Dark Downeast: The Murder of Melody Starr Derosa Waters (New Hampshire)
Episode Release Date: April 3, 2025
Host: Kylie Lowe

Introduction to Melody Waters

The episode delves into the tragic case of Melody Starr Derosa Waters, a 19-year-old expectant mother whose life was brutally taken in January 1991. Melody's disappearance and subsequent murder left her family and community in turmoil, sparking a complex investigation that would unfold over decades.

Melody's Background and Personal Struggles

Melody grew up in Sutton, New Hampshire, experiencing a tumultuous childhood marked by frequent relocations due to her mother's remarriages after her biological father left. By the time Melody was 16, she had already faced significant challenges, including substance abuse and a brief period of running away. Despite these struggles, Melody aspired to turn her life around, especially upon discovering her pregnancy.

Kylie Lowe [09:15]: "Melody was ready to reinvent her life. And just one flight stood between her and a new beginning."

Melody was actively seeking help, enrolling in the Project Second Start program to pursue her high school equivalency and enter substance use treatment. Her determination to become a better mother underscored her hope for a stable future.

The Disappearance: January 11, 1991

On January 11, 1991, Melody was scheduled to board a flight from Manchester, New Hampshire, to West Virginia. Her mother, Carla McMillian, noticed Melody failed to appear on the jet bridge despite the flight's arrival time being recorded.

Kylie Lowe [10:45]: "But when that plane took off, the 19-year-old expectant mother wasn't on board."

Initial investigations revealed Melody's apartment was still packed, indicating she had prepared for her trip. Melody's boyfriend at the time, Shane Pitts, became the primary suspect as police found no trace of Melody despite her belongings being present.

Shane Pitts: The Suspect's Background

Shane Pitts, 18 at the time, had a complicated personal history. Growing up in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, Shane grappled with the disappearance of his biological father, Stanley Shane Bassett, and the subsequent divorce of his mother and stepfather. These events contributed to Shane's emotional instability, a factor that would later come under scrutiny during the investigation.

Kylie Lowe [12:30]: "Shane's stepfather returned to the house with a police officer, though it appears that police officer accompanied Shane's stepfather for other reasons associated with the divorce, not the ongoing missing persons investigation."

The investigation intensified as Shane's behavior raised suspicions, especially after police discovered Melody's remains on April 12, 1991, in a hidden room within Shane's family home.

The Murder and Evidence

Melody was found deceased, fully clothed but shoeless, with her arms tied and multiple gunshot wounds. The evidence suggested she was shot with a two-shot .32 caliber Derringer handgun, a weapon easy to conceal.

Kylie Lowe [15:20]: "She was fully clothed, but not wearing any shoes. Her arms were tied with a wire that was strung through her belt loop with one hand behind her back and the other in front."

Despite initial claims by Shane that he had dropped Melody off at the airport, inconsistencies in his story began to surface. For instance, Shane had planned to continue supporting Melody's decision to keep her pregnancy, contradicting later allegations that he suggested an abortion.

Shane Pitts' Defense: Involuntary LSD Intoxication

Shane Pitts admitted to shooting Melody but denied intent, claiming he was unknowingly drugged with LSD, which impaired his judgment and led to the shooting.

Kylie Lowe [20:10]: "Shane claimed that he'd been unwittingly drugged with LSD and he killed Melody while suffering the effects of the strong hallucinogenic."

This defense was unprecedented in New Hampshire at the time, raising debates about its validity. Toxicology reports were central to this argument, with conflicting results on whether LSD was present in Melody's system, potentially implicating Shane's state of mind during the murder.

The Trial: December 1991

The trial centered on whether Shane was experiencing temporary insanity due to LSD or if the murder was premeditated. Key testimonies included:

• Shane Pitts: Testified softly about feeling the effects of LSD and inadvertently shooting Melody.

  Kylie Lowe [25:40]: "Shane spoke so quietly from the witness stand that the volume on the PA system had to be turned way up so the jury could even hear him."

• Prosecution: Challenged the plausibility of Shane's LSD defense, highlighting the precision of the gunshot wounds and his actions post-murder, such as burying Melody's body.

• Defense Experts: Presented opinions supporting Shane's impaired state, while prosecution experts refuted the effectiveness of the LSD defense, emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence.

Ultimately, the jury found Shane guilty of second-degree murder, determining that the state had not proven the murder was premeditated but still recognized the severity of the crime.

Kylie Lowe [33:50]: "On December 13, 1991, the jury returned with a verdict Shane Pitts guilty of second-degree murder, not first-degree murder as he'd been charged."

Sentencing and Appeals

Shane was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison. Over the years, he sought early release and a pardon, supported by his mother, who had undergone a personal transformation and sought forgiveness through victim-offender dialogues.

Kylie Lowe [35:00]: "In 2008, Melody's mother... shared how... she understood the details differently. Outside of the courtroom setting, she didn't think Shane should be in prison any longer."

Despite her support, Melody's aunt opposed reducing Shane's sentence, emphasizing the enduring impact on the family. In 2021, Shane was granted parole after serving approximately 30 years, a decision that remained contentious within the family.

Melody's Legacy and Remembrance

Throughout the episode, Kylie Lowe emphasizes remembering Melody as a compassionate and creative individual, contrasting the sensational aspects of her case.

Kylie Lowe [35:25]: "Here's the Melody that her family wants you to know and remember. Melody was creative. She loved nature and animals."

Her family's experiences highlight the profound and lasting effects of Melody's untimely death, underscoring the podcast's mission to honor her memory and seek justice.

Conclusion

"The Murder of Melody Starr Derosa Waters" is a poignant exploration of a young life cut short and the ensuing quest for answers. Through detailed narration and insightful interviews, Dark Downeast brings to light the complexities of Melody's case, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the events and their enduring repercussions.

For more information and source materials related to this case, visit darkdowneast.com. Follow Dark Downeast on Instagram @darkdowneast for updates and additional content.