Shivangi Sinha
In November 2016, Susann Sills was discovered dead at the bottom of the stairs in her San Clemente, California home. Her 12-year-old twins, Mary-Katherine Eric Sills, were asleep at the time. Their father, Eric Scott Sills, made the call to the police, and in the days that followed, the children shared their recollections of what happened that night. The tragedy profoundly impacted their lives, and CBS’ episode of ‘48 Hours’, titled ‘The Puzzling Death of Susann Sills,’ offers a comprehensive look into the circumstances surrounding her death and the lasting effects it had on Mary-Katherine and Eric.
Mary-Katherine and Eric Sills’ Statements Were Critical to the Case
Susann Stephanie Arsuaga Sills and her husband, Eric Scott Sills, welcomed their twins, Mary-Katherine Estelle Sills and Eric Scott Sills II, in the early 2000s. The family lived comfortably in San Clemente, California, supported by Eric’s career as an infertility specialist. Susann devoted herself entirely to raising the children with love and care. By 2016, both twins were in seventh grade, with Mary-Katherine attending a public middle school and Eric enrolled at the Army and Navy Academy. The siblings shared a close bond with their mother, who was a constant presence in their lives. On Veteran’s Day weekend in November 2016, Susann and her husband attended a parade to support their son, Eric, even though he was unable to perform because his trumpet had broken.
After spending hours in the sun, Susann returned home with a debilitating headache, as she frequently had migraines. On the morning of November 13, 2016, police arrived at their San Clemente home to find Susann dead at the bottom of the stairs. Both Mary-Katherine and Eric were still in the house when officers questioned them. Mary-Katherine explained she had made her room resemble a hotel suite because it was the quietest space. Out of concern for her mother’s condition, she offered Susann her room and chose to sleep in the master bedroom instead. Eric recalled hearing a loud argument between his parents in the early morning hours, and feeling unsettled, decided to sleep in his sister Mary-Katherine’s room.
When police noticed marks on Sills’ arms, he explained that he had sustained them while working with his son in the garage. However, when questioned, 12-year-old Eric confirmed that although he had been in the garage with his father, he had not seen him get injured. Another point of contention was a scarf found near Susann’s body. Mary-Katherine initially stated that she had removed the scarf to prevent her mother from choking. However, during her father’s trial in December 2023, Mary-Katherine claimed that she had seen the family dogs pulling on her mother’s scarf, suggesting it might have caused her death. This conflicted with Eric Scott’s statement that Susann had placed the dogs in their crate before going to sleep. Their father was ultimately convicted of the murder.
Mary-Katherine is Finding Fulfilment in Her Caregiving Services Today
Mary Katherine Sills is currently a dedicated college student whose work and achievements are truly inspiring. In January 2024, she joined the Institute of Health Systems to earn certifications in CPR, AED, and first aid training for babies, children, and adults. Additionally, she has attended Saddleback College, where she pursued an Associate of Science degree with majors in American Sign Language, Health Services, and Health Sciences. Her commitment to the healthcare field is evident as she has also completed her certification as a phlebotomy training specialist, further expanding her knowledge and skills in the medical field. She is also a CA Foster Youth Representative.
Mary Katherine has also built an impressive resume with extensive work experience. In July 2024, she worked at RAD Camp as a Special Needs Summer Camp ASL Teacher, contributing her skills to create a positive and inclusive environment. Currently, she is employed in three roles — as a Respite Caregiver at OptiMentality, a volunteer animal caregiver at Pet Project Foundation, and a Respite Caregiver at Coastline Homecare. A proud resident of San Clemente, California, Mary Katherine embraces life one day at a time, pursuing her passions and exploring new experiences.
She has been taking horse riding lessons and, in 2024, embarked on memorable trips to Peru and Spain. In addition to her professional and personal growth, she has also found happiness in her relationship with Tim Ruston. The couple has been together for about three years now. Despite the challenges she has faced, Mary Katherine’s resilience and determination to live life on her own terms are truly inspiring. Her journey reflects her strength and commitment to making the most of every opportunity.
Eric Sills Likes to Stay Away From the Public Eye
After their father was arrested, Mary-Katherine and Eric Sills initially lived with a family. Tragically, they lost their guardians not long afterward and were placed in foster care in 2019. By the time Eric Sills was sentenced in March 2024, the twins were 20 years old and had already started college. During the sentencing, Mary-Katherine took the stand and pleaded with the judge for leniency, expressing her desire to maintain a relationship with her father. She even shared her hope that he would one day walk her down the aisle. While Mary-Katherine’s sentiments were made public, Eric has since chosen to keep a low profile, although it seems like he is based out of San Clemente, California. Considering the difficult years he has endured, his decision to stay out of the spotlight is understandable.
Read More: Where is Eric “Scott” Sills Now?
