I've been following the Faria case for a couple of years now and thought it might be interesting to see if some of my fellow posters had any input. Dateline did a great profile of this case entitled The House on Sumac Drive.

On December 27, 2011 Betsy Faria, a woman who was reportedly dying of cancer, was stabbed to death in the home she shared with her husband, Russ. During the subsequent investigation, Russ Faria became the prime suspect and was eventually charged with the murder of his wife. At the crime scene, LE found a pair of slippers belonging to Russ Faria that were reported to be stained by his wife's blood. LE also extensively interviewed the last person to see Betsy Faria alive, her long time friend, Pamela Hupp. During these interviews, Hupp made several disparaging statements about Russ Faria that apparently further convinced LE of his guilt.

On the night of the murder, Russ Faria was able to account for his whereabouts by producing four alibi witnesses (all of whom testified at trial), and cell phone records tracking his movements. Faria was also able to provide time stamped receipts from the gas station and fast food restaurant he visited that night. These receipts were also corroborated by surveillance footage. It was also discovered during the investigation that approximately three days prior to her murder, Betsy Faria made Pam Hupp a sole beneficiary to one of her life insurance policies, totalling $150,000. These documents were allegedly signed by the two women at a local library, and notarized by the librarian on shift. Though Faria's defense attorney wanted to present these facts to the jury at trial, he was prohibited from doing so by the judge. The judge also prohibited the defense from cross examining Hupp about these facts during the trial. Russ Faria was convicted of the murder (wrongly in my opinion) but has been granted a retrial on appeal.

Below is a link to a thoroughly written article about the case. I welcome any thoughts from my fellow posters about this intriguing case.

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/russell-faria-s-wife-was-stabbed-times-but-was-he/article_dd93f262-594e-5b88-b53f-097fc10033c8.html

I've been following the Faria case for a couple of years now and thought it might be interesting to see if some of my fellow posters had any input. Dateline did a great profile of this case entitled The House on Sumac Drive.

On December 27, 2011 Betsy Faria, a woman who was reportedly dying of cancer, was stabbed to death in the home she shared with her husband, Russ. During the subsequent investigation, Russ Faria became the prime suspect and was eventually charged with the murder of his wife. At the crime scene, LE found a pair of slippers belonging to Russ Faria that were reported to be stained by his wife's blood. LE also extensively interviewed the last person to see Betsy Faria alive, her long time friend, Pamela Hupp. During these interviews, Hupp made several disparaging statements about Russ Faria that apparently further convinced LE of his guilt.

On the night of the murder, Russ Faria was able to account for his whereabouts by producing four alibi witnesses (all of whom testified at trial), and cell phone records tracking his movements. Faria was also able to provide time stamped receipts from the gas station and fast food restaurant he visited that night. These receipts were also corroborated by surveillance footage. It was also discovered during the investigation that approximately three days prior to her murder, Betsy Faria made Pam Hupp a sole beneficiary to one of her life insurance policies, totalling $150,000. These documents were allegedly signed by the two women at a local library, and notarized by the librarian on shift. Though Faria's defense attorney wanted to present these facts to the jury at trial, he was prohibited from doing so by the judge. The judge also prohibited the defense from cross examining Hupp about these facts during the trial. Russ Faria was convicted of the murder (wrongly in my opinion) but has been granted a retrial on appeal.

Below is a link to a thoroughly written article about the case. I welcome any thoughts from my fellow posters about this intriguing case.

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/russell-faria-s-wife-was-stabbed-times-but-was-he/article_dd93f262-594e-5b88-b53f-097fc10033c8.html

"Why would she do this to me?" is the Freudian slip which refers not to any curiosity as to his wife's actions that evening but the fait accompli of being dispossessed of an insurance policy. The feigned emotion,the staging of the surveillance cameras and the subsequent protestations of love for the victim as the actor plays his part symptomatic of many killers because you see,once perpetrators have taken their rage out on the victim it subsequently becomes extinguished,and as with the Jeremy Bamber and David Bain cases the mind reverts to happier memories lest the mask of sanity slips and the shocking truth is unveiled.

My opinion is that the judge is corrupt and should be thrown in prison along with Pamela Hupp because Russ Faria is obviously innocent. The biggest thing that sticks out to me is if Russ really wanted his wife dead, all he would have to do is just wait the little while until her cancer does her in as it would be totally unnecessary to stab her 55 times. It's apparent Pamela Hupp killed Betsy before she realized she made a mistake about the life insurance policy and changed it back. I find it quite sad she has profited off of Betsy's death while an innocent man is in prison. Maddening case.

My opinion is that the judge is corrupt and should be thrown in prison along with Pamela Hupp because Russ Faria is obviously innocent. The biggest thing that sticks out to me is if Russ really wanted his wife dead, all he would have to do is just wait the little while until her cancer does her in as it would be totally unnecessary to stab her 55 times. It's apparent Pamela Hupp killed Betsy before she realized she made a mistake about the life insurance policy and changed it back. I find it quite sad she has profited off of Betsy's death while an innocent man is in prison. Maddening case.
But by then his wife might have divested him of the second insurance policy worth $100000. Pamela's car was searched forensically and nothing suspicious was found.

