New Insights Revealed in Shawn Grate’s Arrest by «20/20»

An upcoming episode of «20/20» is set to provide new insights into the arrest of Shawn Grate, a convicted serial killer who admitted to the murders of five women. The broadcast will air on November 22, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC and will be available on Hulu the following day. This investigative episode is titled ‘Meet the Other Me’ and features first-hand accounts from those connected to the case.

The investigation that led to Grate’s arrest was initiated by a distressing 911 call made by a kidnap victim on September 13, 2016. This call launched an inquiry that became a career-defining case for veteran authorities in Ashland, Ohio, who were involved in its resolution. Kim Mager, a former detective with the Ashland Police, worked closely on the case, which she describes as unforgettable.

«I don’t want to forget this case. I don’t want anyone to forget it,» Mager stated during interviews, highlighting the randomness with which the culprits selected their victims. The episode will explore the chilling details of the call, including the courageous actions of the victim, referred to as Jane Doe, who managed to summon help while her captor slept beside her.

Emergency call dispatcher Sara Miller recounted the tense moments as she guided officers to Jane Doe’s location. «They can’t just gang-bust into a house. What if he’d have woken up with a weapon and hurt her?» she explained, emphasizing the careful approach taken by Officer Curt Dorsey and his team during the rescue mission. Their efforts culminated in the successful rescue of Jane Doe, who had seized Grate’s phone to contact emergency services.

Upon the discovery of Jane Doe, Shawn Grate was arrested and subsequently confessed to multiple crimes, including the abduction and sexual assault of Jane Doe and the murders of several other women. The bodies of two victims, Elizabeth Griffith and Stacey Stanley, were found at the property where Jane Doe was held. Further confessions by Grate led to the identification of other victims, including Dana Nicole Lowrey, Candice Cunningham, and Rebekah Leicy.

The episode promises interviews with victims’ families, providing an emotional recount of their experiences and the impact of the murders on their lives. The show also highlights the role of Detective Mager, who, through empathy and strategic questioning, was able to extract confessions from Grate, revealing the extent of his crimes.

John Quiñones, the correspondent for the «20/20» episode, recognized the depth and impact of the story. «This is such a compelling story, one of the most spellbinding cases I’ve ever covered,» he noted, emphasizing the gripping nature of the investigation.

The case represented one of the significant challenges in law enforcement, as officers discovered further gruesome scenes inside the residence where Grate was apprehended. The recent identifications and subsequent legal outcomes place Grate on death row, securing some measure of justice for the victims and their families.

Kim Mager’s book, «A Hunger to Kill,» offers a comprehensive insight into the investigation and its broader implications for society, capturing the story that continues to resonate with those involved and the public.