Snapped: Women Who Murder – Episode Summary: Sheila LaBarre
Release Date: February 2, 2025
Introduction
In this gripping episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder, Oxygen delves into the chilling case of Sheila LaBarre, a seemingly charming woman whose dark secrets unravel to reveal a series of heinous crimes. Spanning over two decades, the story uncovers layers of manipulation, control, and violence that culminate in a dramatic police investigation and a shocking trial.
Background of Kenneth County
Kenneth County Jr., born on July 18, 1981, in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, struggled with mental limitations throughout his adult life. Despite these challenges, Kenneth aspired to lead an independent life. With the support of his mother, Caroline Lodge, he secured an apartment and a job at a local car wash, striving to build connections and find love.
Introduction of Sheila LaBarre
Sheila LaBarre, the youngest of six children from Fort Payne, Alabama, harbored dreams of becoming a country music singer. In 1987, Sheila met Dr. Wilfred LaBarre, a 61-year-old chiropractor from Epping, New Hampshire. Their relationship appeared stable until Wilfred's untimely death in 2000, after which Sheila inherited his sprawling 115-acre farm, Mercedes, Cadillac, and other assets, making her the richest woman in town.
Meeting of Kenneth and Sheila
In February 2006, seeking companionship, Sheila turned to phone dating services, where she met Kenneth County through a chat line. Their relationship quickly intensified, leading Kenneth to move to Sheila's farm in Epping, fulfilling his dream of independence. As Kenneth settled into his new life, concerns began to surface about Sheila's control over him.
Initial Disappearance
By March 23, 2006, Caroline Lodge grew increasingly worried as Kenneth failed to return his calls and missed work. She reported his disappearance to the Epping police, who initially visited Sheila's farm on February 24, 2006. During this visit, Kenneth appeared unharmed and expressed happiness about living with Sheila. However, a month later, Kenneth vanished without a trace, prompting renewed investigation.
Investigation Begins
On March 24, 2006, investigators returned to Sheila's farm. Detective Gallagher recounted, “Sheila comes down the road and kind of starts screaming immediately, what are you doing?” (17:41) Their suspicions were further aroused when they discovered bone fragments in a burn pit near the house, leading them to believe that something terrible had occurred.
Discovery of Evidence
The police obtained a search warrant and revisited the property on March 31, 2006. They found Sheila LaBarre kneeling by the burn pit, covered in ashes, with a plain plastic Walmart bag nearby. When questioned, Sheila became evasive, claiming the bone fragments were from a rabbit. However, lab results confirmed the bone fragments were human (28:28). Inside the farmhouse, investigators found extensive blood spatter, indicating multiple violent attacks.
Sheila's Background and Potential Other Victims
Further investigation revealed Sheila's tumultuous history of relationships. Before Kenneth, Sheila was involved with Michael Deloje, a 38-year-old man with a history of substance abuse, who had disappeared seven months prior to Kenneth's case. Audio recordings suggested Sheila coerced men into confessing crimes they didn’t commit, raising fears of additional victims (37:38).
Arrest and Confession
On April 2, 2006, after a widespread manhunt, Sheila was apprehended in Revere, Massachusetts. Under interrogation, she confessed to murdering Kenneth and Michael but claimed insanity, insisting she was not in control of her actions during the crimes. “I confessed to the state psychiatric expert about her version, exactly how she killed both of these men,” stated Detective 3 (42:17).
Trial and Verdict
The trial commenced in May 2008, where Sheila pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Experts testified about her erratic behavior and manipulative tendencies. Despite her claims, the jury found her guilty on all counts on June 20, 2008, delivering justice to the victims’ families (44:45). However, doubts lingered as DNA evidence suggested the possibility of additional, unidentified victims.
Conclusion
Sheila LaBarre was sentenced to consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole, securing her place behind bars. Yet, authorities remain vigilant, continuing to investigate potential other victims linked to Sheila’s past. The case leaves us questioning the true extent of her manipulations and the dark depths of her criminal actions.
Notable Quotes
- Detective 4: “I want to know where he is.” (14:25)
- Witness 1: “I think it was more towards the end of the search, toes that were found at Sheila's home and sent off for a DNA comparison and they did not match Michael Deloitte or Kenneth County.” (45:25)
- Detective 1: “Sheila purposely, after finding out she could be held accountable, went to lengths to take out money, escape the jurisdiction, hide her appearance.” (44:10)
- Expert 2: “There is no evidence against Kenneth County or Michael Deloje for ever being a pedophile, ever committing such an act, or being sex offenders.” (45:03)
Lingering Questions
Despite Sheila’s conviction, investigators continue to explore the possibility of more victims connected to her. The absence of evidence linking other potential crimes leaves the door open for further investigations, ensuring that the quest for truth and justice remains ongoing.
This summary encapsulates the key elements of the Sheila LaBarre case as presented in the Snapped: Women Who Murder podcast episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and non-listeners alike.