Ep 4. Margaret Rudin

Margaret Rudin, the fourth episode of the fifth season of Snapped, takes a deep dive into the case of a woman convicted of killing her fifth husband, millionaire Ronald Rudin. Margaret, who was 56 years old at the time of her husband's murder, had a checkered past when it came to relationships. She had been married four times before, and her previous marriages were littered with allegations of theft, fraud, and even murder.

The episode delves into the couple's relationship, which began when Ronald, a successful businessman, was looking for a suitable wife. Margaret, who had a reputation for being a captivating hostess, caught his attention. The two married soon after and settled in Las Vegas, where they lived in a sprawling mansion.

However, their marriage was tumultuous, with allegations of infidelity and financial impropriety on both sides. Margaret was also dealing with lawsuits from her past marriages, and her financial situation was precarious. Ronald's murder, which occurred in 1994, left the police with a web of intrigue to unravel.

The episode details the investigation into Ronald's murder, which initially focused on Margaret. Detective Bruce Gentner, the lead investigator, delves deep into Margaret's past and discovers that she has a history of marrying wealthy men and taking advantage of them. The evidence gathered during the investigation is damning, with Margaret's fingerprints found on the murder weapon and also on a safe in the couple's mansion that contained Ronald's will.

Margaret's trial, which was highly publicized, ended in a conviction for first-degree murder, and she was sentenced to life in prison. The episode explores the courtroom drama, with interviews from the prosecutor, the defense team, and Margaret's friends and family.

Throughout the episode, the show raises questions about Margaret's guilt and whether she received a fair trial. There are allegations that the police mishandled evidence, with one witness even claiming that he saw someone other than Margaret leaving the crime scene on the night of the murder. Margaret herself claims that she is innocent and that she was framed by the police.

Overall, Margaret Rudin is a gripping episode that provides a detailed and nuanced look at a complex case. The show skillfully weaves together interviews with those involved in the case with archival footage and dramatic reenactments, creating a compelling and suspenseful narrative. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime or legal dramas.