Virginia man sentenced for raping, killing college administrator found dead in bathtub

RICHMOND, Va. (TCD) -- A judge handed a 62-year-old Henrico County man three life sentences this week for raping and killing a college administrator inside her home in 2019.

Suzanne Fairman, 53, was found dead at her residence May 9, 2019, Richmond Police said at the time. The suspect, Thomas Clark, was arrested about a week later and was held on unrelated charges until he was indicted in October 2019 on charges of murder, rape, and abduction with intent to defile.

According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Fairman was reportedly supposed to fly to Florida that day but never arrived. When police showed up at her home, they reportedly found Fairman in the bathtub with her head under the faucet, which was still running. Her wrists reportedly had ligature marks on them, and her pants were on inside out.

Investigators reportedly located a knife and phone charging cord nearby, which prosecutors said Clark used to tie Fairman’s wrists as he raped her at knifepoint.

WWBT-TV reports Fairman hired Clark to fix the deck at her home, though his criminal record spans 40 years with charges such as rape and burglary. Fairman worked at Virginia Commonwealth University as an administrator, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

At his sentencing hearing, Clark reportedly said, "I know I’m not guilty of these charges." Clark’s attorney plans to appeal.

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