True Crime with Rachel Shannon

In today’s video, we dive deep into the tragic and captivating case of Birna Brjánsdóttir, an Icelandic woman whose disappearance and murder devastated the nation. We explore the investigation, the trial, and the lasting impact on Icelandic society. Go watch my other episodes on Spotify:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Disturbing Case of Stephanie Parze⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠She Tried to Warn Them About her So...

In today's video, we discuss the case of Savannah Spurlock, a Kentucky mother who went missing and whose body was found months later. We will explore the details surrounding her disappearance, the investigation, and the community's response to the tragedy. Thank you to the following sources for the information in today's video, including details of the case and its aftermath: - Obituary and news a...

This is the devastating story of Elijah Lewis, a 5-year-old boy whose life was tragically cut short due to horrific abuse and neglect. We delve into the details of his short life, the failures of the system designed to protect children, and the heartbreaking circumstances that led to his death. What Elijah went through at the hands of his own mother is going to break your heart and leave you quest...

The tragic story of Octavia Aquino is a heartbreaking case of a child whose cries for help were ignored by EVERYONE. This 4-year-old was failed by her mother, her abuser, and the roommates who knew what was happening and did nothing to help. Go watch my other episodes on Spotify:  ⁠The Disturbing Case of Stephanie Parze⁠ ⁠She Tried to Warn Them About her Son, Then he was MURDERED. THE CASE OF GUNN...

Jeremiah Valencia was born to a careless, selfish mother who allowed him to be abused and tortured. This case reveals how an entire family participated in the horrific beating of this innocent child using brass knuckles, a homemade spear, and a hammer. Jeremiah suffered greatly until his bruised and battered body could no longer endure the pain. What kind of disturbed monsters can inflict this muc...

10-year-old Gavin Peterson was an intelligent, happy boy who faced unimaginable hardships. Taken from his mother and placed in the care of his father and stepmother, Gavin endured abuse, neglect, and torture. Despite numerous reports, his father and stepmother escaped justice, which disturbed investigators and enraged an entire state. Go watch my other episodes on Spotify:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Disturbin...

Kaylee Jayde Priest was born to a mother who couldn’t care less about her: Nicola Priest would rather post on social media and have sex with her boyfriend than raise her daughter in a safe home. Then, once Callum Redfern entered their lives, things took a tragic turn for the worst. In a case which one doctor called “the worst I’ve ever seen,” Kaylee suffered the most shocking, horrendous death ima...

"She was just too mouthy." Those are the words Julie Schenecker used when describing her motive behind murdering her young daughter and son. In this case, we will dive into the disturbed mind of the woman who meticulously planned the gruesome execution of her 2 children, all because they were too sassy. Go watch my other episodes on Spotify:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Disturbing Case of Stephanie Parze⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

This is the tragic and infuriating story of Malinda Hoagland, a 12-year-old girl who was subjected to unimaginable abuse and torture at the hands of those she was supposed to trust the most. We'll delve into the details of the case, revealing the numerous red flags missed that allowed the horrific abuse to continue. Go watch my other episodes on Spotify:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Disturbing Case of Stephanie P...

In today's video, we delve into the heartbreaking story of a mother, Tania Clarence, who struggles with the immense pressures of raising three children with severe disabilities. Behind the seemingly perfect family image lies the overwhelming stress, constant medical interventions, and the profound impact on Tania's mental health. We explore the events leading up to the horrifying tragedy. Go watch...

Join as we dive into a disturbing true crime case in which a 16 year old girl with Spina Bifida is left to die an excruciating death. This is a truly devastating story of a young girl with significant medical needs who was utterly failed by her caregivers, and everyone else in her surrounding community. This case serves as a stark reminder that we MUST do more to protect our most vulnerable popula...

In today’s video, we talk about the incredible survival story of Alison Botha — a woman who endured one of the most brutal attacks imaginable and lived to tell her story. We walk through the details of the 1994 attack in South Africa, how Alison survived after being left for dead, and how she turned her pain into purpose. This case is not just about true crime — it’s about resilience, courage, and...

Kayden Mancuso: A System That Failed Her In 2018, 7-year-old Kayden was murdered by her father during an unsupervised visit—granted despite clear red flags. Her story led to Kayden’s Law, pushing for safer custody decisions. Update (Dec. 2023): Kayden’s Law has now been adopted in several U.S. states and continues to influence child custody reform on a federal level. We take a look at recent progr...

