Shawn Grate
Ohio Serial Killer on Death Row
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Ohio, United States
TIME PERIOD
2006-2016
VICTIMS
5 confirmed
Shawn Michael Grate, an American serial killer and rapist, was apprehended on September 13, 2016, in Ashland County, Ohio, after the discovery of multiple victims linked to him. Grate is convicted of murdering five young women between 2006 and 2016 across various counties, including Ashland, Richland, and Marion. He was sentenced to death on May 7, 2018, for two counts of aggravated murder, later pleading guilty to additional murders in 2019. Currently, he is incarcerated at Chillicothe Correctional Institution, awaiting execution. Significant evidence includes the remains of victims found in abandoned properties and Grate's own confessions, which have been pivotal in securing his convictions for aggravated murder, kidnapping, and rape.
Shawn Grate is believed to have targeted vulnerable women, often using manipulation or deception to lure them before committing his crimes. Some speculate that his early life experiences and struggles with education may have contributed to his violent behavior. Additionally, there are theories surrounding the possibility of more undiscovered victims, given the span of his criminal activity and the locations of his known crimes.
The Twisted Tale of Shawn Grate: Ohio's Serial Killer
Introduction to Darkness
Shawn Michael Grate, born on August 8, 1976, in Marion, Ohio, is a name that sends shivers down the spine of those familiar with his heinous acts. Convicted as a serial killer and rapist, Grate's reign of terror spanned a decade, from 2006 to 2016, claiming the lives of at least five women in northern Ohio. Today, he sits on death row, awaiting execution for his brutal crimes.
Early Life: Seeds of a Disturbed Mind
Grate's upbringing was far from idyllic. Born to Terry Grate and Theresa McFarland, his childhood was marked by emotional turbulence. Despite attempting to lead a "normal" life, playing sports and engaging with peers, his family life was fraught with instability. His parents divorced just two days before his sixth birthday, on August 6, 1982. At age 11, his mother abandoned the family to move to Kentucky, leaving Grate and his brother in their father's custody. The household was a battleground, particularly between Grate and his mother, a conflict observed by his half-sister.
In school, Grate faced numerous challenges, being held back in both kindergarten and first grade. Despite these setbacks, he exuded charm, with a former friend recalling, "all the girls liked Shawn." Yet beneath this façade, a court psychiatrist later described him as a "depressed kid," shaped by neglect and emotional detachment.
Grate's teenage years were tumultuous. After a promising start in high school baseball, a broken arm ended his sports pursuits. He harbored violent fantasies towards his mother, and his behavior grew increasingly erratic. In 1994, he was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend, a precursor to more severe crimes. In 1996, he committed a burglary in Marion County, leading to a felony charge and a brief prison stint.
The Killing Spree
Grate's descent into murder began in 2006, culminating in a series of gruesome acts that shocked Ohio. His victims were Stacey Stanley, Elizabeth Griffith, Candice Cunningham, Rebekah Leicy, and Dana Nicole Lowrey. Each murder had its own tragic narrative, but all were unified by Grate's callous brutality.
Stacey Stanley and Elizabeth Griffith
On September 13, 2016, a desperate 911 call from a woman identified only as "Jane Doe" led Ashland police to a house of horrors. There, they rescued Doe, who had been held captive and sexually assaulted for three days. The same location unveiled the bodies of Stacey Stanley and Elizabeth Griffith, both strangled to death. Stanley's family had reported her missing a week prior, and Griffith had been missing for a month.
Candice Cunningham
On the day of his arrest, Grate led authorities to Cunningham's body in Richland County. She had been killed in June 2016 after enduring three days of torture. Grate dismissed her as "a problem," a chilling understatement of his horrific actions.
Rebekah Leicy
Leicy's death was initially ruled a drug overdose when her body was discovered in March 2015. However, Grate's confession revealed a darker truth. He strangled Leicy after she allegedly stole $4 from him.
Dana Nicole Lowrey
Lowrey's murder remained a mystery for years. Found in Marion County in 2006, she was unidentified until 2019, thanks to DNA advancements. Grate claimed she was already "dead in mind" due to state assistance, a grotesque rationalization for his crime.
