48 Hours – “Coached to Kill” (January 5, 2026)

Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

This episode of 48 Hours investigates the murder of Shea Briar, a beloved young father in rural Indiana. What starts as a tragic mystery involving a seemingly senseless killing soon unravels into a chilling narrative: Athletic coach Esther Jane “EJ” Stephen conspired with her former protégé Shelby Heastend and friend Hannah Knapke to kill Shea, the father of her child. The episode guides listeners through the investigation, the evidence, and eventually the trials, revealing issues of manipulation, power dynamics, and failed intervention by those who might have seen the signs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Discovery and Initial Investigation

• The scene and victim identification (00:00–02:05)
  • Shea Briar was found alive but incoherent on a bridge before succumbing to a single bullet wound to the heart.
  • Detective Wes Sheminauer recalls the confusion on arrival:
    “When I first got to the scene here that night...this is kind of how I approached it.” (00:55)
  • The initial lack of suspects shocks the community; Shea was well-liked, had no enemies, and the incident was totally unexpected.

Shea’s Background and Relationships

• Shea’s life & aspirations (06:17–08:28)
  • Raised both in Indiana and Hawaii, Shea is described as “polite, goofy, loving, and a good kid.”
  • His dream was for a traditional family, but after a brief relationship with EJ, their daughter was born.
  • The engagement was described as “forced” and ultimately ended:
    “They did not have a connection.” (08:09)
• Custody battle and its fallout (08:33–09:54)
  • Shea filed for custody, wanting a role in his daughter’s life. EJ, according to family, responded with hostility:
    “He told me she said to him, ‘If you go through with this, you'll be sorry.’” (09:09)

Suspicion and Key Witness

• EJ’s suspicious behavior after the murder (11:07–12:25)
  • Interviewed hours after Shea’s death, EJ is unemotional and dishonest about her last contact with Shea.
    • “I would have expected a little bit of emotion out of her, but that didn’t happen.” – Detective Schwartz (11:45)
• Christi Sibrae’s critical disclosures (12:57–18:21)
  • EJ’s ex-mentor, Christi, recalls EJ “venting” about wanting to get rid of Shea and thinking it was just talk.
  • In hindsight, conversations about methods and persistent discussions become deeply concerning:
    • “Some of the conversations at the table would be, ‘how can we get rid of him so we don’t have to go to court?’…I just really thought she was venting. I did not think this was for real.” (17:02–17:42)

The Plot Unfolds

• The night of the murder (19:01–24:26)
  • EJ, Shelby, and Hannah move furniture at the daycare (ostensibly), test fire Shelby’s rifle, then drive Shea to the bridge.
  • EJ calls Shea to lure him out; he is shot in the back by Shelby, allegedly without warning.
  • EJ discards Shea's phone so he could not call for help.
    • “His only lifeline was that cell phone...and you left him there to die in the cold.” – Prosecutor (32:18)
• Confessions and Arrests (24:30–25:45)
  • EJ and Shelby are both arrested and confess to varying degrees; Shelby claims she “blacked out”:
    • “I really wasn’t. Honestly, I feel like I just blacked out and it just happened.” – Shelby (24:43)
  • Hannah admits involvement but claims she was unaware of the plan initially.

