by attorney Erica Wilson to discuss the Staudte family murder case.

The Staudte Family: A Façade of Normalcy:

On the surface, the Staudte family appeared to be a typical, if somewhat reserved, suburban family. Diane Staudte and her husband, Mark, lived in a modest home in Springfield with their four children: two daughters, Sarah and Rachel, and two sons, Shaun and Jared. Diane was a stay-at-home mom, and Mark worked as a truck driver. They were members of the Jehovah's Witnesses, a religious community known for its emphasis on family and traditional values.

However, beneath this veneer of normalcy, the Staudte household was reportedly rife with tension, dysfunction, and alleged abuse. Diane was described by some who knew her as a strict and controlling mother, particularly towards her daughters. There were claims of emotional and verbal abuse, with Diane allegedly belittling and berating her children. Financial difficulties added further strain to the family dynamic.

The Deaths: A Pattern of Suspicious Circumstances:

The first death in the Staudte family occurred in April 2012 when Mark Staudte, Diane's husband and the father of her children, died unexpectedly. The official cause of death was initially attributed to natural causes, specifically complications from a pre-existing heart condition. While his death was undoubtedly a shock to the family, it didn't immediately raise suspicion among authorities.

However, a few months later, in August 2012, tragedy struck the Staudte family again. Randy Staudte, Diane's 17-year-old son, died suddenly. Like his father's death, Randy's death was initially attributed to natural causes, this time believed to be related to complications from a heart condition he had since birth. The circumstances surrounding his death, however, were eerily similar to his father's - he had been ill for several days leading up to his death, yet the family did not seek professional medical attention. Instead, his sister, Sarah, who had some basic medical knowledge, reportedly cared for him at home.

The series of unfortunate events didn't end there. In January 2013, Sheri Staudte, Diane's 46-year-old mother, passed away. Her death, too, was initially believed to be from natural causes, attributed to a heart attack. Like the deaths of her husband and son, Sheri had been ill for a period before her death, and the family’s response was the same – they did not seek professional medical help.

The Investigation: Unraveling a Web of Deception:

The deaths of three family members within a relatively short period raised concerns among other relatives and acquaintances. They noticed that the remaining Staudte family members, particularly Diane and her daughters, seemed strangely unaffected by the deaths. Their demeanor was described as detached and almost indifferent, which struck some as odd considering the magnitude of their losses.

Rumors began to circulate among those who knew the Staudte family, with some whispering about possible foul play. These concerns eventually reached the ears of the authorities, who decided to reopen the investigations into the deaths of Mark, Randy, and Sheri Staudte.

Detectives began to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. They interviewed family members, friends, and neighbors, seeking to piece together a clearer picture of the Staudte family dynamics and the events leading up to the deaths. They also examined medical records and other evidence, searching for any inconsistencies or red flags.

As the investigation progressed, the detectives discovered some disturbing information. They learned about the alleged abuse within the family, particularly the strained relationship between Diane and her daughters. They also uncovered evidence of financial difficulties and other stressors that may have contributed to the family's troubles.