But by then his wife might have divested him of the second insurance policy worth $100000. Pamela's car was searched forensically and nothing suspicious was found.

You don't find the timing of that suspicious though? Betsy changes the one life insurance policy and a couple days later, she's dead?

You don't find the timing of that suspicious though? Betsy changes the one life insurance policy and a couple days later, she's dead?
Yes and she did complain to friends that she felt smothered by Pamela,but she was still in control of her faculties to sign a document in a public place. She must have known what she was doing.

Wow. Interesting read. I don't want to go as far as to say the husband is innocent, but I can certainly see reasonable doubt. I have to wonder WHY the judge didn't allow the defense to bring up the insurance information. I would argue it is certainly relevant.

Wow. Interesting read. I don't want to go as far as to say the husband is innocent, but I can certainly see reasonable doubt. I have to wonder WHY the judge didn't allow the defense to bring up the insurance information. I would argue it is certainly relevant.
Because Pamela Rudd was not on trial. But the defendant has been granted a retrial so I read. http://fox2now.com/2015/06/05/retrial-ordered-for-lincoln-county-man-convicted-of-killing-wife/

I remember watching this case on Dateline and the whole thing felt like a Twilight Zone scenario for Russ Faria since it seemed like everyone in the entire town except his defense attorney and alibi witnesses just lost all common sense. How anyone could legitimately think Russ committed this murder is beyond me.

Out of all the outrageous aspects of this case, I think the most egregious is how Russ had a time-stamped receipt placing him at an Arby's drive-thru which would have made it impossible for him to drive home to kill his wife in the short timeframe before he made the 911 call. However, the prosecutor tried to write that off by claiming that Russ' friends were the ones actually purchased the food at Arby's in order to fabricate an alibi for him while he was at home killing his wife. Um... so if Russ' alibi witnesses were conspiring to help him commit murder, they how come the police never made any attempt to charge them with a crime?! It's just ridiculous that the prosecutor would be allowed to introduce this "fabricated alibi" scenario at trial when Russ' friends were never looked at suspects at any point in the investigation. I've actually read that the prosecutor and the original trial judge are good friends and the judge is notorious giving her friend a lot of leeway in the courtroom.

EDIT: Wow, it looks like Pam Hupp herself has joined the comments section of the linked article to proclaim her innocence and start arguments. Sadly, Betsy Faria's mother also commented and it looks like she still believes Russ is guilty.

I remember watching this case on Dateline and the whole thing felt like a Twilight Zone scenario for Russ Faria since it seemed like everyone in the entire town except his defense attorney and alibi witnesses just lost all common sense. How anyone could legitimately think Russ committed this murder is beyond me.

Out of all the outrageous aspects of this case, I think the most egregious is how Russ had a time-stamped receipt placing him at an Arby's drive-thru which would have made it impossible for him to drive home to kill his wife in the short timeframe before he made the 911 call. However, the prosecutor tried to write that off by claiming that Russ' friends were the ones actually purchased the food at Arby's in order to fabricate an alibi for him while he was at home killing his wife. Um... so if Russ' alibi witnesses were conspiring to help him commit murder, they how come the police never made any attempt to charge them with a crime?! It's just ridiculous that the prosecutor would be allowed to introduce this "fabricated alibi" scenario at trial when Russ' friends were never looked at suspects at any point in the investigation. I've actually read that the prosecutor and the original trial judge are good friends and the judge is notorious giving her friend a lot of leeway in the courtroom.

EDIT: Wow, it looks like Pam Hupp herself has joined the comments section of the linked article to proclaim her innocence and start arguments. Sadly, Betsy Faria's mother also commented and it looks like she still believes Russ is guilty.
Wasn't the body reported cold and stiff as if Rigor mortis had already set in? I think she was killed much earlier.

Wasn't the body reported cold and stiff as if Rigor mortis had already set in? I think she was killed much earlier.

From what I’ve read, Betsy was visiting her mother before Pam drove her home that night, and Russ pretty much went straight from work to his friends’ house for the movie night. Theoretically, Russ could have killed Betsy right after Pam dropped her off at home which would have been a few hours before the 911 call and explained the rigor mortis. But that’s only if you believe that four other people were willing to lie about Russ’ whereabouts and conspire with him to commit murder and the prosecution certainly did not prove that beyond a reasonable doubt.

From what I’ve read, Betsy was visiting her mother before Pam drove her home that night, and Russ pretty much went straight from work to his friends’ house for the movie night. Theoretically, Russ could have killed Betsy right after Pam dropped her off at home which would have been a few hours before the 911 call and explained the rigor mortis. But that’s only if you believe that four other people were willing to lie about Russ’ whereabouts and conspire with him to commit murder and the prosecution certainly did not prove that beyond a reasonable doubt.
I don't think his friends covered for him. I was thinking that the murder occurred before he arrived at this gaming night.

