Survivor's Testimony Crucial in Convicting Ex-Boyfriend for Murder

C.C. Opanowski was just 18 years old when she was brutally attacked by someone she once loved -- her ex-boyfriend Shawn Doyle. C.C. tried to put the traumatic incident behind her until she learned years later that Doyle murdered a mother of two young boys. For the first time, C.C. is speaking out publicly to" 48 Hours" and correspondent Anne-Marie Green about her story and how she was able to find the strength to testify against her attacker in court.

It was Jan. 27, 1996 and C.C. Opanowski has just finished her first semester of college in upstate New York. She and her ex-boyfriend, Shawn Doyle had been broken up for about four months.

C.C. Opanowski : My mother was going away for the weekend. … so I had this whole big house to myself. …And my friend Shannon and I … we were very close …  I said, "well, let's stay at my house 'cause there's no one around."

Shannon McCauliffe : it was just a girls' night. We just wanted to chill out.

C.C. and McCauliffe shared a dormitory at Sage Junior College of Albany.

Shannon McCauliffe I’m quite introverted (chuckles), and she was extremely lively and cheerful… She simply — drew me out of my shell.

Anne-Marie Green When you initially met her, was Shawn Doyle present?

Shannon McCauliffe : Indeed. He could be quite unpleasant. ... She often found herself arguing with him on the telephone.

Anne-Marie Green And then...the incident occurs at her house in January?

Shannon McCauliffe Mm-hmm. ... We were enjoying ourselves. It was just the two of us.

Anne-Marie Green But he continues to call.

Shannon McCauliffe Sure. ... The desire to understand our actions, the curiosity about whether he could join us... She had her phone with her, and I suggested, "Just switch it off." But she refused because turning it off would mean he might show up at our place.

Shannon McCauliffe We finally awaken only craving coffee. ... My mentality was something along the lines of, "Oh, I can’t be seen in public looking disheveled. I should head back home and smarten up."

Once McCauliffe departed for home, C.C. mentions that someone knocked on her door.

C.C. Opanowski And I open it, and there he is.

C.C. Opanowski And he stated… I simply want to have a conversation with you. … Once he entered, everything changed. … He forced me onto the sofa … began, as you can imagine, pinning me down and restricting my movements. Yelling followed … Then, he lifted me up and pressed me against the French windows repeatedly hitting me into them.

McCauliffe reached out to C.C., but received no response.

C.C. Opanowski My hair was tied back ... Then he lifted me, held me aloft, and chopped off all my hair ... It was completely removed, every bit of it. ... He had already been strangling me and ... I feared he might stab me.

Shannon McCauliffe I tried calling her again after about thirty minutes, but she still didn’t pick up. That’s when I raised my eyebrows in surprise.

C.C. Opanowski I’m utterly stunned. It’s hard for me to grasp what’s going on, and I need to find a way to extricate myself from this situation.… Meanwhile, my telephone keeps ringing incessantly.

Shannon McCauliffe I waited for a few minutes before calling her back again.

C.C. Opanowski I told him that ... if I don't answer this call, my mom will contact the police. ... Therefore, I end up answering the phone, only for it to be Shannon.

Shannon McCauliffe I asked, "Hey, are you alright?"

C.C. Opanowski And I’m not sure why, but I began emptying the dishwasher.… While telling her, no, no, everything’s okay. Repeatedly saying no. He didn’t catch on, but she definitely did. Then she asked, “Is he here?” To which I replied, “Yes.”

A SURVIVOR SHARES HER STORY

It has taken almost 30 years for C.C. to talk publicly about the day her former high school boyfriend, Shawn Doyle, attacked her in her family's home in Hudson Falls, New York, and then used scissors to cut off her ponytail.

Anne-Marie Green : What was it like to have your hair cut off in this way?

C.C. Opanowski : Demeaning.

Anne-Marie Green : Humiliating. Do you believe that's the reason he did it?

C.C. Opanowski : Possibly. Just to confirm, he could take me down somewhere.

That day, as Doyle oscillated between extreme fits of rage—once even pressing scissors against her neck—C.C. believes she might not survive. It was until McCauliffe phoned, she recounts, that things changed.

Anne-Marie Green When she ultimately answers the call…what emotions did you detect in her voice?

Shannon McCauliffe : Fear.

McCauliffe mentions that she was aware of Doyle's harassment towards C.C., thus when C.C. informed her that Doyle was present, Shannon alerted the authorities before promptly heading to C.C.'s residence.

