In the final part of this series, we examine what happened after the deaths of Charlie and Braden Powell — and the long, painful aftermath that followed.

This episode explores the investigations, legal consequences, and lasting impact of Susan Powell’s disappearance and the murders of her sons. We discuss how responsibility was examined, how systems responded, and how the ripple effects of this case extended far beyond one family.

Part Four covers:

• The immediate aftermath of February 5, 2012

• Investigations into child welfare and court system failures

• Life insurance rulings and why Josh Powell could not benefit

• The role of Josh’s family, including those who spoke out and those who did not

• The death of Josh Powell’s brother, Michael, and the broader toll of the case

• What happened to Josh’s father, Steven Powell

• Why Susan Powell has never been found — and what law enforcement believes happened

• The legacy of this case and what it reveals about prevention, proof, and protection

This is not a story about closure.

It is a story about consequence — and about the people who were lost when warnings were recognized, but not stopped.

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⚠️ Content Warning

This episode contains discussion of domestic abuse, child endangerment, homicide, and suicide. No graphic details are included. Listener discretion is advised.

In Part Three of this series, we examine what happened after Susan Powell disappeared — and how concern for her children quickly became central to the case.

As investigators increasingly believed that Susan Powell was the victim of homicide, attention turned to the safety of her sons, Charlie and Braden. This episode explores why Josh Powell lost custody, what authorities discovered inside the home where the boys were living, and how documented warning signs shaped — and failed to prevent — what came next.

Part Three covers:

• Why Josh Powell moved the boys to Washington after Susan disappeared
• Evidence found in the Powell home that raised serious child safety concerns
• What was discovered on computers inside the home
• Why Josh lost custody of his sons
• How and why supervised visitation was later reinstated
• The limitations of family court and child welfare systems
• How risk was recognized — but managed instead of eliminated

This episode contains discussion of domestic abuse, coercive control, and suspected homicide. No graphic details are included. Listener discretion is advised.

*If you or someone you know is experiencing fear or control in a relationship, help is available.

National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.)

1-800-799-SAFE

https://www.thehotline.org/

• COLD Podcast- https://thecoldpodcast.com/season-1/
• Susan Powell’s emails and personal writings
• West Valley City Police records-https://www.ksl.com/article/25263938/west-valley-city-photos-documents-relating-to-the-susan-powell-case
• Verified reporting from KSL, Deseret News, and The Salt Lake Tribune
• Susan Powell video diary of persoanl property- https://youtu.be/cwTi_WDSkmo?si=lTCACwKUK9EtKEKN

The Disappearance of Susan Powell: What Happened That Night

In Part Two of this series, we move from who Susan Powell was to what happened after she vanished — and why investigators quickly believed she did not leave voluntarily.

This episode examines the night Susan disappeared, the immediate aftermath, and the mounting evidence that led police to believe she was the victim of homicide. We walk through Josh Powell’s actions, the condition of the Powell home, and the growing concerns shared by friends, family, and law enforcement.

Part Two covers:

• The last confirmed day Susan was seen
• Why she was reported missing by a friend — not her husband
• Josh Powell’s behavior before and after Susan vanished
• Evidence of cleanup inside the Powell home
• What was found during searches of the Powell home
• Early investigative conclusions and why police believed Susan was murdered
• Initial searches for Susan and why none were successful

Susan Powell has never been found.

But the evidence left behind tells a troubling story.

This episode contains discussion of domestic abuse, coercive control, and suspected homicide. No graphic details are included. Listener discretion is advised.

*If you or someone you know is experiencing fear or control in a relationship, help is available.

National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.)

1-800-799-SAFE

https://www.thehotline.org/

• COLD Podcast- https://thecoldpodcast.com/season-1/
• Susan Powell’s emails and personal writings
• West Valley City Police records-https://www.ksl.com/article/25263938/west-valley-city-photos-documents-relating-to-the-susan-powell-case
• Verified reporting from KSL, Deseret News, and The Salt Lake Tribune
• Susan Powell video diary of persoanl property- https://youtu.be/cwTi_WDSkmo?si=lTCACwKUK9EtKEKN