In this video, we discuss the tragic events surrounding the homicide of Tawnee Baird, who was stabbed to death at the age of 21. The case involves her partner, Victoria Ashley Mendoza, who has been sentenced in relation to this incident. We explore various aspects of the case, including prior domestic issues and the aftermath of the brutal altercation. Go watch my other episodes on Spotify:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

When 5-year-old AJ Freund was reported missing, his parents appeared devastated. But as the investigation unfolded, a horrifying truth emerged: AJ hadn’t wandered off — he had suffered brutal abuse at the hands of the very people meant to protect him. Shocking evidence revealed the extent of his suffering, turning a missing child case into one of the most disturbing examples of child abuse and sys...

2 year old Leo and 6 year old Lulu Krim were the lights of Kevin and Marina Krim’s worlds. These precious angels were cherished, loved, and doted on by everyone around them. However, within every family, there are struggles and having a set of helping hands can be a huge relief for a stay at home mother. 50 year old Yoselyn Ortega was entrusted to help care for these precious angels. However, a wo...

Delve into a case that started with a mother discovering that her daughter, Callie, had been brutally murdered, and her young granddaughters had been taken. Police were then lead down a path where they discovered a series of gruesome scenes: the body of a little girl, a crazed man wandering the streets, and the possibility of a sex ring operation. After multiple arrests, police unveiled a disturbi...

Friends and family members tried to warn Debbie Leitch's mother about her worsening condition, however, she wouldn't listen. Instead, she tried to cover her tracks, and continued neglecting her daughter until she was found in the worst condition imaginable. What are your thoughts on this case? Let's discuss in the comments. Go watch my other episodes on Spotify:  ⁠⁠The Disturbing Case of Stephanie...

Eight members of the Rhoden family were brutally murdered in one night — execution-style — in rural Ohio. For years, investigators were baffled. No forced entry. No obvious suspects. Just a horrifying, calculated crime that shattered a community. But behind the scenes, a twisted truth was unfolding: an entire family had conspired to kill another family. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also...

Lilie James was a bright and ambitious young woman, just beginning her adult life. She had recently graduated, started a new job, and was exploring new relationships and opportunities. But on October 25, 2023, her promising future was cut short. CCTV footage later revealed her final moments and the person responsible was someone shockingly close to her. Her death sent shockwaves through her commun...

In this chilling case, 20-year-old college student Alexa Cannon was brutally murdered by her best friend and roommate, Luisa Cutting, during a drug-fueled psychotic break. What led to this horrifying betrayal? Was it mental illness, substance abuse—or something darker? Today, we dive into the tragic story behind the murder that shocked Radford University. Go watch my other episodes on Spotify:  Th...

What are your thoughts on Haley's case? Do you think Orlando deserved the sentence he received? In this video, we dive deep into the chilling details of the case, the international legal battle, and the emotional toll it took on Haley’s loved ones. Go watch my other episodes on Spotify:  ⁠The Disturbing Case of Stephanie Parze⁠ ⁠She Tried to Warn Them About her Son, Then he was MURDERED. THE CASE...

In 1999, 21-year-old Corinna Mullen vanished without a trace — a promising life cut short under chilling and mysterious circumstances. For over two decades, her case remained unsolved, leaving behind a grieving family and a community desperate for answers. But now, after years of silence, the truth has finally come to light. Go watch my other episodes on Spotify:  The Disturbing Case of Stephanie...

Shana Grice was just 19 years old when she was brutally murdered by a man she had repeatedly reported to the police—a man she once dated, who became a relentless stalker. Instead of protecting her, authorities fined Shana for "wasting police time." Months later, she was found dead. Go watch my other episodes on Spotify:  The Disturbing Case of Stephanie Parze She Tried to Warn Them About her Son,...

In this gripping true crime episode, we revisit the tragic and shocking case of Colleen Ritzer — a beloved high school teacher whose life was senselessly taken by one of her own students. Through chilling surveillance footage, police interviews, and courtroom testimony, we unravel how the crime unfolded, how investigators pieced together the evidence, and how justice was ultimately served. What ar...