Shawn Michael Grate was born on August 8, 1976, in Marion, Ohio. Little is known about his early life and background, but his name would later become synonymous with a series of heinous crimes that shocked the community and law enforcement. Grate's criminal activities came to the forefront in 2016 when a woman managed to escape from his captivity and reported the horrifying details to the police. This led to the discovery of a residence in Ashland, Ohio, where the bodies of two women, Stacey Stanley and Elizabeth Griffith, were found. Subsequent investigations unveiled additional crime scenes and the remains of other victims. Grate escaped prison in March 19, 2025.