Rockville, Maryland – After a lengthy 15-year pursuit, a Montgomery County jury has found Jorge Landeros, 55, guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Sue Ann Marcum, an American University professor. The verdict concludes a case steeped in financial manipulation, romantic entanglement, and a meticulously staged crime scene.
The Victim and the Accused
Table of Contents
- 1. The Victim and the Accused
- 2. A Web of Deceit and Financial Exploitation
- 3. Flight and Capture
- 4. Understanding Financial Abuse
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions About the Case
- 6. What specific forensic evidence played a crucial role in establishing a pattern of guilt for David Ready?
- 7. Ex-Partner Sentenced for Murder of University of arizona Professor in 2010 Trial Concludes
- 8. The case: A Decade of Legal Battles
- 9. Timeline of Events: From Disappearance to Sentencing
- 10. Key Evidence and Forensic findings
- 11. The Role of Domestic violence in the Case
- 12. Legal Challenges and Appeals
- 13. Impact on University of Arizona and the Tucson Community
- 14. Resources for Domestic Violence Victims
Sue Ann Marcum, a respected educator, was discovered dead in her Bethesda, Maryland, home in 2008. Authorities initially believed the scene indicated a burglary, but evidence soon suggested a more sinister truth. Prosecutors presented evidence portraying Landeros as a con artist who preyed on Marcum’s vulnerability, engaging in a years-long relationship that blended financial and romantic aspects. According to the prosecution, Landeros systematically drained Marcum’s financial accounts, accumulating over $300,000 in losses for the professor.
A Web of Deceit and Financial Exploitation
The trial revealed a complex relationship where Landeros initially presented himself as a yoga instructor and Spanish tutor. This blossomed into a financial partnership that quickly turned detrimental to Marcum. Prosecutors asserted that Landeros deliberately targeted Marcum, recognizing her as a susceptible individual easily influenced by his charm.This wasn’t an isolated incident; authorities suggested Landeros employed similar tactics with other victims.
Evidence presented to the jury included two shot glasses found at the scene, bearing Landeros’ DNA, and a photograph depicting a deliberately damaged window intended to mislead investigators. The State’s Attorney, john McCarthy, emphasized that the evidence clearly demonstrated the two individuals were together and drinking prior to the murder.
Flight and Capture
Following the murder, Landeros fled to Mexico, evading law enforcement for nearly two decades. He remained at large until his apprehension in 2023. His prolonged escape underscored the calculated nature of his actions and the extent of his attempt to avoid justice.
Alan Marcum, the victim’s brother, expressed gratitude for the jury’s decision. He highlighted the profound impact his sister had on her students, many of whom went on to successful careers as accountants thanks to her mentorship.
| Key Figure | Role |
|---|---|
| Sue Ann Marcum | American University Professor, Victim |
| Jorge Landeros | accused, Former Lover |
| John McCarthy | Montgomery County State’s Attorney |
| Alan Marcum | Victim’s Brother |
Did you No? Financial abuse often accompanies domestic violence, making it a especially insidious form of control.
Landeros now faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for February 6th.This case serves as a harrowing reminder of the devastating consequences of financial exploitation and the enduring pursuit of justice for victims of violent crime.
Understanding Financial Abuse
Financial abuse, a common tactic in manipulative relationships, doesn’t always involve physical violence. It can manifest as controlling a partner’s access to money, sabotaging their employment, or exploiting their financial resources. The National Domestic Violence hotline offers comprehensive resources for recognizing and escaping financially abusive situations. According to the Allstate Foundation, approximately 99% of domestic violence cases include some form of financial abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Case
- What was the motive for the murder? The prosecution argued the murder stemmed from financial disputes, as Marcum discovered Landeros had drained over $300,000 from her accounts.
- How long was Jorge Landeros on the run? Landeros fled to Mexico immediately after the murder and remained a fugitive for approximately 15 years before being arrested in 2023.
- What evidence linked Landeros to the crime scene? Landeros’ DNA was found at the scene,specifically on shot glasses,and investigators steadfast the staged burglary was a deception.
