Murder, religion, domestic violence, money, pornography, depravity, manipulation. The Susan Powell case is the worst of the worst.

How did it all go so wrong?

If you asked those close to Susan, all she ever really wanted was to be a wife and mother.

In 2009, Susan worked a full-time job, was an amazing mom to her two little boys, Charlie and Braden, and she was very active in her church. It was her refuge in a stormy marriage.

On the outside, they appeared to be a happy family. But on the inside, nobody could imagine the kind of hell Susan was going through, being controlled, manipulated and degraded by an emotionally abusive husband, Josh.

Susan wanted out. She threatened a divorce. But Josh made it crystal clear that if Susan tried to leave him there would be consequences.

Susan made a video documenting the family’s possessions in case something happened to her. She hid that video and a secret will in a safe deposit box that she made sure Josh didn’t know about.

In the will she expressed her fears – the worry over the million-dollar life insurance policy in her name; the threatening arguments with Josh.

Susan wrote, “If I die, it may not be an accident, even if it looks like one. Take care of my boys.”

Just 16 months later Susan disappeared. The only thing left were the breadcrumbs she left behind.

Tragically, three years later the breadcrumbs wouldn’t be enough to save her boys from their father.

And now, over 10 years later, Susan’s family is still hoping for some kind of justice.

If you or someone you know needs help to deal with domestic violence, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24 hours a day.

You can also get involved in supporting children placed in emergency foster care by making a donation to Charlie’s Dinosaur.