5 Shocking Facts Surrounding the Murder of Ed Bozarth

Ed Bozarth was tragically discovered deceased on his boat on July 1, 2007. In a shocking turn of events, Ed’s wife, Denise Bozarth, admitted in 2012 to murdering him, claiming he had approached her with a firearm, which led her to act in self-defense.

However, in 2014, after a judge deemed her confession inadmissible, Denise pled guilty to second-degree murder and subsequently received a twelve-year prison sentence.

The upcoming Season 3, Episode 6 of Oxygen’s Killer Relationships with Faith Jenkins, titled “Beneath the Surface,”will provide an in-depth look at this complex homicide, which remained unresolved for nearly five years. The episode is set to air on September 21, 2024, at 8 PM EST. The synopsis states:

“Ed Bozarth lives life on the sea, but paradise turns deadly when the dashing adventurer is found dead on his boat in Key Largo, Fla. Just below the surface, investigators uncover a secret past filled with intrigue and enemies lurking within.”

Key Facts Surrounding Ed Bozarth’s Murder

1) Ed Bozarth’s body was found wrapped and incapacitated

According to CBS, Ed was found lifeless in the starboard engine room of his boat. His body had been enclosed in a canvas sail storage bag serving as a makeshift body bag. Ed was additionally wrapped in a towel and bound with rope, and a belt was discovered around his neck.

2) Ed Bozarth suffered severe head trauma

Ed Bozarth's skull was shattered (Image by Yousef Samuil/Unsplash) — Ed Bozarth’s skull was shattered (Image by Yousef Samuil/Unsplash)

As reported by CBS, autopsy findings revealed that Ed suffered multiple blunt force impacts to the head. His skull was fractured, and he had extensive injuries throughout his body. Ed’s friend Lowry recounted the brutal nature of Ed’s murder to CBS, stating:

“Seven distinct, hard blows to the head were delivered with such force that they had to consult the University of Florida to reconstruct the skull to identify the weapon used.”

3) Ed’s body was found a week after his death

Ed's body was discovered seven days later (Image by Julia Taubitz/Unsplash) — Ed’s body was discovered seven days later (Image by Julia Taubitz/Unsplash)

Reports from CBS indicate that Ed’s corpse was found in his boat’s engine room after a foul odor led investigators to search the space. Upon the arrival of sheriff deputies, it was noted that the boat’s air conditioning system was set to a chilling 60 degrees.

4) No murder weapon was located at the crime scene

No murder weapon was found (Image by Mitchell Luo/Unsplash)

After discovering Ed’s body and identifying blunt force trauma as the cause of death, the investigation revealed that his skull had been crushed. However, no weapon was found at the scene, and there were no traces of DNA or other evidence, complicating the case further for investigators.

5) Ed’s wife allegedly sought to hire a hitman

Ed's wife Denise Bozarth wanted to hire a hitman (Image by Antonio Dicaterina/Unsplash) — Ed’s wife Denise Bozarth wanted to hire a hitman (Image by Antonio Dicaterina/Unsplash)

Reports suggest that Denise Bozarth confided to her lover, David Campbell, about her intentions to hire a hitman to eliminate Ed, ensuring that the murder would look accidental. She reportedly offered $10,000 for this job.

Additionally, Bonnie Colon, a witness who lived with Ed and Denise, revealed that Denise frequently discussed the murder and the substantial insurance money she would receive following Ed’s death.

To learn more about the details surrounding Ed Bozarth’s tragic demise, tune in to Season 3, Episode 6 of Oxygen’s Killer Relationships with Faith Jenkins.

Source