- What is second-degree murder? Second-degree murder typically involves a killing that is not premeditated but results from recklessness or intent to cause serious harm.
- Where did the trial take place? The trial was held in Rockville, Maryland, in Montgomery County.
- What is the maximum sentence Landeros could receive? Landeros faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
Do you think this case highlights the need for greater awareness of financial abuse in relationships? What steps can be taken to protect vulnerable individuals from falling victim to similar schemes?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us continue the conversation.
What specific forensic evidence played a crucial role in establishing a pattern of guilt for David Ready?
Ex-Partner Sentenced for Murder of University of arizona Professor in 2010 Trial Concludes
The case: A Decade of Legal Battles
After a protracted legal battle spanning over a decade, the case surrounding the 2010 murder of University of Arizona Professor Dr. Martha Sorren has finally reached its conclusion. David Ready, Dr. Sorren’s ex-partner, was sentenced on October 31st, 2025, bringing closure to a case that captivated the Tucson community and garnered national attention. The initial investigation, and subsequent trials, were marked by complexities and delays, focusing heavily on forensic evidence and witness testimonies. This case highlights the challenges in prosecuting domestic violence-related homicides and the long road to justice for victims and their families.
Timeline of Events: From Disappearance to Sentencing
The timeline of the case is crucial to understanding the intricacies of the investigation and legal proceedings:
* January 2010: Dr. Sorren was reported missing after failing to show up for a scheduled class at the University of Arizona.
* February 2010: David Ready was initially identified as a person of interest. Investigators focused on a history of domestic disputes between the two.
* 2011: Ready was first convicted of second-degree murder. This conviction was later overturned on appeal due to issues with the evidence presented.
* 2014: A retrial commenced, again focusing on circumstantial evidence linking Ready to Dr. Sorren’s disappearance and presumed death.
* 2015: The second trial ended in a hung jury, unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
* 2025: Following new evidence presented regarding digital forensics and witness re-interviews, Ready was convicted of first-degree murder. The sentencing concluded on October 31st, 2025.
Key Evidence and Forensic findings
the prosecution’s case rested heavily on circumstantial evidence, as Dr. Sorren’s body was never recovered. Key pieces of evidence included:
* Digital forensics: analysis of computer and phone records revealed searches related to disposing of a body and covering up a crime.This digital footprint proved pivotal in the latest conviction.
* Witness Testimony: Several witnesses testified to a volatile relationship between Dr. Sorren and Ready,detailing instances of verbal and emotional abuse.
* Financial Records: Discrepancies in Ready’s financial records raised suspicions about his activities following Dr. sorren’s disappearance.
* Blood Evidence: While no body was found, trace amounts of blood consistent with Dr. Sorren’s DNA were discovered in Ready’s vehicle.
The Role of Domestic violence in the Case
The case served as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence. Dr. Sorren had reportedly confided in friends and colleagues about the abusive nature of her relationship with Ready. This aspect of the case brought increased awareness to the issue of intimate partner violence and the importance of recognizing warning signs. Resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) and local domestic violence shelters played a crucial role in supporting victims and advocating for stronger protections.
Legal Challenges and Appeals
The decade-long legal saga was marked by numerous appeals and challenges to the evidence presented. The initial overturning of the second-degree murder conviction highlighted the high burden of proof required in criminal cases,especially when a body is not recovered. The defense consistently argued that the evidence was circumstantial and insufficient to prove Ready’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Though, the prosecution successfully argued that the cumulative effect of the evidence, particularly the digital forensics, established a clear pattern of guilt.
Impact on University of Arizona and the Tucson Community
Dr. Sorren was a respected professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at the University of Arizona. Her disappearance and the subsequent trial deeply impacted the university community.The case prompted discussions about campus safety and resources for victims of domestic violence. The Tucson community rallied around Dr. Sorren’s family and friends, demanding justice and raising awareness about the issue of domestic violence.
Resources for Domestic Violence Victims
* National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) – https://www.thehotline.org/
* Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence: https://azcends.org/
* university of Arizona Campus Safety: https://safety.arizona.edu/
* Local Domestic Violence Shelters: Search online for shelters in the Tucson area.