I don't think his friends covered for him. I was thinking that the murder occurred before he arrived at this gaming night.

According to the timeline, Russ arrived at the gaming night at 5:45 PM. Admittedly, I don't know the exact timeline of Betsy's movements that day, but she definitely visited her mother before Pam drove her home. If it was verified that Betsy was at her mother's place at 5:45 or later, then Russ couldn't have killed her before meeting his friends.

I remember watching this case on Dateline and the whole thing felt like a Twilight Zone scenario for Russ Faria since it seemed like everyone in the entire town except his defense attorney and alibi witnesses just lost all common sense. How anyone could legitimately think Russ committed this murder is beyond me.


You took the words out of my mouth Robin! That is exactly what I thought while watching the Dateline coverage. Probably the one thing about this case that frustrated me the most was the jury. After the trial, there were reportedly a couple of jurors who stated that they weren't completely convinced of Faria's guilt but consoled themselves with the notion that Faria would appeal. Seriously?? I thought the whole point of “reasonable doubt" was that a juror must vote to aquit if the case was not proven beyond that standard. I can't speak for anyone else, but it seems to me that if a juror can only convict by consoling themselves with the idea of an appeal, that juror has reasonable doubts as to the defendant's guilt.

I was also frustrated by the blatent disregard of the alibi evidence. If four eyewitnesses, cell phone records, time-stamped receipts, and video surveillance footage don't prove a person's alibi, I'm not sure what would. IMO, Pam Hupp isn't the only one in this case who has some serious explaining to do. LE, the prosecutor who was in bed with them (figuratively and literally if the allegations are true), and a couple of jurors also need to account for themselves. And speaking of Hupp... I thought you might appreciate this recent article. I particularly enjoyed the last bit, lol.

http://kplr11.com/2014/11/03/with-150000-on-the-line-a-murder-witness-changes-her-story/

I was also frustrated by the blatent disregard of the alibi evidence. If four eyewitnesses, cell phone records, time-stamped receipts, and video surveillance footage don't prove a person's alibi, I'm not sure what would. IMO, Pam Hupp isn't the only one in this case who has some serious explaining to do. LE, the prosecutor who was in bed with them (figuratively and literally if the allegations are true), and a couple of jurors also need to account for themselves. And speaking of Hupp... I thought you might appreciate this recent article. I particularly enjoyed the last bit, lol.

http://kplr11.com/2014/11/03/with-150000-on-the-line-a-murder-witness-changes-her-story/

That police interview where they advise Pam Hupp to set up a trust fund for Betsy’s kids with the insurance money is surreal. They’re essentially telling a murder suspect to do something which makes them look less suspicious in order to cover up the fact that they charged the wrong person.

Russ pretty much went straight from work to his friends’ house for the movie night.

The Dateline episode said Russ ran a few quick, non-descript errands right after work, then headed to the game night, although that only makes the timeline for him to kill his wife all that much narrower.

Thanks for the article in the other post. Pam Hupp always looked off to me, and it's something to learn her husband is also an ass. I really can't fathom why Betsy would make her the beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Pam claims it was because she wanted to make sure the money got to her daughters, but couldn't Betsy have just as easily left the money directly to her daughters, or Russ, or any of her sisters or mother for that matter? There were too many people that would have needed the money (funeral expenses and what not), and I really can't comprehend why she would leave 100k to a friend that was smothering her. The article is somewhat confusing, but it looks like Pam wants all the money for herself now? My opinion is she is a liar, a cheat and a murderer, among other things.

This seems to be one of the most talked about Datelines ever. Oddly enough, in the Dateline dvd set I'm making, it's on the same disc as another much discussed case: Barry Beach.

The Dateline episode said Russ ran a few quick, non-descript errands right after work, then headed to the game night, although that only makes the timeline for him to kill his wife all that much narrower.

Thanks for the article in the other post. Pam Hupp always looked off to me, and it's something to learn her husband is also an ass. I really can't fathom why Betsy would make her the beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Pam claims it was because she wanted to make sure the money got to her daughters, but couldn't Betsy have just as easily left the money directly to her daughters, or Russ, or any of her sisters or mother for that matter? There were too many people that would have needed the money (funeral expenses and what not), and I really can't comprehend why she would leave 100k to a friend that was smothering her. The article is somewhat confusing, but it looks like Pam wants all the money for herself now? My opinion is she is a liar, a cheat and a murderer, among other things.

This seems to be one of the most talked about Datelines ever. Oddly enough, in the Dateline dvd set I'm making, it's on the same disc as another much discussed case: Barry Beach.
I wonder how narrow that window of opportunity was,because like Atif Rafay Russell Faria's alibi seems contrived to me.