Shannon McCauliffe I drove onto her street, parked, and noticed the police officers and everything else. ... So, I entered somewhat later. ... She appeared scared, furious, and crestfallen.

C.C. explains that she believed the arrival of the police would provide her with a sense of security. However, things didn’t quite go as expected.

C.C. Opanowski They don’t cuff him. ... Instead, they seat us in the rear of the same police vehicle.

C.C. Opanowski Keep in mind, throughout all of this ... I obviously appear as though I’ve been attacked. My hair has been entirely shorn off.

When they reached the police station —

C.C. Opanowski I thought to myself, why — why are we here? Why isn’t he somewhere else — why are we together in this room?

C.C. mentions that rather than isolating them, the police chose to question them collectively.

C.C. Opanowski And they portrayed it as though it were just a squabble between two youngsters that took a somewhat darker turn.

When "48 Hours" contacted the Hudson Falls Police Department, officials admitted that how law enforcement handles domestic violence has significantly changed over recent decades to more effectively assist and support survivors. The police subsequently arrested Doyle and accused him of charges including menacing, harassment, and trespassing.

C.C. Opanowski When you reflect on it... And you ask yourself, "Did this actually occur to me?" You wonder, "How could this have happened to me?"

ENVY, A TATTOO, AND OTHER WARNING SIGNS

C.C. Opanowski and Shawn Doyle hail from the quaint town of Hudson Falls situated in upstate New York.

C.C. Opanowski He treated me kindly. He was genuinely kind.

When C.C. began dating Shawn Doyle, she was only 15 years old — still a sophomore in high school. Doyle was a senior at the time.

C.C. Opanowski Sure, we used to head out frequently and engage in various activities. We spent loads of time together hanging around.

C.C. mentions that Doyle faced issues at home. In his third year as a student, Doyle informed her that his parents had expelled him from their house. Consequently, C.C. pleaded with her own parents to allow him to stay with them.

Anne Marie Green Did you feel compassion for him?

C.C. Opanowski Def — absolutely.

Shortly after moving into C.C.'s family home, she mentions noticing a shift in Doyle's conduct. According to C.C., he grew envious and began covertly trailing her—something she did not consider significant back then.

C.C. Opanowski When you’re a 16- or 17-year-old girl, and you see signs of jealousy—oh, he must care for me deeply because of his actions. Or maybe he’s following me home out of concern. But as an adult with more life experience, reflecting on those times now, you realize that might not be okay after all.

Moreover, Doyle exhibited an even more protective streak that made C.C. feel uneasy.

C.C. Opanowski At one time, he got a tattoo... It was a heart on his arm... With my name inscribed inside it.

Anne-Marie Green What did you mention?

C.C. Opanowski Why did you choose to do that?

Anne-Marie Green : And his response?

C.C. Opanowski :  I love you.

Anne-Marie Green Was this considered a warning sign?

C.C. Opanowski : Definitely.

In his final year, C.C. mentions that Doyle left high school and took up various temporary jobs that didn’t last long.

C.C. Opanowski And here is when everything begins to take a darker turn. You see, he has no future plans. He understands that I am preparing to leave for college. To him, his entire existence is poised to dramatically shift.

However, C.C. mentions she remained loyal to him, penning in her senior yearbook, “I love you Shawn!” Then, during the summer of 1995, as she departed to enroll at what is currently known as Russell Sage College in Albany, they decided to maintain their relationship and meet up over the weekend.

However, by late September, things became alarming when C.C. informed Doyle that she wouldn’t be returning home each weekend to visit him. In response, Doyle went to her dormitory.

C.C. Opanowski : He stood outside, basically threatening that he was going to kill me.

Anne-Marie Green And now he's not only threatening you but also everyone nearby.

C.C. Opanowski Essentially, everyone nearby ... so he got arrested.

Doyle faced charges for harassment and trespassing. This proved to be the last straw for C.C., who mentioned that she finally ended things permanently with Doyle, leading him to vacate her parents' residence. That same winter, Doyle returned and brutally assaulted her at her home.

Anne Marie Green I understand he made many threats, but did you really think Shawn Doyle would actually harm you physically?

C.C. Opanowski: It wasn't until that day that things happened in that manner.

Following the assault, C.C. went back to college and completed her first-year studies. However, according to McCauliffe, her acquaintance seemed different afterward.

Shannon McCauliffe I believe it significantly shaped her life.

C.C. Opanowski Sure, you understand, I constantly felt like someone might be watching me... So, I got myself a Swiss Army knife. ... It’s been really bad; nightmares keep haunting me. ... Waking up sobbing, shrieking, unable to fall asleep. ... Just terrible, truly dreadful.

