S17E05 | Susan Whiting (Bloxwich, Walsall, West Midlands, 2015)

In August 2015, 20-year-old Susan Whiting vanished in Walsall after accepting an invitation to stay the night at a friend’s house.

Susan, a kindhearted young woman with learning difficulties, was naturally trusting - something her killers exploited in the worst way imaginable.

What began as an innocent sleepover soon turned into something far more sinister. By the time the truth emerged, it was already too late.

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Intro music:⁣
David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣
davidjohnbrady.com

Disclaimer:
The case discussed in this podcast episode is real and represents the worst day in many people's lives. I aim to cover such stories with a victim-focused approach, using information from publicly available sources. While I strive for accuracy, some details may vary depending on the sources used. You can find the sources for each episode on my website. Due to the nature of the content, listener discretion is advised. Thank you for your understanding and support.

References:
Criminal sentence -  JB - Birmingham Crown Court - Mr Justice Green. (2016, December 7). The Law Pages. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.thelawpages.com/court-cases/Julie-Beards-19220-1.law
Criminal sentence -  Steven John Beards - Leicester Crown Court - Mr Justice Green. (2016, May 26). The Law Pages. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.thelawpages.com/court-cases/Steven-John-Beards-17605-1.law
Gibbons, B. (2016, May 26). Susan Whiting murder: Evil rapist Steven Beards jailed for life as killer wife awaits sentence. Birmingham Live. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/susan-whiting-murder-evil-rapist-11389337
Jehring, A. (2016, April 26). Couple “lured learning disabilities woman to home where they drugged, raped and battered her to death with hammer.” Daily Mirror. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/couple-lured-learning-disabilities-woman-7839772
Man found guilty of Susan Whiting murder. (2016, May 24). ITV News. https://www.itv.com/news/central/2016-05-24/man-found-guilty-of-susan-whiting-murder
Mr Justice Green. (2016a). BEARDS & ANOR, R V. In Casemine. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.casemine.com/judgement/uk/5b2897db2c94e06b9e19c6ba
Mr Justice Green. (2016b). STEVEN BEARDS: SENTENCING. In Courts and Tribunals Judiciary. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/steven-beards-sentencing-remarks-20160526.pdf
Mr Justice Green. (2016c). JULIE BEARDS: SENTENCING. In Courts and Tribunals Judiciary. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/julie-beards-sentencing-remarks-20161207.pdf
Pair charged with murder of Bloxwich woman Susan Whiting. (2015, August 21). ITV News. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.itv.com/news/central/update/2015-08-21/pair-charged-with-murder-of-bloxwich-woman-susan-whiting/
Special measures. (2021, July 22). The Crown Prosecution Service. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/special-measures
Susan Whiting death: Woman guilty of manslaughter. (2016, May 26). BBC News. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36389763
Susan Whiting: Murder accused Steven Beards “kept sperm sample.” (2016, May 16). BBC News. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-36304635
Susan Whiting murder: How an innocent sleepover turned into a brutal murder. (2016, May 25). Express & Star. https://www.expressandstar.com/news/crime/2016/05/25/susan-whiting-murder-how-an-innocent-sleepover-turned-into-a-brutal-murder/
Susan Whiting murder: Killer Julie Beards to face retrial on rape charge. (2016, June 22). Express & Star. https://www.expressandstar.com/news/crime/2016/06/22/susan-whiting-murder-killer-julie-beards-to-face-retrial-on-rape-charge/
Susan Whiting: Steven Beards jailed for at least 33 years for rape and murder. (2016, May 26). Express & Star. https://www.expressandstar.com/news/crime/2016/05/26/susan-whiting-steven-beards-jailed-for-at-least-33-years-for-rape-and-murder/
Susan Whiting: Two charged with murder. (2015, August 21). BBC News. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-34020746
Susan Whiting: Walsall murder arrests after body found. (2015, August 19). BBC News. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-33987035
Susan Whiting: Walsall woman “died from head injury.” (2015, August 20). BBC News. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-34009135
Two held on suspicion of murder after body found in search for missing woman. (2015, August 19). The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/aug/19/missing-woman-murdered-walsall-susan-whiting
Zopiclone. (n.d.). NHS. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/zopiclone/