Kim Mager, a 30-year veteran of the Ashland City Police Department in Ohio, recently shared her experience of interrogating Shawn Grate, a serial killer, for 33 hours over eight days. Initially, Mager did not suspect Grate to be any different from other sex offenders she had encountered in her career. However, during the interrogation, Grate revealed his desire and hunger to kill, which set him apart.
Collaborating with author Lisa Pulitzer, Mager detailed her pursuit of Grate in the book “A Hunger to Kill: A Serial Killer, a Determined Detective, and a Quest for a Confession That Changed a Small Town Forever.” The case involved the discovery of multiple victims, including Stacey Stanley, Elizabeth Griffith, Candice Cunningham, Rebekah Leicy, and Dana Lowrey.
Grate’s charm and friendly demeanor masked his true nature as a predator. Mager described him as opportunistic, seizing opportunities to victimize individuals with different backgrounds and lifestyles. Despite Grate’s attempts to understand his own motives for killing, Mager remained unsure about the authenticity of his remorse.
The victims of Grate’s crimes were remembered as daughters, mothers, sisters, and friends, each with unique qualities and aspirations. Mager emphasized the importance of not forgetting the lives lost to senseless violence.
The harrowing experience of investigating a serial killer like Grate sheds light on the complexities of criminal behavior and the impact of such heinous acts on victims and their families. Mager’s dedication to seeking justice for the victims serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of law enforcement professionals in solving cases and bringing closure to affected communities.
