In-Depth Case Analysis of Snapped Season 31 Episode 20

Episode 20 of Snapped season 31, titled Megan Hargan, explores the tragic true crime story of Megan Hargan, who infamously murdered her mother and sister in their home located in McLean, Virginia, on July 14, 2017. This homicide was initially perceived as a murder-suicide.

This episode of Snapped delves into the sequence of events leading up to the gruesome murders and the thorough investigation that followed. Viewers are presented with detailed interviews, forensic analysis, and expert insights, making the narrative both engaging and informative. The episode premiered on November 27, 2022, and was re-aired on September 22, 2024, on Oxygen.

The official synopsis for Snapped season 31, episode 20 on Oxygen states:

“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.”

About the Crime Explored in Snapped Season 31 Episode 20

The murder case featured in Snapped season 31 episode 20 centers around the deaths of Pamela Hargan, aged 63, and her 23-year-old daughter, Helen Hargan, on July 14, 2017.

Upon the police’s arrival, the bodies of Pamela and Helen were discovered in a scenario that initially suggested murder-suicide. Pamela had a gunshot wound to the head, while Helen had also suffered a gunshot. A rifle was located resting between Helen’s legs.

While initial assumptions indicated that Helen had killed her mother before taking her own life, inconsistencies found at the crime scene prompted a deeper investigation. Notably, there was no suicide note, necessitating a thorough inquiry into the events surrounding the deaths.

Investigation

The investigation into the murders of Pamela and Helen Hargan was extensive. Forensic experts meticulously examined the crime scene and uncovered critical evidence contradicting the murder-suicide theory. DNA analysis and digital forensics emerged as major components of the investigative process.

Eventually, it was discovered that Megan Hargan, Pamela’s other daughter, had a motive tied to financial disputes and jealousy. On the day of the murders, she attempted to withdraw substantial sums from her mother’s bank account.

Resolution

During the trial, prosecutors argued that the gunshot to Helen Hargan’s head could not have been self-inflicted, suggesting that someone else shot her and laid the weapon down as part of a staged scene. The defense maintained that Megan was innocent, claiming Helen’s strained relationship with their mother led to these tragic events.

In September 2023, Megan Hargan was convicted of murdering both her mother, Pamela Hargan, and her sister, Helen Hargan. Prosecutors successfully established that Megan had manipulated the crime scene to suggest Helen was the perpetrator.

The motive behind these horrifying acts was financial; Megan sought to transfer $400,000 from her mother’s bank account to fund a new home. As a result, she received two consecutive life sentences in prison.

The Snapped season 31 episode 20 provided a comprehensive overview of this chilling case.

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