Crimeatorium
The Tragic Murder of Suzanne Maria Rossetti: The 1977 Crime That Shook Saugus
21 Oct 2024
Full Episode
Suzanne Maria Rossetti was born on May 3, 1954, in Saugus, Massachusetts. She was doted on by her parents, Peter and Louise. People described the Rossettis as an honest and hardworking family, with Peter and Louise working to set an example for their children, Suzanne, Peter Jr., and Donna. Suzanne displayed a bright intellect from an early age and dreamed of attending college.
By 1976, that dream had come to fruition, with Suzanne proudly walking across the stage in her cap and gown. But now, the real test for Suzanne would begin. What did she want to do with her life and newly gained degree? Well, it turns out that Suzanne wasn't too sure.
Following graduation, Suzanne traveled across the country for a while, tasting different ways of life in various states before settling in Arizona. Despite being far away from home, Suzanne was only a call away. She kept a regular schedule of calling home to speak with her family. Suzanne had settled in Arizona after accepting a job at the Grand Canyon National Park.
But according to records, this employment didn't last long. Suzanne took a job at a skin bank for burn victims. By 1981, Suzanne had carved out a wonderful life for herself. She had a good job, a good circle of friends, and an apartment. She often spoke with her mother, Louise, about the possibility of starting a family of her own, if, of course, the right man came into her life.
Peter and Louise visited Arizona every winter to be with Suzanne. The winter of 1981 was no exception. Peter and Louise Rossetti arrived in Phoenix in early January of that year. They planned to spend three weeks with Suzanne before returning home on January 29th. The first few weeks were unremarkable.
Suzanne was said to have always had a packed social life, so Peter and Louise didn't mind roaming around the city alone while Suzanne met with friends. January 28, 1981 was one such day. That afternoon, Suzanne unknowingly said goodbye to her parents for the last time before heading out with friends. According to reports, Suzanne and friends attended the 8 p.m.
showing of the Broadway show, Danson, following which Suzanne would reunite with her parents and drive them to the airport for their 3 a.m. flight. But Suzanne never made it. Peter and Louise would later tell the police they had arranged to meet at the rodeo inn, leave their rented car behind, and get a ride from Suzanne to the airport. When midnight came and went, the Rossettis became worried.
They waited a little while longer, but they were under a time constraint and risked missing their flight home. The pair decided to head for the airport, thinking Suzanne had forgotten their plans and was planning on meeting them there. But as they arrived, their hearts began to sink. There was no sign of Suzanne. The time was crunching closer to 3 a.m.
and the last call for their gate was announced. Knowing their daughter would never abandon them, Peter and Louise missed their flight home and headed for their daughter's apartment. Wild thoughts and scenarios played through their minds. Had Suzanne had a medical episode? Had she fallen asleep after a long night with friends? Or had something far darker taken place?
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