Podcast Summary: "Murder With My Husband" – Episode 239: The Disturbing Case of Laurie Shaver

Release Date: October 21, 2024
Host/Author: OH NO MEDIA
Podcast Description: A true crime podcast that delves into the darkest crimes, featuring a wife who adores the genre and a husband who detests it.

Introduction to the Case

The episode begins with host Peyton Moreland introducing the complex and perplexing case of Lori and Michael Shaver, high school sweethearts from a small rural town in New York State. Their relationship, marked by significant life changes and relocations between New York and Florida, sets the stage for the unfolding mystery.

[04:11] Peyton Moreland: "We are meeting Lori and Michael Shaver. They were high school sweethearts... They began dating in their sophomore year of high school, but Michael dropped out before his graduation."

Marital Turbulence and Michael's Disappearance

Despite their deep-rooted relationship, the marriage between Lori and Michael was fraught with turmoil. Michael exhibited unpredictable behavior, including physical abuse towards Lori, which escalated over time. Lori even obtained a restraining order against him, only to cancel it shortly after.

[07:32] Peyton Moreland: "Lori actually took out a restraining order against him. However, pretty soon after she filed for the protective order, she asked for it to be canceled."

In mid-November 2015, Michael abruptly left his family without warning, selling his possessions and resigning from his job after a week of unexplained absences—an uncharacteristic behavior for someone previously reliable.

[09:25] Peyton Moreland: "He leaves his wife, she sells his stuff, he misses work for a week, and then he emails his boss and says, yeah, I'm not coming back."

The Mysterious Disappearance

Following Michael's departure, Lori and their daughter Isabel navigated life as a single-parent household without formally filing for divorce or seeking child support. Michael became increasingly elusive, with his absence becoming more pronounced as time went on.

[10:40] Garrett Moreland: "But technically, on paper, Michael and Lori are married for years after he leaves."

It wasn't until February 2018—a full two years after Michael vanished—that concern arose when a friend noticed that, despite ongoing social media activity, no one had seen or spoken to Michael since his disappearance.

[12:59] Peyton Moreland: "It was concerning. And it was actually enough at this point that the friend called the police and said, hey, here's what's going on."

Discovery of Michael's Body

Upon investigating Lori's property, police discovered a suspicious fire pit in the backyard, which Lori had helped install. Their curiosity led them to obtain a search warrant, resulting in the shocking discovery of Michael's skeletal remains buried beneath the concrete.

[19:03] Garrett Moreland: "It's just like, we dug up your whole fire pit, your yard, basically."

Autopsy results revealed that Michael died from a gunshot to the back of the head, a stark contrast to Lori's initial claims of abandonment.

[21:07] Peyton Moreland: "Michael died of a gunshot to the back of the head... Lori owned a collection of firearms, including a .38 caliber handgun."

Suspicions and Investigations

Digital evidence pointed to Lori manipulating Michael's social media accounts posthumously to maintain the facade of him being alive. Further investigation unraveled discrepancies in Lori's accounts, especially concerning her relationship with Jeremy Townsen, whom she claimed killed Michael in self-defense during a violent confrontation.

[22:50] Garrett Moreland: "Your husband, who is the father of your child, leaves, and you never once try to get in contact with him."

Jeremy Townsen's statements conflicted with Lori's, revealing he had reconciled with his wife before Michael's disappearance, casting doubts on Lori's narrative.

[32:21] Peyton Moreland: "He's like, whoa, whoa, whoa. I didn't shoot anybody."

Amid mounting evidence, including expired licenses and unaccounted possessions, Lori was arrested on September 17, 2020, on charges of second-degree murder, domestic violence, and accessory after the fact.

Trial and Testimonies

The trial, which commenced in September 2024, presented a tangled web of testimonies. Lori's daughter, Isabel, who was seven at the time of Michael's death, took the stand, recounting a violent altercation where she claimed to have shot her father in defense of her mother.

[42:58] Garrett Moreland: "What's happening? There's no way."

Isabel's testimony conflicted with the autopsy findings, as only one bullet wound was present, despite claims of multiple gunshots. Prosecutors argued that Lori was the true perpetrator, citing inconsistencies and ulterior motives to protect her daughter from the consequences of her actions.

[48:47] Peyton Moreland: "The jury actually only deliberated for five hours, and they came back with their verdict. They found Lori guilty. Guilty of second-degree murder."

Verdict and Aftermath

After a brief deliberation, the jury found Lori Shaver guilty of second-degree murder, dismissing her defense of self-defense and alleging that she had orchestrated the murder to protect her daughter and possibly due to long-standing marital issues.

[48:47] Garrett Moreland: "Yeah. The jury actually only deliberated for five hours, and they came back with their verdict. They found Lori guilty. Guilty of second-degree murder."

Lori's defense team announced plans to appeal the verdict, indicating that the legal proceedings might continue beyond the trial's conclusion.

[49:03] Peyton Moreland: "Lori hasn't been sentenced yet. Those hearings are scheduled for the end of this November 2024."

Conclusion

The case of Lori and Michael Shaver remains a harrowing tale of deceit, possible abuse, and the lengths one might go to conceal the truth. As the legal system moves forward, questions linger about Lori's true motivations and the veracity of the testimonies presented, leaving listeners to ponder the complexities of human behavior and justice.

Notable Quotes:

• Peyton Moreland [04:11]: "They grew up in a small rural town in New York State... They began dating in their sophomore year of high school."

• Garrett Moreland [07:32]: "It's hard to know what led her to file for the restraining order and then cancel it right away."

• Peyton Moreland [09:25]: "He leaves his wife, she sells his stuff, he misses work for a week, and then he emails his boss and says, yeah, I'm not coming back."

• Garrett Moreland [19:03]: "It's just like, we dug up your whole fire pit, your yard, basically."

• Peyton Moreland [21:07]: "Michael died of a gunshot to the back of the head... Lori owned a collection of firearms, including a .38 caliber handgun."

• Garrett Moreland [32:21]: "He's like, whoa, whoa, whoa. I didn't shoot anybody."

• Peyton Moreland [42:58]: "What's happening? There's no way."

• Garrett Moreland [48:47]: "They found Lori guilty. Guilty of second-degree murder."

This episode meticulously unpacks a case filled with deception, highlighting the intricate dynamics between Lori and Michael Shaver. The narrative challenges listeners to discern truth from facade, emphasizing the profound impact of personal relationships on the pursuit of justice.