Family Takes Down Ninja Serial Killer | The Case of the McDonough Family

[@Erinski]

Daughter refusing to comply and making noise to alert her family, mom grabbing the knife by the blade, and dad sinking in the choke hold on a man twice his size until the police get there, the McDonough family is amazing! And then to make sure to be there to support the other victim's families...it's humbling to think about. I'm just grateful such good people exist.

[@j68715]

They are heroes. I hope they recover, knowing how strong they are.

[@mkuti-childress3625]

I’ll bet going to the proceedings for the other cases and meeting and supporting the other families was good for their healing, too. I understand wanting to look him in the eyes and remind him that you and your family took him down and were seeing it through to the end. And the comfort they gave the others probably made a horrible experience just a little better and less lonely. They are an impressive family.

[@nikokillam7553]

I personally am an advocate for learning some sort of self defence, I like Muay Thai for it but there is a lot of good mma out their to use to protect yourself. If the dad didn’t wrestle there’s a good chance he doesn’t know what to do with this guy and the outcome would be very different (Also for the people that are curious why Muay Thai, I’m 6’5 250 I’m very confident in my ability to be hit and return the same)

[@dietotaku]

hearing how she's become a second mom for nicole got me choked up. what an incredibly generous, beautiful family.

[@tammyclark2851]

❤❤

[@wadewilson8011]

I love this story. I've kept up with it for years now. The way that family fought like Hell and REFUSED to become victims. I love how the wife was just as stubborn as the husband and killer. The husband told the mother and daughter to run. The mother refuses and fought right next to her man, both protesting their daughter and each other. That's the kind of woman that a good man needs in his life and vice versa. A family that fights together, stays alive together.

[@j68715]

The last person you ever want to encounter in a life or death struggle is a mother or father protecting their child. Together? Good luck to you, monster.

[@critterwhisperer5821]

Rather than victims they became saviors. Not only did they save others from the cruel death he brought others but also closure to the families of those he has killed.

[@RwynHoffiCoffi]

The lone wolf dies, the pack survives. Eddard was right! 😱

[@bostonsandatot4948]

Not everyone would react in this manner including those saying they refused to be victims. Shit happens and you don't know how you'll react until it happens.

[@LostGirl04]

@@bostonsandatot4948 What?

[@LegitHoneybadger]

The solidarity of the families is beautiful. Their strength and courage is immeasurable

[@VidralliaArchives]

So glad Shea decided to make as much noise as possible. If an attacker says "be quiet or I'll kill you," it implies that he/she WON'T kill you if you cooperate. It would take so much courage to push past the fear of the immediate threat and acknowledge, "I know that's a lie. they will kill me either way." A self defense teacher once told me that remaining silent is the worst thing you can do. That will only allow them to succeed. (She also taught me that it doesn't take much strength to rip off ears and gouge out eyes with your thumbs. Even if you're overpowered, there are ways to make your attacker regret their choices.)

[@citysick]

How do you rip off ears?!

[@DubsTV93]

@@citysickonly takes 8lbs of pressure to rip an ear off. You pull hard and fast on that mf, Mike Tyson who?!

[@VidralliaArchives]

@@citysick Grab on tight and pull with all your weight. It (supposedly) only takes about 8 lbs of pressure. So basically there's no trick. It's easy.

[@snippetsordinarylife]

I recently had people trying to break my door down on a Sunday pm. Between my dog defending the door, me running out the other side of the house screaming at the top of my lungs and my neighbor contacting her security who arrived within a minute, the cowards ran away. I believe my screaming saved my life as it alerted the whole neighborhood.

[@VidralliaArchives]

@@snippetsordinarylife I'm glad you're okay. I hope those people won't hurt anyone else.

[@TinaPutchel]

I heard this story a while ago. Todd Ewault was days away from having to go in front of the grand jury cuz they really thought he killed his wife and wanted to prosecute him. They found Darlene's DNA on a knife just in time. My heart goes out to Todd and his family and the other families involved.

[@curiosdogg]

Makes you wonder what evidence they had to present to a Grand Jury and could this happen to me?

