The Clay County, Florida courtroom witnessed a dramatic conclusion to the murder trial of Corey Binderim, a 49-year-old contractor found guilty of killing his client, Susan Mauldin. While the jury delivered a guilty verdict on charges of first-degree murder, assault, and destroying evidence, they ultimately spared Binderim from the death penalty, recommending a sentence of life in prison without parole. This new update brings closure to a case that has captivated the community and shed light on the dark underbelly of contractor disputes.
Corey Binderim (Clay County Sheriff’s Office)
The Botched Bathroom Remodel and a Client’s Disappearance
The tragic story began with a seemingly ordinary bathroom renovation. Susan Mauldin, 65, hired Binderim for the project, paying him approximately $12,000. However, the renovation became a nightmare as Binderim repeatedly failed to complete the work and often didn’t show up. Frustrated and out of pocket, Mauldin informed several people of her intention to demand a refund or pursue legal action against Binderim. This threat, the prosecution argued, became the motive for a brutal crime.
Mauldin was last seen alive on October 23, 2019, the day Binderim was scheduled to visit her home but never arrived. Two days later, a concerned friend reported her missing, alerting authorities to the ongoing dispute with Binderim. A chilling discovery of blood in Mauldin’s living room and kitchen hinted at a sinister turn of events.
A Trail of Evidence Leads to a Grisly Discovery
Investigators meticulously pieced together Binderim’s movements on October 24th. Surveillance footage captured him purchasing concrete and heavy-duty demo bags at a Home Depot. Phone records revealed two calls to Mauldin, followed by a brief visit to her residence. Subsequently, Binderim’s vehicle was tracked to his home and then to a local landfill, where he disposed of approximately 300 pounds of waste in the construction area. This waste was later transferred to another landfill in Folkston, Georgia.
In January 2020, after an extensive search of the Georgia landfill, human remains were recovered and positively identified as Susan Mauldin. The grim discovery solidified the case against Binderim, leading to his arrest and subsequent trial.
Inside the Courtroom: A Detailed Look at the Trial
The trial unfolded over several days, marked by compelling witness testimony, expert analysis, and dramatic courtroom moments. Here’s a chronological recap of the key events:
Day 1: Opening Statements and Witness Testimony
The trial began with opening statements from both the prosecution and defense. The prosecution laid out their case, emphasizing the financial dispute and Binderim’s suspicious behavior. The defense attempted to portray Binderim as a struggling contractor with no intention of harming Mauldin. Key witnesses, Phyllis and Daniel Yates, who reported Mauldin missing, testified about her increasing frustration with Binderim’s failure to complete the renovation.
Day 2: Forensic Evidence and Surveillance Footage
The jury was presented with a wealth of forensic evidence, including photos of Binderim’s storage facility, Mauldin’s home, and Binderim’s truck. Crucially, surveillance video from Binderim’s storage facility on October 24th was shown, placing him at the scene on the day of the alleged murder. Karen Hall, a former client of Binderim, also testified, providing insights into his work practices and recalling a visit from him on the same day.
Day 3: Testimony from Key Witnesses
The third day featured impactful testimony from several key witnesses. Binderim’s ex-wife, Cassidy Lee, detailed his history of drug abuse and financial struggles, and described suspicious activity observed on their Ring doorbell camera on the day of the alleged murder. A jail informant, Thomas Smith, claimed Binderim confessed to hitting and choking a client during a fight over payment. Leigh Stansbury, a former employee, testified about Binderim’s drug use and a chilling conversation about disposing of a body in a landfill. Forensic experts presented their findings, including DNA analysis and an autopsy report indicating blunt force trauma and strangulation as the cause of death.
Day 4: Closing Arguments and Verdict
The prosecution rested its case after calling 33 witnesses, culminating in the testimony of the forensic pathologist who conducted Mauldin’s autopsy. The defense presented two witnesses, a former client who praised Binderim’s work and a retired contractor who suggested scratches on Binderim’s arms, noted by detectives, were common in their line of work. Binderim declined to testify. Following closing arguments, the jury deliberated and returned a guilty verdict on all counts.
Day 5: The Penalty Phase
The penalty phase began with victim impact statements, offering a poignant reminder of the human cost of this crime. The defense presented mitigating evidence, including testimony about Binderim’s head trauma and its potential impact on his behavior. The jury ultimately voted 7-5 in favor of the death penalty, falling short of the required eight votes for capital punishment in Florida.
Day 6: Sentencing
The final day brought closure to the case with the judge formally sentencing Corey Binderim to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Justice Served: A Life Sentence for a Brutal Crime
The Corey Binderim case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unresolved disputes and the importance of seeking legal recourse through proper channels. While the details of the case are disturbing, the meticulous investigation, compelling evidence, and ultimately, the jury’s verdict, demonstrate the strength and efficacy of the justice system. The sentence, while not the death penalty sought by the prosecution, ensures that Binderim will be held accountable for his actions and will never again pose a threat to the community. This new update marks the end of a long and arduous legal process, offering some measure of solace to Susan Mauldin’s family and friends.
