Detective Kim Mager Shawn Grate Case
Detective Kim Mager never imagined that her career in law enforcement would place her across the table from a serial killer whose charm was as lethal as his crimes. But in 2016, that nightmare became reality when she met Shawn Grate—a man whose name would soon echo through every corner of Ohio as the state’s most infamous serial killer. This is the haunting, heroic story of how Mager unraveled a monster over 33 hours of tense interrogation.
How the Shawn Grate Case Unfolded
The chain of events began with a single act of bravery. A woman known only as Jane Doe dialed 911 while bound inside an abandoned house in Ashland, Ohio. Her voice trembling but determined, she whispered details that would send shockwaves through the community. When police arrived, they arrested Shawn Grate—finding not only Jane Doe but also the decomposing remains of other women.
The 911 Call That Sparked a Nationwide Investigation
That whispered 911 call wasn’t just a cry for help—it was a catalyst. Jane Doe’s courage allowed law enforcement to rescue her and open a case that would expose years of horror. As detectives began piecing together the lives Grate had taken, Kim Mager was given a nearly impossible task: get him to confess.
Who Was Jane Doe: The Woman Who Escaped Death
Jane Doe’s identity remains protected, but her story is unforgettable. She endured days of captivity, assault, and psychological torment. Her decision to call for help while Grate slept just feet away saved her life—and paved the way for the truth to be revealed. Detective Mager later described her as the bravest person she’d ever known.
The First Encounter: When Kim Mager Met Shawn Grate
Mager approached Grate not as a stern interrogator but as someone who needed answers. Within just two hours of their first meeting, Grate confessed to the rape and abduction of Jane Doe. Yet Mager sensed something deeper—a darkness hidden beneath layers of manipulation and performance.
The Power of Words in the Interrogation Room
In high-stakes interrogations, every word carries weight. Mager knew better than to rush. She carefully layered her questions, creating a conversational atmosphere rather than a confrontational one. This strategy disarmed Grate’s defenses, and slowly, the pieces of his crimes started falling into place.
Why Shawn Grate Confessed to Detective Mager
Grate confessed because Mager made him feel understood. She acknowledged his twisted justifications without condoning them. At one point, she even called him a “stand-up guy”—not because she believed it, but because she knew his fragile ego needed to hear it. That single phrase gave her access to more horrifying truths.
Kim Mager’s Unique Approach to Criminal Psychology
Unlike many interrogators, Mager doesn’t fake empathy—she genuinely feels it. “I often look at someone and think, ‘He was four years old once,’” she shared. This emotional grounding helped her stay composed in the face of grotesque confessions and offered her an edge that science can’t teach.
Using Empathy Without Losing Control
While empathy was her tool, Mager never let Grate control the narrative. She walked a razor-thin line between understanding and manipulation. Every nod, pause, and silence was strategic. She used human connection to expose a killer who thrived on deception.
Playing the Long Game: 33 Hours of Mental Warfare
The interrogation spanned 33 hours across eight emotionally draining days. During this time, Mager extracted confessions for five murders. She also uncovered disturbing details of sexual assaults and long-buried trauma. It was psychological warfare—and she never let her guard down.
The Role of Silence and Patience in Confession
Sometimes, the silence was louder than the words. Mager knew that patience could be a powerful weapon. She waited through long pauses, allowing Grate to feel the weight of his own silence. It was in these moments that he revealed the most chilling details.
Understanding the Mind of Shawn Grate
Grate wasn’t your typical criminal. He was articulate, charismatic, and intelligent—but deeply broken. Mager believed his crimes stemmed from a mix of childhood trauma, entitlement, and a need to dominate. Understanding his motivations helped her find the emotional keys that unlocked his confessions.
The Chilling Calmness of a Serial Killer
What disturbed Mager most was Grate’s lack of remorse. He spoke about his crimes with eerie detachment. Sometimes he laughed. Other times, he offered praise for Mager’s “detective skills” when she caught him in a lie. It was a terrifying insight into how evil can wear a friendly face.
