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Unveiling the Mystery: The Case of Susan Schwarz, The Queen of HeartsIn the quiet suburban town of Lynnwood, Washington, the autumn of 1979 was forever marked by a chilling discovery. On October 22, 1979, the body of 24-year-old Susan Schwarz was found in her home, a victim of a brutal crime that would haunt the community for decades. This week, Hitched 2 Homicide delves into the harrowing details of Susan Schwarz’s murder, the years of unanswered questions, and the eventual breakthrough that brought her killer to justice.

The Crime
Susan Schwarz was a young woman full of promise and life. However, her vibrant existence was cut short in a horrifying manner. She was found bound and shot in the head in her own home. The crime scene yielded no significant evidence—no fingerprints, no signs of forced entry, and no immediate suspects. The investigation quickly hit a dead end, leaving Susan’s family and friends in a state of grief and confusion.

The Cold Case

For 32 years, Susan’s murder remained a cold case. The lack of evidence and leads frustrated investigators and the community. Over the years, many theories were proposed, and numerous potential suspects were questioned, but nothing concrete emerged. Susan Schwarz’s case became a haunting reminder of the limitations of forensic science and investigative techniques of that era. But her best friend held a letter from her ex-brother in-law that would prove helpful.

The Breakthrough
The breakthrough in Susan Schwarz’s case came from an unexpected source: a deck of playing cards. In an innovative move to solve cold cases, the Washington Department of Corrections had distributed decks of playing cards to inmates, each card featuring details of an unsolved crime. Susan Schwarz was featured as the Queen of Hearts. And when her killer's half brother who was set on revenge saw Susan's face, he was ready to talk.
     In 2011, prison inmate, Sherwood KVay Knight recognized the case from the playing cards and came forward with crucial information about his half brother, Greg Johnson. This led to the re-examination of old evidence and witness testimonies, including Johnson's unknown 17-year-old girlfriend at the time. It eventually produced the confession needed to solve the case. 

Justice Served
The confession and subsequent investigation led to the arrest and conviction of Greg Johnson, Susan Schwarz’s murderer. This long-awaited justice brought a sense of closure to Susan’s family and the community. The case of the Queen of Hearts, once a symbol of mystery and sorrow, transformed into a testament to persistence and the power of innovative investigative techniques.

Conclusion
Tune in to our latest episode for an in-depth look at the Susan Schwarz case. Subscribe, share, and follow us on social media using the hashtags #TrueCrime #QueenOfHearts #SusanSchwarz #Hitched2Homicide. Join us as we continue to unravel the mysteries of unsolved crimes and bring forgotten stories back to life.

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