[@jerseysmash8200]

As a friend of Monica Massaro I had a few conversations with the State police and had said they need to be looking at the truck stop. At the viewing they had suspected one of the guys she was dating. I knew it was not him. We had gone out for a smoke to talk and they were watching us close . Its just so rude to be at viewings and funerals.

[@christineguttilla6465]

Cop Tunnel-Vision. Just so wrong.

[@curiosdogg]

@@jerseysmash8200 rude but necessary.

[@JustMe-ec2ph]

This is the main reason I'm no longer for the death penalty because of the innocent people that are wrongly convicted but I have no sympathy for someone that really did those horrible acts if they are convicted and sentenced to death. I couldn't quite understand in the video it seemed Todd was talking about him taking a plea deal? But it was Lane that did the plea deal?

[@UndeadJohnGaming]

The ending is genuinely the best...... Hearing how they all survived and came together even stronger and even the mom of one family basically being a second mother to the other......... Amazing.

[@bellerain381]

😢😢😢 just goes to show how much heart that family has! They were going to make sure those grieving would not be forgotten!

[@TopazFire15]

It brought me to tears to see Nicole talk about how Jeannie is like a second mother to her now. Jeannie is an incredible soul to have so much love and compassion.

[@MysteriesofCrime]

The McDonough family is incredible! Their daughter alerted the family, while their mom bravely grabbed a knife, and their dad restrained a man twice his size until the police arrived. It’s humbling to see such good people who also support other victims' families. I'm grateful they exist.

[@MohamedKgb-w8c]

I agree with you 💯 we need more family like McDonough family ❤

[@Lauren-bd2fr]

People don’t realize how painful and difficult it is to hold onto the blade of a knife like that, let alone grab it from him! What a family unit

[@YuBeace]

Adrenaline is one hell of a drug, and you can tell this family had such a strong spirit just by themselves, the adrenaline made them unstoppable. 😂

[@SarinaSazi]

Man! That guy is huge! Im glad he will never murder again! Im so impressed by the family caught him! What a badass family!!!

[@louisurbancic2206]

A family stood and fought together and simply refused to die. What an amazing story. I'd like to think this would be how my family reacted, but my goodness, I can't even sit here and type that and know if I'm being honest. The sheer bravery of the father, mother and daughter is just something to behold. 3 stone cold badasses.

[@PozoBlue]

the kinda family that would survive a zombie apocalypse!

[@brendanmathes3663]

The way things are going. They just might get that chance. Zombies for all of us. ​@PozoBlue . Oh yeah, you my Boy, BLUE!!!

[@brendanmathes3663]

They may get that chance, the way things are going. You my boy, BLUE!!!

[@Sanakudou]

It’s something families should discuss together, it’s important everyone within a household is aware of how to collectively react during a home invasion and what rules to follow, for instance, some parents might want young kids to prioritise their own safety even if they can hear their parents are in trouble, or they might set up a family rule not to come out to help another family until they’ve called the police. I’d personally recommend parents take the time to point out all the different household objects that their kids could use to stab or bludgeon an intruder, likewise, how to use a chair or small side table as a shield and battery ram against someone with a knife/short range weapon, going through those hypothetical options can really help prevent someone going into the “freeze” response and feeling like they’re defenceless. It’s honestly just as important for families to actively preplan for this kind of scenario as it is to preplan how to escape a house fire, it can greatly increase the chances of everyone surviving!

[@craigdawson1749]

@@Sanakudouwell said, we can't take our safety for granted, particularly if you live in the USA!

[@lyla958]

seeing 2:56 this poor man cry… it really is breaking my heart. prayers going out to all the victims and their families ❤❤

[@micheallevy1634]

I'm a grown man and this brought tears to my eyes. Poor guy. I can't even imagine.

[@danielp7394]

When he said his son broke the chair.....yeah it hit this grown man hard too

[@Lauren-bd2fr]

Cried my makeup off during that moment lol. He is so obviously innocent with his reaction, it’s heartbreaking that they doubted his story

[@ghostinng274]

Hurts to watch.