Okay, I rewatched the Dateline episode.

-Another thing that points to Pam Hupp was her bogus claim that she had tried to call Betsy once she got home from leaving Betsy's house to let her know she was ok. The problem with that was she lived a half hour away and her cell phone kept pinging in and/or around Betsy's house at the time she stated she tried to call Betsy from her own house.

-Another thing that was odd: When Pam got Betsy to change the beneficiary on her life insurance policy a few days before her murder, the change was not witnessed by a notary public or an employee of the insurance company, but rather by a young librarian who I am not sure is even "qualified" to do such a thing.

-It should also be noted that Pam Hupp is the verified last person to see Betsy alive, she has changed her story on numerous things (numerous times)

-The lead detective on this case coached Pam before her testimony in the trial and prepped her on possible questions that could be asked of her so that she could come up with her responses, when he should have been viewing her as a suspect.

-Russ Faria wore the same clothes all day and not a speck of blood was ever found on any of said clothes despite Betsy being stabbed 56 times. In regards to Russ's slippers in the closet having blood on them, I would ask: "Who the heck wears the slippers during the day, on the job and out to visit friends?"

-I apologize, but Betsy's mom is a total airhead, plain and simple. She said if new evidence was brought forward that implicated someone else, she would still believe in Russ's guilt. Additionally, her reasons for believing that Russ is guilty are mind-boggingly idiotic. She stated that the testimony of the 4 "game-night" friends was suspicious because they all said the same thing. HELLO?!?!?! They're all supposed to say the same thing!! What a dingbat.

-The detectives on this case thought that it was "suspicious" that Russ ran several errands after getting off work and before heading to game night (trips to a gas station, several convenience stores) when allegedly all could have been done at the same store. Their hypotheses was that Russ was trying to get himself seen in front of several cameras. Actually, and as I noted above, this makes Russ seem less guilty because it decreases the already narrow window of opportunity he would have had even more.

I see the overwhelming consensus here is that Pam is guilty, not Russ.

Okay, I rewatched the Dateline episode.

-Another thing that points to Pam Hupp was her bogus claim that she had tried to call Betsy once she got home from leaving Betsy's house to let her know she was ok. The problem with that was she lived a half hour away and her cell phone kept pinging in and/or around Betsy's house at the time she stated she tried to call Betsy from her own house.

-Another thing that was odd: When Pam got Betsy to change the beneficiary on her life insurance policy a few days before her murder, the change was not witnessed by a notary public or an employee of the insurance company, but rather by a young librarian who I am not sure is even "qualified" to do such a thing.

-It should also be noted that Pam Hupp is the verified last person to see Betsy alive, she has changed her story on numerous things (numerous times)

-The lead detective on this case coached Pam before her testimony in the trial and prepped her on possible questions that could be asked of her so that she could come up with her responses, when he should have been viewing her as a suspect.

-Russ Faria wore the same clothes all day and not a speck of blood was ever found on any of said clothes despite Betsy being stabbed 56 times. In regards to Russ's slippers in the closet having blood on them, I would ask: "Who the heck wears the slippers during the day, on the job and out to visit friends?"

-I apologize, but Betsy's mom is a total airhead, plain and simple. She said if new evidence was brought forward that implicated someone else, she would still believe in Russ's guilt. Additionally, her reasons for believing that Russ is guilty are mind-boggingly idiotic. She stated that the testimony of the 4 "game-night" friends was suspicious because they all said the same thing. HELLO?!?!?! They're all supposed to say the same thing!! What a dingbat.

-The detectives on this case thought that it was "suspicious" that Russ ran several errands after getting off work and before heading to game night (trips to a gas station, several convenience stores) when allegedly all could have been done at the same store. Their hypotheses was that Russ was trying to get himself seen in front of several cameras. Actually, and as I noted above, this makes Russ seem less guilty because it decreases the already narrow window of opportunity he would have had even more.

I see the overwhelming consensus here is that Pam is guilty, not Russ.
The point was that both Betsy and Pamela had been colleagues in the insurance industry so Betsy must have known what she was doing in signing any document. Maybe they were just trying to save money in not going to a solicitor. If Russ arrives at the gaming house at 5:45pm and stays observed until 9:00pm my bet is that he killed her before he left home earlier that evening. Odd that Betsy was killed on the night Russ could be vouched for among witnesses and odd that after a hard day's work and a stay at someone's house you would not be tired and want to return home straightaway.

The point was that both Betsy and Pamela had been colleagues in the insurance industry so Betsy must have known what she was doing in signing any document. Maybe they were just trying to save money in not going to a solicitor. If Russ arrives at the gaming house at 5:45pm and stays observed until 9:00pm my bet is that he killed her before he left home earlier that evening. Odd that Betsy was killed on the night Russ could be vouched for among witnesses and odd that after a hard day's work and a stay at someone's house you would not be tired and want to return home straightaway.

Not that odd considering one of the friends stated Russ dozed off that night.

