David Shannon, a 40-year-old Army Major, was found dead on July 23, 2002, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The investigation into his death revealed a chilling and complex plot involving his wife, Joan Shannon, and his stepdaughter, Elizabeth Shannon. David Shannon was discovered in his bed with gunshot wounds to his forehead and chest. The scene was gruesome, with blood splatter and brain matter on the bedroom wall.
The cause of death was determined to be close-range gunshot wounds.
David Shannon's wife, Joan Shannon, and his stepdaughter, Elizabeth Shannon, were both implicated in his murder. Joan, who had a troubled past and a history of bad relationships, had persuaded her 15-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, to kill David. Joan had fallen in love with another man she met through a swingers' sex club, and she wanted David out of the picture. On the night of the murder, Elizabeth shot her stepfather while he was sleeping.
The investigation revealed that Joan and David Shannon had an extensive pornographic collection, including homemade photographs and videotapes featuring themselves and a family friend, Jeffrey Wilson. The police found no signs of a break-in, and nothing was missing from the house. Joan, Elizabeth, and Elizabeth's friend, Vera Thompson, were tested for gunshot residue. While Joan tested positive, the pattern of residue indicated she was not the shooter.
Joan Shannon was arrested on August 2, 2002, and was later found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and accessory after the fact to murder. She was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Elizabeth Shannon pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for testifying against her mother. She was sentenced to 25 to 31 years in prison.