Eight months following the assault, as the legal proceedings were set to commence, C.C., who remained only a minor at 19 years of age, informed the prosecutors that she wasn't able to proceed with the trial. According to her, she felt far too traumatized and frightened.

C.C. Opanowski I wasn’t keen on confronting him in court. The thought of repeatedly going through all of this was not something I looked forward to. Honestly, I just wished it would disappear.

A deal was presented to Doyle. He admitted guilt for second-degree menacing and received a sentence of merely three years' probation. C.C. switched universities and relocated several hours away from Hudson Falls.

C.C. Opanowski I craved tranquility but wasn’t sure how to attain it.

C.C. attempted to let go of her history, yet she mentions being constantly reminded of a discussion she had with the prosecutor.

C.C. Opanowski She mentioned, as you're aware... considering what I've observed here, he will likely repeat this behavior with someone else. This thought has remained ingrained in my mind over the last 28 years.

LORI LEONARD DISAPPEARS

Nine years after C.C. Opanowski departed upstate New York heading towards a distant future far from Shawn Doyle, 33-year-old Lori Leonard vanished without a trace.

Lori was a single mother residing in Chittenango, a small town near Syracuse, New York, along with her two young boys, Austin, then aged nine, and Zachary, five years old.

Austin Feltrinelli She was an incredibly nurturing mother. The memories with her—just all of us always being joyful together, spending quality time...the three of us like one big family.

Zackary Wicklund It was simply an abundance of love and tenderness. .

Jennifer Leonard Her aspiration was to own a house, have a paternal role model for her children, and ensure their happiness. ... She dreamed of having a white picket fence.

Lori had an older sibling named Jennifer Leonard.

Jennifer Leonard We maintained a close friendship. However, I tended to be somewhat domineering with her. ... Throughout my life and various relationships, I had experienced many challenges, which made me quite protective.

In 2003, Lori encountered a man named Shawn Doyle through the dating site Cupid.com. At that time, online dating was still quite novel, which made her friend Jennifer doubtful of his authenticity.

Jennifer Leonard : He was not charismatic. He was not social. … He was like a piece of furniture that you just walked around.

However, she mentions that Lori disagreed; she chose to see only the positive aspects of people.

Jennifer Leonard She might mention that he's often misunderstood or just thinks of him as being shy.

Jennifer mentions that Lori shared minimal information with her regarding Doyle. According to what Jennifer knows, Doyle resides three hours away in Hudson Falls and works at an ice cream plant. Additionally, she stated that Doyle is currently on probation.

Jennifer Leonard She mentioned that he was a boxer who got involved in an incident where he defended a woman at a bar and ended up getting arrested for using some of his professional fighting techniques.

Anne-Marie Green Did you ever witness any indication of his career in professional boxing?

Jennifer Leonard : No.

Anne-Marie Green I mean, did he actually box at all? Do you think he was ever really a boxer?

Jennifer Leonard No… I wasn’t convinced by the tales he was peddling to her. It seemed like he was attempting to portray himself as someone he truly isn’t.

After her sister encountered Doyle, Jennifer mentions that Lori grew more detached.

Jennifer Leonard I would converse with Lori three times daily.

Anne-Marie Green And once Shawn entered the scene?

Jennifer Leonard It was — it was somewhat hushed.

And the situation just deteriorated further.

Jennifer Leonard I dialed her number one evening, only to find him there. All I could hear in the backdrop was his voice shouting at her. This caught me off guard, making me wonder what was going on. She then told me something along the lines of, “Don’t worry about it; just expect a callback.” According to her, it wasn’t a significant issue.

Jennifer Leonard But what really frightened me was when he suddenly went quiet after being caught shouting at her... It reminded me of those men who prefer keeping their actions hidden from prying eyes. ... He had a sly streak.

Shortly after the event, Lori terminated her romantic involvement with Doyle. She informed Jennifer that they had decided to remain only as friends and that he was okay with this arrangement.

Jennifer Leonard And I responded, no way. Not at all. Individuals like him can’t simply be fine with staying as friends.

Even after their separation, Doyle continued to travel for three hours from Hudson Falls just to see Lori. Frequently, they would spend time together at the bar where she worked as a waitress deep into the night.

Dorothy Tucker Shawn would always call me whenever he needed some advice.

Dorothy Tucker resided on the same street as Doyle in Hudson Falls and viewed him as a close friend.

Dorothy Tucker I noticed a really nice guy who would go out of his way if I requested him to.

