Three dead in Argos in apparent murder-suicide Save Email Print
Posted: 3:17 PM Nov 5, 2007
Last Updated: 9:10 AM Nov 6, 2007
Reporter: Ryan Famuliner
Email Address: ryan.famuliner@wndu.com

A | A | A

Tragedy strikes the small town of Argos.

Police say 39-year-old Terry Snedeker shot and killed his wife, 36-year-old Susan; and 19-year-old daughter, Shayla, before turning the gun on himself.

The bodies were found around 6:00am Monday morning by the Snedeker's 12-year-old son, who was waking up to go to school.

Police say the couple had been in the process of getting a divorce for about a month now. Police say they had been called to the house in the 14000 block of Michigan numerous times, but for small domestic incidents, and nothing that would have indicated something like this would happen.

Those who knew the family are in complete shock.

“It’s not how it should have ended,” said Dustin Younger, a former co-worker of Susan Snedeker. Younger says he came to the house as soon as he heard something had happened.

Even though police and friends say they knew there were marital problems, they say there were no signs this would happen; despite a bold statement on a sign on the side fence of the home, reading:

“No trespassing, violators will be shot, survivors will be shot again.”

“Last time I was here it was all good. It didn’t seem like they had any problems or anything. Came over here to get my tools, and stuff, we were all sitting in the garage and talking,” Younger said.

“Our officers have been here for civil process, and those types of thing. We’ve had some interaction with the family, but nothing that would give us any indication,” said Detective/Lieutenant Ward Byers of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department.

…Any indication that the lives of a wife and her 19-year old daughter might be in danger.

Shayla was a 2007 Argos High School grad, and played softball while in school. Friends say she worked at a pizza place in Plymouth, while attending Ancilla College.

Younger says he had known Susan since he moved to the area a few years ago.

“We were really close. She was like a second mother to me. She did things for me if I needed something she’d help me with it. And if she needed something I’d help her,”

Younger says Terry had previously worked at Hoosier Tire, and believes he was on sick leave after recently losing a toe after being bit by a brown recluse.

Police say the only remaining member of the family, the couple’s 12 year old son, is in safe hands.

“He’s with other family members. He’s been taken from the home and he’s safe with other family members right now,” Byers said.

Police say they haven’t seen any evidence yet that goes against that theory of this being a double homicide suicide.

The only good news they have for the town of Argos is that, because this appears to be a domestic dispute, no one else in town should have any feeling of being in danger.

In the small town of Argos news traveled very fast Monday morning. Counselors were on hand at Argos High School to help any grieving students.

More Stories
Man impersonates police officer, assaults woman in Elkhart County

McCain picks Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as VP

Man beaten at Mishawaka gas station

Local reaction to McCain's VP, Democratic National Convention

Family and friends say goodbye to Army Staff Sergeant Kristopher Rodgers

Should the rash of gun violence concern the public?

Job cuts announced at Mishawaka Hummer plant

Bicyclist killed in St. Joseph County

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: catherine Location: Tn. on Jan 1, 2008 at 11:33 AM
I thought I would write and try to set the record straight regarding the many negative comments that have been published. No one SEEMS to care about facts and truths anymore, only in what somebody writes to sell papers. #1 Terry "THOUGHT" Susan was cheating on him. Where's the proof? Isn't it true when a spouse files for divorce, this is what is assumed? There are other reasons for divorce,i.e. both physical and mental and emotional abuse. Regards to Linda's comment about if the 12 year old was awake, he would have shot him too. Please note that Shayla was sleeping and he shot her twice in the head. Also Shayla was 18 not l9 (as if it makes a difference) Also the 12 year olds name is Brennen, not Brandon. So please before you rush to judgement, know ALL the facts. Thank all of you for your continued prayer as that has been what has helped us to get through this terrible tragedy.

Posted by: TO CHEL Location: PLymouth on Nov 9, 2007 at 04:19 PM
Who said it was justified? It is never justified I was trying to make a point that he was pushed & pushed & pushed like they wanted him to snap. They just didnt know he would snap completely. I know he loved them and it is to bad things ended this way for both families. I am sure they were all good people. Terry was a very good person with a great heart obviously he made this little girl a part of his family. But something happened inside him and he was pushed past the breaking point and lost it WAY LOST IT. I hope both families can come to some sort of understanding for the child left behind. He will need as many people as possible. I hope it does not turn into a custody battle between grandparents he as had enought to deal with. They all need to think of him and not themselves. He is old enough to decide who he wants to be with let hime decide and leave it at that.

