Ep 4. Trail of Tears

On The Case With Paula Zahn is a documentary television series that explores intriguing cases of crime, featuring interviews with victims, their families, and law enforcement officials. In season 10 episode 4, titled "Trail of Tears," Paula Zahn delves into the case of two teenage girls whose innocent camping trip went tragically wrong.

In June 1999, Laurie Tackett, 18, and her friends Hope Rippey, 16, Melinda Loveless, 16, and Toni Lawrence, 15, decided to go on a camping trip near their hometown of New Albany, Indiana. The group had been friends for a few years, and they were excited to spend a night in the wilderness together.

However, what started as a fun adventure quickly turned into a nightmare when Melinda Loveless revealed her plan to murder a girl named Shanda Sharer, who had been dating her ex-girlfriend. The girls had been taunting Shanda for weeks, calling her at night and threatening her. Melinda was determined to kill Shanda and make it look like an accident.

The following day, the group drove to Shanda's house and lured her out by pretending to be friends. They then forced her into the car and drove her to a remote location near Madison, Indiana. Once they arrived, they took turns beating, stabbing, and burning Shanda alive. The girls then left her body to rot in a nearby field.

The case gained national attention, not only because of the brutality of the crime, but also because of the age of the perpetrators. The viciousness of the murder was shocking, as was the fact that it was committed by teenage girls.

As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that Melinda Loveless was the mastermind behind the plan. She had a troubled past and had been institutionalized for psychiatric treatment. Laurie Tackett, Hope Rippey, and Toni Lawrence were all aware of Melinda's intentions but did nothing to stop her.

Despite the overwhelming evidence against them, the girls all pleaded not guilty to the charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. However, they eventually accepted plea deals and were sentenced to varying lengths of imprisonment. Laurie Tackett was sentenced to 60 years, Hope Rippey to 35 years and Toni Lawrence to 20 years. Melinda Loveless, who was the driving force behind the murder, was sentenced to 60 years in prison.

The case of Shanda Sharer's murder is a tragic example of the damage that can be caused by peer pressure and a desire to fit in. It is also a reminder that even seemingly innocent individuals can be capable of unspeakable violence.

"Trail of Tears" is a powerful and heartbreaking episode of On The Case With Paula Zahn that explores the events leading up to the murder of Shanda Sharer, as well as the subsequent investigation and trials. Through interviews with family members, investigators, and other key players in the case, Paula Zahn provides a comprehensive and insightful look at this disturbing crime. The episode serves not only as a tribute to Shanda Sharer, but also as a cautionary tale about the dangers of peer pressure and the importance of speaking up when we see something that is wrong.