Inside the Interrogation Room: No Room for Error
The room was small, sterile, and filled with tension. Every second mattered. Cameras recorded the sessions, but during one terrifying moment, the unthinkable happened—her team left her alone in the room with an uncuffed killer.
Risking Her Life: The Moment Mager Was Left Alone
When Mager returned from a break, she realized she was alone. Grate sat uncuffed, and no one was watching. Her training kicked in. She kept her voice calm and played along. Later, her lieutenant begged her not to tell anyone. But she did—because the truth mattered more than the optics.
The Moment Everything Could’ve Gone Wrong
That one moment could have changed everything. Had Grate realized no one was watching, he could have attacked. But Mager didn’t panic. Her ability to stay composed may have saved her life that day.
How Gender Played a Role in the Interrogation
Being a woman in a male-dominated field posed challenges. Yet Mager believes her gender may have played a role in Grate’s willingness to confess. He didn’t see her as a threat, which gave her a unique angle in the interrogation room.
The Thin Line Between Strategy and Danger
Mager’s success wasn’t just about skill—it was about courage. She made hard choices, took calculated risks, and outwitted a man who had fooled so many others. The stakes were life or death, and she didn’t flinch.
The Aftermath: Living With the Weight of Confessions
Interrogating serial killers leaves scars. Mager admits she’s never been formally debriefed. The emotional toll built up over the years. “Sometimes it feels like a fan is blowing in your eyes,” she said, “like I just can’t breathe.”
The Toll on Kim Mager’s Mental Health
Her saving grace was a strong family and deep faith. Without them, she believes she would’ve broken under the weight. Even now, it’s the failures that haunt her most—not the successes.
Why Officers Need Mental Health Support
Mager’s story is a call to action. Police officers need emotional and psychological support. Her experience is a reminder that solving crimes doesn’t end when the case is closed.
The Book That Revealed It All: A Hunger to Kill
Co-authored by Mager, A Hunger to Kill offers a firsthand look into the interrogation and aftermath. It’s not just a crime story—it’s a human story. It shows the cost of truth, and the bravery it demands.
The Impact on Ashland, Ohio
Ashland, once a quiet town, became the epicenter of a media storm. Families were shattered, trust was broken, and everyone asked the same question—how did no one see this coming?
Grate’s Mother, the Devil, and Deception
Even Grate’s mother described him as “possessed.” His charm masked something demonic. He didn’t just fool the world—he fooled those closest to him.
Are There More Victims Out There?
Mager believes so. “Absolutely,” she says. The five known victims may not be the end of the story. There may be more waiting in the shadows of Grate’s past.
What’s Next for Shawn Grate
Grate is scheduled for execution on March 19, 2025. But Ohio currently has no method to carry it out. Until then, he waits—while his victims’ families live with the pain every single day.
Kim Mager’s Perspective on the Death Penalty
Mager hasn’t focused much on Grate’s fate. For her, the real tragedy lies with the families. They got a life sentence. Nothing can undo that.
Why the Families Carry the Real Sentence
Birthdays. Holidays. Empty chairs at the table. These are the real punishments—doled out to the innocent, not the guilty. That’s what makes justice feel incomplete.
Lessons From One of the Most Gripping Cases in Ohio
Mager’s story is one of courage, strategy, and emotional endurance. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, the pursuit of truth matters. And that behind every confession is a detective who refuses to give up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kim Mager?
A retired detective from Ashland, Ohio, known for securing the confession of serial killer Shawn Grate.
What did Shawn Grate do?
Grate confessed to five murders, several assaults, and multiple kidnappings. He’s considered a serial killer.
How long was the interrogation?
33 hours, spread across eight days.
Did Shawn Grate show remorse?
No. He remained calm and even congratulated Mager during the interrogation.
Is Shawn Grate still alive?
Yes. He’s on death row, but Ohio currently lacks a method to execute death sentences.
Where can I read more about this case?
Mager co-authored a book called A Hunger to Kill, which details the entire case.