About This Episode
On September 11, 2016, rural Ashland County, Ohio became the focal point of a dramatic manhunt that would unravel one of the state's most disturbing criminal cases. A woman being held captive managed to use her captor's phone to call 911, setting off a chain of events that would lead to the arrest of Shawn Grate—a man who would eventually confess to murdering five people across Ohio.
Now, ABC Audio and 20/20 are bringing this case to audiences worldwide through 'The Hand in the Window,' a new six-part limited podcast series hosted by investigative journalist John Quiñones. The series premiered on November 4, 2025, with new episodes releasing every Tuesday, offering listeners an in-depth examination of the crime, the investigation, and the complex psychological dynamics that emerged during Grate's interrogation.
The case centers on that fateful September day when a woman, held captive for three days and sexually assaulted, managed to make contact with authorities using her abductor's phone. The subsequent police response in Ashland led to Grate's apprehension and marked the beginning of a criminal investigation that would ultimately link him to multiple homicides.
During his interrogation—which lasted an extraordinary 33 hours—Grate confessed to five murders across Ohio. Leading the investigation was Kim Mager, a veteran sex crimes detective whose expertise proved crucial in extracting detailed confessions. The depth and duration of this interrogation became central to the prosecution's case.
Candice Cunningham, 29, emerged as one of the confirmed victims. She had maintained an on-and-off romantic relationship with Grate spanning five years before her death in June 2016. Her body was discovered behind a burned-down house in Richland County and was officially identified on November 1, 2016. Her case became pivotal in establishing Grate's pattern of violence.
The legal proceedings moved swiftly following Grate's arrest. On May 7, 2018, he was convicted on two counts of aggravated murder in Ashland County. Less than a year later, on March 1, 2019, Grate pleaded guilty to two additional murders in Richland County, effectively ending his legal battles and ensuring lengthy incarceration.
John Quiñones brings substantial credibility to this investigation. The veteran broadcast journalist's hosting of the series ensures that the narrative is presented with journalistic rigor while remaining accessible to international audiences. The partnership between ABC Audio and 20/20—two of broadcasting's most respected entities in investigative journalism—signals the production quality and depth of research underlying the series.
'The Hand in the Window' represents more than a typical true crime podcast. By examining the initial desperate 911 call, the investigation's subsequent developments, and the marathon interrogation sessions, the series provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how modern law enforcement techniques can uncover multiple crimes and bring serial offenders to justice. The podcast also explores the broader context of the crimes, the relationships involved, and the psychological elements that emerged throughout the case.
For true crime enthusiasts and those interested in criminal justice processes, this six-part series offers compelling listening material. The structured release schedule—new episodes every Tuesday—allows audiences to engage deeply with the material while building anticipation between installments.
The case of Shawn Grate remains significant for criminologists, law enforcement professionals, and true crime audiences, as it illustrates both the vulnerability of victims and the persistence required in solving serial homicides. Through 'The Hand in the Window,' ABC brings this Ohio story to an international audience, ensuring that the victims' stories and the investigation's remarkable details are documented and preserved.
Sources: https://podnews.net/podcast/izj9k https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hand-in-the-window/id1847930541 https://abcaudio.com/podcasts/the-hand-in-the-window/ https://www.iheart.com/podcast/104-the-hand-in-the-window-302319068/ https://www.detpress.com/abcnews/pressrelease/the-hand-in-the-window-podcast-on-ohio-serial-killer-hosted-by-john-quinones-premieres-tuesday-nov-4/
