5 Essential Facts Regarding Shaynna Sims’ Criminal Activities

On October 21, 2024, Investigation Discovery is set to unveil a gripping new episode of Who the (Bleep) Did I Marry?, spotlighting Shaynna Sims in an episode entitled The Halloween Bride. This installment delves into the shocking crimes perpetrated by Shaynna Lauren Sims, featuring poignant interviews with family members of the victim, journalists, and law enforcement personnel who reveal the unsettling aspects of the case.

In April 2015, Shaynna Sims was convicted for the gruesome mutilation of Tabatha Lynch’s body during a funeral service in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This horrific violation of funeral etiquette occurred when Sims, masquerading as a makeup artist, gained access to Lynch’s remains and committed shocking acts of desecration.

Among her acts of brutality, Sims severed Lynch’s breasts and a toe, while also removing skin from the victim’s forehead, all under the pretense of preparing her for public viewing. Court documents indicated that her motivations stemmed from jealousy over a perceived relationship between her estranged husband and Lynch, who was later confirmed to be merely a friend.

The arrest of Shaynna Sims and the subsequent legal proceedings revealed the chilling extent of her crimes, leading to a complicated legal battle that involved jurisdictional challenges due to the victim’s Native American ancestry.

Five chilling aspects of Shaynna Sims’ crimes

1) The deceptive entry

Shaynna Sims crafted an elaborate scheme to infiltrate the funeral home where Tabatha Lynch’s body was displayed. She presented herself as a professional makeup artist responsible for preparing Lynch for the service. This deceit successfully granted her unimpeded access to the casket, going unnoticed by both the funeral home staff and the grieving family.

This calculated deception set the stage for the horrific events that ensued, as she was able to approach and violate the body without detection.

2) Body disfigurement

Upon reaching the casket, Sims engaged in grotesque actions. Utilizing a sharp knife, she inflicted severe mutilation on Tabatha Lynch’s remains, removing her breasts and a toe, all reportedly fueled by intense jealousy.

Moreover, she altered Lynch’s makeup, cut away skin from her forehead, and pulled out hair strands, culminating in an act of brutality that horrified Lynch’s family when they eventually learned of the alterations to their loved one.

3) Stealing from the deceased

In a shocking act, Shaynna Sims stole shoes directly from the deceased. The motive behind this theft remains undisclosed. However, the investigations primarily focused on the grotesque mutilation and the disturbance it caused during the funeral.

Investigators later discovered incriminating evidence in her apartment, including a folding knife containing Lynch’s hair, scissors, makeup supplies, and the stolen shoes.

4) Discovery and its chilling aftermath

The shocking alterations to Tabatha Lynch’s body were discovered mere moments before the funeral was scheduled to start. Family members who arrived early to pay their final respects found Lynch’s remains horrifically altered.

The immediate aftermath was catastrophic; family and funeral staff promptly contacted 911, which led to a swift police reaction. The scenes described by first responders were filled with shock and disbelief.

5) Legal ramifications and intricate jurisdictional challenges

Shaynna Sims’ arrest and trial thrust her abhorrent acts into the limelight. Initially convicted and sentenced to 16 years in prison, the legal proceedings became more convoluted when her conviction was overturned in 2021 on jurisdictional grounds related to Lynch’s Native American status and the crime’s location within the boundaries of the Creek Nation.

Ultimately, Sims was re-arrested in 2023 after a new ruling confirmed that the state’s jurisdiction was valid.

Don’t miss the Halloween Bride special, airing at 9 PM EST on October 21, 2024, only on Investigation Discovery.

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