LITTLEFIELD, AZ – The unsolved double murder case of Jerry and Susan McFalls in northern Arizona took an unexpected turn recently. The Mohave County officials had been investigating the case after the couple was found dead in a shallow grave back in 2018. However, new information came to light years later, pointing to a suspect named Kenneth Snyder as the true killer. The twist? Snyder himself is deceased, having passed away in 2023.
Despite the challenges presented by the suspect’s death, authorities identified Snyder as the individual responsible for the murders. While this revelation does not lead to a formal arrest due to the suspect’s demise, it offers a sense of closure for the victims’ family. According to a retired cold case detective, “The suspect identification is the best justice that can come of this situation at this point.”
The tragic story began in January 2018 when Jerry and Susan McFalls went missing, prompting an investigation. Nine months later, their remains were discovered in a shallow grave near the Virgin River gorge. Susan was identified shortly after, but it took until 2020 to confirm Jerry’s identity through DNA analysis.
Years of uncertainty followed until a witness finally came forward, alleging that Snyder had killed the couple during a dispute. The witness’s disclosure was only made possible by Snyder’s own death in a separate incident characterized as domestic violence. Although the witness had initially been threatened by Snyder to withhold information, they ultimately provided crucial details to law enforcement.
Authorities faced a dilemma on how to proceed with the case. Ultimately, Mohave County referred the matter to the county attorney for official review, marking a significant step towards closure. Through thorough investigation, detectives were able to corroborate the witness’s account by locating the vehicle believed to have transported the victims. Despite challenges in forensic analysis, traces of blood found in the car further supported the conclusion that Snyder was responsible for the tragic deaths.
For the McFalls family, the news brings both sorrow and a chance to move forward. In a statement, they expressed gratitude for the support received and a sense of closure, allowing them to transition to the next chapter in their lives. The case may never see a formal resolution in terms of legal proceedings, but the identification of the perpetrator offers a semblance of justice and relief for those affected by the heartbreaking loss.