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Episode 20 of Snapped season 31, titled Megan Hargan, delves into real-life accounts of the killer, Megan Hargan. Hargan killed her mother and sister at their McLean, Virginia home, on July 14, 2017, in what initially seemed like a murder-suicide.
Snapped season 31, episode 20 elaborates on the events that led to the murders and the exhaustive investigation. The show conducts interviews with the relevant individuals, forensic analysis, and expert commentary to keep the account holistic and information-rich. The episode aired on November 27, 2022, and reaired on September 22, 2024, on Oxygen.
The official synopsis for Snapped season 31, episode 20 on Oxygen reads:
"A frantic 911 call in the upscale neighborhood of McLean, Virginia leads police to the bodies of a mother and daughter in what appears to be a murder-suicide. However, investigators soon discover a trail of deceit that exposes an unexpected killer."
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About the crime explored in Snapped season 31 episode 20
The murder case of Snapped season 31 episode 20 revolves around the death of 63-year-old Pamela Hargan, and her 23-year-old daughter, Helen Hargan, on July 14, 2017.
When the police arrived, they found the bodies of Pamela and Helen in what initially seemed like a murder-suicide case. Pamela lay with a gunshot wound to the head, while Helen had been shot, too. A rifle was found between Helen's legs.
The preliminary expectations suggested that Helen had killed her mother and then herself, but the inconsistency at the crime scene soon led to police questioning. There was no suicide note. Hence, a more intensive investigation was needed in this case.
Investigation
The investigation into the deaths of Pamela and Helen Hargan was deep in scope. Forensic investigators then combed through the crime scene in minute detail, where they discovered important evidence that disputed the theory of murder-suicide. DNA analysis and digital forensics were the crucial parts used in the probe.
Later, it was found that Megan Hargan, Pamela's other daughter, had a motive, which was found in financial disputes and envy. On the day of the murders, she had tried to withdraw large amounts of money out of her mother's account.
Resolution
During the trial, the prosecution argued that the rifle shot in Helen Hargan's head was not one that could be self-inflicted. They also argued that someone had shot her and carefully placed the weapon there. The defense has consistently maintained that Megan is innocent and argued that Helen's fractured relationship with her mother was the reason for the crime.
Megan Hargan was convicted on September 2023 of murdering her mother, Pamela Hargan, along with her sister, Helen Hargan. Prosecutors proved the case that Megan staged the crime scene to reflect that Helen had murdered their mother and killed herself.
The motive behind the murders was monetary; Megan had attempted to wire transfer $400,000 out of her mother's bank account to finance a house. Megan was sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison.
Snapped season 31 episode 20 gave a detailed view of this case.
