Mother's Body Found Buried Under Porch, Son and Grandmother Charged
In a disturbing case that shocked Alabama, 32-year-old Nathaniel Sebastian has been accused of murdering his mother, Susan Mayo, and hiding her body beneath the front porch of their shared home. Authorities allege that Sebastian, an admirer of infamous serial killer John Wayne Gacy, buried his mother in a barrel three feet under their front porch, mimicking the methods of his serial-killing idol. Here's what is known about the murder of Susan Mayo and the motives that may have driven Sebastian.
The Disappearance of Susan Mayo
Susan Mayo, 60, was first reported missing in June 2017 by her other son, triggering an extensive investigation by the Mobile County Sheriff's Office. For three months, detectives searched her home, where she lived with her son, Nathaniel Sebastian, who continually denied any knowledge of her whereabouts. Detectives made multiple visits to the home, executing search warrants and speaking to Sebastian, but it wasn't until Sept. 6, 2017, that they made a breakthrough. As police prepared to search beneath the porch, Sebastian allegedly confessed, saying, "OK, my mama's under the front porch. Y'all got me," according to Captain Paul Burch of the Mobile County Sheriff's Office, as reported by Investigation Discovery.
3 Feet Under
After receiving Sebastian's confession, investigators began an intense search under the house's front porch. Five hours later, they unearthed a 55-gallon drum, which contained the remains believed to be those of Susan Mayo. The body was sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for formal identification.
Captain Paul Burch of the Mobile County Sheriff's Office revealed that Sebastian's fascination with John Wayne Gacy, an infamous convicted serial killer who buried many of his victims under his home, might have influenced him to conceal his mother's body similarly.
Sebastian's Fascination With John Wayne Gacy
Sebastian's alleged admiration for Gacy adds a disturbing layer to this case. Gacy, known as the "Killer Clown," murdered at least 33 young men in the 1970s and buried many of them in the crawl space beneath his house. This detail was an aspect of Gacy's case that appears to have resonated with Sebastian, who is said to have viewed the infamous serial killer as an idol. Captain Burch suggested that this dark obsession may have partly inspired Sebastian's actions, but he also called attention to "strange family dynamics" within the household.
John Wayne Gacy mug shot, December 1978. Photo courtesy of Des Plaines Police Department. Public domain.
An Unexpected Discovery
Nathaniel Sebastian's actions in the days leading up to his confession raised suspicion. On Aug. 28, 2017, he was arrested for obstructing governmental operations after interfering with cadaver dog searches at his mother's property. Despite his disruptive behavior, he was released on Sept. 5, just one day before his eventual confession to police.
Sebastian was charged not only with murder and abuse of a corpse but also with promoting prison contraband. As he was being booked, police discovered that he had concealed a homemade handcuff key in his mouth. This added charge speaks to Sebastian's apparent intention to evade law enforcement, even after confessing to the murder. Sebastian pleaded guilty in February 2020 and received a sentence of 25 years in prison. His grandmother, Doris Clark, 81, was also arrested and charged with hindering prosecution. She had given the gun Sebastian used to his unknowing brother in an attempt to hide it. She was later placed on house arrest.
A Family Tragedy Rooted in Darkness
Sebastian's crime highlights a web of disturbing family dynamics that left many questions unanswered. While he told the press he loved his mother, his actions painted a different picture. While many aspects of the case remain unknown, it serves as an unsettling reminder that deep-rooted influences can sometimes have devastating consequences.
References: Man Accused of Killing Mom and Burying Body Under Porch Was Allegedly Inspired by 'Killer Clown' John Wayne Gacy | Son murdered mom and buried her under porch of their home | John Wayne Gacy Fan Kills Mom, Buries Her in Barrel| Mobile County man pleads guilty to murdering his mother, burying her body in barrel | TIMELINE: Susan Mayo Murder Investigation
