Forensic Files

The Kidnapping of Schanda Handley | Full Episode

48 Hours

  • Apr 17, 2023
  • 41:47
  • Full Episode

A daughter watches in horror as her mother is kidnapped from their home by intruders posing as deliverymen. "CBS Mornings" lead national correspondent David Begnaud reports for "48 Hours." Watch more full episodes of "48 Hours" on Pluto TV.

"What was so unique about this story is that it happened in my home town. For me, as a young boy watching '48 Hours,' I dreamt of telling a story in my hometown and this was that. Most often than not '48 Hours' involves tragic endings and deaths, but this was a happy ending for the victim because she survived to tell her story." — David Begnaud on why this story is important.

Crime. Social justice. Impact. "48 Hours" investigates the most intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all areas of the human experience including greed and passion. "48 Hours," which premiered in 1988, has developed a rich history of original reporting and impact journalism that has helped exonerate wrongly convicted people, caused cold cases to be reopened and solved, and along the way changed lives.

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Brief Summary

Shonda Hanley's kidnapping and rescue reveal a dark tale of domestic abuse and survival against her estranged husband Michael Hanley.

Key points

  • Shonda's Abduction. Shonda Hanley is kidnapped by armed intruders in her own home, leaving her daughter in shock.
  • The Rescue. Deputy Chad Martin discovers Shonda handcuffed in a van after a brief pursuit of suspects.
  • Michael's Dark Past. Shonda reveals her estranged husband Michael's troubling behavior leading up to her kidnapping.
  • The Arrest. Michael Hanley is apprehended after a four-day manhunt, with chilling evidence found.
  • Michael's Chilling Confession. A camera accidentally records Michael saying he intends to kill Shonda.
  • Shonda's Plea Deal. To avoid risks, Shonda accepts Michael's plea of guilty to second-degree kidnapping.

Tension

85/ 100High tension

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