The disappearance of Susan Cox Powell is one of the most haunting mysteries in modern American history—not just because of her vanishing, but because of the horrific downward spiral of the family she left behind. The Perfect Facade
When police interviewed the eldest son, Charlie, he gave a chilling clue. He told teachers and investigators that but that she didn't come back. He said she was "in the trunk." Despite these leads and several searches of the Utah desert, Susan’s body was never found, and Josh was never charged, largely due to a lack of physical evidence. The Descent
In 2011, Steve Powell was arrested on voyeurism and child pornography charges. With his father in prison, Josh lost custody of his sons to Susan’s parents, Chuck and Judy Cox. He was granted only supervised visitation. The Final Tragedy
Josh Powell returned home later that evening with the two boys in his minivan. His story was immediate and bizarre: He claimed that at 12:30 a.m., in the middle of a blizzard, he had decided to take his toddlers camping in the West Desert. He claimed he had no idea where his wife was. The Investigation
Before anyone could intervene, Josh struck his sons with a hatchet and then ignited five gallons of gasoline he had hidden in the house. The home exploded, killing Josh and both boys instantly. The Aftermath