Trials and Legal Outcomes

• EJ Stephen’s trial (27:14–35:12)
  • Prosecutors argue that EJ orchestrated the murder to keep Shea from accessing their daughter.
    • “This was all for her benefit. I think she saw this as a way to eliminate a problem in her life.” – Prosecutor (28:39)
  • Crucial testimony includes discussions about previously attempting to poison Shea and planning his death.
    • “They did talk about how they one time did put pills in his tea and tried to OD him.” – Christi (29:41)
  • EJ’s defense claims all plans were “jokes” and places blame on Shelby, but the jury is unconvinced—she’s found guilty (35:04) and sentenced to 55 years (35:12).
  • “Like a big relief that that much is over.” – Shea’s family member on the verdict (35:04)
• Shelby Heastend’s trial (35:34–39:25)
  • Defense attempts to argue it was unintentional, but a damning text undermines this:
    • “I’m killing that bastard with my own two hands.” – Shelby’s text to EJ (37:36)
  • Prosecutors highlight Shelby’s animosity and her devotion to EJ.
    • “If you look at that text message...EJ's name in Shelby's phone is ‘BAE.’” (38:03)
  • Shelby is also found guilty and sentenced to 55 years, but apologizes to Shea’s family at sentencing.
    • “Shelby was looking right at me, and she said she was sorry. And I believed her. I mean, didn’t change anything, but I believed her.” – Shea’s family (39:10)
• Hannah Knapke’s plea (39:46–40:44)
  • To spare the family another trial, Hannah pleads guilty to voluntary manslaughter, potentially to be released in 2026.
    • “You could have made a difference. You could have said no...But for not one person, but three people made the decision to murder him.” (40:13)
  • “Three opportunities for someone to do the right thing—and none of them took that opportunity.” – Narrator (40:40)

Aftermath and Reflection

• Community and family impact (26:04, 35:51, 40:47)
  • The case shocks the small town and devastates Shea’s family.
  • Shea’s grave sits by his beloved church, symbolizing both his devotion and what was lost:
    • “My brother wanted to be there for his baby. He loves her so, so much. And he has the best view right now of her…he is laughing. He’s probably giving her wind tickles.” – Shea’s sister (41:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He was one of a kind. He was the best brother I could ever have … he had a kind heart.” (02:38–02:53) — Shea’s family member
• “He told me she said to him, ‘If you go through with this, you’ll be sorry.’” (09:09) — Shea’s mother
• “She said that she butt dialed Shea.” (19:33) — Detective/Prosecutor
  “Did you believe her?”
  “No.” (19:39)
• “How can we get rid of him so we don’t have to go to court?” (17:02) — Christi Sibrae, recounting EJ’s ‘venting’
• “I just really thought she was venting. I did not think this was for real.” (17:42) — Christi Sibrae
• “I wasn’t going to do anything...I feel like I just blacked out and it just happened.” (24:43) — Shelby Heastend
• “This was all for her benefit. I think she saw this as a way to eliminate a problem in her life.” (28:39) — Prosecutor
• “We talked about it in a jovial manner, right?” (29:05) — E.J. (interrogation recording)
• “You don’t take out your gun and point it at anybody if you’re not intending to kill them.” (37:29) — Prosecutor
• “Three opportunities for someone to do the right thing — and none of them took that opportunity.” (40:40) — Narrator

Timeline of Major Events (with Timestamps)

• 00:00–02:05 — Discovery of Shea Briar on the bridge; initial police response
• 02:38–05:16 — Shea’s family learns of his death and grieves
• 06:17–09:54 — Background on Shea, his relationship with EJ, start of custody battle
• 11:07–12:25 — EJ’s first police interview raises suspicion
• 12:57–18:21 — Christi Sibrae’s crucial revelations
• 19:01–24:26 — EJ’s confession and the events of the murder night
• 27:14–35:12 — EJ’s trial and conviction
• 35:34–39:25 — Shelby’s trial and conviction
• 39:46–40:44 — Hannah’s plea and sentencing
• 41:09 — Shea’s sister’s emotional tribute at his grave

Tone and Delivery

The episode maintains a somber, empathetic, and at times incredulous tone. The reporting is direct and detailed, balancing emotional interviews with precise investigative narrative.

Conclusion

“Coached to Kill” is a heartbreaking narrative of a father’s fight for his child, a calculated plot that was years in the making, and the ripples of tragedy through a tight-knit community. The episode’s careful structure and compelling use of first-person accounts illuminate both the horror of the crime and the cost of missed warnings, ultimately chronicling the pursuit of justice for Shea Briar and his family.