Bio

Samuel Manzie was born on February 25, 1982. He grew up in Jackson Township, New Jersey, in a family that provided him with basic support. 

By the time he was twelve, Samuel started to spend a lot of time alone at his computer. He created a personal website showcasing his interests, including his passion for the band Smashing Pumpkins. Samuel had a yearning for friendship but felt isolated from his peers. He often found it difficult to connect with other kids and was sometimes bullied at school.

At the age of fourteen, Samuel began a relationship with an older man named Stephen Simmons, who he met through an online chat room. This relationship introduced Samuel to a world of adult conversations and experiences. His parents eventually discovered the phone calls to Simmons when they reviewed their long-distance bills. Concerned about their son's well-being, they sought help through therapy, but view of the situation turned complex.

In the fall of 1997, Samuel's behavior raised alarms for his parents. They attempted to have him committed to a psychiatric facility, but their efforts were unsuccessful. They reported their concerns to authorities, leading to a police investigation that would soon spiral into tragedy.

Murder Story

On September 27, 1997, 11-year-old Eddie Werner went to Jackson Township, New Jersey, to sell candy and wrapping paper for his school’s fundraiser. He knocked on various doors in the neighborhood, hoping to earn enough sales to win a prize. That afternoon, he came to the home of 15-year-old Sam Manzie, who invited him inside.

Once inside, events turned tragic. Manzie allegedly lured Werner into his bedroom, where he is said to have sexually assaulted and strangled him with the cord from an alarm clock. After the murder, Manzie hid Werner's body in a suitcase. He left the suitcase in a wooded area behind his home, intending to keep it hidden until after the police investigation began.

Eddie’s disappearance was reported soon after, leading to a search in the area. His body was discovered two days later. Sam Manzie was arrested the following day, on September 28, 1997, after confessing to the crime. The investigation revealed a troubled background for Manzie, who had been dealing with complex issues stemming from a prior relationship with an adult man he had met online.

On April 14, 1999, Manzie was sentenced to 70 years in prison after pleading guilty to knowing and purposeful murder. Though the charges of robbery and aggravated sexual assault were dropped as part of a plea agreement, he faced a lengthy prison term owing to the nature of his crime. At the time of his sentencing, he was only 17 years old. Manzie's case raised concerns and discussions about mental health and the influence of past abuse.