Podcast Summary: "Sabrina Kahler // 510" – Going West: True Crime
Episode Information:
- Title: Sabrina Kahler // 510
- Release Date: June 10, 2025
- Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
- Description: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the mysterious disappearance and murder cases each week, unraveling haunting details and seeking justice for the victims.
Introduction
In episode 510 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman explore the unsettling case of Sabrina Kahler, a 20-year-old woman who vanished under suspicious circumstances in Erie, Pennsylvania, on June 24, 2002. The hosts emphasize the need for public attention and action to aid in resolving this cold case.
Background of Sabrina Kahler
Personal Life and Characteristics
Sabrina Kahler, affectionately known as Brie by her friends and family, was born on June 20, 1982, in Erie, Pennsylvania. She faced respiratory issues from birth and was diagnosed with a mild mental disability due to a lack of oxygen during her early hours. This condition rendered her functioning at a level akin to a 15 or 16-year-old.
Her mother, Susan Berg, remarked:
"She's just a really caring, loving kid. Really kind of almost empathetic in a way. She might not have been a genius, but Sabrina was special in her own way."
[03:23]
Family Dynamics
Sabrina was the youngest of five children. Following her parents' divorce in 1996, she primarily lived with her father, Richard Kaler, and his new wife, Sarah. Sabrina was known for her warm and trusting nature, often described as naive, which sometimes led to her being taken advantage of.
Her father, Richard, shared:
"When she was a child and I took her to the store, I had to keep an eye on her because she would wander off and talk to people. She's the type of person who's easy to take advantage of."
[04:15]
Education and Employment
Sabrina worked at McDonald's during the summer before her senior year of high school and later moved in with her mother near East 3rd Street and Lighthouse Street—an area close to Lake Erie. She graduated from East High School in 2001 and was excited about her future prospects.
Day of Disappearance: June 24, 2002
Last Known Movements
On June 24, 2002, four days after her 20th birthday, Sabrina was last seen. She lived with her 22-year-old boyfriend, Christopher Lee, whom she had met on Valentine's Day that year.
Host Daphne noted:
"On June of 2002, she was living with her 22-year-old boyfriend Christopher Lee at her mom's house."
[07:06]
The Evening She Disappeared
On the day she vanished, Sabrina intended to celebrate her birthday by going to a movie. According to Sabrina’s father, Richard, he had hoped to take her out but regretted not following through after learning of her disappearance.
Richard Kaler expressed:
"I didn't follow through."
[07:18]
The Disappearance Event
Sabrina was reportedly dropped off safely at a movie theater by her boyfriend's friend, David Sherman Lee Heck. However, no one witnessed her entering or exiting the theater, raising immediate suspicions.
Daphne highlighted:
"But no one saw whether she actually made it there or not."
[03:25]
Conflicting Accounts
Sabrina had written a note to Christopher, stating she was going swimming with David Heck. A neighbor confirmed seeing Sabrina get into David’s car and leaving for the park.
Heath Merryman questioned:
"Cause for Sabrina that wouldn't have been too weird. She was so friendly and he had invited her and she liked to swim, so of course she would want to say yes."
[08:47]
Investigation and Suspects
Initial Response
Two days after her disappearance, Sabrina’s family reported her missing. David Heck, who was already on parole for unrelated crimes, became the primary person of interest.
Host Heath stated:
"And suspiciously, he refused to speak with detectives in person and would only consent to an interview over the phone."
[18:49]
David’s Background
David Sherman Lee Heck had a troubling history, including arrests for indecent exposure to minors, burglary, theft by deception, and harassment. His aggressive behavior, especially towards his ex-girlfriend Ashley Peters, further fueled suspicions.
Daphne remarked:
"This guy is not only like a violent asshole, he's also a pedophile."
[31:17]
Police Findings
Investigations revealed that David claimed to have dropped Sabrina off at the movie theater, but no records or witnesses could confirm this. Additionally, sightings and tire tracks suggested discrepancies in his account.
Captain James Skindal of Erie Police Department asserted:
"We feel very confident with the information that we found that she was not present at the movie theater."
[23:24]
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
Search Efforts
Extensive searches were conducted in Erie County's numerous bodies of water and wooded areas, utilizing both ground and aerial teams. Despite these efforts, no evidence of Sabrina was found.
Detective Sergeant Barry Snyder expressed frustration:
"We followed up on everything we received, but nothing panned out."
[41:48]
Legal Proceedings
David faced multiple charges post-disappearance, including conspiracy, burglary, and receiving stolen property. His legal troubles continued years later with additional charges such as insurance fraud.
Host Heath commented:
"This was kind of funny is that he's like, well, I mean, obviously he deserves a fair trial, everybody does."
[35:56]
Family’s Struggle
Sabrina's family struggled with the uncertainty of her fate, hosting memorial services and petitioning to have her legally declared dead in 2009. Her sister Samantha remained active in seeking answers through organizations like 18 Wheel Angels.
Sabrina's brother, Steven, reflected:
"Not knowing exactly what happened is worse than actually finding that she."
[37:59]
Current Status
As of 2025, Sabrina’s case remains unsolved. A $5,000 reward is still being offered for information, with David Sherman Lee Heck being the only person of interest. However, his continual evasion and subsequent criminal behavior have stalled progress.
Host Heath concluded:
"June 24th of this year will mark 23 years since Sabrina has been seen and she would be 43 this year."
[44:38]
Conclusion and Call to Action
Daphne and Heath emphasize the critical need for public awareness and assistance in finding Sabrina Kahler. They urge listeners to share the episode and Sabrina’s missing person flyer to keep the case in the public eye.
Heath Merryman urged:
"Please make sure that you share this story. Share this episode I know it has been a long time since Sabrina disappeared, but her family is desperate for answers."
[46:38]
Daphne added:
"A share can make a huge difference, especially if you live in the Midwest or if you live in Pennsylvania."
[46:57]
Final Thoughts: The disappearance of Sabrina Kahler remains a haunting mystery. With over two decades passing without resolution, the case underscores the challenges faced by cold case investigators and the enduring pain experienced by the families of missing persons. Going West: True Crime serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of community involvement in solving such cases.
Notable Quotes:
-
Susan Berg (Sabrina’s Mother):
"She's just a really caring, loving kid. Really kind of almost empathetic in a way. She might not have been a genius, but Sabrina was special in her own way."
[03:23] -
Heath Merryman:
"Please help me find her."
[03:25] -
Richard Kaler (Sabrina’s Father):
"I didn't follow through."
[07:18] -
Captain James Skindal:
"We feel very confident with the information that we found that she was not present at the movie theater."
[23:24] -
Detective Sergeant Barry Snyder:
"We followed up on everything we received, but nothing panned out."
[41:48] -
Samantha (Sabrina’s Sister):
"Please help us find her in any way that you can."
[44:38]
Call to Action: If you have any information regarding Sabrina Kahler’s disappearance, please contact the Erie Police Department at 814-870-1125 or text Erie PD to 847411. Sharing Sabrina's story can be pivotal in bringing closure to her family and potentially uncovering the truth behind her disappearance.