Posted by: Brenda Location: Plymouth on Nov 9, 2007 at 01:42 PM
This is a terrible thing. Shayla was a good girl. It's a shame he couldn't see a light at the end of a tunnel. None of them deserved to die this way. To the family left behind, foucus on good memories, don't blame yourself for not being able to prevent it. If you could of this wouldn't of happened. Do what is best for Brandon. Make sure he has a relationship with both sides of the family. I know shayla loved both her parents. She never spoke negative about her dad( being a father is not just making the baby) to her she was her father. If she said she hated him it was only out of anger. Doesn't mean she meant it (She was only 19). My prayers are with the family left behind. Take care.

Posted by: Becky Location: South Bend on Nov 9, 2007 at 07:58 AM
I agree 100% with CHEL from INDIANA

Posted by: Chel Location: Indiana on Nov 8, 2007 at 06:53 PM
I have yet to see anyone claim anyone involved was a monster. We are all saddened and astounded that something like this could happen and question how. This guy seemed to be well liked and going through some difficult times but he was not the first person to be cheated on, divorced, or disrespected by a child. Nothing justifies this tragedy. Prayers and support for the child that’s left and all of the family that is hurting is what is important now.

Posted by: Plymouth on Nov 8, 2007 at 04:40 PM
Terry was a good person pushed way past his limits obviously. If a divorce and fighting for custody of his son was not bad enough he was suppose to tolerate his wife cheating on him. Yes it was wrong th kill them but people can only take so much. Everyone of us has a breaking point. ANd when your wife is cheating on you and the daughter you raised after he real father walked away tells you she hates you on a daily basis and pushes her mom to leave it tore out his heart on he knew his world was falling apart, ALthough these two women did NOT deserve to die and the boy did not deserve to wake up to such a grusome scene things happen and people snap but he was not this monster everyone id trying to make him out to be. Terry was a wonderful person.

Posted by: ANONYMOUS Location: knox on Nov 8, 2007 at 03:39 PM
NOBODY KNOWS HOW TERRY WAS HE WAS A WODNDERFUL FATHER AND HUSBAND AND EVEN ADOPTED SHAYLA FOR HIS DAUGHTER AND THEY TREATED HIM LIKE CRAP AND WHEN HE WAS IN THE HOSPITAL SHE JUST YELLED AT HIM ABOUT MONEY AND DIDNT EVEN WANT HIM TO COME BACK HOME WHEN HE GOT OUT OF THE HOSPITAL AND AFTER ALL THAT HE STILL WANTED TO KEEP HIS MARRAGE BECAUSE THATS HOW MUCH HE LOVED HER BUT SHE DIDNT WANT HIM SHE FOUND A FEW OTHER PEOPLE.....BUT MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS GO OUT TO BOTH FAMILYS

Posted by: Anonymous Location: knox on Nov 8, 2007 at 12:25 PM
Terry is not that kind of person if susan wouldnt treated him like dirt and had another Boyfriend on the side . He did everything to be happy .My heart goes out to the boy and his Dad famiy

Posted by: Linda Location: silver Lake indiana on Nov 8, 2007 at 08:29 AM
This story is so sad i really hope the 12 yr. old can have help and have people love him! I have a sister in marion that works with one of the grandmothers and she is not at work because of that!My prayers go out to the 12 yr old and the rest of the family dealing with the loss of their loved ones! I didnt know any of them but its just a sad story to read! Shayla and her mother susan are with god now!The father didnt need to do something like that they didnt deserve to die! God bless you!Im sure if the 12 yr old was awake his father would of shot him to! Im sorry to say but what a father to do that!My thoughts and prayers are with the 12 yr old and his family! God bless you all!!!!

Posted by: N on Nov 7, 2007 at 06:55 PM
So did the spider bite eat his brain or something? Cause this is the second story that mentions it, as if its an important fact that lead to him to kill someone. Another article I read mentioned something about a staph infection. My guess is the guy just lost it and did something horrible but the media feels the need to inject these other things into the story to make it seem even more horrible since they are big topics in the news right now. I can see the headline someday soon: "SPIDER BITE/STAPH INFECTION LEAD TO MURDER SUICIDE!" Just cover the facts people, leave out the meaningless details. Say he was on leave from work and leave it at that. A spider bite is irrelevant.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Knox on Nov 7, 2007 at 02:45 PM
This is so sad and heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family

Posted by: Lacey Location: Argos on Nov 7, 2007 at 11:44 AM
Shayla was an awesome person. Her mom was too. I just don't understand what would have possessed Terry to do something so horrible. Every time I spent the night over there they all just seemed to be your average every day family. I would have never expected that out of Terry. As for Susan, she was one of the coolest moms I ever met. Shayla, she was sweeter than sugar. She would never do anything to hurt anybody and I don't realize how someone could take a life of someone like that. Shayla, I love you girl. I will never forget you. You were one of my best friends. You'll always be in my thoughts and prayers. I love you Shwayla.

