Texas Monthly’s Feature on “Lost Horizons”

In the fall of 1987, Shane Stewart and Sally McNelly began dating after meeting through mutual friends. As their relationship progressed, they became involved with a group of teenagers practicing occult rituals. By the summer of 1988, Sally expressed intentions to leave the group and start a new life with Shane, but soon after they disappeared. The podcast “Shane and Sally” explores the mysterious case through original videos, archival photos, and documents obtained during reporting.

Investigations into the case led to the arrest of John Gilbreath, a person of interest connected to the murders. Gilbreath was found in possession of drugs and a weapon, leading authorities to search his home. While potential evidence related to Shane and Sally’s murders was discovered, DNA testing revealed that it did not match the victims. Despite media attention tying Gilbreath to the case, the DNA results indicated a dead end in the investigation.

The podcast delves into the lives of Shane and Sally, painting a picture of teenagers in San Angelo during the late 1980s. Shane, described as tall and confident, underwent a transformation influenced by popular culture, including movies like “The Lost Boys.” Sally, known for being charismatic and outgoing, navigated relationships with different social circles, ultimately finding herself embroiled in an occult group that she and Shane were trying to distance themselves from.

Testimonies from friends and acquaintances shed light on Shane and Sally’s final days, with accounts of tension between the couple and the group they were involved with. Sally’s statements about fearing for their lives before their disappearance add to the intrigue surrounding the case. Interviews with individuals close to the victims provide insight into their personalities, aspirations, and the circumstances leading up to their untimely deaths.

As the podcast unfolds, the narrative surrounding Shane and Sally’s murders deepens, involving potential suspects, connections to local law enforcement, and unanswered questions about the events leading up to their deaths. With new revelations and theories emerging, the investigation into the cold case continues to captivate listeners, offering a glimpse into the lives of two young individuals caught in a web of mysterious circumstances in a small Texas town.