Anatomy of Murder: Broken (Lisa Kneffel) Hosted by Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger | Released on July 8, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Broken," hosts Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger delve deep into the harrowing murder of Lisa Kneffel. This case not only underscores the complexities of domestic power dynamics but also reveals the dark manipulation that led to a tragic loss of life. Through meticulous examination of the victim, the crime, and the ensuing investigation, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of this multifaceted tragedy.

Background

Lisa Marie Kneffel was a devoted wife, a loving mother of two, and a compassionate social worker dedicated to aiding vulnerable children. In July 2011, seeking to expand her compassion, Lisa and her husband, Kevin Kneffel, welcomed Sabrina Zunich, a 16-year-old foster child with a tumultuous past marked by addiction and abuse, into their home.

Lisa's Friend, Autumn: "Lisa was a very heartwarming person and everybody that knew her loved her. She had a big heart and, you know, she's always willing and wanting to help people that are in trouble." ([04:30])

The Crime

On the night of November 16, 2012, tragedy struck the Kneffel household. At approximately 1:15 AM, Lisa's 13-year-old daughter made a desperate 911 call, reporting that her sister, Sabrina, was attacking their mother with a knife.

911 Caller (Lisa's Daughter): "What's going on there? Who has the knife?" ([06:53])

First responders arrived swiftly, navigating a tense and potentially dangerous situation. Upon entering the home, officers found Sabrina armed and visibly distressed, holding a 12-inch bread knife.

Autumn: "Sabrina comes out of the room and she has a 12 inch bread knife in her hand and she raises it above her head as officers are giving her commands." ([07:19])

Despite the rapid response, Lisa Kneffel succumbed to her injuries, having been stabbed 178 times, leaving behind a scene reminiscent of a horror narrative.

Autumn: "It was one of the bloodiest of crime scenes that I've had in my career." ([10:01])

Immediate Aftermath

The immediate aftermath of the crime raised suspicions beyond Sabrina's involvement. Sergeant Ron Parmenta highlighted the rarity of law enforcement arriving mid-crime and the initial focus solely on Sabrina as the perpetrator.

Scott Weinberger: "Let me just say, you know, the movies and TV might lead you to believe this happens all the time, but it's actually very rare for law enforcement to respond to a crime scene while the crime is still taking place." ([08:48])

Investigation Unfolds

As investigators delved deeper, inconsistencies began to surface. Despite Sabrina's apparent guilt, her demeanor and responses raised red flags. Her claim of memory loss and the lack of an immediate emotional response perplexed the detectives.

Autumn: "She was just pretty nonchalant when we started questioning her. Like, you know, we told her she was being investigated for homicide, and she didn't react to that." ([12:12])

Simultaneously, Kevin Kneffel's behavior post-crime seemed unusually detached. His minimal reaction during the death notification and reluctance to discuss the night of the murder intensified suspicions.

Autumn: "He was just kind of mopey. He just would nod. There's no tears. Didn't have any questions." ([15:05])

Critical Revelations

The breakthrough came through digital forensics. Phone records revealed an alarming volume of communication between Kevin and Sabrina, indicating a relationship that extended far beyond that of a steward and foster child. A teacher further corroborated these findings, noting inappropriate interactions between the two.

Autumn: "There was a plan to kill Lisa because they had this $250,000 life insurance policy, and that she's worth more dead than alive." ([27:01])

Furthermore, Sabrina's best friend, Autumn, emerged as a pivotal witness. She exposed the extent of Kevin's manipulation, revealing plans that had been meticulously crafted to murder Lisa for financial gain.

Autumn: "According to this bombshell witness, she was privy to multiple plans to kill Lisa, but that it was Kevin, not Sabrina, that was the mastermind behind all of them." ([27:12])

Trial and Testimony

The courtroom became the stage for unveiling the sinister collaboration between Sabrina and Kevin. Sabrina's testimony was a damning account of grooming and coercion, detailing how Kevin had directed her to commit the murder.

Sabrina Zunich: "He told you to either stab her in the back, or if you're facing her, to stop, stab her in the neck." ([38:49])

The prosecution presented evidence of Kevin's calculated behavior, including his plan to make the murder appear as a robbery and his efforts to secure the life insurance payout.

Despite the defense's attempts to portray Sabrina's actions as those of a child acting out in emotional turmoil, the overwhelming evidence and Sabrina's own admissions left little doubt about Kevin's culpability.

Verdict and Sentencing

After a protracted trial, the jury convicted Kevin Kneffel on all 11 counts, including conspiracy to commit aggravated murder and sexual battery against Sabrina. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 2043.

Sabrina Zunich, who pled guilty as part of a plea deal, received a life sentence with the possibility of parole in 30 years, acknowledging her role as both perpetrator and victim of Kevin's manipulation.

Conclusion

The "Broken" episode of Anatomy of Murder unravels a chilling narrative of manipulation, abuse, and calculated cruelty. Lisa Kneffel, a beacon of hope for vulnerable children, became an unintended victim of her husband’s dark ambitions. Meanwhile, Sabrina, a child yearning for stability, found herself ensnared in a web of deceit and coercion, highlighting the vulnerabilities within the foster care system.

Scott Weinberger: "What makes this case even more disturbing is how Kevin Kneffel, someone who was supposed to be a protector, weaponized the foster care system for his own selfish gain." ([46:06])

This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact of power dynamics and the dire need for vigilant oversight within systems designed to protect the most vulnerable.

Notable Quotes

• Sergeant Ron Parmenta ([03:26]): "We're probably about 10, 12 miles from the City of Cleveland, from the downtown area. But Willoughby Hills is, you know, we're about an 11-square-mile city with a population of around 10,000 residents."

• Autumn ([05:06]): "Lisa was a very heartwarming person and everybody that knew her loved her. She had a big heart and, you know, she's always willing and wanting to help people that are in trouble."

• Sabrina Zunich ([38:34]): "Because I said, well, it's too late now. I'm gonna go to jail anyway. Better just get it done."

Reflection

The episode concludes with a poignant reflection on the myriad of victims involved—Lisa, her children, and Sabrina herself. It underscores the intricate layers of abuse and manipulation, urging listeners to consider the broader societal implications of such tragedies.

Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi: "It's important that we end on Lisa, honoring her memory and thinking of her other children who now have to walk through life without her." ([46:22])

Anatomy of Murder continues to shed light on the darkest corners of human behavior, offering listeners not just a recounting of events, but a deep exploration into the motivations and systemic failures that allow such tragedies to occur.