'Dateline NBC’: Where is Eric Scott Sills now? The Californian doctor who fooled police after wife’s murder in 2016
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA: Eric Scott Sills is currently serving his sentence at the Wasco State Prison in Wasco, California. He is expected to be eligible for parole in January 2033. The case of Susann Sills is a gripping tale of marital strife, betrayal, and tragedy that captivated the public's attention.
Susann Sills, a 45-year-old mother of two from San Clemente, California, found herself entangled in a web of deceit and violence that ultimately led to her untimely demise. Married to Eric Scott Sills, a well-to-do fertility doctor, Susann's life seemed idyllic on the surface. However, behind closed doors, their relationship was plagued by tension and discord.
As suspicions arose and secrets came to light, the truth behind Susann's tragic fate emerged, revealing a story of love gone wrong and the devastating consequences that followed. 'Dateline NBC' will reveal more deeper secrets of the case in its upcoming episode.
Who is Eric Scott Sills?
Eric Scott Sills was a fertility doctor and the husband of Susan Sills. He gained notoriety after being convicted of the murder of his wife in a high-profile case. The couple lived in San Clemente, California, and had twin children. Eric Sills worked in the field of fertility medicine, helping couples conceive children. However, despite his professional success, the Sills' marriage faced significant challenges.
Susan Sills, his wife, struggled with personal issues, including mental health concerns and dissatisfaction with their relationship. Reports suggest that Susan was considering leaving Eric due to these issues, which added strain to their already troubled marriage.
However, on November 13, 2016, Susann Sills was found dead at the bottom of the stairs in their home. Initially reported as a fall, further investigation revealed that she died due to strangulation. Suspicion fell on Eric Sills, who maintained his innocence but was eventually found guilty of his wife's murder.
Why did Susann Sills and Eric Scott Sills get into a fight?
Susann Sills and Eric Scott Sills were facing marital difficulties, which eventually led to a fight between them. Although the exact trigger for the altercation was not explicitly stated, evidence presented during the trial indicated underlying tension in their relationship. Text messages exchanged between the couple revealed Susann's feelings of being trapped and suffocated, expressing a desire to break free.
Additionally, Susann's decision to post a topless picture online after losing a bet added strain to their already troubled marriage. For the unknown, Susann Sills was involved in a bet related to the 2016 U.S. presidential election, specifically regarding Donald Trump's candidacy for the Republican nomination. She wagered in a chat room with politically-minded individuals that Trump would not win the nomination. However, when Trump did secure the nomination, Susann found herself on the losing end of the bet.
As a result of losing the bet, Susann took a daring step: she posted a topless picture of herself online. However, it's important to note that while these factors contributed to the overall tension between the couple, the specific catalyst for the fight has not been explicitly identified.
Why did Eric Scott Sills kill Susann Sills?
The motive behind Eric Scott Sills' killing of Susann Sills remains somewhat unclear, but evidence presented during the trial pointed to a domestic dispute that turned violent. Prosecutors argued that Eric strangled his wife after a heated argument, leading to her death. The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including bloodstains found in the couple's bedroom and a clump of hair indicative of a struggle.
During the trial, it was revealed that Eric made a 911 call, reporting that Susann had fallen down the stairs. However, prosecutors alleged that this call was a cover-up and that Eric wasted crucial time during the call. Instead of immediately providing aid to Susann, he allegedly searched for a pulse oximeter, delaying potential assistance.
Additionally, Eric's behavior after Susann's death raised suspicions. Prosecutors highlighted inconsistencies in his statements and actions, suggesting an attempt to conceal his involvement. Despite these efforts, forensic evidence and testimony from the prosecution painted a picture of Eric's guilt.
The defense argued that Susann may have been under the influence of medication, which could have contributed to her fall down the stairs. However, the jury ultimately found Eric guilty of second-degree murder, indicating that they believed he was responsible for his wife's death, even if the exact motive remained unclear.
What sentence was announced to Eric Scott Sills?
Eric Scott Sills was sentenced to prison following his conviction for the murder of his wife, Susann Sills in 2019. After the jury found him guilty of second-degree murder, the judge announced his sentence, which included a term of imprisonment.
Sills was sentenced to serve his time at the Wasco State Prison in Wasco, California. Eric Scott Sills' sentence included a parole eligibility date set for January 2033. This means that he will be eligible for parole consideration after serving a portion of his prison term, subject to review by the parole board.
'Dateline NBC' Season 32 airs new episodes every Friday at 8 pm ET on NBC and is available for streaming on Peacock the following day.
