On January 27, 1996, C.C. Opanowski was house-sitting for her mother in Hudson Falls, New York, while home alone from college. That day, her ex-boyfriend, Shawn Doyle, unexpectedly knocked on the door. Opanowski, who had grown up with Doyle and dated him during high school and into her freshman year of college, let him inside. However, once inside, Doyle turned violent. He pushed her onto the couch, restrained her, and yelled at her. He then pushed her against the French doors and proceeded to cut off her ponytail with scissors. Opanowski described the experience as demeaning.
In an interview with “48 Hours,” Opanowski shared her harrowing story of the attack by Doyle, detailing the emotional and physical turmoil she endured. Despite the traumatic incident, Opanowski summoned the courage to confront her attacker in court, a journey that took her on a long road to healing.
Opanowski also recounted a terrifying moment when Doyle held scissors to her throat, making her fear for her life. Her college roommate and close friend, Shannon McCauliffe, played a crucial role in Opanowski’s escape. Recognizing the danger Opanowski was in during a phone call, McCauliffe alerted the police, ultimately leading to Doyle’s arrest. However, Opanowski expressed disappointment in the initial response from the Hudson Falls police, feeling that they did not take the situation seriously.
Years later, in 2005, Opanowski was shocked to learn that Doyle had been arrested for the murder of Lori Leonard, a young mother of two boys. The news reignited Opanowski’s fears and brought back memories of her own traumatic experience with Doyle. Doyle had met Leonard through an online dating site and lived in a different town in New York.
Despite the fear and trauma caused by Doyle, Opanowski found the strength to move on from the past, transferring colleges and relocating to distance herself from the haunting memories. The documentary “Facing a Monster” explores Opanowski’s story and the long-lasting impact of domestic violence.
Jennifer Leonard, the older sister of Lori Leonard, revealed that their relationship with Shawn Doyle was short-lived due to his violent outbursts. Jennifer recalled an instance when she heard Doyle yelling at Lori during a phone call, prompting her to question the nature of their relationship. Despite their breakup, Lori assured Jennifer that they remained friends and that Doyle was accepting of this arrangement. However, Jennifer remained doubtful, noting that individuals with aggressive tendencies do not easily transition to friendship.
In April 2005, just before Lori’s disappearance, Shawn Doyle assisted her in moving to a new rental apartment by offering his truck. Jennifer expressed that Lori had asked others before turning to Doyle as a last resort, as he was insistent on being a part of her life. Despite a smooth moving process, Doyle lingered around, causing discomfort to Lori. Shortly after, on May 4, Lori informed Jennifer that Doyle was finally leaving. Lori had plans to drive to Albany to collect Yankees tickets from a coworker. When Lori failed to answer calls and return home, Jennifer contacted the authorities.
After an extensive search, Lori Leonard’s body was found in a metal toolbox in the Lake Champlain Canal three months later. She was bound and gagged, leading investigators to suspect Shawn Doyle. The key found in Doyle’s possession matched the toolbox lock, linking him to the crime scene. Subsequent searches of Doyle’s residence uncovered items consistent with those used to restrain Lori. Doyle was arrested the day after the discovery of Lori’s body and charged with second-degree murder. His trial began on January 23, 2006.
District Attorney Kevin Kortright emphasized the significance of securing Opanowski’s testimony in his case against Doyle. He highlighted the importance of her testimony, stating that it showcased Doyle’s capabilities and modus operandi, serving as strong evidence. Opanowski was not the only ex-girlfriend who had been attacked by Doyle, as he allegedly attempted to kill another woman five years after the incident with Opanowski. The judge allowed both women to testify in court. Kortright strategically called Opanowski as his final witness, believing in presenting the best evidence last.
Facing her attacker courageously after many years, Opanowski recounted to the jury the enduring mental distress caused by Doyle. She expressed her determination to seek justice for Lori’s murder. The jury deliberated and on January 26, 2006, rendered a verdict: Shawn Doyle was convicted of second-degree murder.
Reflecting on the years passed, Opanowski still struggles to come to terms with the conviction of someone she once cared for. She hopes her story serves as a lesson for others, urging vigilance and speaking up when something seems amiss. Opanowski advises listening to persistent instincts and not ignoring unsettling feelings.
