Ep 8. Vonlee Nicole Titlow

In season 13 episode 8 of the true-crime series Snapped, we delve into the case of Vonlee Nicole Titlow. Titlow was a successful hairstylist and a mother who seemed to have it all together, but that all changed when she was accused of murder.

Vonlee Nicole Titlow’s life began to unravel in 2009 when her best friend, Billie Jean Hayworth, and Hayworth's fiancé, Billy Payne, were found shot to death in their home. The couple had just become parents six months before their tragic deaths. Upon hearing the news, Titlow was one of the first to arrive at the crime scene, expressing her shock and sadness over the loss of her friends.

As the investigation into their murders unfolded, police learned that Titlow had a tumultuous relationship with Hayworth. Hayworth’s parents believed that Titlow had stolen from their daughter and drained her bank account, but they couldn't prove it. They also suspected Titlow may be involved in their daughter’s death. However, it wasn't until a year later that the evidence they needed was discovered.

In 2010, Titlow's cousin, Jamie Curd, was arrested on charges of murder. During a police interrogation, Curd admitted to being involved in the murder of Hayworth and Payne, but he implicated Titlow as the mastermind behind the plan. He claimed that Titlow had promised to pay him $1,500 to kill her former friend and her fiancé after a falling out over money. Curd was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Titlow was also arrested and tried for her involvement in the murders. Prosecutors argued that Titlow had motive, means, and opportunity to commit the murders. They used text messages and phone records between Titlow and Curd as evidence that she had conspired to have Hayworth and Payne murdered. Additionally, prosecutors pointed to a forensics report indicating that Titlow's DNA was present on an alleged murder weapon found in Payne and Hayworth's home.

Despite these damning pieces of evidence, Titlow claimed she was innocent. She maintained that she had nothing to do with the murders and that her cousin must have lied about her involvement to receive a lower sentence.

The trial was a highly publicized affair, with members of the press and community at large eager to see justice served. The defense argued that the DNA evidence was inconclusive and that the text messages and phone calls between Titlow and Curd were taken out of context.

In the end, the jury found Titlow guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, and she was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Her case was appealed, but the conviction was upheld.

The episode also features interviews with family members and friends of Titlow and the victims. They share their thoughts on what happened and their opinions on Titlow's guilt or innocence.

Overall, season 13 episode 8 of Snapped provides a detailed look at the events leading up to the murders and the trial that followed. It's a sobering reminder that even the most unlikely suspects can be capable of heinous crimes and that the truth can often be stranger than fiction.