Snapped in investigating the murder of Army Spc. John Eubank, who was killed by his wife, Lillie Mae Eubank, and his brother-in-law, Carl Evan “Cowboy” Swain, at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
Siblings Lillie Mae and Swain plotted to kill John so they could pocket $400,000 in life insurance and a $100,000 death gratuity benefit. The plan was to give Swain $160,000 for conducting the murder.
On November 30, 2013, Lillie Mae drove Swain, her husband, and her daughter to the Holbrook Pond Recreation Campground at Fort Stewart.
John was under the impression he was going hog hunting with Swain, and the pair headed off toward the woods. Lillie Mae then watched from the car as her brother attacked John from behind with a baseball bat.
Swain struck John on the back of the head and proceeded to hit him at least nine times. As the 29-year-old lay bloody and battered on the ground, Swain stole his ID and cellphone.
Lillie Mae and Swain then fled the scene. Swain then took a Greyhound bus back to his home in Jasper, Alabama.
Army Spc. John Eubank was found dying by US Army members following attack by Carl Swain
John was discovered a short time later by other members of the US Army who had gone to the pond area with their families. They made attempts to resuscitate John and transported him to the nearby Army hospital, but sadly, he passed away about an hour later.
Watch the Latest on our YouTube ChannelAn autopsy revealed John Eubank had suffered massive fractures to his skull and jaw, multiple brain injuries, a broken hyoid bone, and other injuries to his neck. There were no defensive wounds indicating he had been taken by surprise.
The investigators were able to move quite quickly in this case. They had a mountain of evidence against Lillie Mae and Swain, and the former confessed very quickly in an interview with detectives.
Lillie Mae’s cellphone revealed detailed messages and emails between herself and Swain that showed them planning the murder. She had also performed internet searches for how to murder someone and avoid detection in the autopsy.
Lillie Mae Eubank and Carl Swain of killing John Eubank
Swain was found guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit murder for money. He was sentenced to three life terms in federal prison.
Lillie Mae Eubank eventually pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life. There is no parole in the federal system.
At the sentencing, US District Judge William T. Moore called her an “evil person.”
Snapped airs Sundays at 6/5c on Oxygen.