GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Despite not having any notes or prepping for the interview by reviewing case files, Clay County Sheriff’s Office Detective Howard Fryer quickly answered all of Brian Ross’ questions without hesitation.

Fryer didn’t need any reminders about the murder of Susan Mauldin. He vividly remembers every aspect of the case – when she was reported missing on Oct. 25, 2019, the presumption of her death, the immediate person of interest, finding her body in a South Georgia landfill, followed by the arrest, trial and first-degree murder conviction of Corey Louis Binderim on Oct. 14, 2024.

The same jury then voted 7-5 to recommend that the handyman from Fleming Island spend the rest of his life at the Florida State Prison with no chance of parole.

The “Murder Uncut” series is part of Dan Abrams' Law&Crime Productions. Each show delves into murder investigations to see the role surveillance, cellphones, body cameras and raw footage play in helping detectives solve cases.

STAFF PHOTOS BY DON COBLE

STAFF PHOTOS BY DON COBLE

Fryer’s investigation benefited from store videos from Fleming Island Home Depot that showed Binderim buying the contractor trash bags and two 60-pound bags of concrete, home surveillance cameras that showed him backing his truck in Mauldin’s driveway, arriving at his home minutes later at Margaret’s Walk on Fleming Island, at Rosemary Hill Solid Waste Management Facility and his storage unit on U.S. Highway 17 on Fleming Island.

“I know this case forward and backwards,” Fryer said after the interview. “I didn’t need to look over the case. I have no bad memories. When they approached me, I was more than happy to share Susan's story, because this is about her memory and making it last."

“And if it can help any other investigators out there, or any other elderly individuals, you know, avoid a scenario like this, then I'm all more than happy to help.”

Mauldin was a 65-year-old widow who paid Binderim $12,000 to remodel her bathroom. He demolished it, but failed to complete the work. According to the State Attorney’s Office, when she threatened to call the sheriff’s office: “Instead of bringing a $12,000 check that he did not have, he brought his sturdy contractor bag. And after strangling Ms. Mauldin to death, he used that contractor bag as her tomb.”

Investigators watch as detectives search a South Georgia landfill for Susan Mauldin's body.

CLAY TODAY ARCHIVES

The episode was filmed at the Old County Jail. Freelance photojournalist Oluwaseyl “OT” Thomas spent more than three hours recording images of Fryer answering questions and peering through jail records.

“They did some research,” Fryer said. “They did their homework. I'm really impressed with how they've handled the whole process.”

Fryer said he’s not sure if he will watch the episode. 

“Something about watching yourself,” he said.

Thomas said he wasn’t told when the episode would air.

“I hope they do something this season,” Fryer said. “I hope it helps. That’s what it’s all about.”