Ep 9. Sarah Mclinn

Sarah McLinn was a vibrant 14-year-old girl when she met Harold "Hal" Sasko. He was 51, and they met while Sarah was working at a diner where Hal was a regular customer. Hal quickly became obsessed with Sarah and convinced her to move in with him, claiming that he would help her achieve her dreams of becoming an artist.

The relationship between Sarah and Hal was unusual, to say the least. They were not romantically involved, but Hal was very controlling of Sarah's life. He dictated what she could eat, what she wore, and how she spent her time. Sarah complied with his demands, hoping that by doing so, she would gain the resources she needed to pursue her art career.

In January of 2014, Sarah and Hal went on a trip to Colorado. Sarah's friends later reported that they did not hear from her during this time, and her social media activity stopped altogether. After two weeks of silence, Hal returned to Kansas alone, and Sarah was nowhere to be found.

Initially, Hal claimed that he did not know where Sarah was. He told police that she had gone to stay with friends in New York for a while and that he didn't have any contact with her. However, during a search of Hal's home, investigators discovered Sarah's body hidden in the garage. She had been bludgeoned to death with a hammer.

As police investigated the murder of Sarah McLinn, they uncovered a wealth of disturbing information about Hal Sasko. He had a criminal history that included drug offenses and possession of child pornography. He also had a fascination with bondage and sadomasochism, which was revealed through his internet search history.

Despite his criminal record and suspicious behavior, Hal maintained his innocence in the murder of Sarah McLinn. He claimed that he had been out of town when the murder occurred and that someone else must have been responsible.

In court, the prosecution presented a compelling case against Hal Sasko. They argued that he had become jealous of Sarah's artistic talent and had killed her in a fit of rage. They also presented evidence that suggested Hal had planned the murder in advance, purchasing a large amount of duct tape and a hammer before the trip to Colorado.

Jurors ultimately found Hal Sasko guilty of the murder of Sarah McLinn. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The tragic story of Sarah McLinn and her relationship with Hal Sasko is one of the most disturbing cases featured on Snapped. This episode delves into the details of the investigation and trial, giving viewers a glimpse into the mind of a killer. It is a chilling reminder that sometimes, the people closest to us can be the most dangerous.