From Heiress to Murderess
Susan Cummings, a name synonymous with wealth and scandal, wasn't your typical socialite. Heiress to a fortune built on weapons manufacturing, Cummings met Argentinian polo player Roberto Villegas, who became her teammate and boyfriend. In a dramatic turn more gripping than any polo match, Cummings found herself at the center of a scandal when she shot and killed Villegas, claiming self-defense.
From Society Darling to Homicide Headlines
Born in Europe and relocating to Virginia after college, Susan Cummings was a millionaire heiress who lived on a 300-acre estate in Warrenton, VA.
On Sept. 7, 1997, 35-year-old Susan called 911. "I need to report a shot man, and he's dead," she told the dispatcher, according to Distractify. The victim was identified as her employee and boyfriend, Roberto Villegas, 38.
Photo courtesy of Oxygen.
When the police arrived, they found Villegas with multiple gunshot wounds and a knife lying between his bicep and his forearm. Because Susan had confessed to shooting Villegas, claiming self-defense, sheriffs arrested her on the scene. The autopsy showed Villegas suffered four fatal gunshot wounds to his neck and chest and that there was food in his mouth, indicating he was eating when he was shot, bringing into question Susan's claim of self-defense.
An Heiress' Tale of Self-Defense
Cummings' story painted a picture of a loving relationship turned violent. She alleged Villegas attacked her with a knife, forcing her to use a firearm in defense. Suspicion swirled as her attorneys painted Roberto as a bully and Susan as a victim.
Photo courtesy of Oxygen.
The prosecution pointed to inconsistencies, especially the positioning of and lack of blood on the knife. Forensic photos showed the knife appeared to have been placed there after Villegas had hit the floor. The cuts that Susan had on her arm came into question for seeming self-inflicted, and the fact that Villegas was found with food in his mouth suggested he was ambushed.
To build the defense, Cummings' lawyer found witnesses to testify to Villegas's alleged violent behavior. A stable worker said he saw Villegas slap Cummings. "Roberto told him, 'I treat my women just like my horses. If they refuse to do what I want, I'll kill' em,'" Susan's attorney alleged, according to Oxygen True Crime.
The Verdict: Justice or Just Desserts?
The trial became a media frenzy, the courtroom a battleground between wealth and justice. Cameras flashed, socialites whispered, and finally, the verdict: voluntary manslaughter.
The jury sentenced her to 60 days in jail and a fine of $2,500. Happy with the result, Susan decided not to appeal and planned to serve her sentence after the funeral of her father.
Since the trial, Cummings has remained out of the limelight until 2003, when Villegas' son sued her for $15.35 million in a civil wrongful death lawsuit. According to the Washington Post, she settled for an undisclosed amount.
Susan Cummings' story is a cautionary tale of wealth, privilege, and the lengths people will go to protect themselves. The shooting of Roberto Villegas left behind unanswered questions and offered a glimpse into the dark side of the seemingly perfect world of the wealthy.
References: Arms Heiress Claims Self-Defense In Shooting Death of Her Star Polo Player Boyfriend | A Billionaire's Daughter Killed Her Boyfriend — Some Say the Punishment Didn't Fit the Crime | Heiress Gets 60 Days In Polo Player's Slaying
