94\. The Abductions of Franklin Delano Floyd
Into The Dark
Deep Dive
Who was Franklin Delano Floyd and what crimes was he involved in?
Franklin Delano Floyd was a notorious criminal involved in a series of violent crimes, including abductions, assaults, and murders. He had a long rap sheet with charges or convictions for robbery, kidnapping, and the sexual assault of a young child. He was also responsible for the abduction of Suzanne Sevakis and the murders of Michael Hughes and Cheryl Camesso.
How did Franklin Delano Floyd come into Sandra Willett's life?
Franklin Delano Floyd met Sandra Willett at a church event in 1975, where he introduced himself as Brandon Cleo Williams, a fake name. Sandra, unaware of his criminal background, allowed him into her life, and he eventually adopted her four children, becoming their stepfather.
What happened to Sandra Willett's children after she was arrested?
After Sandra Willett was arrested for writing a bad check, Franklin Delano Floyd, who had adopted her children, put her three youngest children up for adoption without her permission. He kept the oldest child, Suzanne Sevakis, and fled with her, making it nearly impossible for Sandra to track them down.
What was Suzanne Sevakis' life like under Franklin Delano Floyd's control?
Suzanne Sevakis' life under Franklin Delano Floyd's control was marked by abuse, control, and instability. She was forbidden from having friends, moved frequently under fake identities, and was repeatedly sexually assaulted by Franklin. Despite her intelligence and academic success, her dreams of attending college were crushed when she became pregnant and was forced to continue living with Franklin.
How did Suzanne Sevakis die?
Suzanne Sevakis died in April 1990 after being found lying face down on the side of a road in Oklahoma City. She was severely injured, likely from a hit-and-run accident, and died in the hospital. Her death was surrounded by suspicions that Franklin Delano Floyd may have been involved, as her friends believed he was abusive and capable of violence.
What happened to Michael Hughes, Suzanne Sevakis' son?
Michael Hughes, Suzanne Sevakis' son, was abducted by Franklin Delano Floyd from his elementary school in 1994. Franklin later confessed to drowning Michael in a motel bathtub after the child said he didn't love him. Michael's body was never recovered, and Franklin was charged with his murder.
What evidence linked Franklin Delano Floyd to Cheryl Camesso's murder?
Evidence linking Franklin Delano Floyd to Cheryl Camesso's murder included photographs found in an envelope taped to the gas tank of a stolen truck. The photos showed Cheryl tied up with severe injuries, and her remains, found later, had bullet fragments in her skull. Franklin had previously manipulated Cheryl by promising her a role in the adult film industry in exchange for sex, and she vanished after confronting him about his lies.
What was the outcome of Franklin Delano Floyd's trials?
Franklin Delano Floyd was found guilty of the murders of Michael Hughes and Cheryl Camesso and was sentenced to death. Despite multiple appeals, his death sentence stood. He died in prison in January 2023 at the age of 79, avoiding execution but never regaining his freedom.
How was Suzanne Sevakis' true identity finally discovered?
Suzanne Sevakis' true identity was discovered in 2014 when one of her adopted children provided a DNA sample. This solved the mystery of her abduction and revealed her real name decades after her death. Her gravestone, which previously only bore the name 'Tonya,' was updated with her true identity.