Not that odd considering one of the friends stated Russ dozed off that night.
If you don't feel in the mood to play games then mightn't you cancel? I think we need to re-examine the timeline.

With regards to Faria's alibi evidence, I always felt as though the prosecution were trying to have it both ways. Either Faria's friends lied for him, saying he was with them when he wasn't, enabling Russ Faria to commit the crime, or Russ Faria carried out a bunch of BS errands in the hopes of obtaining a surveillance tape/documented alibi. In which case he wouldn't have been physically present to commit the crime.
What makes this all the more egregious IMO, is that regardless of what the prosecution believes about Russ Faria's alibi, he is afforded the same presumption of innocence that every defendant in our legal system has. Russ Faria doesn't have to prove his alibi is truthful. The prosecution has to prove that it isn't.

With regards to Faria's alibi evidence, I always felt as though the prosecution were trying to have it both ways. Either Faria's friends lied for him, saying he was with them when he wasn't, enabling Russ Faria to commit the crime, or Russ Faria carried out a bunch of BS errands in the hopes of obtaining a surveillance tape/documented alibi. In which case he wouldn't have been physically present to commit the crime.
What makes this all the more egregious IMO, is that regardless of what the prosecution believes about Russ Faria's alibi, he is afforded the same presumption of innocence that every defendant in our legal system has. Russ Faria doesn't have to prove his alibi is truthful. The prosecution has to prove that it isn't.
This is my scenario:Faria undresses for sex with his wife and she is caught unawares and offers no resistance(they are renowned for their active sex life and his semen was found in the corpse). Had Pamela been the perpetrator Betsy could have fought for her life and there would have been blood in different areas and possibly marks on Pamela. Faria then puts on his slippers and goes to the kitchen and proceeds to the drawer only he knew contained a towel therein and begins to clean up. He then dresses and sets out to create his alibi and by the time she is discovered the body is cold.

This is my scenario:Faria undresses for sex with his wife and she is caught unawares and offers no resistance(they are renowned for their active sex life and his semen was found in the corpse). Had Pamela been the perpetrator Betsy could have fought for her life and there would have been blood in different areas and possibly marks on Pamela. Faria then puts on his slippers and goes to the kitchen and proceeds to the drawer only he knew contained a towel therein and begins to clean up. He then dresses and sets out to create his alibi and by the time she is discovered the body is cold.

Hey, at least you have a scenario. From what I've read regarding this case, the prosecution didn't even have that. The best they could do IMO was a variety of guesses that were used as band-aids for their weak case.

The clothing he was wearing on surveillance tape and when the paramedics arrived didn't have any blood on it? Oh...well he must have undressed, murdered his wife while naked, showered, and dressed again! He has four witnesses vouching for how he spent his evening? Oh...well they're his friends, so naturally they are lying for him. He was captured on surveillance video at a couple of different places? Oh...well he was obviously trying to be seen in order to stage an alibi. His cell phone records corroborate his movements? Oh...well obviously his lying friends were driving around with it. He has a time stamped receipt from his dinner at Arby's? Oh...well his lying friends obviously helped him out there too.

IMO, the prosecutor's reactive way of putting on her case started to resemble a bad game of "Whack-a-Mole". But what the hell. When you're allegedly good buds with the judge and sleeping with one of the lead detectives on the case, I guess you don't have to do any better.

If you don't feel in the mood to play games then mightn't you cancel? I think we need to re-examine the timeline.

1) how do you know he wasn't in the mood to play games?

2) they actually watched videos that night instead. One of the friends had brought them with him.

3) He unintentionally dozed off in the middle of the evening, as a lot of people do. He might not have even been aware he was tired.

Had Pamela been the perpetrator Betsy could have fought for her life and there would have been blood in different areas and possibly marks on Pamela

There was blood in different areas. Russ encountered a bunch as soon as he walked in the door, but there was also blood on a light switch in their bedroom.

Faria then puts on his slippers and goes to the kitchen and proceeds to the drawer only he knew contained a towel therein and begins to clean up

Where was the towel then? I supposed he could have taken it with him, but if that was the case, why did he leave the slippers behind?

1) how do you know he wasn't in the mood to play games?

2) they actually watched videos that night instead. One of the friends had brought them with him.

3) He unintentionally dozed off in the middle of the evening, as a lot of people do. He might not have even been aware he was tired.



There was blood in different areas. Russ encountered a bunch as soon as he walked in the door, but there was also blood on a light switch in their bedroom.



Where was the towel then? I supposed he could have taken it with him, but if that was the case, why did he leave the slippers behind?
Well if I'm with company,which admittedly is getting rarer these days, I am on my best behaviour as it's quite an artificial situation being a guest in someone else's home,and I certainly wouldn't doze off,but make my excuses and leave. I don't know about the blood on the light switch but if Pamela or anyone else had been the culprit wouldn't they have cleaned that area? The slippers were too dangerous to discard elsewhere so he just had to throw them in the trastero and hope nobody noticed them.

