True Crime with Rachel Shannon

Zaydian Dopirak’s life began under the shadow of his violent father. Despite being taken from his father as a newborn, a questionable decision returned him to that dangerous environment. Despite numerous warnings from those around him, the tragic outcome proved everyone right. This episode explores the heartbreaking failures and the devastating consequences of one fatal choice. Go watch my other e...

This is the heartbreaking story of Christe Chen, a vibrant young woman whose life was tragically cut short. Her dream honeymoon in Fiji took a dark turn, ending in unspeakable violence. Join us as we explore the events surrounding her death and the devastating impact it had on her family and friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 3, 2018, what seemed like a tragic overdose turned out to be a chilling murder. Lynn Hernan was killed not by accident, but by her caretaker Jessy Kurczewski — who used Visine eye drops to poison her. Found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison in 2024, Jessy’s shocking crime and the upcoming appeal leave many questions unanswered. Join us as we unpack this distu...

Marilyn Bergeron vanished in 2008 under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions. Fourteen years later, new leads have emerged, including a 2022 witness who claims a distressed young woman, believed to be Marilyn, appeared at his home in Eastern Ontario back in 2009. In this episode, we trace the timeline from her disappearance to the most recent developments, re-ex...

In this episode, we revisit the heartbreaking disappearance of Emilie Meng, a case that haunted Denmark for nearly a decade. In June 2024, Philip Patrick Westh was convicted of her murder after a shocking break in the case linked him to Emilie through DNA evidence and disturbing items found in his home. We walk through the original investigation, the overlooked clues, and the 2023 abduction case t...

Eight years of stalking. One shocking murder. On Valentine’s Day 2020, Amie Harwick’s life was violently taken by Gareth Pursehouse — the man who haunted her for nearly a decade after their breakup. In this episode, we dive into the dark obsession, terrifying stalking behaviors, and the brutal crime that stunned a community. What drove a man to such extremes after years apart? Hear the chilling de...

Mengqi Ji’s disappearance shocked a community, but after a long and intense investigation, justice was served. In this emotionally charged episode, we explore the chilling details of the case, the evidence that cracked it wide open, and the trial of Joseph Elledge. Hear from multiple sources and gain an inside look at how the truth finally came to light, and what it means for victims of domestic v...

This is one of the most disturbing child abuse cases you've never heard of. Dennis “Boo” Vaughan, just 5 years old, was trapped in a nightmare, ignored by CPS, failed by family, and ultimately betrayed in the worst way imaginable by his own grandmother. In this true crime deep dive, we break down every shocking detail: the signs that were ignored, the horrifying truth uncovered, and the aftermath...

How does a child starve to death while under the care of two parents? In this episode, we investigate the heartbreaking death of baby Sterling Koehn—found dead in a maggot-infested swing after days of neglect. Through court transcripts, expert commentary, and chilling 911 audio, we uncover the layers of failure—from the parents’ disturbing inaction to systemic gaps that allowed it to happen. This...

When Jasmine Lovett and her baby daughter Aliyah vanished, the story quickly took a disturbing turn. Robert Leeming’s strange behavior and bizarre interviews raised red flags for police, but without clear evidence, investigators had to dig deeper. An undercover operation eventually unveiled chilling confessions — including an unsettling detail about bacon being used to cover his tracks. Join us as...

Suzanne Lyall’s disappearance remains one of New York’s most haunting mysteries. A gifted student with a passion for computers, Suzy vanished just steps from her dorm in 1998. This episode tells her story — from her family’s desperate search to the nonprofit they founded, the Center for Hope, supporting other families of missing persons. Join us as we honor Suzy’s legacy and remind all those searc...

This is the twisted story of Navin Jones, an 8-year-old boy who was stolen from the one person who loved him most and was then tortured, starved, and ultimately murdered. Navin should have been protected. He COULD have been protected. Due to the many failures of those who should have intervened, Navin is no longer here. After his tragic end, further information emerged suggesting that this family...

She helped him. He killed her. Cathryn Gorospe was just trying to do the right thing when she posted bail for her boyfriend, Charlie Malzahn. Days later, she was dead. In this chilling episode, we unpack the timeline of betrayal, the violent aftermath, and how a “solved” case still raises questions about missed warning signs and repeat offenders. How well do you really know the people you love? Go...

