Death at the Parsonage | Full Episode
- Aug 18, 2026
- 42:25
- Full Episode
An apparent suicide in a Pennsylvania church exposes secrets a twice-widowed pastor wants to keep hidden. "48 Hours" correspondent Richard Schlesinger reports in this episode from January 2015. Watch more full episodes of "48 Hours" on Pluto TV.
True crime. Real justice. "48 Hours" investigates the most intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all areas of the human experience including greed and passion. "48 Hours," which premiered in 1988, has developed a rich history of original reporting and impact journalism that has helped exonerate wrongly convicted people, caused cold cases to be reopened and solved, and along the way changed lives.
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Brief Summary
Joe Musanti's suicide leads to investigations revealing a pastor's suspicious past and multiple deaths linked to him.
Key points
- Tragic Discovery. On October 29th, 2008, church secretary finds Mr. Misante dead by suicide.
- Family Betrayal. Rose Cobb learns her brother's wife was having an affair with the pastor.
- Suspicious Deaths. Rose uncovers a pattern of deaths linked to Pastor Shurmer.
- Last Voicemail. Joe Musanti leaves a heartbreaking voicemail for his daughter before his death.
- Blood Evidence. Detective Wagner finds blood evidence linking Betty's death to foul play.
- The Startling Text Message. Samantha receives a concerning text from her mother about a ring from AB.
Episode highlights
- Tragic DiscoveryOn October 29th, 2008, church secretary finds Mr. Misante dead by suicide.“It was a very bloody gruesome sight.”0:37Aug 18, 2026
- Family BetrayalRose Cobb learns her brother's wife was having an affair with the pastor.“How could my mom ever do something like this to our family?”1:48Aug 18, 2026
- Suspicious DeathsRose uncovers a pattern of deaths linked to Pastor Shurmer.“I thought he was a fraud.”2:30Aug 18, 2026
- Last VoicemailJoe Musanti leaves a heartbreaking voicemail for his daughter before his death.“If you love me at all, please call me back.”8:54Aug 18, 2026
- Blood EvidenceDetective Wagner finds blood evidence linking Betty's death to foul play.“She was bleeding prior to getting in that car.”23:00Aug 18, 2026
- The Startling Text MessageSamantha receives a concerning text from her mother about a ring from AB.“She texted me and she said, "AB bought me a ring."”24:56Aug 18, 2026
- The Arrest of Pastor ShurmerIn September 2010, the former pastor is arrested for the murder of Betty.“The police decided they now had to act quickly.”26:26Aug 18, 2026
- Guilty VerdictAB Shurmer is found guilty of murdering his second wife, Betty.“AB Shurmer, a pastor in the past, is a convict now found guilty of murder.”37:50Aug 18, 2026
