Ep 12. Murder in Room 205

On The Case With Paula Zahn is a true crime show that explores the most intriguing and complex cases across the United States. In season 10, episode 12, titled "Murder in Room 205," Paula Zahn delves into a story that revolves around the murder of a young mother in a motel room in Austell, Georgia.

The case dates back to 2009 when 23-year-old Sandi Shaw decided to go out with her boyfriend, Dustin Harrell, for a night of partying. The couple had recently moved from Texas to Georgia, and Sandi was excited to explore her new surroundings. They checked into Room 205 at the Garden Inn and Suites, a budget motel on Veterans Memorial Highway, and went out to enjoy the local nightlife.

However, the morning after, hotel staff discovered Sandi's lifeless body on the bed. She had been strangled to death, and her clothes were torn and scattered across the room. The news of the murder shook the small community, and the police launched an investigation to find the perpetrator.

In "Murder in Room 205," Paula Zahn examines the clues and evidence that led to the arrest and conviction of Dustin Harrell for Sandi Shaw's murder. The episode features interviews with Sandi's family members, law enforcement officials, and legal experts who offer insights into the case and the judicial proceedings that followed.

Throughout the episode, Paula Zahn raises several key questions that help piece together the sequence of events that ultimately led to Sandi Shaw's tragic death. For example, how well did Sandi and Dustin know each other, and what led to their violent altercation? Why did Dustin initially deny any involvement in Sandi's murder, and what changed in his story as the investigation progressed? And how did the medical examiner determine the cause and time of death given the limited physical evidence available at the crime scene?

In addition to highlighting the investigative and forensic techniques used by law enforcement to solve the case, "Murder in Room 205" also delves into the human element of the story. Viewers learn about Sandi Shaw's background, her dreams and aspirations, and the impact her death had on her family and friends. The episode also provides insights into the psyche of Dustin Harrell, who was described by some as a charming and intelligent man with a dark side.

Overall, "Murder in Room 205" is a compelling and thought-provoking episode that sheds light on the complex nature of homicide investigations and the emotional toll they take on everyone involved. With Paula Zahn's insightful commentary and the compelling interviews throughout the episode, viewers are left with a deeper understanding of the tragedy that occurred in Austell, Georgia, and the many lives it touched.