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In April 2018 Steven Pladl suffocated and killed his seven-month-old son Bennet – who was also his grandson. The next day he shot and killed his estranged wife Katie – who was also his daughter - and her adoptive father Anthony. He then took his own life. A serial predator who took whatever and whoever he wanted Pladl’s murders spanned three states and ruined numerous lives.  

This episode is not for the faint of heart, for it scrutinizes how Pladl's manipulation and abuse persisted under the noses of those who should have intervened. We probe the silence of adoptive parents, the lapses in authority response, and the chilling reality that this story could have had a different ending. The conversation is raw, the details are unsettling, but the importance of shedding light on such darkness is undeniable.

This is the story of Bennett Pladl and Katie and Anthony Fusco.  

Information and support  

• Samaritans UK Contact Us | Samaritans  
• National Domestic Violence Helpline UK 0808 2000 247  
• Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) Home - AAFDA  
• Women’s Aid www.womensaid.org.uk  
• Mental health support USA I'm looking for mental health help for myself | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)  
• Domestic abuse helpline USA 1.800.799.SAFE Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org)  

References  

Steven Pladl triple murder and suicide - Wikipedia 

Steven Pladl, Katie Pladl incest case: Details emerge in murder-suicide - CBS News 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steven-and-katie-pladl/id1264424015?i=1000620217158  

Steven Pladl's ex-wife Alyssa slams authorities for 'shocking failure' | Daily Mail Online 

Credits  

Hosted and created by Clare Laxton @ladylaxton  

Produced by: Clare Laxton  

https://killerinthefamilypodcast.buzzsprout.com  

Music by Tom Box and from Pixabay.  

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