Theresa Neubauer was shocked to receive a phone call at work five years ago that her son-in-law, a prominent fertility doctor, had been arrested in connection to the suspicious death of her daughter, Susann Sills. Up until that point, Neubauer believed that her daughter had died in a tragic accident and didn’t suspect any foul play. During Sills’ murder trial, prosecutors claimed there had been a violent struggle that ended with him strangling his wife and staging her body on the staircase, while his lawyer attributed the death to an accidental fall. Sills was ultimately convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
The morning Susann’s body was found at the bottom of the staircase in their home in 2016, Sills had called 911 and reported the discovery. Paramedics pronounced her dead, and Sills initially believed her death was due to her losing her balance and falling down the stairs as a result of migraine medication. Neubauer was unaware of any suspicions surrounding her daughter’s death until authorities found evidence that indicated otherwise. Possible signs of a struggle, injuries on Susann, and suspicious behavior by Sills pointed to a more sinister explanation than accidental death.
As investigators delved deeper into the case, they found evidence that hinted at possible problems in the couple’s relationship. Text messages revealed arguments between the couple, and a cryptic note related to a bet Susann made and fulfilled by posting a topless photo of herself. Despite all these findings, the coroner took a year to determine Susann’s cause of death as a homicide by strangulation. Sills continued to deny any involvement in his wife’s death, stating that it was an accident or a fall down the stairs.
Neubauer was unaware of the coroner’s findings or any issues in her daughter’s marriage. She believed that if there were problems, Susann would have spoken up. After Susann’s death, Neubauer maintained a relationship with Sills, believing they worked well together when it came to raising their twins. Sills continued with his life as usual, unaware of the investigation against him. He was arrested in April 2019 while on his way to work and eventually convicted of second-degree murder, much to Neubauer’s relief.
The prosecution argued that Sills had staged his wife’s body on the staircase after a violent struggle that ended in her strangulation, while his defense maintained that her death was an accident caused by a fall. Despite the lack of a clear motive, investigators believed Sills was responsible for his wife’s murder and forwarded their findings to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutor Elise Hatcher reviewed the evidence two years after Susann’s death and found enough to pursue charges against Sills. Following a trial, Sills was found guilty and sentenced to prison for the murder of his wife.
Neubauer expressed a mix of emotions upon hearing the guilty verdict, feeling both relief and sadness over the loss of her daughter. Despite the closure provided by the trial’s outcome, she knows that Susann will never return. The case serves as a reminder of the complexity of relationships and how unexpected and tragic events can change lives forever. Neubauer continues to mourn her daughter while hoping to find some semblance of peace after the painful ordeal.
