Ep 15. Behind Bars: Sheila Davalloo

In season 26, episode 15 of Snapped titled "Behind Bars: Sheila Davalloo", viewers follow the twisted tale of a woman who was convicted for the murder of her husband, attempted murder of her then-boyfriend, and association with her ex-husband's murder. This episode takes a deeper look at the evidence used in her trial, her motives, and the criminal justice system that ultimately led her to serve life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Sheila Davalloo was a seemingly successful and intelligent woman, but her personal life was fraught with drama. She grew up in a loving family with a passion for science, eventually leading her to work as an engineer at General Electric. It was here that she met her husband, Paul Christos, and they appeared to have a happy marriage until he was murdered in their home. Sheila was not charged in his death until years later, instead, she was convicted of the attempted murder of her boyfriend at the time, Nelson Sessler.

Nelson was a colleague of hers at GE, but she became jealous and paranoid about his relationship with another woman. In a fit of rage, Sheila attacked Nelson in his apartment with a knife and a stun gun. He survived and became the key witness in her trial. It was during this time that detectives discovered her connection to the murder of her husband Paul, and subsequently linked her ex-husband to the crime as well.

Throughout the episode, viewers hear from the detectives who worked on her case, the prosecutors who fought to convict her, and her defense team who argued that the evidence against her was circumstantial at best. There are interviews with friends and colleagues who knew her well, and archival footage of her testimony during the trial.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the episode is the examination of Sheila's behavior after her arrest. Viewers see footage of her in jail, making calculated attempts to manipulate those around her in order to gain information and possibly even influence the outcome of her trial. There is a sense of chilling detachment to her demeanor, which only adds to the unsettling feeling that she is capable of anything.

The episode does an excellent job of balancing the facts of the case with the emotional impact on those affected by her crimes. Sheila's parents and sister appear briefly to speak about their shock and disbelief, and Nelson recounts the harrowing experience of being attacked by the woman he thought he loved. Most poignant, however, are the segments featuring Paul's family. His mother and sister speak candidly about their love for him and their devastation at his loss. The contrast between their grief and Sheila's lack of remorse is stark.

Overall, "Behind Bars: Sheila Davalloo" is a compelling and well-produced episode of Snapped. It is a harrowing reminder that danger can hide in plain sight, and that we may never truly know the people we think we do. It is a haunting cautionary tale that will stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled.