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Friends of the Family: The William Plummer Case

Roland Hayes

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Published in Friends Of The Family William J Plummer

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In the annals of true crime history, the William Plummer case stands as a chilling tale of family secrets, betrayal, and murder. The case captivated the nation in the early 2000s, leaving an enduring legacy of intrigue and unanswered questions.

The Plummer Family

William Plummer and his wife Barbara were ostensibly living the American dream in the quiet town of Groton, Connecticut. They had a beautiful home, two teenage children, and a seemingly stable marriage. However, beneath the facade of respectability, dark secrets lurked.

Friends of the Family

by William J. Plummer

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Affair

In 2001, William Plummer began an affair with Melissa McAtee, a 20-year-old woman who worked at his family's restaurant. The affair quickly became an obsession for Plummer, and he showered McAtee with gifts and attention.

However, Plummer's wife Barbara suspected her husband was cheating. She confronted him, leading to a heated argument that ended with Barbara threatening to divorce him. Plummer was furious and felt betrayed.

The Murder

On December 12, 2001, Barbara Plummer went missing. William initially claimed she had gone for a walk, but as days turned into weeks, the truth began to unravel.

Investigators discovered that Plummer had strangled his wife in a fit of rage. He then dismembered her body and buried it in a shallow grave in the woods.

The Cover-Up

Plummer desperately tried to cover up his crime. He forged his wife's signature on checks and documents, and he even hired a hitman to kill Melissa McAtee, fearing she would reveal his secret.

However, the hitman turned informant and alerted the police to Plummer's involvement in his wife's murder.

The Trial and Conviction

In 2005, William Plummer was arrested and charged with murder. The trial that followed captivated the nation, as the dark underbelly of the Plummer family was laid bare.

Plummer's defense attorneys argued that he had been driven to kill by his wife's infidelity. However, the prosecution presented a compelling case that Plummer was a cold-blooded killer who had acted out of jealousy and anger.

In March 2007, William Plummer was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Aftermath and Legacy

The William Plummer case left a lasting impact on the community and beyond. It exposed the hidden dangers within seemingly perfect families and raised questions about the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.

Melissa McAtee, the woman with whom Plummer had the affair, later wrote a book about her experience, titled "Friends of the Family: A True Story of Betrayal, Murder, and the Search for Justice."

The case also inspired a popular television miniseries titled "The Girl From Plainville," which depicted the events leading up to and following Barbara Plummer's murder.

Today, William Plummer remains incarcerated at the Cheshire Correctional Institution in Connecticut. His conviction stands as a chilling reminder of the destructive power of secrets and the devastating consequences that can result from betrayal within a family.

Friends of the Family

by William J. Plummer

4 out of 5