The Evil Story Of Sarah Hartsfield

TruRed CRIME40mMay 3, 2026

Get the full intelligence

Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “The Evil Story Of Sarah Hartsfield” inside PodZeus.

AI-Generated Summary

The podcast episode 'The Evil Story Of Sarah Hartsfield' from TruRed CRIME delves into the disturbing life of Sarah Jean Hartsfield, a woman accused of murdering her fifth husband, Joseph Hartsfield, after he fell into a diabetic coma under suspicious circumstances. The investigation revealed a pattern of manipulation, abuse, and death across her four previous marriages and relationships, including the mysterious deaths of her first husband Titus Nornskeild’s brother, the fire that nearly killed Titus and his wife, and the fatal shooting of her third husband, David Bragg, which she claimed was self-defense. Evidence suggests Sarah orchestrated multiple attempts at murder, including a failed hit on her ex-husband’s new wife, and has a history of domestic violence, arson, and emotional abuse toward her children. Her past, marked by foster care trauma and a history of inconsistent stories, paints a picture of a deeply manipulative and dangerous individual. Despite being presumed innocent until proven guilty, the case has led to reopened investigations into other deaths linked to her, including those of her ex-husband’s wife and a former partner’s girlfriend. The episode concludes with her son Ryan expressing long-held belief that justice would eventually catch up with her, while Sarah remains defiant and bitter.

Key Takeaways
1

Sarah Hartsfield has a documented history of controlling, abusive, and manipulative behavior across multiple relationships.

2

She is accused of orchestrating the death of her fifth husband, Joseph Hartsfield, through insulin overdose, leading to a fatal stroke.

3

Multiple suspicious deaths and fires in her past have been reopened for investigation due to new evidence.

4

Sarah allegedly attempted to have her ex-husband’s new wife murdered and used her children as pawns in her schemes.

5

Her children, particularly her son Ryan, have expressed deep fear and trauma from her abuse and now support the investigation.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Introduction: The Rise of a Suspected Serial Killer

The episode opens with a promotional segment for Shopify before introducing Sarah Hartsfield as a woman under indictment for murder, with a history of suspicious deaths and marital turmoil.

2:00
6 min

The Death of Joseph Hartsfield: A Diabetic Coma or Murder?

He's the guy you jump out of a plane with. Like, he's that person. Like, whatever you're ready for, he's always ready.

Highlight
8:00
9 min

Sarah's Dark Past: From Foster Care to First Marriage

I was honestly surprised to get out of my marriage alive because I was in the army. I had a $200,000 life insurance on myself at the time.

Highlight
17:00
13 min

Military Career, Abuse, and the Death of Her Father

She's not going to admit any wrongdoing. She's just not that kind of person.

Highlight
30:00
14 min

The Fires, the Shooting, and the Botched Murder Plot

If I didn't answer a text, she'd send an email or a Facebook message to me. If I didn't respond quick enough to one of her questions, she would go ballistic.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
Absolutely. There are some I have in mind that I'm kind of waiting to come to light.
Ryan Donahue40:37
Viral: 88.0
I was honestly surprised to get out of my marriage alive because I was in the army. I had a $200,000 life insurance on myself at the time.
Titus Nornskeild13:11
Viral: 85.0
It's unreal seeing my mom in that jumpsuit now, he says. I've waited for it my whole life.
Ryan Donahue40:24
Viral: 82.0
Speakers

Host

TruRed CRIME
Topics Discussed
Serial Killer Behavior95%Domestic Abuse and Control90%Family Trauma and Abuse88%Arson and Attempted Murder85%Narcissistic Personality Disorder80%Legal System Failures75%Foster Care Trauma70%Military Background and Exploitation65%
People & Brands

Sarah Hartsfield

person

120xNegative

Joseph Hartsfield

person

45xNegative

David Bragg

person

22xNegative

Titus Nornskeild

person

18xNegative

Ryan Donahue

person

15xNeutral

TruRed CRIME

media

15xNeutral

Ashley Donahue

person

12xNeutral

Chambers County Sheriff's Office

organization

12xPositive

David George

person

10xNeutral

Barb Stewart

person

8xNeutral

Get the full intelligence

Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “The Evil Story Of Sarah Hartsfield” inside PodZeus.

Start discovering podcast insights today

Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.

No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime