Season 4, Episode 6 of A Crime to Remember, “The Babysitter’s Secret,” fundamentally argues that the failure of the justice system in 1960s Arizona to prioritize the investigation into the disappearance of Susan Hamlin stemmed from ingrained sexism and societal biases, ultimately allowing her killer, Gordon Stewart Northcott, to escape accountability for years. The episode highlights how the initial dismissal of her disappearance as a runaway case, coupled with the focus on easier, more readily solvable crimes, allowed Northcott to continue his heinous acts undetected and unprosecuted for a crucial period.
The Lost Child: A Case Dismissed Too Quickly
The narrative powerfully underscores the societal context of the 1960s. Young women, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, were often viewed as disposable or prone to impulsive decisions. This bias permeated the law enforcement mindset, leading to a superficial investigation and premature conclusion regarding Susan Hamlin’s whereabouts. The initial assumption that she had simply run away, without thorough exploration of alternative possibilities, proved tragically flawed.
The episode meticulously documents the missed opportunities and overlooked clues that could have led to Northcott’s apprehension much earlier. Witnesses reported suspicious activity around his property, and Northcott himself displayed erratic behavior. However, these leads were either dismissed or inadequately pursued, a direct consequence of the prevailing attitudes towards missing young women and the perceived difficulty in cracking the case.
The Scapegoat Mentality
Furthermore, the episode examines the influence of the highly publicized Wineville Chicken Coop Murders case. Law enforcement, eager to close another sensational case and alleviate public anxiety, may have been incentivized to quickly identify a perpetrator, even if it meant overlooking crucial details and potentially implicating innocent individuals. This scapegoat mentality further complicated the investigation and contributed to the initial misdirection of resources.
The Long Shadow of Wineville
The Wineville Chicken Coop Murders, committed by Gordon Stewart Northcott and his nephew Sanford Clark, cast a long and disturbing shadow over the Hamlin case. Northcott’s prior crimes, though eventually uncovered, initially remained shrouded in secrecy, allowing him to maintain a facade of normalcy and continue his predatory behavior.
The Role of Sanford Clark
Sanford Clark’s testimony, while crucial in ultimately exposing Northcott’s crimes, was initially treated with skepticism. His young age and the horrific nature of his accusations made him a less credible witness in the eyes of some investigators. However, his detailed account of the murders and his unwavering commitment to the truth eventually proved instrumental in bringing Northcott to justice. The episode deftly portrays the emotional and psychological toll that Clark’s ordeal took on him, highlighting his bravery in the face of unimaginable trauma.
Justice Delayed: A Bitter Pill
While Gordon Stewart Northcott was eventually apprehended and convicted for the murders of other victims, the lack of sufficient evidence directly linking him to Susan Hamlin’s disappearance meant that her case remained unsolved for decades. The episode poignantly depicts the anguish and frustration experienced by Hamlin’s family, who were denied closure and justice for their lost loved one.
The “The Babysitter’s Secret” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of thorough and unbiased investigations, regardless of the victim’s background or the perceived difficulty of the case. It underscores the devastating consequences of societal biases and the need for unwavering commitment to justice for all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the case and the episode:
FAQ 1: What was the primary reason Susan Hamlin’s case went unsolved for so long?
The primary reason was the initial dismissal of her disappearance as a runaway case, fueled by societal biases against young women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and the eagerness of law enforcement to close high-profile cases quickly.
FAQ 2: Who was Gordon Stewart Northcott, and what were his crimes before Susan Hamlin’s disappearance?
Gordon Stewart Northcott was a Canadian-born serial killer responsible for the infamous Wineville Chicken Coop Murders. He kidnapped, tortured, and murdered several young boys in the late 1920s.
FAQ 3: How did the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders impact the investigation into Susan Hamlin’s case?
The Wineville murders created a climate of fear and pressure on law enforcement to solve similar cases quickly. It also led to a potential scapegoat mentality, where officials might have been too quick to focus on suspects who fit a certain profile, potentially overlooking other leads.
FAQ 4: What role did Sanford Clark play in exposing Gordon Stewart Northcott’s crimes?
Sanford Clark, Northcott’s nephew, was a key witness who provided detailed accounts of the murders, the location of the bodies, and Northcott’s involvement. His testimony, though initially met with skepticism, was crucial in securing Northcott’s conviction.
FAQ 5: What evidence, if any, linked Gordon Stewart Northcott directly to Susan Hamlin’s disappearance?
While there were suspicions and circumstantial evidence, direct physical evidence definitively linking Northcott to Hamlin’s disappearance was lacking. This ultimately prevented him from being charged in her case.
FAQ 6: What are the key societal biases that contributed to the mishandling of Susan Hamlin’s case?
The key biases included sexism, classism, and a tendency to dismiss missing young women as runaways without conducting thorough investigations.
FAQ 7: Did Susan Hamlin’s family ever receive closure in her case?
Due to the lack of conclusive evidence, Susan Hamlin’s case remains officially unsolved. This lack of definitive answers undoubtedly caused continued pain and a lack of closure for her family.
FAQ 8: What lessons can be learned from Susan Hamlin’s case and the investigation surrounding it?
The case highlights the importance of thorough, unbiased investigations, regardless of the victim’s background or the perceived difficulty of the case. It also underscores the need to challenge societal biases that can hinder the pursuit of justice.
FAQ 9: What specific investigative techniques or procedures were lacking in the initial investigation?
The investigation lacked thorough witness interviews, comprehensive searches of Northcott’s property, and adequate follow-up on suspicious leads. A failure to consider alternative explanations beyond the runaway theory also hampered the investigation.
FAQ 10: How does this episode of A Crime to Remember contribute to a broader understanding of crime and justice in the 1960s?
The episode provides valuable insights into the societal attitudes and law enforcement practices of the 1960s, exposing the systemic biases and shortcomings that could prevent justice from being served. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of vigilance and impartiality in the pursuit of truth.
FAQ 11: What resources are available for families of missing persons seeking assistance and support?
There are numerous organizations dedicated to assisting families of missing persons, including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the Polly Klaas Foundation, and local law enforcement agencies. These organizations provide resources, support, and advocacy for families navigating the difficult process of searching for a missing loved one.
FAQ 12: What legal and ethical considerations should law enforcement agencies prioritize when handling missing persons cases?
Law enforcement agencies should prioritize conducting thorough and unbiased investigations, treating all missing persons cases seriously, and utilizing available resources effectively. They should also be mindful of the emotional distress experienced by families and provide compassionate support throughout the investigation. Maintaining transparency and open communication with families is crucial for building trust and fostering collaboration.