The Murder of Shanda Sharer

In the quiet town of Madison, Indiana, on a cold winter's night, a horrific crime unfolded that would capture the nation's attention and haunt it for years to come. This is the tragic story of Shanda Renee Sharer, a 12-year-old girl whose life was brutally cut short by four teenage girls in a crime that shocked the world with its senseless brutality and the tender ages of the perpetrators.

Victim

Shanda Renee Sharer was born on June 6, 1979, in Pineville, Kentucky, to Stephen and Jacqueline "Jacque" Sharer. After her parents' divorce, Shanda moved with her mother to Louisville, where she thrived at St. Paul School, participating in cheerleading, volleyball, and softball. Following another divorce, her mother relocated the family to New Albany, Indiana, in June 1991. There, Shanda attended Hazelwood Middle School before transferring to Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, where she joined the girls' basketball team. Shanda was a vibrant, young girl full of potential, but her life would be tragically short-lived.

The Perpetrators

Melinda Loveless

Born on October 28, 1975, in New Albany, Indiana, Melinda Loveless was the youngest of three daughters. Her childhood was marred by a tumultuous family life. Her father, Larry, a Vietnam War veteran, was a deeply troubled man with a history of abusive behavior, both emotionally and physically. He was a man of contradictions, claiming the status of a hero while being dismissed from the police force for assault and later engaging in numerous criminal activities, including mail fraud. His abusive tendencies extended to his family, with accusations of molestation and violence. Melinda's mother, Marjorie, faced her own struggles with mental health, marked by multiple suicide attempts. Melinda's upbringing in such a volatile environment left deep scars.

Mary Laurine "Laurie" Tackett

Laurie Tackett, born on October 5, 1974, in Madison, Indiana, grew up in a strict Pentecostal Christian home. Her father had a criminal past, and her relationship with her mother was fraught with conflict. Tackett's interest in the occult and self-destructive behavior began in her teenage years, culminating in a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. Despite these struggles, she formed a close bond with Loveless in late 1991.

Hope Rippey

Hope Anna Rippey entered the world on June 9, 1976, in Madison, Indiana. Her childhood was disrupted by her parents' divorce and a move to Michigan, before eventually returning to Madison. Rippey, like her companions, engaged in self-harm by the age of 15. She was a childhood friend of Tackett and Toni Lawrence, although her parents disapproved of Tackett's influence.

Toni Lawrence

Born on February 14, 1976, in Madison, Toni Lawrence's life was marked by early trauma, including abuse by a relative and a violent assault by a peer. Her attempts at counseling were short-lived, and she turned to self-harm and promiscuity as coping mechanisms. Despite these challenges, she maintained a close friendship with Rippey from childhood.

Events Leading to the Tragedy

In 1990, Melinda Loveless began a relationship with Amanda Heavrin, which soured as Loveless's behavior became increasingly erratic after her father's departure. Jealousy brewed when Heavrin became friends with Shanda Sharer. By October 1991, Loveless's possessiveness turned ominous, and she began to openly threaten Shanda.

On the night of January 10, 1992, the stage was set for a night of terror. Loveless, along with Tackett, Rippey, and Lawrence, traveled to Jeffersonville with a sinister plan. Disguising their intent, they lured Shanda out of her father's home under the pretense of meeting Heavrin.

The Night of January 10-11, 1992

Pre-abduction

That evening, the four girls gathered at Loveless's home, where she revealed a knife, intending to scare Shanda. Despite initial reluctance, Shanda agreed to join them after being assured that Heavrin awaited her at a local hangout known as the "Witch's Castle."

Abduction and Murder

Once Shanda was in the car, the horror began. Loveless's rage spiraled into a brutal assault as they drove to an abandoned location. Over the course of the night, Shanda was tortured, beaten, and ultimately set on fire, a monstrous act that would forever be etched in the annals of crime.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The investigation swiftly led to the arrest of Loveless, Tackett, Rippey, and Lawrence. Their trial revealed the shocking details of the crime. Loveless, Tackett, and Rippey were convicted of murder, criminal confinement, and arson, receiving sentences of 60, 60, and 35 years, respectively. Lawrence, who played a lesser role, was convicted of criminal confinement and sentenced to 20 years.

Aftermath

In the years following the crime, each perpetrator sought parole, with varying degrees of success. Loveless was paroled after 26 years, Tackett after 25, Rippey after 14, and Lawrence after 9.

Sources

For a detailed account, refer to the original Wikipedia article: Shanda Sharer.