Ep 6. Murdered Babysitter

In Death Row Stories season 3 episode 6, entitled "Murdered Babysitter," viewers will be taken on a journey through a shocking and heartbreaking case involving the murder of a young babysitter in San Antonio, Texas. The episode delves into the trial and conviction of the man accused of this brutal crime, examining the evidence and witness testimonies that led to his eventual sentence on death row.

In the late 1990s, a 19-year-old college student named Stephanie Flanary was working as a part-time babysitter for a family in San Antonio. One evening in November of 1996, Stephanie was alone in the family's home with the two young children she was responsible for when an intruder entered the house and attacked her. The children, who were upstairs at the time, heard Stephanie screaming and ran to a neighbor's house for help. When police arrived at the scene, they found Stephanie's body with multiple stab wounds.

As the investigation began, it became clear that this was a brutal and senseless crime. Stephanie's loved ones were devastated by her loss, and the community was understandably shaken by the level of violence involved in this young woman's death. However, investigators were determined to find the person responsible for this heinous act and bring them to justice.

Soon, a suspect emerged: a man named Rodrigo Hernandez, whose DNA was found on a cigarette butt at the scene of the crime. Hernandez had a history of violent behavior, and his alibi for the night of the murder was flimsy at best. As the case moved to trial, the prosecution presented a detailed case against Hernandez, painting him as a dangerous and unstable man who was capable of committing such a gruesome crime.

Despite the evidence against him, Hernandez maintained his innocence, and his defense team argued that he was being framed by the police. However, the jury was ultimately swayed by the prosecution's case, and Hernandez was convicted of Stephanie's murder. He was sentenced to death row, where he remains to this day.

Throughout "Murdered Babysitter," viewers will hear from those who knew Stephanie Flanary best, including her family members and friends. They will also hear from legal experts and law enforcement officials involved in the case, who provide context and analysis of some of the most compelling moments in the investigation and trial.

Ultimately, "Murdered Babysitter" is a compelling and tragic look at a case that continues to haunt those involved decades later. It is a reminder of the importance of a thorough investigation and a fair trial, as well as the devastating impact that violence can have on individuals and communities alike.