True Crime with Kendall Rae

Episode: Journalist Writes Eerie Facebook Post Hours Before Death: Who Killed Sarah Greenhalgh?

Release Date: May 1, 2025

Kendall Rae dives deep into the perplexing and heartbreaking case of Sarah Greenhalgh, an investigative journalist whose life was tragically cut short. This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and unresolved questions surrounding Sarah's unsolved murder.

Introduction to the Case

[00:36] Kendall Rae opens the episode by expressing her frustration over the unsolved murder of Sarah Greenhalgh, emphasizing the 13-year gap without answers and the profound impact on Sarah's family.

“It's really, really frustrating this one because I really feel that it should have been solved by now.” [00:36]

Who Was Sarah Greenhalgh?

Sarah Greenhalgh was born on March 21, 1964, in Potomac, Maryland. She was an independent, determined woman with a passion for horses and photography. Sarah's career as an investigative journalist took her to prestigious publications, earning her accolades for her insightful photography and fearless reporting.

• Background and Early Life
  • Moved to a horse farm in Poolsville, Maryland, nurturing her love for animals, especially horses.
  • Received a Brownie camera from her grandmother, sparking her interest in photography.

“Sarah was a very determined woman, a very independent woman, and she was an investigative journalist...” [00:36]

• Education and Career
  • Attended Old Fields, an all-girls college preparatory school known for its strong academic and equestrian programs.
  • Studied journalism at Columbia University.
  • Worked for various publications, including the Washington Post, Chronicle of the Horse, and Winchester Star.

“Sarah really lived her life by the saying carpe diem. It was actually her license plate.” [35:50]

The Day of the Murder: July 9, 2012

On July 9, 2012, Sarah was found dead in her one-bedroom cottage in Upperville, Northern Virginia. An off-duty firefighter reported smoke rising from her house at 8:08 AM, and by 8:22 AM, firefighters had extinguished the fire but discovered Sarah's body with gunshot wounds, indicating homicide.

• Discovery of the Crime Scene
  • Extensive fire damage inside the house.
  • A 9mm handgun found near her body.
  • Multiple bullet casings and holes suggesting a struggle.

“The upper part of her torso had been covered in debris, and there was a 9 millimeter handgun placed not far from her body.” [02:15]

Initial Investigation and Clues

Detectives immediately began investigating, focusing on Sarah's last 24 hours. A pivotal clue emerged from a Facebook post Sarah made around 11:00 PM on July 8th, hours before her death.

“Going to be sleeping with the windows wide open. Now, if Batshit Crazy Boy would just leave me alone...” [15:30]

This post mentioned a mysterious figure she referred to as "Batshit Crazy Boy," sparking initial suspicions among investigators.

The Suspect: John Kearns

Melissa, a coworker, discovered a note in Sarah's desk identifying "Bat Crazy Boy" as John Kearns from Gainesville. This led police to scrutinize John, who had a history of violent behavior and tumultuous relationships.

• John Kearns’ Background
  • Martial arts instructor and black belt with visible cuts on his knuckles.
  • Previous incidents of domestic violence and arson.
  • Recent legal troubles, including violation of a protective order and arrests for assault.

“His reaction to this whole thing came across as very strange and very cold.” [25:40]

Investigation into John Kearns

Detectives explored John's relationship with Sarah, uncovering a heated argument the night before her murder. Despite his suspicious behavior and criminal history, concrete evidence tying him to the crime remained elusive.

• Evidence and Red Flags
  • John's demeanor during questioning was notably cold.
  • Deletion of emails between him and Sarah, hinting at potential incriminating communication.
  • Affiliations with individuals accused of animal abuse, providing a possible motive.

“According to a search warrant affidavit, she, Sarah lamented that she listened to all of John's problems and based upon what he had told her...” [28:10]

Other Suspects and Leads

While John Kearns emerged as the primary suspect, other leads, such as Colin, the son of the property owner, were investigated and eventually ruled out after thorough examination and polygraph testing.

“They had to factor all this information into what they think happened.” [33:20]

The Aftermath and Family Impact

Sarah's mother, now in her 90s, remains devastated and yearns for closure. The prolonged investigation has taken an emotional toll on those closest to Sarah, including Debbie Kearns, John’s ex-wife, who shares striking similarities with Sarah and struggles with feelings of responsibility.

“Debbie, you are in no way responsible for what happened to Sarah... it really breaks my heart.” [36:00]

The Legacy of Sarah

Sarah Greenhalgh is remembered fondly by over 300 attendees at her memorial service, highlighting her vibrant personality, dedication to truth, and lasting impact on her community and colleagues. Her camera survived the fire, symbolizing her enduring presence and passion for storytelling.

“Sarah was someone that thought of her birthday as sort of a national holiday...” [34:50]

Current Status and Ongoing Calls for Information

Despite the FBI’s involvement and multiple search warrants, no definitive evidence has surfaced to solve Sarah’s murder. Detectives continue to believe the case is active but lack sufficient proof to make an arrest, leaving the investigation in limbo.

“There is not enough evidence to point to him as Sarah's killer, which is really, really frustrating.” [35:30]

Kendall Rae emphasizes the importance of public assistance, urging anyone with information to contact the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office.

“If you happen to have any information on her murder, even if it's something that may seem small to you, please contact the Falkier County Sheriff's office at 540-347-3300.” [37:00]

Conclusion

The episode poignantly underscores the unresolved nature of Sarah Greenhalgh's case, the relentless pursuit of truth by her loved ones, and the enduring hope for justice. Kendall Rae honors Sarah's memory by keeping her story alive, fostering community awareness, and advocating for continued investigation efforts.

“I really hope that she gets those answers that she so desperately just needs.” [36:40]

Sarah Greenhalgh's story is a testament to the enduring quest for justice in the face of uncertainty. Kendall Rae's empathetic and thorough exploration serves as a beacon for those seeking to shed light on unsolved true-crime cases.