Ep 9. Brynn Hartman

Brynn Hartman was married to the famous comedian and actor Phil Hartman. The couple was known to have a happy and loving marriage, but on May 28, 1998, the world was shaken when Phil was found dead in his bed, with gunshot wounds on his head, and Brynn was found dead in the bedroom next to him, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This episode of Snapped Season 16 takes a deep dive into the life of Brynn Hartman and tries to uncover what led her to commit such a heinous act.

Through interviews with family, friends, and law enforcement officials, the episode sheds light on the tumultuous relationship between Brynn and Phil. Though they projected a happy picture to the outside world, in reality, their marriage was characterized by arguments, infidelity, and drug abuse. Phil had been battling Brynn's addiction issues for a long time, and had recently threatened to leave her and take their children away due to her erratic behavior.

The episode takes us through the night of the murder-suicide, with interviews of friends and neighbors who heard strange noises and reports of gunshots. The police investigation that followed was complicated by the fact that there were no witnesses, other than the couple's two young children who were asleep in the house when the murder-suicide took place.

As the investigation progresses, the episode explores Brynn's history of drug abuse and mental illness, particularly her diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. Through interviews with mental health experts, we learn that this condition is characterized by instability in relationships, mood swings, and impulsiveness, which can lead to unpredictable and extreme behavior.

The episode also explores the impact of the incident on Phil's family, including his sister, who struggled to reconcile the kind and loving brother she knew with the events that led to his untimely demise.

Overall, this episode of Snapped Season 16 offers a haunting look into the dark underbelly of a seemingly happy marriage, and the factors that drove Brynn Hartman to commit this horrific act. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of mental illness, substance abuse, and the importance of seeking help when we feel overwhelmed.