One secret. One family. One deadly betrayal. In this chilling true crime episode, we uncover the twisted events leading to the Cain family murders — a case where a woman hid a massive secret from her family before brutally turning on them. Why did she do it? What could drive someone to kill the very people who loved them most? We dig into the timeline, motives, and the disturbing psychological pat...

In today's true crime case, we will be unraveling the gruesome details of the Madyson Middleton case: she was lured into her demise with ice cream, by a monster hiding in plain sight. We discuss the details of the investigation that led to the capture of Madyson's killer and how the justice system may be the very reason he is released to harm yet another victim. Go watch my other episodes on Spoti...

In today's true crime case, what started out as a story of stolen vehicle and missing child, quickly turned into something much darker and much more twisted. We will be discussing the troubling case of Lonzie Barton, who was just 21 months old when he met his tragic end. Be prepared, because this is a truly heartbreaking story. Go watch my other episodes on Spotify:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Disturbing Case of Step...

In this episode, we delve into the harrowing case of The Haines Family Murders, a crime that shocked an entire community and left investigators searching for answers. Years after the tragedy, a confession emerges — revealing dark secrets, hidden motives, and the disturbing truth behind one of the most haunting family murder cases in recent memory. Go watch my other episodes on Spotify:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dis...

What began as a dream getaway turned into an unthinkable tragedy. Let's dive into the heartbreaking true story of 17-year-old Rebecca Middleton, whose life was brutally taken while vacationing in Bermuda in 1996. Go watch my other episodes on Spotify:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Disturbing Case of Stephanie Parze⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠She Tried to Warn Them About her Son, Then he was MURDERED. THE CASE OF GUNNAR SCHUMACHER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Originally released in 2023, this episode covers the haunting Rose Petal Murder — the case of a woman found brutally killed in South Carolina, her body chillingly covered in rose petals. The main suspect, Zachary Hughes, was arrested early in the investigation, but the case remained stalled for years. We’re reposting this episode with a quick update: as of 2025, the trial has finally progressed. J...

Anjum and Randall Coffland were married for 28 years, and together they welcomed their twin daughters, Brittney and Tiffany, into the world on March 14, 2000. By February 2017, however, their marriage had come to an end. While Anjum was prepared to move forward with her life, Randall struggled to accept the separation. When he realized that reconciliation was no longer an option, he made a devasta...

She thought he was just a friend. She couldn’t have been more wrong. Keeley Bunker was only 20 years old, full of life, with her whole future ahead of her. But what was supposed to be a fun night out ended in unimaginable tragedy. In this video, we dive into the heartbreaking and horrifying case of Keeley Bunker — a young woman betrayed by someone she trusted the most. Go watch my other episodes o...

In this video, we revisit the strange and unsettling case of Tyler Davis, who vanished without a trace in 2019 after a night out in Columbus, Ohio. Despite searches, media attention, and years of unanswered questions, Tyler remains missing. As of late 2021, he was officially presumed dead but no body has been found, and the investigation remains open. Update : Tyler is still missing, officially pr...

Dive into the disturbing case of Jennifer Gledhill, a Utah woman accused of murdering her husband, Matthew Johnson. This true crime investigation unravels a web of secrets, including allegations of domestic violence, a hidden affair, and a desperate attempt to cover up the crime. We analyze the evidence collected by police to piece together the timeline of events and understand what led Jennifer t...

Was it an accident? Or was it something far more sinister? The death of 8-year-old Jaylin Schwarz initially appeared to be a tragic accident, but as investigators unraveled the family dynamics, a disturbing truth emerged. This video discusses the complexities of Jaylin’s family life, the day of her death, and the trial that followed. Go watch my other episodes on Spotify:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Disturbing C...

Today’s case is a chilling reminder that sometimes, the greatest dangers come from those we trust the most. Fallon Fridley was a happy, loving two-year-old girl who was tragically murdered by someone her family felt they could trust. This individual presented themselves as loving and caring, but was hiding a terrifying truth that came to light in a vicious way. Go watch my other episodes on Spotif...