It was September 2, 2010, and Michelle O'Connell was excited for the Paramore concert that night at the St. Augustine Amphitheater in Florida. Her sister was babysitting Michelle's daughter, four year old Alexis. But Michelle knew she had even bigger plans that evening.
Michelle and Alexis had lived with Deputy Jeremy Banks for the past year. What started as a hopeful romance, turned into quite the opposite. Amidst complaints of violence to her family and friends, Jennifer was making plans to leave. And she planned to do that just after the concert that night.
However within just an hour of their travels back to the residence, Michelle would be dead.
A 911 call placed by Jeremy is a great study in emotion and voice detection.
He states that Michelle ended her own life, while he waited in his garage for her to pack her things. In fact, he states she did so with his own duty pistol. Yes, the pistol on his belt, in a retention holster, that he used for work. Coworkers of Jeremy's arrived to assess the situation.
Evidence was collected, minimally. Interviews were conducted, light heartedly. The sheriff was offended - greatly.
This case required special prosecution appointments, governor involvement, and administrative leave. But not where you may expect it. Then after the family fought for YEARS, Michelle's body was exhumed. What was found that had never been reported?? The figurative nail in the coffin. But why hasn't her manner of death ever been changed?
Oh, let's not forget the next civilian to investigate Michelle's death....as he got closer, the man was made to stop in his tracks. By being murdered. Another murder yet unsolved.
Join Andrea Up Late and retired homicide Lieutenant, Brian Sanders, as they untangle this web of medical examiners, botched statements, and a belligerent sheriff.
Let us know what you think. Watch Nightshift every live every Tuesday on the Andrea Up Late YouTube channel. Listen wherever you stream podcasts. Follow on Instagram at andreauplate. Message case recommendations or thoughts to IG, or email at [email protected]. Like, rate, review, and SUBSCRIBE. It's free, y'all.
#mystery #unsolvedcases #sheriff #domestic_violence #staugustine #staugustinelife #staugustineflorida #nightshift #nurse