On Nov. 13, 2016, Dr. Eric Scott Sills, a renowned California fertility doctor, called 911 and reported finding his wife and business partner unresponsive at the bottom of the stairs.
An initial investigation revealed some evidence that was consistent with an accidental fall. But other evidence pointed to something more sinister.
What role, if any, did the family dogs play? Correspondent Tracy Smith reports in 48 HOURS: “The Puzzling Death of Susann Sills,” to be broadcast Saturday, May 18 (10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.
Dr. Sills said on the 911 call that it looked like his wife tripped and fell on the staircase after suffering from a migraine all weekend. Minutes later, 45-year-old Susann Sills was declared dead at the scene. Orange County Sheriff’s Homicide detectives Eric Hatch and Dave Holloway were called to conduct a death investigation.
“The deputy coroner, during her preliminary body exam of Susann, the injuries weren’t consistent with somebody falling down the stairs,” Det. Hatch said.
“Her neck had a pretty pronounced ligature mark,” Det. Holloway added.
The Sills’ daughter, Mary Katherine, told detectives her mother had a scarf around her neck when 48 HOURS, which is broadcast Saturdays at 10:00 PM, ET/PT on CBS, and streams anytime on Paramount+.
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