[@Mangolorian-je3eo]

Tiny little girl controls her fear, FIGHTS BACK and alerts her family. Dad wrestles knife wielding killer three times his size and CHOKES HIM OUT. Mom takes him on and GRABS the FREAKING KNIFE. This entire family is BADASS.

[@Dragonballzkia900352AJ]

Just goes to show you that polygraph tests aren't always the most reliable and why they aren't admissable in court. I'm glad he finally got closure and justice for himself and his wife, all due to the mcdonough family prevailing in the attack. Such a harrowing tale.

[@C-SD]

My uncle "passed" several polygraph tests. They record anxiety, but pathological liars aren't anxious. "believe your lie" was his advice. The amount of anxiety I have would probably get a "fail".

[@stockinanaki]

@@C-SDsame 😅 i got a heartbeat of a hummingbird when im put on spot

[@greenalfoil]

They’re literally never reliable. It’s junk science and shouldn’t be used.

[@Dragonballzkia900352AJ]

@@C-SD Considering I have social anxiety, same. I would 100% fail. Government positions require polygraph tests in order to get the position. (At least, they used to. idk if they do that still) There was a guy that went out of his way to "teach" people how to always pass the test, in terms of clenching your buttcheeks and what not to pass the test. He did that just to prove a point that polygraph tests weren't in anyway reliable, especially if somebody knows how to counter it.

[@stephanievizzi9147]

I’ve learned that loved ones often feel guilt that they couldn’t save the victim and this inner conflict is what causes some to fail those polygraph tests.

[@SoShOn]

"there were no signs of a break in" Well yeah because he murdered her outside maybe?

[@leisureoflife]

That seems obvious but didn’t occur to me until you said it 😂

[@MrzHunnyBadger]

Was looking for this comment! 🎯💯😂

[@Suguri]

Unseen is one of the more hopeful true crime channels out there. Fills a bit of that I Survived... hole in my heart.

[@breezystl777]

Still holding out hope that they'll make some new episodes 🤞

[@kc4699]

@@breezystl777 same. that said the existing ones continue to live rent free and on a loop in my head. genuinely shocking stuff.

[@breezystl777]

@@kc4699 Been binge watching any I Survived Beyond and Back episodes I can find lately. That version was cool too

[@breezystl777]

@@kc4699 Same. Plus I Survived Beyond and Back. "I Shouldn't Be Alive" is another show i came across if you're looking for something similar. 😊

[@kc4699]

@@breezystl777 oh goody, more nightmare fuel! thank you 🌻

[@JaclynCoffman]

What a bad ass family.. amazing dad! Props to Mom for sticking by her husband fighting and not running for the hills .. just wow 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Lauren-bd2fr]

The fact that the mom gripped the blade with enough strength to take it out of his hands…. she fought HARD. that couldve taken her own hand off but she did whatever it took to protect her family and her husband at that moment. Amazing family unit right there!

[@Froggynarrations]

@@Lauren-bd2frmoms and dads are incredible! There’s plenty of stories of moms getting super strength when needed, like lifting a car of their kid. Dads are always strong, of course, but add adrenaline and you’re in for a beating if you mess with their family. That’s why a two parent household is imperative to healthy development. I agree with you wholeheartedly! Isn’t this family awesome?!!

[@Lauren-bd2fr]

@@Froggynarrations Those stories never cease to amaze me. Like even at my grown age, I still can't wrap my head around the super strength that some parents get (granted I'm not a parent yet, maybe I'll understand when I am lol)

[@MjlovesMinivans]

27:01 this is so precious I’m glad all the families were able to come together and this mom could be motherly towards this girl who lost her mom

[@Mermare]

If someone breaks into your house when you're home, they're not there just to steal. Fight for your life.

[@DroneStrike1776]

Unless you're in California or New York. I've seen too many cases when the home owner is arrested for smoking an intruder. You're home, minding your own business, getting ready for bed, and bam, someone kicks your door down with your wife and kids in the house. You protect your family and get arrested for doing so. 77 year old man was arrested in Oakland a few months ago for doing just that. 3 suspects broke into his house. It took outraged from the citizens for him to be released. New York has a flight first rule. You have to run, try to deescalate, and unless you're being attacked to the point your life is now endangered, you can't defend yourself. It's ashamed that some states do not allow you to stand your ground. Intruders can come into your home and you can't do nothing about it because they might not want to hurt you and only want to steal. A chance most of us isn't willing to take.