The Trials That Followed
Grate's arrest set off a cascade of legal proceedings. A grand jury indicted him on charges including aggravated murder, kidnapping, and rape. During a press interview, Grate confessed to five murders. His defense initially pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but this was withdrawn after a psychiatric evaluation deemed him sane.
In Ashland County, prosecutor Christopher R. Tunnell pursued the death penalty, citing the "depraved actions and gruesome evidence." Grate was ultimately found guilty of murdering Stanley and Griffith, and on June 1, 2018, he was sentenced to death. His execution was scheduled for September 13, 2018, but has been delayed by appeals.
In Richland County, Grate pleaded guilty to murdering Cunningham and Leicy, receiving consecutive life sentences. In Marion County, he admitted to killing Lowrey, resulting in another life sentence without parole.
The Aftermath
The house on Covert Court, the site of Grate's arrest, has since been demolished, a public memorial standing in its place. As of December 2020, the Ohio Supreme Court upheld Grate's death sentence, dismissing his appeal. His execution, initially set for March 19, 2025, remains delayed due to ongoing legal challenges.
The Shadow of Shawn Grate
Shawn Grate's story is a haunting reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath a charming exterior. His victims, each with their own stories and lives, were irrevocably altered by his monstrous actions. As Grate awaits his fate on death row, the scars of his crimes linger, a testament to the evil that once prowled the quiet corners of Ohio.
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First Murder
Shawn Grate commits his first murder, Dana Lowrey, in Marion County, Ohio.
Arrest
Grate is arrested after a kidnapping victim calls 911, leading police to discover two bodies.
Indictment
Grate is indicted on two counts of aggravated murder and multiple other charges.
Trial Begins
Jury selection begins for Grate's trial in Ashland County.
Guilty Verdict
Grate is found guilty of aggravated murder for the deaths of Stacey Stanley and Elizabeth Griffith.
Death Sentence
Grate is sentenced to death for his crimes.
Pleads Guilty to Two More Murders
Grate pleads guilty to the murders of Rebekah Leicy and Candice Cunningham.
Guilty of Additional Murder
Grate pleads guilty to the murder of Dana Lowrey and receives a life sentence.
Appeal Denied
The Ohio Supreme Court upholds Grate's death sentence, denying his appeal.
Shawn Michael Grate, an American serial killer and rapist, was apprehended on September 13, 2016, in Ashland County, Ohio, after the discovery of multiple victims linked to him. Grate is convicted of murdering five young women between 2006 and 2016 across various counties, including Ashland, Richland, and Marion. He was sentenced to death on May 7, 2018, for two counts of aggravated murder, later pleading guilty to additional murders in 2019. Currently, he is incarcerated at Chillicothe Correctional Institution, awaiting execution. Significant evidence includes the remains of victims found in abandoned properties and Grate's own confessions, which have been pivotal in securing his convictions for aggravated murder, kidnapping, and rape.
Shawn Grate is believed to have targeted vulnerable women, often using manipulation or deception to lure them before committing his crimes. Some speculate that his early life experiences and struggles with education may have contributed to his violent behavior. Additionally, there are theories surrounding the possibility of more undiscovered victims, given the span of his criminal activity and the locations of his known crimes.
The Twisted Tale of Shawn Grate: Ohio's Serial Killer
Introduction to Darkness
Shawn Michael Grate, born on August 8, 1976, in Marion, Ohio, is a name that sends shivers down the spine of those familiar with his heinous acts. Convicted as a serial killer and rapist, Grate's reign of terror spanned a decade, from 2006 to 2016, claiming the lives of at least five women in northern Ohio. Today, he sits on death row, awaiting execution for his brutal crimes.
Early Life: Seeds of a Disturbed Mind
Grate's upbringing was far from idyllic. Born to Terry Grate and Theresa McFarland, his childhood was marked by emotional turbulence. Despite attempting to lead a "normal" life, playing sports and engaging with peers, his family life was fraught with instability. His parents divorced just two days before his sixth birthday, on August 6, 1982. At age 11, his mother abandoned the family to move to Kentucky, leaving Grate and his brother in their father's custody. The household was a battleground, particularly between Grate and his mother, a conflict observed by his half-sister.