Posted by: A friend Location: Knox on Nov 6, 2007 at 08:59 PM
There are no words to ease the minds of either side of the family, God Bless them all. No matter what happened, Abuse, divorce, relationships or conflict. Susan and Shayla did not deserve to be murdered! They had the rest of there lives to live. Susan's mother, father and brother do not deserve the hurt they are going through! No one deserves any of the pain by the choice Terry made in KILLING 2 innocent people!

Posted by: Becky Location: South Bend on Nov 6, 2007 at 06:26 PM
Heart felt prays go to this young boy and those left to deal with this tragedy.I do have a question why would the father take the daughter and mothers life but not the boy?(not that I wish he had by any means so please don't take this wrong. I was just wondering if the daughter tried to protect her mother and got involved so he took her life?)

Posted by: dee Location: plymouth on Nov 6, 2007 at 12:03 PM
like the other guy said behind closed doors anything happens. maybe if people look back there were signs that maybe something was going on. there is so much that kids show when needing help and other just blow it off as you'll get over it . i do hope that this young man does get some help.we will be praying for you please make sure (family ) that the boy does get some help. thoughts and prayer go out to you and the rest ofthe family.

Posted by: Heather Location: Argos on Nov 6, 2007 at 10:52 AM
Shout out for Shayla I love you and I will never forget all the fun times we all had together I miss you so much. I also pray for their family to be strong and the best of luck. RIP Shayla Love You!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Plymouth on Nov 6, 2007 at 10:18 AM
This is a very tragic story and I hope Brandon is able to get thru this with the help of his family. Never in a million years would I have thought Terry would be capable of something like this. Love can be a very painful thing sometimes and I think the thought of his wife with someone else was just way to much for him to handle. I'm sure their were signs leading up to this people just missed them. It is horrible that he thought this was his only option. I wonder if he realizes just what he has done to the liitle boy he left behind knowing what kind of man his father was to kill his mother and sister and to let him wake up to such a nightmare! This 12 yr old had to find a horrific scene and his father who claimed to love him left him alone to find the mess he left behind! NO EXCUSE FOR SOMETHING SO HORRIBLE!

Posted by: Jimmy Jack Location: E-town on Nov 6, 2007 at 07:39 AM
Just remember, guns dont kill people. People kill people. It is an unfortunate event. However shocking it is to the community of Argos, it happens everyday accross the whole U.S.

Posted by: Barb Location: Knox on Nov 6, 2007 at 07:16 AM
Susan was a girl that was full of life! I went to school with her and we were good friends, I knew the family but have not seen them in several years and for something like this to happen is just awful!

Posted by: FF on Nov 6, 2007 at 07:03 AM
Behind closed doors things don't always look the same. Abuse can work both ways!

Posted by: mariah Location: michigan on Nov 6, 2007 at 06:11 AM
I used to work with Terry and my mom worked with Susan, our prayers and love goes out to the son. God please let him make it through this.

Posted by: M Location: Plymouth on Nov 5, 2007 at 06:30 PM
I went to school with the father......would have never thought in a million years he would be capable of such a tragedy. Prayers are with the 12 yr. old

Posted by: Vanessa Location: Muncie formerly Argos on Nov 5, 2007 at 05:34 PM
What caused her dad to do something so tragic.....i hope the 12 year old son is ok...he does not deserve this

Posted by: Shan Location: Culver on Nov 5, 2007 at 05:24 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with Paul and Kathy as they deal with the tragic loss of their daughter and granddaughter, my heart goes out to them and their grandson

Posted by: Colleen Location: Argos on Nov 5, 2007 at 04:23 PM
This is surreal. I graduated with the daughter. We will all miss her and hope for the best for her brother.

Posted by: Terri Location: Argos on Nov 5, 2007 at 04:01 PM
This was a very nice family and what happened was so unexpected. We are praying for the son.

Posted by: anon Location: indiana on Nov 5, 2007 at 03:54 PM
Oh my God! That poor little boy! It makes me heart sick to read about stories like this.

Posted by: Ronda Location: Argos on Nov 5, 2007 at 03:40 PM
God Bless the 12 yr old. All of our thoughts and prayers need to be on him.

Posted by: Svengali Location: Elkhart on Nov 5, 2007 at 03:27 PM
Sad commentary on the modern life.

Five Day
WNDU News Poll

How many games will the Irish win this season?

Fewer than 6
Between 6 and 8
9 or 10
More than 10