After ending things with Lori, she claims Doyle informed her that he had been tracking Lori and observed her when she was on a date.

Dorothy Tucker I responded, "Shawn, you can't do that... She doesn't want to be with you."

Anne-Marie Green Were you beginning to feel worried about him and his actions at that time?

Dorothy Tucker No. No. Because he sided with me. ... I failed to recognize the monster he truly was ... He concealed it very effectively.

On April 29, 2005, which was a Friday, Lori left her home with Jennifer to move into a newly rented apartment.

Dustin Delatore Typically, individuals feel unhappy during moves. She, however, remained cheerful.

Lori's nephew Dustin Delatore, aged 15 at the time, assisted with the relocation.

Dustin Delatore She desired her personal space.… Her future was clear to her that day.

Additionally, Shawn Doyle assisted with the relocation by providing access to his pickup truck.

Jennifer Leonard Before him, she had approached several individuals. Thus, he became her final option. ... He was still caught up in acting like they were just friends.

Anne Marie Green What was Shawn's demeanor that day?

Dustin Delatore Reserved. Simply put, they come across as being silent.

Jennifer mentions that everything was going well with the move until Doyle chose to stick around—and ended up staying at Lori’s new place for several days.

Jennifer Leonard It was beginning to irritate her quite a bit now.

After five days of moving, Jennifer mentions that Lori informed her Doyle would be departing as Lori had planned an outing to Albany for the day.

Jennifer Leonard She was meant to head out and get the tickets.

Entradas para un juego de los Yanquis — un obsequio proveniente de alguien que conoció en el trabajo.

Anne-Marie Green Were you worried at all about her collecting the tickets from someone she didn’t know?

Jennifer Leonard : Yes, yes. But that was how she was. … She was very trusting.

On Wednesday, May 4, Jennifer called Lori in the afternoon, hoping to catch her while she was heading to Albany.

Jennifer Leonard And it continued to go directly to voicemail.

Anne-Marie Green : Was that weird?

Jennifer Leonard Oh... His phone never immediately went to voicemail. It was always on.

Initially, Jennifer believed she might have taken a wrong turn during the drive or that her phone’s battery could be dead.

Jennifer Leonard It didn’t occur to us then that something bad had occurred; we were simply wondering where she was.

A day passed without any contact from Lori, prompting Jennifer to inform the Chittenango police about her disappearance.

Wade Irwin The patrol began investigating her location at that time.

Investigator Wade Irvin looked through Lori's rented apartment.

Wade Irwin She had recently settled into the house. ... Many boxes remained unopened with various belongings yet to be unpacked. It didn’t seem like there were indications of a burglary or any criminal activity having taken place in the home. ... However, her vehicle was parked there.

He mentioned that another disturbing element lingered within the scenario.

Wade Irwin There was a single shoe placed in the middle of the bed. This was peculiar.

Investigator Irwin mentions that he was intent on speaking with a single individual.

Wade Irwin The final individual whom we managed to confirm as seeing her was Shawn Doyle.

However, before the investigators had a chance to contact Doyle, Jennifer mentions that she found his phone number and reached out to him directly.

Jennifer Leonard : "Shawn, have you talked to Lori?"  And, uh, he goes, "no I haven't talked to her in a couple of days. Um, wasn't she supposed to get tickets the other night?" And I'm like, "yeah, she was, we haven't heard from her since. I'm like, you know, if she calls you let us know because the phone's off" … and he's like, "oh yeah, definitely let you know …" …When I hung up, I was like I had chills and I'm like, he's full of it. He knows something.

A KEY CLUE IN THE CASE

With each passing day, the Chittenango detectives extended their search to include all individuals who had interacted with Lori Leonard before her vanishing act—including the person she was meant to receive Yankees tickets from in Albany.

Wade Irwin He held an executive position at a firm. ... We managed to locate him. He underwent an interview.

Detective Wade Irvin states that the executive stayed behind in Albany awaiting Lori’s arrival. When she didn’t show up, he contacted her via phone and also sent a voicemail.

Wade Irwin: He was ... reaching out worriedly about her whereabouts. "We were meant to get together. I have the tickets. I am here; are you okay? I hope nothing happened."

His story was confirmed, yet Lori's telephone logs held crucial information regarding an additional individual who had not made contact.

Wade Irwin: What worried me was… the person who allegedly cared about her.

Anne-Marie Green: Shawn Doyle.

Wade Irwin: Shawn Doyle. Was never contacted and never sent a voicemail.

