Nobody Should Believe Me – Case Files 16: Mom and Dad

Release Date: April 17, 2025

Introduction

In "Case Files 16: Mom and Dad," hosted by Andrea Dunlop of True Story Media, listeners gain an intimate glimpse into the Dunlop family's harrowing journey through the complexities of Munchausen by Proxy (MBP). This episode delves deep into Andrea's interactions with her parents, particularly focusing on their experiences and reflections regarding Andrea's older sister, Megan Carter’s, abusive behaviors. Through candid conversations, the episode unravels the emotional turmoil, the challenges of recognizing and confronting MBP, and the profound impact it had on the family.

Background: The Dunlop Family Saga

Andrea Dunlop embarked on creating "Nobody Should Believe Me" four years prior, driven by her personal ordeal when her sister Megan was investigated for MBP abuse over a decade ago. This podcast aims to shed light on the often-overlooked facets of MBP, exploring its criminology and psychopathology by interviewing experts and those affected. In this episode, Andrea focuses on her own family's experience, drawing parallels with other similar cases to highlight common patterns and divergent responses.

Recognizing Megan's Early Signs

Andrea's father provides a poignant account of Megan's childhood behaviors that hinted at underlying issues. He recounts:

Andrea's Father [06:15]: "When we were kids, she was relatively just a normal kid. But very early on we started to see symptoms of becoming a hypochondriac... She wanted the attention of illness very early on."

Megan's obsession with medical attention manifested through frequent, unfounded medical complaints. For instance, her desire for glasses led to multiple unnecessary eye exams, where optometrists confirmed she didn't need them. Additionally, her fixation on a severely handicapped classmate raised concerns about her motivations—whether they stemmed from genuine compassion or a desire for medical attention.

Escalation of Deceptive Behaviors

As Megan grew older, her deceptive behaviors intensified, creating a web of confusion and concern within the family. Andrea's father narrates several critical incidents:

Andrea's Father [09:08]: "She claimed she couldn't walk and almost had to be in a wheelchair... Then she had an infection... We had a number of incidences... She got all this attention with everybody coming to the hospital."

Megan underwent multiple unnecessary surgeries and medical procedures, each serving to draw more attention to herself. Her sophisticated memory allowed her to recall intricate medical details, further misleading her family and healthcare professionals. The constant cycle of medical crises kept the family in a state of perpetual worry, with periods of apparent normalcy giving false hope that Megan might outgrow her need for attention.

Financial Manipulations and Relationship Strains

Beyond medical deceit, Megan's financial behaviors added another layer of complexity. Andrea's father describes instances of Megan mismanaging money and engaging in fraudulent activities:

Andrea's Father [16:30]: "She was always running out of money... she would get so far and then there'd be this sort of breakdown... and she would, you know, not connect the dots."

Megan's habit of writing bad checks and accruing credit card debt baffled her family, especially since they had always provided financial support without issue. These actions strained her relationships, notably with her roommate and friends, leading to legal troubles that only further isolated her.

The Family's Intervention Efforts

The turning point came when Andrea's parents decided to confront Megan's behaviors more directly. After Megan gave birth prematurely and faced severe medical issues with her son, concerns escalated:

Andrea's Mother [22:38]: "She was really pushing for a G tube at that time... I started to sort of say that something's wrong."

Realizing the severity of the situation, Andrea's mother took decisive action by contacting a pediatrician specializing in such cases. Despite their hopes, the intervention led to an emergency removal by Child Protective Services (CPS), marking the beginning of the family's unraveling:

Andrea's Mother [27:27]: "We could have originally. But I can understand their being reluctant... nothing was ultimately done."

The family's attempt to seek help was met with systemic challenges, including inadequate psychological evaluations and unresponsive legal frameworks, leaving them feeling powerless and isolated.

Legal Battles and Ethical Dilemmas

Megan's subsequent legal battles highlighted the manipulative strategies employed by perpetrators with resources. Andrea draws parallels with the Hartman case, emphasizing how Megan and her lawyer, Adam Shapiro, used a blueprint to challenge and exploit judicial systems:

Andrea Dunlop [36:29]: "The way that my sister and her lawyer, Adam Shapiro set a blueprint for how to attack a hospital who reports abuse... a playbook for perpetrators with means."

Andrea's parents faced their own ethical dilemmas when approached by Megan and Shapiro to fund lawsuits against Children's Hospital. Firmly rejecting what they saw as extortion, they chose to stand by their conviction that Megan was the true abuser, despite the emotional and familial cost:

Andrea's Father [38:33]: "I said no, I believe that what they said is correct and I have no intention of doing that... that's extortion."

Reflections on Family and Responsibility

Throughout the episode, Andrea and her parents reflect on the broader implications of MBP and the responsibilities of family members. They express deep remorse over the lost opportunities to support Megan and protect her children, while also grappling with feelings of betrayal and helplessness:

Andrea Dunlop [46:14]: "I always wonder what story Megan and Andy tell their children about where the rest of their family is... being the scapegoats."

Andrea's father imparts a final message, underscoring their unwavering love and the rationale behind their actions:

Andrea's Father [50:11]: "We did it not for Megan. We did it for you. We were protecting you."

Conclusion: A Hope for Reconciliation

As the episode draws to a close, Andrea emphasizes the enduring hope that her niece and nephew may one day reconnect with their grandparents:

Andrea Dunlop [48:47]: "To my niece and nephew, just know the door is open and that we're holding out hope. You deserved to have them in your lives, and I'm sorry you didn't."

This heartfelt plea serves as a testament to the complex interplay between love, responsibility, and the quest for truth within families affected by Munchausen by Proxy.

Notable Quotes

• Andrea's Father [06:15]: "When we were kids, she was relatively just a normal kid. But very early on we started to see symptoms of becoming a hypochondriac... She wanted the attention of illness very early on."

• Andrea's Father [09:08]: "She claimed she couldn't walk and almost had to be in a wheelchair... Then she had an infection... We had a number of incidences... She got all this attention with everybody coming to the hospital."

• Andrea Dunlop [36:29]: "The way that my sister and her lawyer, Adam Shapiro set a blueprint for how to attack a hospital who reports abuse... a playbook for perpetrators with means."

• Andrea's Father [38:33]: "I said no, I believe that what they said is correct and I have no intention of doing that... that's extortion."

• Andrea's Father [50:11]: "We did it not for Megan. We did it for you. We were protecting you."

Final Thoughts

"Case Files 16: Mom and Dad" offers a deeply personal and emotionally charged exploration of the Dunlop family's struggle against Megan's Munchausen by Proxy abuse. Through honest dialogue and reflective insights, Andrea Dunlop presents a compelling narrative that not only chronicles her family's ordeal but also serves as a call to awareness and understanding of MBP's devastating effects. This episode stands as a powerful reminder that behind every case file lies a complex human story, filled with love, pain, and the relentless pursuit of truth.