True Crime with Kendall Rae: "He Orchestrated Her Murder, But Failed!!"

Introduction and Background

Timestamp: [00:00] – [07:34]

In this compelling episode of True Crime with Kendall Rae, host Kendall Rae narrates the harrowing yet inspiring story of Shonda Handley and the malevolent actions of her ex-husband, Michael Handley. Kendall emphasizes her dedication to spotlighting survivor stories, aiming to inspire her audience through tales of resilience and strength.

Shonda and Michael met in 2005 through mutual friends in Lafayette, Louisiana. Both were single parents emerging from previous marriages and were committed to maintaining sobriety—Shonda had been sober for 18 years, while Michael had been in recovery for about a year. Their shared struggles and aspirations brought them closer, leading to their marriage in Hawaii in 2006. United by a passion for helping others, they co-founded Townsend, a chain of addiction treatment centers, which expanded to 14 locations at its peak before being sold in 2015 for a substantial profit of $21.5 million.

Escalation and Threats from Michael

Timestamp: [09:49] – [18:01]

Despite initial successes, Michael's past struggles with addiction resurfaced in 2017. Shonda discovered a bottle of Adderall labeled with Michael's name and uncovered evidence of his infidelity. Concerned about his potential relapse into harder substances, Shonda issued an ultimatum: seek treatment or end their marriage. Michael's refusal marked the beginning of a tumultuous and abusive period.

Michael's descent into instability led to obsessive and threatening behavior. He began stalking Shonda, making threats against her and her daughter, Isabel, and installing spyware on her computer to monitor her activities. Despite numerous police reports filed by Shonda, Michael was never apprehended—"no single arrest was made despite his continuous harassment" (Timestamp: [07:34]).

In the spring of 2017, Michael initiated divorce proceedings but quickly retracted them, intensifying his abusive tactics. He escalated his threats, including "leaking private videos to neighbors, family members, and even Isabel's school administration" (Timestamp: [09:49]). These actions left Shonda in a constant state of fear, doubting the efficacy and responsiveness of law enforcement.

The Kidnapping and Rescue

Timestamp: [09:49] – [18:01]

On August 6, 2017, Shonda was brutally kidnapped from her home. As she was tending to her daughter Isabel, two unknown men forced their way into her residence, armed and intent on abducting her. Shonda and her friend were handcuffed and thrown into the back of a white van, while Isabel fled in terror.

Inside the van, Shonda endured sexual assault and was coerced into swallowing pills, causing her to lose consciousness intermittently. Her pleas for help echoed until fate intervened in the form of Chad Martin, an off-duty sheriff's deputy. "As soon as he saw Shonda, he realized the danger and saved her life" (Timestamp: [19:27]).

Chad's vigilance led him to notice suspicious behavior from the van's occupants. Observing their erratic driving and nervousness, he initiated a traffic stop. Despite having no immediate reason to pull them over, Michael's poor decisions—instead of taking evasive routes, he drove into a dead end and then struggled through thick mud—rendered the kidnappers immobile. Tragically, Sylvester Bracey and Arsenio Haynes, the two perpetrators, drowned in the process.

Investigation and Michael's Involvement

Timestamp: [19:27] – [28:04]

Following Shonda's rescue, law enforcement delved into the kidnapping, quickly identifying Michael Handley as the mastermind. Investigators traced the rental van to Michael through his personal identification and credit card records. Further evidence surfaced when surveillance footage from Barney's Police Depot showed Michael purchasing handcuffs—the same type used during the kidnapping.

Adding to the case, an Arlo security camera at one of their properties captured Michael conspiring with Sylvester Bracey, discussing plans to abduct and torture Shonda. "In one video, Michael could be heard saying, 'I'm gonna kill her,' revealing his sinister intentions" (Timestamp: [29:28]).

Despite the overwhelming evidence, Michael initially maintained his innocence, claiming the van was rented for moving furniture and asserting that the kidnappers acted independently. However, the mounting proof, including manipulated text messages and incriminating security footage, left little room for doubt.

Legal Proceedings and Conviction

Timestamp: [28:04] – [29:28]

Michael was arrested on August 11, 2017, and faced an array of charges, including conspiracy to commit second-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping. Throughout the legal battles, Michael attempted to shift blame onto his accomplices, even staging fake evidence to portray himself as a victim. "He tried to convince Shonda that the kidnappers were his victims," Kendall highlights (Timestamp: [29:28]).

A pivotal moment in the trial was when Shonda and her daughter provided powerful victim impact statements, urging the court for the maximum sentence. Despite Michael's initial plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, psychiatric evaluations confirmed his competency to stand trial.

Ultimately, in March 2018, Michael opted for a plea deal to avoid a life sentence, accepting 15 to 35 years in prison. The judge sentenced him to the maximum of 35 years, citing his continued harassment, even while incarcerated, as a significant factor in the decision.

Aftermath and Shonda's Resilience

Timestamp: [29:28] – [47:32]

The ordeal left profound scars on Shonda and Isabel, but Shonda's indomitable spirit shone through as she channeled her trauma into creating positive change. She founded Destiny Sober Living in Lafayette, providing a safe and supportive environment for women recovering from addiction. Shonda's mission emphasizes "encouragement, support, and accountability", fostering long-term recovery and healthy lifestyles.

Beyond her work with Destiny Sober Living, Shonda continued her charitable endeavors, previously co-running the Handley Family Foundation, which supported various causes through fundraising events. Her commitment to giving back underscores her resilience and unwavering dedication to helping others overcome their struggles.

Shonda also expressed profound gratitude toward Officer Chad Martin, acknowledging his crucial role in saving her life. The emotional reunion and Shonda's heartfelt thanks highlight the profound impact of his timely intervention.

Despite the victory in court, Shonda remains vigilant, wary of the day Michael might regain his freedom. However, her focus remains on healing and empowering others, illustrating a powerful narrative of survival and strength in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Notable Quotes

• Shonda Handley: "I felt sick to my stomach, almost to the point where I couldn't even stand up." (Timestamp: [09:49])

• Kendall Rae: "She called her kidnapping a blessing, and imagine how bad things would have had to be for her to call that a blessing." (Timestamp: [09:49])

• Michael Handley (Captured in Security Footage): "I'm gonna kill her." (Timestamp: [29:28])

Conclusion

This episode of True Crime with Kendall Rae not only delves into the dark intricacies of a calculated kidnapping but also celebrates the incredible strength of a survivor who transformed her trauma into a beacon of hope for others. Shonda Handley's story is a testament to human resilience and the profound impact one individual's courage can have on the lives of many.

For those seeking inspiration through real-life tales of overcoming adversity, Shonda's journey offers both a cautionary narrative and a powerful example of turning pain into purpose.