#88: The Girl Under The Mattress (Kidnapping of Shannon Matthews)

This minisode explores the chilling true crime case of nine-year-old Shannon Matthews, who went missing and was later found under shocking circumstances. The story focuses on her mother, Karen Matthews, and her uncle, Michael Donovan, as they orchestrated a scheme to fake Shannon's kidnapping for financial gain, taking advantage of the media frenzy tied to other similar cases. The podcast chronicles the intense 24-day search that mobilized hundreds of police officers and community members, culminating in the discovery of Shannon hidden in her uncle's home. It also examines the trials and convictions that followed, and the profound impact this case had on both the community and Shannon's life. Ultimately, the case reveals the troubling issues of neglect, societal biases, and the exploitation of public sympathy for ulterior motives.