Bio

Michael Shane Roberts was born on September 28, 1974. He grew up in a troubled family in St. Louis County, Missouri. His childhood was marked by severe abuse. His father was known to be violent and sexually abusive, both towards Michael and his siblings. This kind of treatment began when Michael was just seven years old. He often had to stand guard while his father committed these acts, which contributed to the dysfunction in their household.

As a child, Michael faced many challenges at school. He had behavioral issues and was unable to control his impulses. At the age of seven, he underwent psychological testing at the request of his school. The results showed that he struggled with aggressive tendencies and was frightened by his own emotions. His parents did not seek help for him, preventing necessary interventions from mental health professionals.

When Michael was nine years old, he was committed to a psychiatric clinic for six months. Despite recommendations for treatment and medication, Michael did not receive the help he needed as he grew up. The environment in his home limited his chances for a normal life. He experienced ongoing trauma that made it harder for him to develop healthy relationships and coping mechanisms.

As he entered his teenage years, the abuse continued. Michael's father exerted a controlling and harmful influence over him, which further hindered his ability to communicate and connect with others. While there were opportunities for counseling, the family was in denial about their situation, leading to a lack of support for Michael.

As an adult, Michael turned to substance abuse. He became addicted to crack cocaine and fell deeper into a life of crime. By 1994, he had developed a pattern of behavior that would ultimately lead to tragic events. 

Murder Story

On February 16, 1994, Michael Shane Roberts went to the home of his neighbor, Mary Taylor. After spending some time together watching television, Taylor asked him to leave so she could go to sleep. As they walked toward the door, Roberts suddenly attacked her. He struck her with a hammer multiple times, causing severe injuries. After the initial attack, he looked for her purse in the kitchen and rummaged through it.

Hearing Mary move, Roberts returned to the living room and kicked her. He then proceeded to strangle her with a telephone cord, but she managed to keep breathing. Roberts went back to the kitchen, grabbed a steak knife, and stabbed her repeatedly. He used a butcher knife next, continuing to inflict harm. After stabbing her, he filled a pot with water and held her head under it until she stopped moving.

After the crime, Roberts took an answering machine and $200 from her home. He left some of his belongings, including a hammer and a baseball cap, at the scene. Roberts returned to Mary’s house two times after the murder. The first time was to steal additional valuables and the second time was to report finding her body to the police.

Roberts later gave a videotaped confession to the police. Eyewitness testimony and physical evidence connected him to the crime, leading to his arrest the day after the murder. He was charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree murder.