The Jeff Wright murder sent shockwaves through the community, leaving everyone searching for answers and justice.

Delving into the chilling tale of tragedy, Investigation Discovery’s captivating series, ‘S*x & Murder: Candle Wax Killer,’ meticulously recounts the horrifying events that unfolded in January 2003, when 32-year-old Jeff Wright fell victim to a brutal murder within the confines of his Houston, Texas, residence. 

Engulfed in darkness, the perpetrator callously buried the lifeless body in a shallow grave concealed near the patio, leaving no stone unturned in their endeavor to erase any traces of their heinous act. 

However, the weight of their guilt proved insurmountable, as within a mere week of committing this unspeakable crime, they succumbed to the pressure and made the fateful decision to surrender themselves to the authorities. 

For those intrigued by the harrowing details of this case, yearning to uncover the identity of the killer and unravel the enigma that shrouds the investigation, here’s a glimpse into what we currently know.

The brutal murder of Jeff Wright

Jeff Wright murder happened at the beginning of 2003.

He was stabbed 193 times while he was tied to his bed. After cleaning the mess, the killer turned herself in days later.

Susan and Jeff appeared as a contented young couple with two adorable children.

Their son was four years old, while their baby girl was just 18 months old.

According to prosecutors, on January 13, 2003, Susan, who was 26 years old at the time, used neckties to bind her 34-year-old husband, who was completely naked, to the bed.

She inflicted nearly 200 stab wounds on him using two knives, including seven in the groin area.

Following the gruesome act, Susan tied Jeff’s body to a dolly.

She dragged him to the backyard, where she buried him in a hole previously dug for a fountain, covering him with potting soil.

Two days later, Susan filed a report on domestic abuse.

Within a week, she surrendered herself to the authorities, and her lawyer disclosed her defense strategy. 

The trial & punishment

The attorney argued that Susan had acted in self-defense, having endured years of physical abuse from her husband throughout their four-year marriage.

The 2004 trial was filled with dramatic moments, notably the prosecution’s re-enactment on the blood-stained mattress in the courtroom and Susan’s tearful testimony from the witness stand.

Despite the defense’s claims, the jury did not believe Susan’s self-defense argument.

She was found guilty of Jeff Wright murder and received a 25-year prison sentence.

After five years, Susan’s case underwent a reevaluation, leading to a new sentencing hearing.

The Court of criminal appeals determined that her legal representation had been ineffective during the punishment phase. 

In the second trial, the jury reduced her sentence by five years, resulting in a 20-year imprisonment term.

Although Susan had previously been denied parole on two occasions, she was eventually granted parole in July 2020.

However, her release was contingent upon the completion of a three-month program.

According to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, Susan will be subject to strict supervision for the remainder of her sentence, which extends until 2024.

As part of her condition, she is required to undergo anger management counseling and wear a GPS monitor.

Susan, who was sentenced at the age of 27, is set to be released at the age of 44.

Following her conviction, Jeff’s family was responsible for raising the couple’s children.

After being granted parole five months ago, Susan Wright has been officially released.

Her parole release occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday from the Lane Murray Unit in Gatesville, Texas.

Susan has spent over 16 years behind bars, having been convicted for the violent killing of her husband, Jeff.

The 2003 murder, which occurred in northwest Harris County, gained national attention.

On her first day of freedom, ABC13 managed to catch up with Susan at her home, where she kindly requested privacy.

She said, “Please don’t do this to my family. Please stop. Have a heart. Please. No ma’am. I would just like privacy, please respect that. I’m sure that y’all can understand, but don’t do this to my family. Even if you do it to me, don’t do this to them, please.”

Susan will be under parole supervision until 2024, during which she will be required to wear a GPS ankle monitor.

Additionally, she is mandated to participate in anger management classes and is prohibited from leaving the state of Texas.

Where is Susan now?

The infamous case of Jeff Wright murder shook Houston as his wife, Susan Wright, was convicted for his brutal killing and served a reduced sentence of 20 years before being released on parole in December 2020.

Susan Wright, now 47 years old, was released on parole on December 30, 2020, after serving a reduced sentence of 20 years. 

Convicted in 2004 for the murder of her husband, Jeff Wright, she initially pleaded not guilty, citing self-defense in the face of alleged domestic violence. 

Despite unsuccessful appeals and parole denials, a new sentencing hearing in 2009 resulted in a reduction of her penalty. 

During the re-appeal, Misty McMichael, Jeff’s ex-fiancée, came forward as a witness, recounting her own experiences of abuse in their relationship.

This revelation led to a new sentencing and a five-year reduction in Susan’s original sentence. 

Although she was turned down for parole twice in 2014 and 2017, Susan was eventually granted parole, allowing her release after serving two decades behind bars.