"V for Vandetta"

The word Vendetta originated in Italy and was related to clan-based feuds. The meaning expanded to acts committed in a feud before eventually meaning a prolonged series of retaliatory, vengeful, or hostile acts. Going back further, Vendetta traces back to the Latin verb “vindicta,” meaning vindication or revenge. So it comes as little surprise to learn the antagonist in today’s case was named Donald Vandetta. He didn’t care that his victim, Susan Reed, was with someone else or had told him she wanted to end things. He couldn’t see past his own wants and desires. Leading to a catastrophic outcome. 

A few months back, we received an email from listener Sarah. I’ll skip the compliments; while they are appreciated, anyone who knows me knows that’s not my love language. What she told me was that her great-aunt Phillis’ daughter Susan had been murdered in 1987 near a rail yard. Phyllis eventually passed, taking the information she knew about the case with her. 

Phyllis had attended the parole hearings for her daughter’s killer to make sure he stayed behind bars. Since Sarah wasn’t privy to case details, she wanted to carry the torch for Susan, but she didn’t have enough information to do so. 

I’ve since received the police reports about this case. While at first this appeared to be a lover scorned in an “if I can’t have you no one will” type of jealous rage, the investigation revealed much more. Susan sought help from friends and authorities. She tried to protect herself by asking for support. She told Donald no over and over again. Still, nothing could stop this man on his green-with-envy path of destruction.



Full Police Report PDF - Classmates - Vandetta Yearbook - Classmates- Susan Yearbook - Sunday Oregonian Obituaries- Nov. 8 1987 - East Oregonian Nov. 6 1987- Portland records another homicide - The Oregonian March 16 1988 - Vancouver man convicted of murder in death of ex-girlfriend

A photo of Sue and her brother - provided by her family

Sue, on the very real trampoline team. She's furthest to the left. - Classmates.com

Not the exact office Susan was working in, but a similar one in the area. - Google Maps

A hand-drawn map of the switch house by Donald, depicting the route he took to torment and murder Susan. - Police Report

"The Funniest" in his class. Murderer, Donald Vandetta. - Classmates.com