In school, Grate faced numerous challenges, being held back in both kindergarten and first grade. Despite these setbacks, he exuded charm, with a former friend recalling, "all the girls liked Shawn." Yet beneath this façade, a court psychiatrist later described him as a "depressed kid," shaped by neglect and emotional detachment.
Grate's teenage years were tumultuous. After a promising start in high school baseball, a broken arm ended his sports pursuits. He harbored violent fantasies towards his mother, and his behavior grew increasingly erratic. In 1994, he was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend, a precursor to more severe crimes. In 1996, he committed a burglary in Marion County, leading to a felony charge and a brief prison stint.
The Killing Spree
Grate's descent into murder began in 2006, culminating in a series of gruesome acts that shocked Ohio. His victims were Stacey Stanley, Elizabeth Griffith, Candice Cunningham, Rebekah Leicy, and Dana Nicole Lowrey. Each murder had its own tragic narrative, but all were unified by Grate's callous brutality.
Stacey Stanley and Elizabeth Griffith
On September 13, 2016, a desperate 911 call from a woman identified only as "Jane Doe" led Ashland police to a house of horrors. There, they rescued Doe, who had been held captive and sexually assaulted for three days. The same location unveiled the bodies of Stacey Stanley and Elizabeth Griffith, both strangled to death. Stanley's family had reported her missing a week prior, and Griffith had been missing for a month.
Candice Cunningham
On the day of his arrest, Grate led authorities to Cunningham's body in Richland County. She had been killed in June 2016 after enduring three days of torture. Grate dismissed her as "a problem," a chilling understatement of his horrific actions.
Rebekah Leicy
Leicy's death was initially ruled a drug overdose when her body was discovered in March 2015. However, Grate's confession revealed a darker truth. He strangled Leicy after she allegedly stole $4 from him.
Dana Nicole Lowrey
Lowrey's murder remained a mystery for years. Found in Marion County in 2006, she was unidentified until 2019, thanks to DNA advancements. Grate claimed she was already "dead in mind" due to state assistance, a grotesque rationalization for his crime.
The Trials That Followed
Grate's arrest set off a cascade of legal proceedings. A grand jury indicted him on charges including aggravated murder, kidnapping, and rape. During a press interview, Grate confessed to five murders. His defense initially pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but this was withdrawn after a psychiatric evaluation deemed him sane.
In Ashland County, prosecutor Christopher R. Tunnell pursued the death penalty, citing the "depraved actions and gruesome evidence." Grate was ultimately found guilty of murdering Stanley and Griffith, and on June 1, 2018, he was sentenced to death. His execution was scheduled for September 13, 2018, but has been delayed by appeals.
In Richland County, Grate pleaded guilty to murdering Cunningham and Leicy, receiving consecutive life sentences. In Marion County, he admitted to killing Lowrey, resulting in another life sentence without parole.
The Aftermath
The house on Covert Court, the site of Grate's arrest, has since been demolished, a public memorial standing in its place. As of December 2020, the Ohio Supreme Court upheld Grate's death sentence, dismissing his appeal. His execution, initially set for March 19, 2025, remains delayed due to ongoing legal challenges.
The Shadow of Shawn Grate
Shawn Grate's story is a haunting reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath a charming exterior. His victims, each with their own stories and lives, were irrevocably altered by his monstrous actions. As Grate awaits his fate on death row, the scars of his crimes linger, a testament to the evil that once prowled the quiet corners of Ohio.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
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First Murder
Shawn Grate commits his first murder, Dana Lowrey, in Marion County, Ohio.
Arrest
Grate is arrested after a kidnapping victim calls 911, leading police to discover two bodies.
Indictment
Grate is indicted on two counts of aggravated murder and multiple other charges.
Trial Begins
Jury selection begins for Grate's trial in Ashland County.
Guilty Verdict
Grate is found guilty of aggravated murder for the deaths of Stacey Stanley and Elizabeth Griffith.
Death Sentence
Grate is sentenced to death for his crimes.
Pleads Guilty to Two More Murders
Grate pleads guilty to the murders of Rebekah Leicy and Candice Cunningham.
Guilty of Additional Murder
Grate pleads guilty to the murder of Dana Lowrey and receives a life sentence.
Appeal Denied
The Ohio Supreme Court upholds Grate's death sentence, denying his appeal.