When officers from the Chittenango police department interviewed Lori’s ex-boyfriend, he informed them that on the day she vanished, he departed her residence around “3 p.m.” and subsequently spent three hours driving back to his hometown of Hudson Falls.

Wade Irwin: He has consistently mentioned from the beginning... that he abandoned her and she remained alive at the apartment.

When they examined his alibi, Irwin claims they were unable to exonerate him. Despite this, Doyle was helpful and permitted the investigators to examine his truck and photograph it. Upon checking the contents of Doyle's glove box, they discovered an intriguing item.

Wade Irwin: There was a key featuring a serial number.

As investigators kept an eye out on Doyle and continued to search for Lori, Jennifer says her family struggled to explain Lori's disappearance to her two young sons.

Austin Feltrinelli: It takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks before you realize something’s different. Your mom isn’t around. ... The big question then becomes: Where could she be? And just as importantly, what might she be up to?

Jennifer Leonard: We might say something like "she wandered off," ... you understand, we'll locate her; we'll make sure she's found.

Furthermore, things became more complicated as Austin and Zackary were now apart, residing with their respective dads, and could only see one another during weekends.

Austin Feltrinelli: We had always lived together throughout our entire lives. ... But things were clearly different when we started each day without one person—your mother wasn’t around anymore—and another change came too—with your brother missing as well.

Jennifer Leonard: We were struggling, and each day our family took some action to locate her. ... We were searching for her. We functioned like a smoothly operating unit.

Jennifer believed that Shawn Doyle might be involved in her sister's disappearance. Consequently, several weeks following Lori’s vanishing act, Jennifer traveled to Hudson Falls and organized a protest, aiming for someone present to have information regarding Doyle that could assist law enforcement.

Jennifer Leonard: We had posters. We had signs with Shawn's name displayed, hoping people would talk to us.

When Dorothy Tucker learned that Lori's family had arrived, she promptly contacted Doyle.

Dorothy Tucker : I was like, "Shawn, what's going on?" You know, "did you do something?" ( mimics his voice I wasn't involved with her at all. She might be lounging on a beach somewhere with someone else.

Anne-Marie Green: Do you think Shawn was telling the truth back then?

Dorothy Tucker: Oh, definitely.

That evening, as Dorothy walked past the area where Lori’s family was gathering with others on the streets, she mentioned that she had done something which she now profoundly regrets.

Dorothy Tucker: As foolish as it sounds, I shouted through the window. ... instructing them to head back home. Shawn remained silent, but they really had to depart.

As time went on without any trace of Lori, the family's hope started to fade.

Wade Irwin I gave my word...to seek a solution for their sake and provide the closure and explanations they were looking for. ...It was discouraging because each evening, I would contact them with an update, irrespective of whether the news was good or bad. (tears in his eyes)

On July 24, 2005, three months after Lori disappeared,

Capt. Tony LeClaire: There was a report of a fisherman passing through this vicinity.

Captain Tony LeClaire serves with the Washington County Sheriff's Department.

Capt. Tony LeClaire: He noticed something that appeared to be a toolbox designed for the rear of a pickup truck drifting along. Thinking it might come in handy, he decided to pull it towards himself... He tugged it approximately one and a half miles using his boat...(indicates)... Afterward, they hauled it out from the water.

The container was sealed shut and emanating a putrid smell, prompting law enforcement to be summoned. Upon breaking the seal, officials found a corpse within.

Wade Irwin: And atop everything lay the contents, pillows, bedding, and purse, with Lori's ID clearly visible on top, evoking an emotional response.

Inside the box was also a photograph of Lori’s two boys.

Wade Irwin: She was restrained with her hands cuffed behind her back. ... Additional duct tape was wrapped over the cuffs. Her ankles were also secured and covered with duct tape. ... A strip of duct tape ran across her face, covering the area from her chin up to her forehead. After removing this tape, they found a bandana knotted tightly in her mouth.

The medical examiner would determine that Lori passed away due to suffocation.

Jennifer Leonard: I just couldn't comprehend what they were trying to say. "What do you mean she was discovered inside the toolbox in the water?" I— I couldn’t, I couldn’t, I couldn’t believe it.

Irwin states that was when Shawn Doyle changed from being considered just a person of interest to becoming a full-fledged suspect in the investigation.

Wade Irwin: It all began coming together at an accelerated pace. We obtained a search warrant within hours to head over to his place of residence.

While searching, the police discovered sand-filled tubes in his garage that were identical to those within the toolbox used for weighing it down.

