← Back to United States casesSue Markham Murdered by Jorge Landeros and Andrew Hamlin, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Case Summary
Sue Markham, a successful tax professor, was found murdered in her home in Bethesda, Maryland, in 2010. She had been financially exploited by her romantic partner Jorge Landeros, who managed a joint brokerage account funded solely by Sue. Jorge's DNA was found at the crime scene. He fled to Mexico and was arrested in 2022, extradited in 2023, and found guilty of second-degree murder in 2025. The murder scene was staged to look like a burglary, but evidence indicated a personal conflict leading to her death.
Basic Information
Country: United States
State/Province: Maryland, United States
City/Region: Bethesda
Incident Type: Murder
Relationship Status: Dating
Relationship Duration: Approximately 5 years
Incident Date: Oct. 25, 2010
Incident Sequence and Additional Victims
Primary reported outcome: Homicide
Reported self-harm outcome: No suicide or attempt reported
Reported sequence: Order not reported / unclear
Additional victims reported: 0
Relationship Journey
Relationship Origins:
- Friends circle
Relationship Stages:
- Dating
Analysis
Contributing Factors:
- Cheating / Infidelity
- Financial Issues
- Domestic Conflict
- Divorce / Separation
Red Flags:
- Secretive communication patterns
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Manipulative behavior
- Threats
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
Motives:
- Money / Financial Gain
- Jealousy
- Eliminate romantic partner
Relationship Outcomes:
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
- Weapon recovery
People Link Graph
Relationship Journey Graph
Origin
- Friends circle
How the relationship or connection began.
Status
- Dating
Approximately 5 years
Stages
- Dating
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Warning Signals
- Secretive communication patterns
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Manipulative behavior
- Threats
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Pressure Points
- Cheating / Infidelity
- Financial Issues
- Domestic Conflict
- Divorce / Separation
- Money / Financial Gain
- Jealousy
- Eliminate romantic partner
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
Incident
2010-10-25
Outcome
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
- Weapon recovery
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
Sources
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Sue Markham Murdered by Jorge Landeros and Andrew Hamlin, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Dr. Grande · Original language: English
View original title
'Desperate for Love' Tax Professor Killed After Giving 300K to Day Trader Lover | Marcum Analysis
AI Intelligence Assessment
Relationship Pattern
Financial Conflict
Pattern Analysis
The relationship was marked by financial exploitation where Jorge manipulated Sue's romantic feelings to gain access to her money. The murder followed escalating financial and emotional conflicts, culminating in a violent incident staged to appear as a burglary.
Investigative Notes
DNA evidence linked Jorge to the crime scene. The murder scene was staged but inconsistencies suggested personal involvement. Police excluded other suspects based on DNA and evidence. Jorge fled to Mexico and was arrested years later. Trial resulted in second-degree murder conviction.
Investigation Confusion
Initial suspicion of burglary; presence of unknown male DNA complicated early investigation. Poor evidence collection and lost items delayed clarity. Jorge's denial and flight added uncertainty until DNA match confirmed involvement.
Case Reconstruction / Puzzle Pieces
Sue and Jorge formed a romantic and financial relationship starting around 2005. Jorge managed a joint brokerage account funded solely by Sue, who suffered financial losses. On the murder day, an argument occurred after drinking tequila. Jorge struck Sue with a bottle and strangled her, then staged the scene. He fled to Mexico and lived under an alias until arrest.
Risk Assessment
High risk due to financial exploitation, emotional manipulation, and escalating conflict leading to lethal violence.
Key Takeaways
Financial exploitation in romantic relationships can escalate to lethal violence. Staged crime scenes may contain forensic inconsistencies. DNA evidence is critical in linking suspects. Emotional desperation can impair victim judgment.
AI Case Q&A
What early signals mattered most?
Sue's financial distress and repeated monetary support to Jorge despite losses; friends warning Sue about Jorge's character; Jorge's tax and financial irregularities.
Which clues helped connect the case?
DNA under victim's fingernails and on broken bottle; staging of burglary with cut screen from inside; missing items inconsistent with burglary; Jorge's presence in area before murder.
Which evidence types appeared strongest?
DNA evidence was strongest; forensic analysis of crime scene inconsistencies; financial records showing exploitation; witness discovery of body.
Witness / Eyewitness Statements
Larry March found the body and called 911. Andrew Hamlin admitted to stealing the vehicle but denied involvement in murder. Friends reported Sue's infatuation and financial concerns. Not reported: detailed eyewitness accounts of the murder.
How did follow-up reports change the understanding?
Initial burglary theory shifted to personal homicide after DNA match. Jorge's flight and later arrest clarified suspect identity. Trial outcome refined understanding of intent and degree of murder.
What remained unclear?
Exact details of the argument and motive remain uncertain. Jorge's full involvement and intent beyond DNA evidence are subject to interpretation.