Well if I'm with company,which admittedly is getting rarer these days, I am on my best behaviour as it's quite an artificial situation being a guest in someone else's home,and I certainly wouldn't doze off,but make my excuses and leave.

He dozed off accidentally, are you sure you could prevent yourself from accidentally dozing off? I don't think his friends thought it was rude, they probably just figured he was tired from work (I know I certainly am when I get home from work). The night was also a departure from the routine: they usually played games, in which case Russ might have stayed awake as usual, but somebody brought movies that night, so they watched those instead. Perhaps one of the movies was real boring for Russ and he fell asleep?

I don't know about the blood on the light switch but if Pamela or anyone else had been the culprit wouldn't they have cleaned that area?

Well somebody had to be the culprit. Whoever killed her didn't clean it up.

The slippers were too dangerous to discard elsewhere so he just had to throw them in the trastero and hope nobody noticed them

But why would he go to the trouble to discard this bloody towel you hypothesize, but leave the slippers in the house? It just adds another thing for him to do in the already ultra-narrow timeline.

Hey guys...sorry to bring a thread back up that I started so long ago, but I never really got around to posting an update on this case until now.
Apparently there's been a lot of movement on this case in the past couple of years, and interestingly enough, it seems that it still isn't over. To start with, it appears that Russ Faria was granted a retrial on appeal and fortunately decided to go with a bench trial the second time around. Who can blame the poor guy? At any rate, Faria's gamble seemed to pay off, as the judge acquitted him during the retrial.
There's been a lot of updates with regards to the fascinating Mrs. Hupp as well, lol! It appears that she is currently facing murder charges of her own...though not for the murder of Betsy Faria if you can believe it. At least not yet anyways... No, Hupp's murder charges are for the homicide of a Mr. Louis Gumpenburger. According to the prosecutors in the Gumpenburger case, Hupp allegedly murdered the man in an attempt to frame Russ Faria yet again. I swear, this case is looking more and more like a soap opera all the time! Not only is Hupp now on the hook so to speak in the Gumpenburger case, but apparently LE now has some questions for her regarding the questionable death of her own mother, a Mrs. Shirley Neumann, IIRC. Those of us who followed the Dateline coverage of this ongoing case will remember that Hupp had some interesting things to say about her mother while acting as a cooperating witness in the original Faria case.
Anyway, for those interested, check it out again. This is easily one of the just plain weirdest cases I've ever followed. It's just a hell of a story!

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/pamela-hupp-charged-with-murder-in-alleged-frame-up-tied/article_916845ac-de2f-5d1e-ae5d-2b11a25b7287.html

I was completely taken in by Pamela Hupp, who is looking more and more like a serial killer. Russ Faria is innocent.

I was completely taken in by Pamela Hupp, who is looking more and more like a serial killer. Russ Faria is innocent.

Hell Steve, give yourself a little credit. In your defense, who the hell would believe a story like this one?? All I knew when I started this thread was that I was pulling for Russ Faria, and Hupp seemed off somehow. I had no idea the case would snowball into this, lol.
It's nice talking to you again BTW. I hope all is well for you and yours!

We had another thread on this case that discussed the recent developments. I may have started that thread. I don't remember. I know I posted many times because this is one of the all time infuriating cases.

I may have started that thread after not being aware that this thread from 2015 existed.

We had another thread on this case that discussed the recent developments. I may have started that thread. I don't remember. I know I posted many times because this is one of the all time infuriating cases.

I may have started that thread after not being aware that this thread from 2015 existed.

Thanks for the heads up Awsi! I was enjoying that thread just last night as a matter of fact, and particularly appreciated the thorough quality of your posts. I thought I had been following the Faria case rather closely, but your contributions provided me a lot of details I hadn't been aware of.

You know, for some reason the whole Russ Faria nightmare brings to mind the case of Eric Volz, the american expat who was tried and convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Doris Jiminez in Nicaragua. The Volz case was another apparently single witness prosecution that was put on despite nearly airtight alibi evidence provided by the accused. In fact this particular case became such a violent circus, that when Volz was finally exonerated and freed by a three judge panel, he had to be spirited out of the country on the spot. It's speculated that the judges who overturned Volz's conviction now have to fear for their own freedom as the prosecution appeals the reversal. As you've been avidly following the Faria case, you may want to check this one out, it's another doozy!

It's nice chatting with you again, and I hope all is well.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/01/11/eric.volz.interview/

Thanks for the heads up Awsi! I was enjoying that thread just last night as a matter of fact, and particularly appreciated the thorough quality of your posts. I thought I had been following the Faria case rather closely, but your contributions provided me a lot of details I hadn't been aware of.

