Retired detective Kim Mager had a 30-year career with the Ashland City Police Department in Ohio. When she interrogated Shawn Grate for 33 hours over eight days, she had no idea she was face-to-face with a serial killer. Grate initially seemed unremarkable to Mager, but his chilling confession of a “hunger to kill” set him apart. Collaborating with author Lisa Pulitzer, Mager wrote “A Hunger to Kill” to detail how she closed in on one of Ohio’s most infamous serial killers. She was compelled to share the victims’ stories after being approached by a family member who felt their loved one was being portrayed negatively in media coverage.
On September 13, 2016, Mager was called in to interview a woman who claimed she had been kidnapped by Grate. By the time Mager arrived, Grate had been arrested and charged. The woman showed signs of physical abuse, with bruises, scratches, and other injuries covering her body. As an expert in sex offenses, Mager was assigned to Grate’s case. Despite his initial charming demeanor, Grate’s true nature was revealed in the interrogation room. Mager noted his fit physique, unwashed appearance, and piercing blue eyes.
Grate was known as a charmer and drifter who preyed on various victims, seizing opportunities as they arose. After his arrest, police discovered the remains of multiple women, including Stacey Stanley, Elizabeth Griffith, Candice Cunningham, Rebekah Leicy, and Dana Lowrey. Each victim had a unique background and circumstance, but all fell prey to Grate’s violent acts. Grate confessed to the murders and was given the moniker “The Ladykiller” by the press. He is now on death row for the killings of two women in Ashland County.
During his interactions with Mager, Grate expressed confusion over his actions and a desire to understand what drove him to kill. He recounted childhood events, such as witnessing his mother’s promiscuity and feeling abandoned by his father after a baseball injury. Grate presented himself as remorseful, but Mager remains uncertain of the sincerity of his emotions. Despite his confessions, Grate’s victims’ lives and personalities are emphasized by Mager, who hopes they will be remembered for who they were before their tragic endings.
Mager’s book sheds light on the horrific crimes committed by Shawn Grate and the impact on his victims and their loved ones. She hopes to honor the memories of Stacey Stanley, Elizabeth Griffith, Candice Cunningham, Rebekah Leicy, and Dana Lowrey by sharing their stories and ensuring they are not forgotten. The case serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by individuals like Grate and the importance of justice and closure for the victims and their families. Through her work, Mager seeks to bring attention to the realities of violence and the lasting impact it has on communities.
