MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories – Episode: Ice and Fire
Release Date: April 7, 2025
Host: Ballen Studios
Introduction to the Case
In this exclusive episode titled "Ice and Fire," the MrBallen Podcast delves into one of Youngstown, Ohio's most chilling and perplexing criminal cases. The story begins on a seemingly ordinary night in March 2017, at a house party where a bonfire becomes the unlikely key to unraveling a horrific crime.
Shannon Graves and Her Relationship with Arturo Novoa
The central figure of the story is Shannon Graves, a vibrant 28-year-old cosmetologist from Youngstown. Shannon's relationship with her boyfriend, Arturo Novoa, becomes tumultuous shortly after they move in together. Their contrasting personalities—Shannon's outgoing nature versus Arturo's reserved demeanor—initially seemed complementary but soon led to constant arguments and mutual distrust.
MrBallen (02:45): "Shannon was someone who loved change. She just never wanted to feel stuck."
The Breaking Point and Separation
By February 24, 2017, tensions between Shannon and Arturo reached a boiling point. A heated argument led Arturo to storm out of their apartment, a departure that Shannon perceived as a chance for a fresh start. Little did she know, this separation would set the stage for a tragic turn of events.
Missing Persons Report and Detective Lambert's Investigation
Four months later, on June 22, 2017, Debbie DePaul, Shannon's half-sister, files a missing persons report after realizing Shannon hadn't been in contact during significant family events. Detective Mike Lambert, seasoned in handling such cases, finds the four-month delay unusual and begins a meticulous investigation.
Detective Lambert (09:15): "Four months might as well have been an eternity when it comes to a missing persons case."
Introducing John Scarratta: A Suspect with a Criminal Past
As Lambert digs deeper, he uncovers that Shannon had previously been in a serious relationship with John Scarratta, a man with a substantial criminal history, including time served for drug charges. John's continued obsession with Shannon introduces a new layer of complexity to the case.
John Scarratta (11:30): "Yes, I was really worried. I was so worried, I'd started my own investigation."
Debbie's Desperate Search and the Psychic Medium's Clue
Frustrated by the slow progress of the police investigation, Debbie takes matters into her own hands. She consults a psychic medium who provides a vague yet ominous clue involving a bridge connected to Shannon's disappearance. Motivated by this advice, Debbie and a friend scour every bridge in Youngstown, leading to a significant breakthrough.
MrBallen (22:10): "Detective Lambert knew this case was getting away from him. He needed concrete evidence."
The Grisly Discovery: Shannon's Body in a Freezer
A month after the initial investigation stalls, a horrifying discovery is made in the basement of a local couple's home. Crime Scene Investigator Tony Marzullo finds Shannon's severed body parts frozen in a chest freezer. This macabre find transforms the case into a homicide investigation.
Forensic Technician Marzullo (30:20): "I looked down and saw the top half of a frozen, severed human head."
Linking the Bonfire: A Crucial Piece of Evidence
John Scarratta's retelling leads Detective Lambert to revisit the site of the original house party. Amid the ashes, a preserved friendship bracelet bearing Shannon's name is found, directly linking the party to her murder and disposal.
MrBallen (45:50): "Detective Lambert knew he was onto something when he saw the bracelet."
Confrontation and Revelation: Unmasking the True Culprit
The investigation unfolds to reveal that Andrew Herman and Anthony Gonzalez (an alias for Arturo Novoa) played pivotal roles in Shannon's murder and disposal. Anthony, Shannon's boyfriend, is ultimately identified as the murderer. The narrative uncovers a twisted plan involving dismemberment, acidic dissolution of body parts, and the use of a chest freezer to hide the evidence.
Andrew Herman (58:40): "We burned her stuff as a favor for a friend, Anthony Gonzalez."
Reconstruction of the Murder
Through Andrew Herman's detailed confession, the episode reconstructs the gruesome sequence of events:
- The Murder: On the night of February 24, 2017, Arturo attacks Shannon with a hammer in their apartment, leaving her dead in the shower.
- Disposal Attempts: The killer and his accomplices attempt to dispose of her body using trash bags, a machete, and sulfuric acid, ultimately resorting to a chest freezer.
- Evidence Destruction: The group burns Shannon's personal belongings at the bonfire to eliminate any trace of her existence.
MrBallen (1:05:15): "Arturo was ultimately sentenced to 48 years to life in prison."
Conclusion: Justice Served
The detailed investigation led by Detective Lambert, aided by John Scarratta's persistent inquiries, culminates in the arrest and conviction of Arturo Novoa and his accomplices. The episode highlights the intricate web of deceit, obsession, and brutality that entangled Shannon Graves' life and ultimately led to her untimely death.
Sentences:
- Arturo Novoa: 48 years to life in prison.
- His Girlfriend: 18 years for her role in the crime.
- Andrew Herman: 12 years for his involvement.
Final Thoughts
"Ice and Fire" serves as a stark reminder of how personal relationships can spiral into darkness and the relentless pursuit of truth by those determined to find justice. MrBallen masterfully narrates this true-crime story, blending suspense with detailed investigative progression, making it a compelling listen for fans of strange, dark, and mysterious tales.
Note: All names and specific details in this summary are based on the podcast's narrative and may use pseudonyms to protect those involved. Some elements are fictionalized for dramatic effect.