[@nlwilson4892]

@@DroneStrike1776 So, any cases where the homeowner has actually been convicted? It is normal in the UK for the homeowner to be arrested until the police have all the evidence. I can only think of one case where there was a conviction and that was someone who bragged about having money in the house whilst in the pub, then went home and lay in wait downstairs with an unlicensed shotgun, then shot one in the back from 30ft away.

[@funTimesInTheSun]

In CA it’s very unlikely you will actually see jail time.

[@commonsense571]

Very unlikely jail time when someone breaks into your own home. Even in NY

[@commonsense571]

But then I suppose having money for a good lawyer (as usual tragically) makes all the difference. We need more defense lawyers with better pay to protect the innocent poor.

[@Katey4ever]

And it all started with a daughter not listening to the bad guy with a knife and making a racket.

[@Bururaian]

Mr. McDonough is a fucking badass holy shit

[@wadewilson8011]

So was Mrs. McDonough. Who else do you know would grab a knife by the actual BLADE and not let go of it to precent the killer from using it on their loved ones. Most other women would stand there screaming like a stupid banshee, frolicking like a dodo bird. I can't stand to hear a woman turn her husband and say, "do something." Yeah I was yelling about how strong the independent they are but when the shit hits the fan they're always cowling in fear. So Mrs. McDonough is just as much a badass as Mr. McDonough. Both are Legends! They fought together. They survived together.

[@micheallevy1634]

Very very well stated

[@stockinanaki]

@@wadewilson8011thats the truth right there

[@parisinthe30sx]

People react differently especially when they're terrified. How f'd up to judge someone for that. Says a lot about you as a person@@wadewilson8011

[@k.elysium6819]

​​@@wadewilson8011What are you on about? You start your post like a compliment to this brave woman, then turn it into a complaint about "most women". You don't know most women. Everyone reacts differently, and men will scream for help when they find themselves outmatched by an attacker or outrun by a kidnapper as well. There are plenty of men that are extremely weak, just like some women are weaker than others. The middle part of your post makes you sound like an incel. You should probably edit that...

[@thealexandralorian]

the cops investigating darlene's death deserve no credit. they tried to convict her husband with no evidence

[@katrinkaperkins1852]

It's horrible when the cops get tunnel vision. And being so lazy not to look into all other options. Lie detector results are not in the court system because they aren't always reliable.

[@willlllow]

the McDonough family are truly a family of integrity, strength, and compassion. Not only did they fight to protect and support each other, but they went the extra mile and stayed steadfast in their vow to support the other victims and families.

[@billlonee9470]

What an absolutely amazing family. Not just fighting back and taking down this monster, but the love and support that they've given other victims, selflessly.

[@stephaniec3118]

Love how that family managed to stop him and save themselves from such a monster genuine tears

[@StormIamthe]

There is a lot of tragedy in this story, probably more than we will ever know of. But at the end of this story, I felt inspiration, hope and resolve. Many of these stories do not leave me feeling this way. The McDonough family, their determination to stop him, their dedication and love for the other families was truly the epitome of heroic actions. They DID the things we all hope we would in that situation. They lifted up the other families in every way they could. SOOOO much love and admiration heading their way from myself, and I am certain from everyone who watched this story.

[@craigdawson1749]

I respect that's detectives honesty, he said if it hadn't played out the way it did, they may never have caught him.

[@gamtngirl3655]

I love the love and strength exhibited by these families. The McDonoughs are true heros. The dad was so brave.

[@johnnyboy7144]

The Mcdnoughs are no joke, husband and wife… both are hero’s and fighters

[@Where-is-Jessica-Hyde]

And the daughter that refused to do as she was told. Takes alot of bravery to do that when you have a blade to your throat. Their daughter gave them the chance they needed to protect eachother. Would like to see this made into a movie...🎉

[@lynnchka2692]

Wow. It is such an incredible story of strength, family, and resilience. God bless them all! That father is a hero!!

