Naman Shrestha
The episode titled ‘Before Daylight’ of NBC’s ‘Dateline’ chronicles the brutal killing of Jesse James Valencia, a 23-year-old college student with his entire life ahead of him. When he was found murdered right outside his apartment in a residential neighborhood in Columbia, Missouri, the detectives turned to his acquaintances for answers, only to realize that one of their own was responsible for the gruesome crime. Soon, the reputed Steven Rios was linked to the crime. Amidst all the commotion, his wife, Libby Sullivan, served as a key witness for the killer’s defense in the trials.
Libby Sullivan Received the Shock of Her Life When Steven Rios Was Arrested For Murder
Born to John and Suzanne Sullivan, Elizabeth “Libby” Sullivan was leading an ideal life with Steven Rios, her college sweetheart and husband of two years. Just four and a half months prior to the murder of Jesse James Valencia, the couple had given birth to a son named Grayson. She also had experience working as a store manager. Her world turned upside down when her then-husband was linked to Jesse’s killing in June 2004. Not only that, but Steven’s sexual affair with the victim also shocked her and left her heartbroken.
Despite all the pain that he caused her, Libby sided with him when it came to the murder accusation against him. According to her, on the fateful morning, he came home between 5:15 and 5:25 am while she was tending to their son. In both the trials of Steven Rios, she testified for the defense in the trial, claiming that she did not notice any blood stains on him or anything suspicious about his demeanor that morning. She believed that he did not have enough time to drive down to Jesse’s apartment, kill him, and return home in the small window of time that was unaccounted for. In spite of her attempt to keep him out of jail, the jury convicted him in both trials.
Libby Sullivan Believed Her Ex-Husband Was Innocent of Murder
A few years after Steven Rios’ second conviction and sentencing, in February 2013, Libby Sullivan continued to believe in his claims of innocence. She explained during a conversation with KOMU, saying, “There’s an awful lot of people who cheat on their spouse every day. That doesn’t mean they’re capable of committing a murder. It doesn’t mean they should have their lives taken away from them.” By that time, she had already severed ties with him and had gotten married to another man. Even her parents, John and Suzanne Sullivan, spoke in his defense. “He hurt our daughter. He hurt our family. There have been some serious rifts in our family, perhaps some of which are still there. But as we went through the trial, with the evidence presented,” John said.
Libby added, “I told myself, until I see something that is proof, until I see something that shows me that he did this I’ve got to be supportive.” At the time, their son, Grayson, was eight years old. Although she didn’t visit her ex-husband in prison, she allowed her parents to take Grayson to the penitentiary to visit the convict. By then, she had already moved on emotionally and even had a son named Val with her new husband.
Libby Sullivan’s Life Revolves Around Her Two Sons
Fast forward to several years, it seems that Libby’s second marriage also failed, as she seems to have found a new partner with whom she envisions spending the rest of her life. In the summer of 2020, Libby faced a huge loss in the form of her mother. She shared a heartbreaking post as she tried to put her pain into words. “Our rock has passed away and words can’t begin to explain the heartbreak. Ever the Mom, she made sure all her babies made it home and she held on a few extra days, giving us precious moments we will cherish forever. She went through this phase with the same humble gracefulness she carried through life. I know she had a whole welcoming committee to greet her. I hope she is laughing and singing right now and her lungs never tire,” she said.
Cherishing her mother’s memories, she has moved forward in life with the help of his two sons, Grayson and Val, whom she dotes upon. Being an adventurous soul and an avid traveler, Libby frequently explores new places with her friends or family, making new memories every step of the way. Her elder son, Grayson, is a Wellness Coach at Pat Jones YMCA and has been in a healthy relationship since 2019. As for her younger son, he continues to thrive and grow with the love and care of Libby.
Read More: Jesse Valencia Murder Details and Investigation Timeline
