Little Lost Angel

Michael Quinlan

Sep 2012 · Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

A tragic and riveting true crime story of teenage obsession, torture, the 1992 murder of a twelve-year-old Indiana girl, and its aftermath.

Twelve-year-old Shanda Sharer carefully selected what she would wear on her first day at Hazelwood Junior High in New Albany, Indiana. She wanted everything to be perfect. Yet two days later model student Shanda was in detention for fighting with another girl. Within a week, Shanda and tough, swaggering Amanda were best friends. Slowly, Shanda began to change, and her worried parents transferred her to another school. But the girls’ relationship didn’t end, sparking homicidal jealousy in another girlfriend. Then, one night, after a rock concert, a clique of four teenage girls did the unimaginable: they drove to Shanda’s home, lured her into their car and committed horrific crimes. Afterwards they drove to McDonald’s for breakfast.

Little Lost Angel chronicles this shocking story—along with the investigation and the sensational murder trial involving satanism and child molestation—in its entirety. This is the definitive account of a crime so hideous and tragic that it provoked international attention, and sent an alarming and important message to every family in America.

“What is frightening . . . is just how close to normal [these girls] may actually be.” —Jim Adams, Louisville Courier-Journal

Ratings and reviews

As a resident (not native) of Madison, this event is still "alive" in the collective consciousness of our town. Understandably, no one wishes to talk about it, so this book has given me greater insight ND understanding of the crime. The only complaint I can make about this book is that the author occasionally makes references to things in out community with incorrect or odd terms. Past that minor issue (which doesn't affect the quality of the author's quite compelling telling of this crime's story) the book is an excellent source of information about this crime and the author does a fine job of conveying to the readers the emotional gut punch that this was to everyone who cared about Shanda. An ugly event. But one well explored and explained by this book. Very much a worthy read.

I knew one of the girls personally that was involved went to elementary school with her and hazelwood she lived right around the corner from me it was Melinda loveless its sad that someone could tourture a sweet little girl like that Shanda was a sweet loving.girl never in a million years I never would think Melinda was capable of this its terriible I went to shandas funeral heart wrenching I couldn't imagine ever this happening to my kids 60 years is not enough !!life would of been justice rest in peace

very sad story, written well

About the author

Michael Quinlan is the author of Little Girl Lost.