Summary
Overview
Crime Junkie hosts Ashley Flowers and Britt explore the mysterious 2013 death of Dr. Laura Sweetman, a pediatric neurologist found dead in her bathtub in Gilbert, Arizona. Laura had recently separated from her husband Dave Sweetman after discovering his affair and secret child, filing for divorce and obtaining an order of protection following a domestic violence incident. Despite suspicious circumstances including her fear of being followed, an unlocked back door, and unexplained injuries, the medical examiner ruled her death 'undetermined' and the case went inactive after minimal investigation. The episode raises serious questions about the quality of the investigation and the medical examiner's office, particularly given Dave Sweetman's later connection to the 2020 murder of his business partner Nick Cordova.
Laura and Dave's Troubled Marriage
Laura Sweetman, a successful pediatric neurologist, and Dave Sweetman appeared to be the perfect all-American couple from the outside. However, those close to Laura knew their relationship was deeply troubled, marked by emotional abuse and manipulation. Friends noticed Dave's controlling behavior and Laura's lack of confidence, though she began to open up as she grew stronger physically and emotionally through gym training. The marriage deteriorated significantly over the years, with the couple eventually sleeping on separate floors of their house.
- Laura and Dave met as teenagers at Fallbrook Union High School in California in the 1980s, with Dave playing varsity football and Laura involved in future homemakers and swim team
- Laura became a highly educated pediatric neurologist with a master's in biochemistry, while Dave became a small business owner
- Friends described Dave as manipulative and giving off 'creepy vibes,' with their trainer noting how different the couple seemed
- By 2006-2007, Laura and Dave were sleeping on different floors of the house, though neither discussed the change
" Laura and Emily would talk about just how different Dave and Laura were, how there was just something off about Dave that he gave off, quote, the creepy vibes. "
The Discovery of Dave's Secret Family
In April 2013, Laura's world shattered when she discovered through Facebook that Dave had been living a double life. He had been having an affair with another woman and had a preschool-aged son that Laura never knew existed. This devastating revelation finally gave Laura the courage to file for divorce and plan her escape. She carefully orchestrated a plan to move out while Dave was away at a wrestling tournament, arranging for a new car, rental house, and coordinating with their nanny to keep her new location secret from Dave.
- Laura discovered Dave had 'a whole other life' including an affair and a preschool-aged child she never knew about
- Laura told the nanny she 'did not want to stay with someone who would cheat and lie' and filed for divorce
- Laura planned to move out the weekend of April 20th while Dave was at a wrestling tournament in New Mexico with two of their kids
- Laura arranged for the nanny to transport the children between houses so Dave wouldn't know where she lived
" She had it all planned out. The weekend of April 20th, Dave was going to be taking two of their kids to this wrestling tournament in New Mexico. And so she was going to use that time to get a new car, to get a rental house, and she planned to move all of her stuff into that. "
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