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Stacy Hunsucker, formerly a preschool teacher, found joy in her role as a mother to her two young daughters while managing her time as a busy stay-at-home mom. In her leisure hours, she engaged in creative projects and enjoyed watching sports.
Her friend, Shellie O’Day, recalled a summer visit in 2018, where Stacy showcased her knack for crafting by selling a handmade “welcome” sign. “We had an everyday conversation. She seemed fine,” O’Day said, noting Stacy’s desire to shed some weight post-pregnancy—a common challenge for many women.
However, less than two months later, a shocking tragedy unfolded. On September 23, 2018, Joshua Hunsucker, Stacy’s husband and a flight paramedic, called emergency services claiming to have found his 32-year-old wife unresponsive. She was later pronounced dead, with initial assessments suggesting a heart attack.
In the aftermath of Stacy’s sudden death, Joshua exhibited unusual behavior. He declined an autopsy, expressing a refusal to allow his wife’s body to be “cut up,” despite her registration as an organ donor. Just two days later, Stacy was cremated, and Joshua quickly filed a claim for her life insurance, worth $250,000.
Investigation into Stacy’s death took a turn after her mother, Suzie Robinson, informed authorities about Joshua’s alleged affair with a colleague. This led to further scrutiny as inconsistencies emerged in Joshua’s recounting of events leading up to the incident. He provided varying accounts of his whereabouts, initially claiming to have gone for a walk but later stating he was cutting wood in the backyard.
Officials pursued a deeper investigation and discovered concerning evidence in Stacy’s blood sample, revealing high levels of tetrahydrozoline—the active ingredient in certain eye drops, which can induce cardiac arrest when ingested.
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On December 19, 2019, Joshua was arrested, facing charges of first-degree murder and insurance fraud. Prosecutors asserted that he had been administering poison to Stacy “over a period leading to her death.” He has pleaded not guilty and was released on a $1.5 million bail.
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The news of Joshua’s arrest left the small, tight-knit community of Mount Holly in disbelief. “I was shocked,” O’Day remarked, emphasizing how unexpected this entire situation was considering Joshua’s calm demeanor.
Stacy and Joshua, who were high school sweethearts, married in 2010. While Stacy contributed to the family as a dedicated teacher and homemaker, Joshua pursued a career in emergency medical services. Friends described them as “a cute couple” with a generally harmonious relationship.
However, they faced significant challenges during their time together. Following the birth of their first daughter, Stacy encountered health issues. Unfortunately, their home was later devastated by a fire. Complications continued, including a hospitalization after the birth of their second daughter, Willow, which resulted in the implantation of a pacemaker.
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In the wake of Stacy’s death, accounts from Joshua’s colleagues indicated that he was largely unaffected, quickly moving on to a new relationship. The babysitter who worked with him remarked on his lack of acknowledgment regarding Stacy, expressing confusion over his apparent disconnection.
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After Joshua’s release, tensions escalated between him and Stacy’s parents, who launched a wrongful death lawsuit against him. Authorities noted a disturbing pattern of harassment from Joshua towards Suzie and John Robinson, including stalking behaviors and public confrontations.
On February 4, 2023, Joshua reported that he was assaulted and falsely claimed to have been kidnapped. Investigators found no evidence supporting his allegations, suspecting the report may have been an attempt to deflect attention from his actions.
In a shocking twist, prosecutors allege that just weeks after the kidnapping report, Joshua attempted to poison his daughter Piper using the same substance that allegedly led to Stacy’s death. This action was seen as a further attempt to shift blame towards Stacy’s parents.
Joshua was arrested a second time on August 6, 2024, facing new charges, including witness intimidation and obstruction of justice, and remains in custody while awaiting trial. Meanwhile, the community and Stacy’s loved ones continue to grieve her loss, recalling her as a kind and loving individual who left a lasting positive impact on those around her.
For further details, read the original piece on People.
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