You know, for some reason the whole Russ Faria nightmare brings to mind the case of Eric Volz, the american expat who was tried and convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Doris Jiminez in Nicaragua. The Volz case was another apparently single witness prosecution that was put on despite nearly airtight alibi evidence provided by the accused. In fact this particular case became such a violent circus, that when Volz was finally exonerated and freed by a three judge panel, he had to be spirited out of the country on the spot. It's speculated that the judges who overturned Volz's conviction now have to fear for their own freedom as the prosecution appeals the reversal. As you've been avidly following the Faria case, you may want to check this one out, it's another doozy!

It's nice chatting with you again, and I hope all is well.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/01/11/eric.volz.interview/

Thanks for the heads up on that case. I was not familiar with it.

There are further developments regarding the Faria case or specifically with the prosecutor Leah Askey. She has a major property that was in danger of foreclosure until she was bailed out at the last minute by a lawyer friend. However, the lawyer apparently used funds from a trust he manages to finance the bail out for Askey. They tried to conceal it. Shady all around, and the subject of court hearings, but nothing I wouldn't expect from Leah Askey, given her conduct and obvious caliber during the Faria case.

I check the Troy, Missouri forum on Topix.com once in a while. They have all the latest developments and dirt on Askey. There are quite a few vulgar over the top posts but also some obvious insiders post things there that later turn out to be accurate.

Thanks for the heads up on that case. I was not familiar with it.

There are further developments regarding the Faria case or specifically with the prosecutor Leah Askey. She has a major property that was in danger of foreclosure until she was bailed out at the last minute by a lawyer friend. However, the lawyer apparently used funds from a trust he manages to finance the bail out for Askey. They tried to conceal it. Shady all around, and the subject of court hearings, but nothing I wouldn't expect from Leah Askey, given her conduct and obvious caliber during the Faria case.

I check the Troy, Missouri forum on Topix.com once in a while. They have all the latest developments and dirt on Askey. There are quite a few vulgar over the top posts but also some obvious insiders post things there that later turn out to be accurate.

You know Awsi, nothing surprises me about Askey anymore except for the fact that she still has her job. I can't imagine her superiors would be too happy with the negative publicity she generated in part by the whole Faria mess. Do you know...is she elected to her position, or appointed? Just curious.

You know Awsi, nothing surprises me about Askey anymore except for the fact that she still has her job. I can't imagine her superiors would be too happy with the negative publicity she generated in part by the whole Faria mess. Do you know...is she elected to her position, or appointed? Just curious.

She was elected. I remember reading about it on that Troy forum a year or two ago. She defeated a guy who had held the position for 20 or 25 years. Askey during the campaign promised to clean things up and also to expand outreach, claiming the department was stuck on old stale methods.

Apparently Askey did follow through on some of those promises, starting a grand jury system and also programs designed to help middle schoolers and other children. Early reviews were positive. I think she still benefits somewhat from those early impressions, and also a reluctance to believe someone in that position could be so devious and incompetent.

There's a determination to win at all costs. I'm convinced that's an increasing part of the equation, and especially in high profile cases. Leah Askey had always been viewed as a winner and didn't want to fail in her signature case, the one she would be defined by. Hence she had no shame in inventing a totally preposterous story and carrying it step by step with additional gobs of disgraceful bunk, while willing to ignore the obvious culpability of charming Pamela along the way.

Every profession has unscrupulous types. It is a small but unavoidable sample among law enforcement along with everywhere else. I'm pleased the true crime programs have recently become less reluctant to spotlight the bad apples on the prosecution side, even if the isolated examples enrage me every time.

She was elected. I remember reading about it on that Troy forum a year or two ago. She defeated a guy who had held the position for 20 or 25 years. Askey during the campaign promised to clean things up and also to expand outreach, claiming the department was stuck on old stale methods.

Apparently Askey did follow through on some of those promises, starting a grand jury system and also programs designed to help middle schoolers and other children. Early reviews were positive. I think she still benefits somewhat from those early impressions, and also a reluctance to believe someone in that position could be so devious and incompetent.

There's a determination to win at all costs. I'm convinced that's an increasing part of the equation, and especially in high profile cases. Leah Askey had always been viewed as a winner and didn't want to fail in her signature case, the one she would be defined by. Hence she had no shame in inventing a totally preposterous story and carrying it step by step with additional gobs of disgraceful bunk, while willing to ignore the obvious culpability of charming Pamela along the way.

Every profession has unscrupulous types. It is a small but unavoidable sample among law enforcement along with everywhere else. I'm pleased the true crime programs have recently become less reluctant to spotlight the bad apples on the prosecution side, even if the isolated examples enrage me every time.

I so agree with you on that score. As bad as it can get here however, I know it's a million times worse in other parts of the world. For example, in the Volz case, I was shocked to learn that the three brave Nicaraguan judges who had the courage to overturn an obviously bogus conviction are now under the threat of incarceration themselves! Now that enrages me...

Hey fellow posters...I wanted to take a moment to share the most recent updates on this fascinating saga! Dateline just began it's 28th season with a very compelling two hour profile of this ongoing case titled The Thing About Pam.

