Snapped: Women Who Murder

Episode: Eric Christensen

Release Date: November 16, 2025

Podcast Host: Oxygen

Overview

This episode of "Snapped: Women Who Murder" examines the disturbing case of Eric Christensen and the murder of Sherry Harlan in Everett, Washington. Through police investigation, witness accounts, and insight from the Wiccan community, the episode paints a chilling portrait of jealousy, manipulation, and violence rooted in a twisted interpretation of spiritual beliefs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sherry Harlan’s Disappearance and Initial Investigation

• Missing Person Report: Sherry failed to show up for important plans, alarming friends and coworkers ([03:00–04:02]).
• Initial Apartment Search: Police discover suspicious circumstances—bleach odor, torn-up flooring, blood spatter, and missing person (Sherry and her dog) ([04:20–05:11]).
• Quote:

  "There was blood spatter...on all four walls, indicating, you know, some velocity of the various blows."
  — (A, [11:01])

2. Sherry’s Background and Relationships

• Personal History: Described as sweet, energetic, and seeking love, Sherry experienced unstable relationships ([05:22–06:43]).
• Two Key Men:
  • Eric Christensen: Met via online dating, shared interest in Wicca, relationship turned sour ([07:10–10:09]).
  • Dan Young: Wealthier, supportive boyfriend, helped Sherry get a new apartment and start over ([08:09–09:13]).
• Sherry's New Start: Adopted a dog, found a stable job, seemingly hopeful for the future ([09:53–10:09]).

3. The Crime Scene and Evidence

• Physical Evidence: Blood, knife marks, and evidence of a violent assault found in Sherry's bedroom ([10:41–11:11]).
• Attempts to Clean Up: Smell of bleach, cut-out flooring and carpet, bloody trash bags, and a bloody footprint found on a t-shirt ([11:21–12:10]).
• Implication of Foul Play: The scope of the cleanup and blood indicated targeted violence ([12:10–12:25]).

4. Love Triangle and Suspects

• Interpersonal Tensions: Detectives find Sherry was involved with both Eric and Dan; Dan’s text message hints at jealousy:

  "One of the last text messages was, 'This is what you know, being with two men at the same time will do to you.'"
  — (A, [12:31–12:38])

• Focus on Eric Christensen: His history of violence, sexual offenses, and disturbing behavior increases police suspicion ([22:09–23:29]).

5. Wicca and Twisted Beliefs

• Wiccan Context: Sherry’s introduction to Wicca was positive; however, Eric was obsessed with the occult and power ([17:37–19:32]).
• Quote:

  "Witches try to live in harmony with the earth, but witchcraft draws people who want to have power over others."
  — (G, [20:27])

• Eric’s Manipulative Rituals: Claimed to perform a 'Wiccan blood oath' with Sherry, twisting spiritual concepts for control ([27:30–28:15]).

6. The Breakdown and Confession

• Sherry Leaves Eric: Takes the opportunity to escape while Eric is arrested on warrants; moves on with help from Dan ([24:04–24:33]).
• Threats and Fear:

  "No, he'll kill me if I leave."
  — Sherry, as recalled by E ([24:50–25:21])

• Eric’s Interrogation: Injured hand explained by implausible story; under pressure, Eric admits to jealousy, claims Sherry broke a blood oath and was an 'oath breaker/warlock' ([26:29–29:25]).
• Quote:

  "That's what she became. It's a Scottish word. It means oath breaker, traitor, enemy."
  — Eric Christensen ([28:54–29:25])

7. Location and Recovery of Sherry’s Remains

• Evidence at Eric’s House: Blood-spattered jeans, burnt bloody sock, and Sherry’s TV found ([30:22–30:54]).
• Critical Witness—Ryan: Eric manipulates a vulnerable friend into helping him dispose of body parts; Ryan later leads police to dump sites ([34:05–35:44]).
• Quote:

  "He had driven to these locations...Eric would throw something, and Ryan could hear it hitting the water or hitting the ground."
  — (B, [35:13–35:38])

• Grisly Discovery: Sherry’s skull found, posed with a knife, and other remains recovered in parts ([32:20–33:10], [35:44–36:20]).

8. Prosecution and Trial

• Prosecution Case: Star witness Ryan receives immunity to testify about Eric’s confessions and participation ([41:04–41:15]).
• Defense Response: Admits Eric killed Sherry but claims it wasn't premeditated and was triggered by jealousy ([41:41–42:01]).
• Eric’s Attitude:

  "I don't understand why this is such a big deal. It was an accident."
  — Eric Christensen ([43:04])

• Jury and Sentencing: Eric found guilty of first-degree murder, sentenced to 37.5 years ([42:40–42:52]).

9. Aftermath and Remorse

• Impact on Community and Friends: Sherry’s death left deep scars; friends mourn her loss and condemn Eric's lack of remorse ([43:52–45:21]).
• Quote:

  "She'll always have been my bestest friend. She was just Sherry. A beautiful, beautiful woman that got caught up with a very, very bad man."
  — I ([44:57–45:21])

10. Reflection on Wicca and Violence

• Church Condemnation: Wiccan leaders reject Eric's interpretation and violent actions ([36:41–36:51], [39:36–39:54]).
• Quote:

  "What he did was not Wicca. It was demonic, demented, sick, a criminal with criminal mind and criminal pain."
  — I ([44:17])

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• "There was blood spatter...on all four walls, indicating, you know, some velocity of the various blows."
  — (A, [11:01])
• "No, he'll kill me if I leave."
  — Sherry to E ([24:50–25:21])
• "That's what she became. It's a Scottish word. It means oath breaker, traitor, enemy."
  — Eric Christensen ([28:54–29:25])
• "He just laughed about it...he was being led away and he just smirking and it's like he didn't even care."
  — (B, [42:52])
• "She was just Sherry. A beautiful, beautiful woman that got caught up with a very, very bad man. And she didn't deserve this."
  — (I, [44:57–45:21])
• "What he did was not Wicca. It was demonic, demented, sick, a criminal with criminal mind and criminal pain. And she suffered for it and so did all of us."
  — (I, [44:17])

Important Segment Timestamps

• Sherry goes missing: [03:00–04:02]
• Crime scene evidence: [04:38–05:11]
• Friend’s fear of Eric: [24:50–25:21]
• Eric’s interrogation/confession: [26:29–29:25]
• Discovery of remains: [32:20–33:10], [35:44–36:20]
• Ryan’s cooperation: [34:05–35:44]
• Eric’s sentencing: [42:40–42:52]
• Aftermath & Reflection: [43:52–45:21]

Tone & Concluding Thoughts

The episode maintains a chilling, methodical recounting of the facts, interspersed with raw emotion from those personally affected by the crime. Police and friends repeatedly underscore that the murder was not about faith or ritual, but one man's obsessive need for control. Sherry Harlan is remembered for her light, warmth, and resilience, making the loss feel especially tragic and senseless.