In 1979, the body of High School English teacher Susan Reinert was found in the boot of her car, parked outside a hotel in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.

The Principal at Susan’s school, a man by the name of Jay Smith, was convicted of her murder. Smith spent six years on death row awaiting execution. His conviction was overturned by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 1992. 

Three books and a 1987 TV mini-series ensured the case cemented itself in the public consciousness of the era.

The real killer turned out to be NOT Principal Smith but a fellow teacher at the school. 36-year-old victim Susan Reinhert had been having an affair with another married teacher in the English department, William Bradfield.

One month prior to her murder, teacher Susan Reinhert had declared Bradfield, who was President of his local branch of the Teacher’s Union, to be the sole beneficiary of a life insurance policy worth, in today’s money, $2.2 million USD.

He was also the sole beneficiary of her estate, valued in today’s money at $1.1 million USD. Impressive amounts on a teacher’s salary.

Bradfield was convicted of Susan’s murder and sentenced to three consecutive life terms. He was also found guilty of the murder of Susan’s two children, 11-year-old Karen and 10-year-old Michael, whose bodies have never been located.

William Bradfield died in 1998 while in prison. Principal Jay Smith passed away in 2009 and being also a full colonel in the Army Reserves, was buried with full military honors.