13 YO Discovers Sister's Disturbing Secret | The Case of Lisa Knoefel

Summary

In 2014, Sabrina, a troubled foster child, was accused of murdering her foster mother, Lisa Knoefel. The case took a shocking turn when it was revealed that Sabrina's foster father, Kevin Knoefel, had manipulated her into committing the crime. Kevin, a sexual predator, had groomed Sabrina and convinced her that killing Lisa was their only chance for a life together. After a tense trial, both Sabrina and Kevin were sentenced to life in prison, leaving behind a shattered family and a haunting story of betrayal and tragedy.

Takeaways

• 👶 Sabrina was born into a troubled family and entered the foster care system, eventually being adopted by Lisa Knoefel, a social worker specializing in sexual abuse.
• 🏠 Lisa Knoefel provided Sabrina with a loving home, but the environment became tense as Lisa's husband, Kevin, began spending more time alone with Sabrina, leading to suspicions of inappropriate behavior.
• 🗡️ Sabrina was arrested for the murder of Lisa Knoefel, her foster mother, on August 6, 2014, found with a bloody knife in her hand.
• 🚔 Megan Zanella, Sabrina's foster sister, witnessed the murder and tried to intervene, but was overwhelmed due to her young age.
• 🚨 The police's initial suspect was Kevin Knoefel, but the investigation revealed a complex situation involving manipulation and abuse.
• 🕊️ Lisa Knoefel was a dedicated social worker who aimed to provide stability and a sense of normalcy for Sabrina, but her intentions were undermined by her husband's actions.
• 🤔 Sabrina initially claimed to have no memory of the murder, suggesting she took too many ibuprofen and blacked out, raising questions about the truth of her story.
• 💰 Kevin Knoefel was revealed to have financial motives, having cashed in over $785,000 from life insurance after Lisa's death and spending it extravagantly.
• 🔍 Detective Parmertor and Prosecutor Karen Kowall uncovered a manipulative relationship between Kevin and Sabrina, with Kevin grooming and exploiting Sabrina to commit the murder.
• 📖 Sabrina's high school friend, Autumn Pavlik, provided crucial testimony that Kevin had discussed his plan with her, further implicating him in the crime.
• 🏢 Both Sabrina and Kevin were sentenced to life in prison without parole until 2042, with Sabrina expressing remorse and seeking forgiveness from her former foster sisters.

Q & A

What significant event occurred on October 27, 1994, in the life of Sabrina?

Sabrina was born on the outskirts of Cleveland, Ohio, on October 27, 1994.

How did Sabrina's life change when Lisa Knoefel became her foster mother?

Lisa Knoefel, a social worker specializing in sexual abuse, provided Sabrina with a stable home, two loving parents, two sisters, and a bright future.

What was the shocking event that led to Sabrina's arrest?

Sabrina was arrested for the murder of her foster mother, Lisa Knoefel, on August 6, 2014, after being found with a bloody knife in her hand.

Who was the key witness present at the scene of the murder?

Megan Zanella, Sabrina's foster sister and the daughter of Lisa Knoefel, was present at the scene and called 911.

What was the initial suspicion regarding the murder of Lisa Knoefel?

Initially, the police suspected Sabrina and Kevin Knoefel, the victim's husband and Sabrina's foster father, as the only leads in the murder case.

What was the turning point that led to Kevin Knoefel becoming a suspect in his wife's murder?

Kevin Knoefel became a suspect due to his odd behavior after the murder, his refusal to be interviewed without an attorney, and the large insurance payout he received after Lisa's death.

What was the role of Autumn Pavlik in the investigation?

Autumn Pavlik, Sabrina's high school friend, was wired by the police to confront Kevin about the murder. Kevin's lack of denial or reaction to her accusations provided crucial evidence.

What was the strategy used by Kevin Knoefel to manipulate Sabrina into committing the murder?

Kevin Knoefel used attention, gifts, and secrets to make Sabrina feel special and dependent on him. He manipulated her into believing that killing Lisa was her only option for them to be together.

What were the charges against Kevin Knoefel after his arrest?

Kevin Knoefel was charged with plotting to kill Lisa with the help of his foster child, Sabrina, and was also accused of sexual battery for having a sexual relationship with her.

What was the outcome of Sabrina's proffer interview with the case prosecutor, Karen Kowall?

During the proffer interview, Sabrina revealed that she was trying to protect someone and provided a consistent account of the events, implicating Kevin Knoefel in the murder plot and his sexual abuse of her.

What has become of Sabrina and Kevin after their trial?

Both Sabrina and Kevin were sentenced to life in prison without parole until 2042. They have both expressed remorse and sought forgiveness from their victims.

How has Megan Zanella coped with the aftermath of the murder and her role as a witness?

Megan Zanella has grown into a strong and independent woman, studying criminal law in college with the aim of helping other survivors of violent crimes and seeking justice for them.