California doctor charged with murdering wife over photo

Susann Sills, a well-known businesswoman and partner of a California fertility doctor, Dr. Eric Scott Sills, died on November 13, 2016. Her death was initially labeled an accident after a fall down the stairs. However, suspicions have arisen regarding the circumstances leading to her death, particularly involving a topless photo she posted in a political chatroom. Friends describe Susann as smart and driven. She co-founded an IVF practice with her husband in 2015. However, a month before her death, she reached out to a friend, expressing concerns about her troubled marriage and a photo that had upset Dr. Sills. This topless image reportedly sparked tension between the couple, hinting at deeper issues in their relationship. When authorities responded to the 911 call placed by Dr. Sills, they discovered Susann with numerous injuries that raised questions about the fall scenario. Evidence of a possible struggle included blood in a child's room and a ligature mark around Susann's neck. Further investigations uncovered threatening texts from Susann, revealing her feelings of being trapped and wanting to leave her husband. The case shifted as forensic evidence implicated Dr. Sills. DNA found at the scene showed a mix of his and Susann's, suggesting a confrontation. In 2017, the coroner concluded that Susann's cause of death was homicide due to ligature strangulation, prompting authorities to focus on Dr. Sills as a suspect. He was arrested in April 2019 and faced trial in late 2023. His defense disputed the claims of motive related to the topless photo. They suggested that Susann's injuries, including a fractured vertebra, could have been caused by an accident involving the family's dogs. However, investigators maintained that jealousy over her online behavior may have played a significant role in the tragedy.