Phillip Noyce’s crime drama, “Above Suspicion,” brings to light the harrowing story of Mark Putnam, the first FBI agent accused of murder. While the film took creative liberties, the real-life events remain haunting. Let’s delve into the chilling details of Mark Putnam’s life and the unsettling incident involving Susan Smith.

Who is Mark Putnam? A Competitive Spirit Takes a Dark Turn

Mark Steven Putnam, born on July 4, 1959, harbored ambitions of joining the FBI from an early age. With a passion for athletics and a degree in criminology, he pursued his dream. Settling in Kentucky after marrying Kathy, the daughter of a successful real estate developer, Putnam began his FBI career in Pikeville. Little did he know that his life would take a tragic turn, entangled with Susan and Kenneth Smith, leading to a fateful incident.

The Unraveling Connection: Susan Smith and Mark Putnam’s Forbidden Affair

Initially a successful FBI agent, Putnam’s life took an unexpected twist when he got involved with Susan Smith. Their professional relationship evolved into an illicit affair, concealed from Putnam’s wife, Kathy. Susan’s infatuation with Mark escalated, leading to extramarital encounters. Despite Susan’s pregnancy, Mark’s return to Pikeville marked a tragic climax, resulting in Susan’s murder on June 8, 1989.

The Dark Day: Susan Smith’s Tragic End

Mark Putnam, caught in the web of his own actions, kept Susan’s body in his car before eventually discarding it. Susan’s disappearance prompted her sister’s report, bringing Putnam into the public eye. Lacking evidence, he couldn’t be charged initially. However, a year later, he confessed to the crime, admitting to killing Susan in a fit of rage. This confession led to a 16-year sentence at the Federal Medical Center in Rochester, Minnesota.

Mark Putnam’s Life Behind Bars: A Tragic Love Story

Mark’s wife, Kathy, stood by him despite his heinous crime, relocating to be closer to him in Minnesota. However, their story took a tragic turn when Kathy succumbed to organ failure in 1998, partly due to severe alcoholism. Mark’s time in prison unfolded as a dark chapter, a stark contrast to the competitive and ambitious young man he once was.

Conclusion: A Dark Legacy and Lingering Questions

The tale of Mark Putnam remains etched in FBI history as a disturbing episode. The forbidden affair, the heinous act, and the aftermath paint a tragic picture of a once-promising agent. As Mark serves his sentence, the legacy of Susan Smith’s untimely end and the ripple effects on those involved continue to raise questions about the fragility of human choices and the consequences that follow.