Wade Irwin: We managed to find at his residence, comparable handcuffs, bandanas, duct tape, and other tools he utilized, which matched those used on Lori.

Recall that crucial evidence found in Doyle's truck was discovered to match the lock on the toolbox, thereby linking Doyle directly to the crime.

Upon inspecting the bridge close to the canal where the toolbox had been located, officials noticed scrapes on the side railings of the bridge that corresponded with marks at the base of the toolbox.

Anne Marie Green: Can you share what investigators believe occurred? What hypothesis did they propose?

Capt. Tony LeClaire: The theory is that he came here with his pickup truck, came to the bridge, um, somewhere in the center of the canal and took the toolbox and basically just pushed it over the edge … and as he did, it scraped across.

Just one day after the discovery of Lori's body in the toolbox, investigators arrested Shawn Doyle.

Anne Marie Green: What was that moment like for you?

Det. Wade Irwin: Overwhelming.

Jennifer mentions that it was time to share the news with Lori's two young boys. Despite being just 5 years old at the time, Zackary recalls that moment vividly.

Zackary Wicklund: As soon as I entered the room, I sensed it. My father might have been the one who mentioned that she wouldn’t be returning home, and I immediately leaned against him, unsure of how to respond.

Jennifer Leonard: I saw a young boy crumble. He didn’t utter a sound.

It was then time to inform 9-year-old Austin.

Austin Feltrinelli: You know, I let out something akin to a scream and sort of just crumbled into my father. And I can still somewhat sense it even now.

Jennifer Leonard: He let out a mournful howl. This wasn’t just crying; it was an agonized, throaty wail. ... That sound will forever echo in my mind.

Jennifer mentions that she was unable to genuinely grieve over her sister since she needed to get ready for Doyle's impending trial.

Jennifer Leonard: I planned to ensure he received what he had coming.

A SURVIVOR'S BREAKING POINT

During the latter part of 2005, C.C. Opanowski got a telephone call from her dad informing her that her former boyfriend, Shawn Doyle, had been taken into custody on charges of murder.

C.C. Opanowski I found it hard to accept what I was listening to. It seemed unbelievable. ... You hope it’s not true...and it's awful.

Upon discovering that the victim was 33-year-old Lori Leonard, a single mother of two young boys, C.C. states that she felt an overwhelming sense of guilt.

C.C. Opanowski: It marked a turning point for me. My heart went out to her entire family, including her two young kids.

C.C. mentions that she was tormented by the decision she made as a trauma-stricken and frightened young teen.

C.C. Opanowski And everything I can think of is this: If I had the chance to rewind time, I would handle things differently. ... I would have pursued legal action more aggressively.

Therefore, just a few weeks afterward, when investigators contacted C.C. and inquired whether she would be willing to testify at Doyle's trial, she was resolute in her decision to assist.

C.C. Opanowski I need to ensure that he is incarcerated for—_for killing Lori._.. Right now, I am furious. I don’t feel fear anymore.

However, C.C. wasn’t the sole former girlfriend whom investigators hoped would take the stand against Doyle. Five years following his assault on C.C., he reportedly attempted to murder 23-year-old Sarah Volmar.

"48 Hours" contacted Volmar without receiving any reply; however, she did converse with the CBS station in Albany regarding the incident from 2005.

SARAH VOLMER/CBS6 ALBANY NEWS REPORT: He bound me using shoelaces and, well, placed duct tape over my mouth again before starting to strangle me until I lost consciousness. My mother happened upon us during this incident.

Doyle faced charges for second-degree unlawful imprisonment and third-degree assault. However, an agreement was reached once more. He admitted guilt solely to the charge of second-degree unlawful imprisonment. The presiding judge ordered him to serve three years under probation supervision.

On Jan. 23, 2006 Shawn Doyle's trial began. It was a day that Lori's sister Jennifer Leonard had waited for.

Jennifer Leonard I intended to be her champion. I planned to speak up for her. I also meant to voice support for the boys.

Upon Doyle’s entrance into the courtroom, Jennifer Leonard states that she was surprised due to his altered look.

Anne-Marie Green What did he appear like?

Jennifer Leonard : The choirboy had let his hair grow out. He was wearing a sweater.

Kevin Kortright, now retired, had only been district attorney for less than a month. He says key to his case was making sure Doyle's other victims – C.C. and Sarah — would be allowed to testify. Oftentimes, judges do not allow a defendant's prior bad acts to be brought into trial.

Anne-Marie Green: Why were the women so vital?

Kevin Kortright It demonstrates his capabilities.

