Ep 4. Money, Madness and Murder: The Story of Sheila Dates (Jonesboro, GA)
- TV-14
- September 18, 2013
- 43 min
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(8)
In Surviving Evil Season 1 Episode 4 titled "Money, Madness and Murder: The Story of Sheila Dates," viewers are introduced to a shocking story from Jonesboro, Georgia. Sheila Dates was a successful businesswoman who ran a profitable daycare center from her home. However, her seemingly perfect life took a dark turn when she hired a new employee, a woman named Serena Nunn.
Serena was a troubled individual with a history of mental illness. Despite her complicated background, Sheila took a chance on her and offered her a job at the daycare. At first, everything seemed to be going well. Serena was friendly and hardworking. She even became close with Sheila's family, especially her young son.
However, things took a dark turn when Sheila noticed money missing from her business. After investigating, she discovered that Serena had been stealing from her. Sheila promptly fired Serena and pressed charges against her. It was a decision that would have deadly consequences.
Enraged by being caught, Serena plotted her revenge against Sheila. In a terrifying act of violence, Serena broke into Sheila's home and murdered her, along with Sheila's 9-year-old son. In an attempt to cover her tracks, Serena also set the house on fire.
The episode follows the investigation and trial that took place after the heinous crime. Friends and family members of Sheila share memories of her and express their grief over the loss. Detectives recount the details of the investigation, which was complicated by Serena's insistence on a false alibi.
In addition to the murder trial, the episode also explores the mental health issues that contributed to Serena's tragic downfall. Her family members open up about her history of bipolar disorder and the struggles she faced in managing her illness without proper treatment.
Overall, "Money, Madness and Murder: The Story of Sheila Dates" is a heart-wrenching episode that highlights the devastating effects of untreated mental illness and the dangers that can come from hiring without proper background checks. It serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety in our homes and workplaces.