Sword and Scale Episode 312 Summary: The Dark Descent of Rachel Sheridan
Introduction: The Disappearance of Rachel Sheridan
In Episode 312 of Sword and Scale, listeners are taken through the harrowing story of Rachel Sheridan, a 24-year-old woman from North Canton, Ohio, whose sudden disappearance spirals into a tale of abuse, betrayal, and brutal murder. This episode delves deep into the complexities of human relationships and the dark paths they can lead to.
Background: Rachel Sheridan – A Beacon of Kindness
Rachel Sheridan was known among her friends and neighbors as a hardworking and compassionate individual. Living independently in a modest basement apartment, Rachel balanced her life by working overnight shifts at a Love's gas station, saving diligently to afford her Jeep Liberty and maintain her independence.
Mike Boudet [15:07]: "You can see in the picture the sunlight. When it hit her, her skin glowed. She just was gorgeous."
Rachel's social media presence reflected her empathetic nature, often advocating for women in abusive relationships and showcasing her creative side through poetry and journaling. Her neighbors described her as friendly, always ready with a brief hello or a helping hand.
Lisa Sheridan [14:27]: "If I were like to be taken out the trash, I'd say hi to her, she'd say hi to me. It was really friendly, brief conversations."
Entering Darkness: The Rise of Shawn Go
Rachel's life took a tumultuous turn when she met Shawn Go, a 26-year-old with a troubled past. Shawn's history was marred by burglary, theft, and aggression. His entry into Rachel's life was swift; despite his scant resume and lack of ambition, the two quickly became inseparable.
Their relationship, however, was far from ideal. Shawn's violent tendencies became evident as early as April 2024, with incidents including breaking into an apartment to steal a handgun and threatening Rachel with violence.
Lisa Sheridan [19:46]: "Oh yeah, because I live in that building, right on the third floor. I see it and I hear it all. So I've seen the night she comes out screaming in the parking lot."
Despite Rachel's attempts to help Shawn and her hopes of changing him, his behavior only worsened. By May 2024, Shawn had garnered multiple active warrants for burglary, grand theft of a firearm, and domestic violence, painting a grim picture of his character.
The Disappearance: A Mother's Nightmare
On June 29, 2024, Rachel made her last known call to her mother, Lisa Sheridan. The following days saw a disturbing lack of communication, culminating on July 2nd when Rachel failed to show up for her job at Love's Travel Stop.
Lisa Sheridan [00:48]: "Sure, Rachel's busy a lot. She works full time. Even so, the 24-year-old always found time to call her mother."
Growing increasingly anxious, Lisa and her fiancé decided to conduct a welfare check at Rachel's apartment. Upon arrival, they found Rachel's cat alone, with no sign of Rachel. Attempts to reach her through the apartment were futile, prompting Lisa to call the sheriff's department.
The Investigation: Tracking Down Shawn Go
Deputies arrived at Rachel's apartment, uncovering a scene indicative of neglect but finding no trace of Rachel. The absence of her car and the presence of her cat heightened suspicions of foul play.
Lisa Sheridan [06:09]: "She has not been answering me on my text, which she usually does. And then for some reason, I called her job."
A BOLO (Be On LookOut) alert was issued for Rachel’s red 2010 Jeep Liberty. The vehicle was soon spotted on Guilford Avenue in Stark County, and a traffic stop was initiated. The driver, identified as Shawn Go, attempted to flee upon realizing he was being arrested, disappearing into a wooded area despite the deployment of canines and drones.
Shawn Go: From Suspect to Fugitive
Shawn's background revealed a pattern of destructive behavior. His history included a 2016 burglary in Jackson Township, leading to a four-year prison sentence. Upon release, Shawn reverted to his old habits, further entrenching himself in criminal activities.
Mike Boudet [53:59]: "But what was more valuable was the surveillance footage recovered from Mother Goose Land where Willie the Whale still lives. It showed Sean walking by the trash cans at 7:56pm on July 2."
Despite his attempts to evade capture, Shawn's digital footprint, including cell phone data and surveillance footage, placed him at critical points in the timeline surrounding Rachel's disappearance and subsequent murder.
The Crime Scene: Unveiling the Horror
A second search of Rachel's apartment, prompted by a neighbor's concern for the neglected cats, led to the discovery of a gruesome crime scene. Rachel had been savagely beaten with such force that her skull was fractured, and her facial features were obliterated.
Mike Boudet [44:57]: "Per the medical examiner's own words, her cranium literally exploded. An obvious indication that Rachel had been savagely beaten with an instrument much heavier than a human fist."
Despite extensive searching, investigators struggled to identify the exact murder weapon, as the suspected hammer yielded no DNA evidence linking it to Shawn. This gap in evidence highlighted the challenges faced during the investigation.
Trial and Conviction: Seeking Justice
In early November 2024, Shawn Go's trial commenced. The prosecution leveraged digital evidence, including Rachel's phone data and surveillance footage, to build a compelling case. Additionally, Rachel's journal unveiled heartbreaking details, including her pregnancy with Shawn's child, adding a layer of tragedy to the narrative.
Mike Boudet [61:17]: "The entry was dated April 17, 2024, indicating that Rachel was two months and nearly two weeks along in her pregnancy at the time that she was murdered."
Despite the defense's attempts to paint Shawn as a troubled individual shaped by a difficult upbringing, the overwhelming evidence led to a unanimous guilty verdict. Shawn was sentenced to 29 years to life in prison, marking the culmination of a deeply distressing case.
Lisa Sheridan [63:45]: "You have murdered our baby girl. My question is, why would you do this to someone that loved you?"
Conclusion: The Aftermath and Reflections
Rachel Sheridan's story is a poignant reminder of the unseen battles individuals face and the devastating impact of abusive relationships. The episode underscores the importance of vigilance, support systems, and the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of unimaginable horror.
Mike Boudet [66:56]: "Rachel was kind, hopeful, loved. She was building a life. One that now exists only in memories and what ifs."
Through meticulous investigation and unwavering determination, Sword and Scale shines a light on the darkest facets of human nature, ensuring that Rachel Sheridan's legacy of kindness and resilience is remembered amidst the tragedy of her untimely death.
Notable Quotes:
- Detective [07:29]: "I have the officers on the way."
- Mike Boudet [45:33]: "Despite that fact, the instrument used to cause such damage remained unclear as the weapon had yet to be discovered."
- Lisa Sheridan [22:50]: "That's when all hell broke loose."
- Detective [32:12]: "It's heartbreaking. Rachel Sheridan was beaten so severely that the sheriff deputy who saw her body couldn't identify her based on her own photo."
End of Summary