With regards to the Gumpenberger homicide, it appears that Pam Hupp took an Alford plea and was sentenced to life in prison. It also seems that the Gumpenberger case led to a couple of other intriguing developments. First, the ME who handled the death of Hupp's mother, Shirley Neumann, changed the finding from "accidental" to "undetermined", however LE has apparently stated that at this time, they have no new evidence on the matter. In addition, it seems that the prosecutor who handled the original Betsy Faria case has since been voted out of her position and was replaced by a gentleman named Mike Wood. I can't really say for sure if one had anything to do with the other, but Mr. Wood has since stated that he intends to reopen the Betsy Faria case.

I have no idea if this will end up being the final word on these cases, but for now at least, it appears that the Faria homicide is being reexamined, and the authorities who handled the Neumann death are hopefully open to any new information that may come to light. For those like myself who have been following this case, I would recommend watching the aforementioned Dateline...it was well done IMO.

I can't access the latest development reported in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch but I'd be very surprised if Pamela Hupp is charged with Betsy's murder. They already have her behind bars and I think they'll content themselves with that.

I can't access the latest development reported in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch but I'd be very surprised if Pamela Hupp is charged with Betsy's murder. They already have her behind bars and I think they'll content themselves with that.

You could very well be right about this Steve. It certainly wouldn't be the first time something like that has happened IMO. And to be honest, I'm not really expecting any further movement on the Neumann death case either. While no one came right out and said it, I kind of got the impression that there was a bit of a disconnect between the ME's office and LE on that one. Yes, the ME changed the finding based on information that has since been discovered, but LE hasn't reopened the case as far as I can tell. Again, no confirmation on that, just a personal feeling.

https://fox2now.com/2019/10/03/pam-hupp-to-be-investigated-for-murder-of-betsy-faria/


Pam Hupp to be investigated for murder of Betsy Faria

LINCOLN COUNTY, Mo. – Pam Hupp, who is already spending life in prison for a 2016 murder, will be investigated for the 2011 murder of her best friend.
On Thursday, Lincoln County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Wood requested (https://fox2now.com/2019/06/20/lincoln-county-reopening-case-into-betsy-farias-murder-after-pam-hupps-plea/) the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis to review the murder of Betsy Faria.

Faria was murdered on December 27, 2011. Her husband, Russ, found her stabbed approximately 55 times in her Troy, Missouri home. The case gained international attention, with network specials and high-profile podcasts detailing the investigation.
In 2013, Russ Faria was convicted of killing Betsy. But in a new trial two years later, a judge found he was not guilty while raising questions of Hupp's possible involvement.
Faria served more than three years in prison while Fox 2 revealed evidence of his airtight alibi – his cellphone records, which placed him in Lake St. Louis, far from his wife’s murder. We also showed how Hupp went out of her way to drive Betsy home the night of the murder and also benefitted from Betsy’s $150,000 life insurance policy, which had just been signed over to her.
Betsy was already dying of cancer, with possibly just months to live.
Fox 2 continued its reporting, including investigating the bizarre death of Hupp’s mother—her unexplained fall through the railings of a third-floor balcony (https://fox2now.com/2017/11/02/pam-hupps-story-leads-to-change-in-decision-about-mothers-manner-of-death/)—and her life insurance proceeds.
St. Charles County prosecutors said Hupp wanted to escape the heat, so she plotted the murder of a random person in order to frame Russ Faria.
Enter Louis Gumpenberger.
Gumpenberger was shot and killed inside Hupp's O'Fallon, Missouri home in August 2016. He was 37.
Hupp had claimed Gumpenberger invaded her home and that she killed him in self-defense. An O’Fallon police investigation revealed evidence Hupp plotted the whole thing and picked Gumpenberger as her pawn. She was indicted later that month.
In June 2019, Hupp cut a deal to avoid the death penalty in Gumpenberger's murder. Hupp entered an Alford plea, acknowledging county prosecutors had enough evidence to convict her of murder and agreed to a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of probation or parole.
The St. Charles Police Department also agreed to house all physical evidence relating to this new investigation regarding Betsy Faria's murder. This is being done for ease of access and "to preserve investigate integrity." Earlier this week, it was revealed that every piece of evidence collected (https://fox2now.com/2019/10/01/sheriff-releases-massive-amount-of-documents-in-faria-murder-investigation/) by Lincoln County that led to a wrongful arrest is missing. All of the follow-up Pam Hupp interviews, in which she changed her story, were also missing.

I can't access the latest development reported in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch but I'd be very surprised if Pamela Hupp is charged with Betsy's murder. They already have her behind bars and I think they'll content themselves with that.
She'll be charged. Betsy Faria's family deserves to know. Russ Faria spent 3 and a half years in prison for killing her. He deserves to see her convicted. Betsy Faria needs justice the most. That poor woman. I can only imagine what was going through her mind when her friend started stabbing her.