About This Episode
What is this episode about?
The episode "The Stalker: Fit to Stand Trial? Part 24" from PRETEND covers the competency hearing of Shelbey Fernandez, the woman accused of running a years-long stalking campaign using burner phones, fake accounts and fabricated 911 calls. Police say she searched online for how detectives trace texting apps, how long burner numbers last, and whether investigators can detect a hidden phone during a search warrant. Prosecutors have charged her with 29 counts in connection with The Stalker case.
Her parents, Tanya and Rick, describe a very different person — someone they say has the mentality of a 12-year-old, who watches blooper videos and Dancing with the Stars, and who they insist could not be behind the alleged campaign. Four days after her arrest, her lawyer raised the question of whether she is competent to stand trial. Two experts examined her, though their findings remain sealed. Under Arizona law, if a defendant is found incompetent, the case isn't dropped — instead, the state works to restore competency so the defendant can eventually stand trial.
On October 1, the judge issued his ruling, and the episode includes audio from that decision. It also covers updates from Rick's court file and features a conversation with Susan and Brittni, recorded in the weeks following the arrest. Shelbey has pleaded not guilty, and none of the allegations have been proven in court.
Hosts and release
Javier Leiva hosts the show. This episode runs 27 minutes and was released on October 27, 2026.
