What Happened to Katie Rose Fusco Pladl?
Katie Pladl's life tragically ended in April 2018 at the age of 20, when she, her infant son Bennett, and her adoptive father Anthony Fusco were murdered by her biological father, Steven Pladl, in a multi-state murder-suicide. The events followed an incestuous relationship between Katie and Steven, which resulted in the birth of their son and subsequent criminal charges. The case continues to draw public attention, with a 2024 true crime movie about the family recently becoming available on Netflix in 2026.
Quick Answer
Katie Pladl was murdered on April 12, 2018, at the age of 20, by her biological father, Steven Pladl, who also killed their 7-month-old son, Bennett, and Katie's adoptive father, Anthony Fusco, before committing suicide. The tragic events unfolded after Katie ended her incestuous relationship with Steven, which had led to their marriage and the birth of their child. The case remains a subject of public interest, notably highlighted by a 2024 Lifetime movie, 'Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story,' which became available on Netflix in April 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Katie Pladl Born and Adopted
Katie Pladl (originally named Denise) was born to Steven Pladl and Alyssa Garcia and subsequently given up for adoption, becoming Katie Fusco.
Katie Reconnects with Biological Parents
At age 18, Katie Pladl reconnected with her biological parents, Steven and Alyssa Pladl, via social media and moved in with them in Henrico County, Virginia.
Incestuous Relationship Begins
Steven Pladl began sleeping in Katie's bedroom, and a sexual relationship between them started, leading to Steven and Alyssa's separation.
Pregnancy Discovered
Alyssa Pladl discovered Katie was pregnant with Steven's child after reading a journal entry from one of her other daughters, and Steven confirmed the relationship and pregnancy.
Katie and Steven Marry
Katie and Steven Pladl married in Parkton, Maryland, falsely stating on their marriage documents that they were not related.
Son Bennett Born
Katie gave birth to her and Steven's son, Bennett Kieron Pladl.
Arrested on Incest Charges
Katie and Steven Pladl were arrested in Knightdale, North Carolina, and charged with incest, adultery, and contributing to delinquency. They were later released on bond.
Katie Ends Relationship with Steven
Katie Pladl informed Steven that she wanted to end their relationship, a decision that reportedly angered him.
Bennett Pladl Murdered
Steven Pladl murdered his 7-month-old son, Bennett, by smothering him at his home in Knightdale, North Carolina.
Katie Pladl and Anthony Fusco Murdered
Steven Pladl fatally shot Katie Pladl and her adoptive father, Anthony Fusco, in New Milford, Connecticut.
Steven Pladl Commits Suicide
Following the murders, Steven Pladl was found dead in Dover, New York, from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Lifetime Movie Released
A true crime movie, 'Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story,' based on the events, was released by Lifetime.
Movie Available on Netflix
The Lifetime movie 'Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story' became available on Netflix, renewing public interest in the case.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Katie Rose Fusco Pladl was born in January 1998 to Steven Pladl and Alyssa Garcia, but was given up for adoption as an infant due to Steven's alleged abusive behavior. She was adopted by Anthony and Kelly Fusco and raised in New York.
At the age of 18 in August 2016, Katie reconnected with her biological parents through social media and moved in with them in Henrico County, Virginia. Shortly after, Steven Pladl and Katie began an incestuous relationship, which led to Steven's separation from Alyssa. In May 2017, Alyssa discovered Katie was pregnant with Steven's child after reading a journal entry from one of her other daughters. Steven confirmed the pregnancy and his intent to marry Katie.
Katie and Steven married in Maryland in July 2017, lying on their marriage documents about their relationship, and their son, Bennett Kieron Pladl, was born on September 1, 2017. In January 2018, they were arrested in North Carolina and charged with incest, adultery, and contributing to delinquency. They were released on bond, with conditions that included Katie living with her adoptive parents in New York and staying away from Steven.
In April 2018, Katie informed Steven that she wanted to end their relationship, a decision that reportedly enraged him. On April 11, 2018, Steven murdered their 7-month-old son, Bennett, by smothering him at his home in Knightdale, North Carolina. The following day, April 12, 2018, Steven tracked down Katie and her adoptive father, Anthony Fusco, in New Milford, Connecticut. He opened fire on their vehicle with an AR-15 style rifle, killing both Katie and Anthony instantly. Steven then drove to Dover, New York, where he died by suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The tragic murder-suicide garnered significant national attention due to the disturbing nature of the incestuous relationship and the subsequent killings. The case highlighted concerns about the judicial system's handling of Steven's bond conditions. As of April 2026, public interest in the case persists, evidenced by the 2024 Lifetime true crime movie, 'Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story,' which recently became available for streaming on Netflix, bringing renewed attention to the events and the surviving family members.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Katie Rose Fusco Pladl made different choices?