The death of Cyndi Stetzel on 04/26/95 in Mesa, Arizona, was ruled a suicide by the investigating authorities. We are currently reviewing the case in an effort to answer questions about Cyndi Stetzel, which may disclose information that can help us determine if in fact the case was a suicide or other type of death.
We feel that the following questions need to be answered:
- Cyndi suffered from severe Narcolepsy. What evidence is there that such a condition may lead to suicidal depression?
- Other than those listed in the Mesa Police investigation, are there known instances of physical abuse which Cyndi may have suffered...
- A GSR test of husband revealed residue on his face and both hands. Would this be consistent with him entering a small bedroom immediately after a 45cal. Semiautomatic was discharged once? Would he normally have some of the same residue on other parts of his body and clothing?
- Was a handwriting analysis made between the letter husband took out of his wallet and gave police and the letter that the victim's mother provided police that was allegedly written by the victim in October, 1993?
- Was the cooler in the victim's bedroom normally turned off at night during the time of year that the incident occurred? What was the temperature in the bedroom normally and at the time of death? Was the cooler on a thermostat or was it controlled manually?
- Two pillows and a comforter were allegedly missing from the crime scene. Had the bullet passed through either of those objects prior to entering the victim, would the bullet normally reveal traces of those objects under forensic inspection?
- Prior to the date of death, did the husband relate to anyone, the fact that the victim had ever considered committing suicide?
- What side of the bed did Cyndi normally sleep on?
- After Cyndi was shot, the husband alleged that he attempted to listen to her heartbeat with his head on her chest (according to his statement given to police) Is it reasonable to assume that in doing so, he would have her blood on some part of his face or head?
- If Cyndi had shot herself in her right temple with the 45 semiautomatic pointing slightly downward and to the rear, would tests normally reveal that she had GSR residue on her FACE and BOTH HANDS?
- After finding and examining his wife's body, the husband allegedly got some of her blood on his hands. According to his statement to Police, he washed his hands and then telephoned police (consuming approximately 5 minutes) Police statements indicate that there was no blood found in the sink or on the faucet where he allegedly washed his hands, nor on the phone that he used. Is the lack of blood on those surfaces consistent with a proper forensic inspection of same?
- Prior to her marriage , Cyndi had a boyfriend with the last name of Rugger or Rucker and a possible first name of Rusty. He was somewhat older than Cyndi and he was involved in martial arts and was familiar with firearms. We would like to contact this person if anyone knows of him.
Has anyone spoken to the husband about the death of Cyndi Stetzel, regarding the possibility of death being other than suicide?
If you have any information that may help us in any way, please fax us at 210-828-4867 or write to us at:
Unsolved Crimes
PMB #144
6338 N. New Braunfels
San Antonio, Texas 78209