Kevin Kortright He had essentially performed it the same way before. ... This is how he operates. It's compelling evidence.

In spite of the defense team’s protests, the judge decided that C.C. and Sarah were allowed to take the stand as witnesses. Before proceeding, however, Kortright showed the jury each piece of tangible evidence implicating Shawn Doyle—such as the objects discovered both at his residence and within his garage: sandbags and handcuffs.

Anne Marie Green And what about that bandana?

Kevin Kortright He kept a bandana on for 24 hours every day… Bandanas were present in his bedroom. They could also be found in his truck. The bandana in Lori’s mouth was likely the same one he was wearing at the time.

Then came the mention of the toolbox. Kortright summoned a clerk from a nearby AutoZone store to testify that she had sold Doyle the toolbox merely seven days prior to Lori’s disappearance.

Kevin Kortright She recognized him accurately. ... She even pinpointed the exact shirt he had on.

The crucial piece of evidence was the key discovered in his glove compartment, which definitively linked Doyle to the box.

Don Lehman That was as solid as evidence could be.

The retired journalist Don Lehman reported on the trial for the Post Star newspaper.

Don Lehman The essential item for accessing the toolbox was…there simply wasn’t any alternative...

Next, Kortright brought Dorothy Tucker, who had been closely acquainted with Shawn, to testify. She was considered a key witness due to the details she offered about their theory of how Doyle moved Lori’s remains from Chittenango—approximately three hours away—to Hudson Falls following her murder.

Dorothy Tucker He continued to call me non-stop.

Tucker informed the jury that on the day Lori went missing, Doyle visited her house. According to Tucker, a sizable cardboard box was visible inside the rear of Doyle's truck.

Dorothy Tucker I asked Shawn, "What have you got there?" ... Just trash. Stuff I had over at Lori's place. ... and dispose of it at the landfill.

Kortright of DA thinks that Lori’s remains were inside the box initially, and he suspects that Doyle later moved them into a larger toolbox. Tucker stated under oath that not long after his initial meeting with Doyle, she visited again, this time replacing the original cardboard box with an oversized toolbox.

Dorothy Tucker I stepped outside and remarked, “Hey Shawn…what’s with the toolbox? There aren’t any tools to put inside it.” He chuckled and agreed, sort of dismissively. Then he began talking about meeting up with a buddy. The plan was to head out fishing together.

Tucker mentioned that Doyle informed her he planned to go fishing near the Champlain Lock canal area—a location he was quite familiar with and visited frequently. Doyle had accompanied C.C. to this spot numerous times during their relationship.

Kevin Kortright Lori was inside the box that day. He took her to discard the box in the canal, where she was eventually discovered.

District Attorney Kortright summoned C.C. Opanowski as his final witness.

Kevin Kortright : You always save the best for last.

C.C. Opanowski I felt extremely anxious.

C.C. informed the jury regarding the assault and the enduring psychological distress Shawn Doyle inflicted upon her. .

Anne-Marie Green : What did you want Shawn Doyle to see?

C.C. Opanowski That fear didn’t grip me. That you’re no longer my source of terror at all.

During their turn, Lehman states that the defense attempted to find flaws in the prosecution's argument.

Don Lehman There simply wasn’t – not many opportunities to find flaws.

"48 Hours" attempted to contact Shawn Doyle and some of his relatives, however, they chose not to participate in an interview.

Following three grueling days of testimonies, the case was handed over to the jury. The family of Lori Leonard anxiously waited with bated breath.

Jennifer Leonard I felt as though I hadn't taken a deep breath for ages, and that was exactly what I required. I needed to finally breathe easy.

SHARING IMPORTANT LESSONS

Even with all the evidence stacked up against Shawn Doyle, retired journalist Don Lehman suggests that nobody could predict how the jury would decide.

Don Lehman: We have witnessed numerous instances where the jury has acted in ways that seem to contradict the evidence presented.

On January 26, 2006, following only two and a half hours of discussions, the jury returned their decision: guilty of second-degree murder.

CBS6 ALBANY NEWS UPDATE: Upon hearing the conviction, Lori Leonard’s relatives erupted in exclamations of joy mixed with tears, whereas Shawn Doyle appeared relatively unperturbed.

Anne-Marie Green: Guilty.

Kevin Kortright: Um hmm.

Anne-Marie Green: What were your thoughts when you heard that term?

Kevin Kortright: Thank God.

Anne-Marie Green: How come it still impacts you?

Kevin Kortright: Since unfortunate events can affect innocent individuals.

C.C. Opanowski I felt relief and joy knowing that he would face consequences for his actions.

For C.C., it was challenging to come to terms with the reality that someone she once had feelings for was found guilty of murder.

C.C. Opanowski: It seemed to me that there was barely a human being left within him. Instead, he appeared more like a monster whose criminal acts worsened over time, refining his atrocities with each successive one.

One month later, before Doyle was sentenced, a judge listened to testimony and read over victim impact statements from Lori's friends and family.

LORI LEONARD'S RELATIVE (in court) | CBS6 ALBANY: A prison sentence doesn’t fit his case; it’s simply not severe enough as a penalty.

Austin and Zackary, who are Lori's children, were too young to go to the trial, yet they each penned letters to the judge.

Zackary Wicklund (reading his statement): She allowed me to stay with her when I was frightened. ... And whenever I encounter something frightening and hear something terrifying...we would sing our favorite songs together.

Austin Feltrinelli (reciting from his statement): I believe my mother was the finest mom globally. ... She, along with my brother and me, shared wonderful moments. ... Additionally, I am saddened as (he pauses) I can no longer reunite with her due to recent events...

Shawn Doyle received the maximum sentence—25 years to life, with the potential for parole.

Anne-Marie Green: Was that enough?

Jennifer Leonard: I didn't think so.

Anne-Marie Green: You're worried he might escape?

Jennifer Leonard: Number one, there's absolutely no forgiveness. Not at all, buddy. Absolutely none.

Dorothy Tucker: He poses a risk to society. And I — I hope he remains behind bars forever.

Dorothy Tucker, who originally supported Doyle, now expresses feeling let down by him.

Dorothy Tucker: He blatantly lied right to my face; this was from someone I trusted completely and believed I understood well—I never would have recognized that aspect of his character.

Tucker anticipates that Lori's family might pardon her for the way she formerly mistreated them when they gathered to support Doyle in Hudson Falls.

Dorothy Tucker: I wished to express to them how apologetic I feel and continue to feel... that action was completely unwarranted and represented unacceptable conduct on my behalf.

Lehman, with nearly three decades of experience reporting on numerous domestic violence cases, suggests that valuable insights can be gleaned from the assaults on C.C. and Sarah, along with Lori's tragic killing.

Don Lehman: Each instance of domestic abuse carries the risk of turning into murder. ... All such cases must be treated with utmost seriousness. Each one needs to be managed in a manner aimed at safeguarding these individuals.

Don Lehman: You understand, being a young mother of two small children... it's astonishing to think about those kids losing their mother to someone like him.

C.C., who courageously stepped forward to share her experience, wishes for others to gain insights from her journey.

C.C. Opanowski: Stay alert. Observe what’s unfolding before your eyes and ensure someone else is aware too. Avoid keeping silent about it.... Keep an eye out for those feelings that linger, the ones you often try to suppress — precisely these are the warnings you ought to pay closest heed to.

She states that she is prepared to release the guilt she has carried over what occurred with Lori.

C.C. Opanowski: I've been waiting for such a long time and have had to endure this experience for many years now.

Jennifer Leonard: It’s not her responsibility. The system let her down. ... She took necessary actions. ... I don’t hold her accountable. I’m saddened that she has carried guilt for so long.

Anne-Marie Green: How do you want your sister to be remembered?

Jennifer Leonard: Lori Ann. She … so fun. So funny. So loving …

For Jennifer Leonard, she longs for the life she always thought she would have with Lori.

Jennifer Leonard: We were meant to live in the same location, go out together, raise our children, and host gatherings—that’s how it was supposed to be. That’s what we were expected to experience. But now, it’s just myself with the kids, struggling to manage without her.

Anne-Marie Green: What aspect of Lori do you find yourself missing the most?

Zackary Wicklund: During times when I feel extremely down, when I wish she could embrace me and she hasn't been capable of doing so for the past two decades.

Shawn Doyle can be released on parole in 2030.

If you or anyone you know requires assistance, the National Domestic Violence Hotline Offers counseling services available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 [SAFE].

Chris Young Ritzen serves as the producer for this project. Development producers include Elena Di Fiore and David Dow. The role of associate producers falls to Michael Loftus and Chelsea Narvaez. Anthony Venditti manages the content research efforts. As both a producer and editor, Michael McHugh contributes significantly. Additional editing work comes from Ken Blum. In terms of senior production roles, Lourdes Aguiar takes charge. Executive responsibilities lie with Nancy Kramer who acts as the executive story editor, alongside Judy Tygard serving as the executive producer.