[@duhnay]

The solidarity between families is inspiring

[@aliceklein9209]

I really enjoy how this channel focuses on the strength of the victims. ❤ my favorite true crime show ever

[@conky221]

Poor Todd. Never had a chance to properly grieve.

[@Truecrimerevealed96]

This story leaves me in awe of the McDonough family. Their courage under such terrifying circumstances not only saved their own lives but may have stopped a serial killer in his tracks. True heroes!

[@NOW-Documentary-s8]

It brought me to tears to see Nicole talk about how Jeannie is like a second mother to her now. Jeannie is an incredible soul to have so much love and compassion. Love how that family managed to stop him and save themselves from such a monster genuine tears. I really enjoy how this channel focuses on the strength of the victims. ❤ my favorite true crime show ever

[@Chris-wn9hi]

So glad Todd didn't get wrongfully charged/convicted for his wife's murder. The McDonough family are true heroes.

[@natsarimthings3147]

I have never been so satisfied by an awful case's ending before. The McDonough family is awesome. The Dad is even more awesome. They also saved the life of an innocent husband. I love that the Mom is now a like a foster Mom to Darlene's daughter. RIP Monica and Darlene.

[@abbegai1]

Amazing. I hope if I ever have children, my husband and I would protect our children like that. What an amazing family. So unfortunate the others had to suffer, but thankfully they received some answers and closure.

[@titansaint]

the additional trauma todd went through by the police continuing to suspect him for darlene's murder even though the evidence was shaky - stupid polygraph tests i hate them - makes my heart break. i understand why they initially did it but to continue pushing is just awful.

[@BlackSheep_216]

They get tunnel vision. If they don't like you or the charges you are doubly fkd

[@calij586]

What a beautiful family. I got emotional at the end of how amazing the one Mother was towards the other kids in that family

[@ashleywhipple4801]

This story was better than I thought. It's truly scary knowing things like this can happen. I have watched many stories and this one is one of my favorites. This family is amazing!

[@tarasgarden]

What a fine family. They went above and beyond their own trauma by supporting the other families. That’s just exceptional. ❤

[@t-and-p]

Totally agree! Fighting hard for your own family shows guts and heart. But to travel across the country to support other victims, show genuine compassion for complete strangers, and step up for others in their hour of need - when nobody would blame them for focusing on their own trauma? Just outstanding human beings. They are what we should all aspire to be. Also, Mrs McDonough is an angel on earth. To step up for the bereaved daughter of Mrs Ewalt and be a "second mother" to her? I imagine that Mrs Ewalt is looking down, eternally grateful for what the McDonoughs have done for her family - getting her justice, stopping her husband from being wrongfully accused/convicted, stopping her k-ller, and providing her daughter with a mother figure when she needed one most. Mrs McDonough is, without doubt, the kind of person we would all pray for if we were ever in such horrendous circumstances. She deserves every good thing to come her way 💕

[@PozoBlue]

Wow, what a heroic amazing family all three of them, deciding to fight against all odds. The daughter pushing the bed to make noise despite having a knife to her throat, the mom grabbing the freaking blade like a superhero, the amazing dad talking that hulk down, the kid leading police there. The way they were there for other families. What a spirit lives in them!

[@Shevywevy-4]

Seeing a big man bawling about this brings tears in my eyes. That's someone who is truly grieving of the loss of a loved one, no pretending or extra emotions to prove his innocence like some cases of the husband killing their wife.

[@SimplyC-88]

I love this the way they didn’t allow their fear to weaken them

[@Weirdkauz]

Thank you Unseen for putting these stories out! I have always been interested in true Crime, and always felt nauseated by the prevalent fascination for the perpetrators ... also, the way y'all tell these stories is just beautiful, touching and to the point. That passage with the monster getting up with the Dad on his back! The Dad saying he thought he was in trouble then (only then?) but afterwards turning out to be a wrestler... quite the rollercoaster of emotions and me thinking: this changes everything! You are doomed with a wrestler on your back, ha! He'll choke you out!🎉

[@printedwit]

this video ending on the words of the bereaved is a powerful touch. the voices of the victims themselves should provide any adequate epilogue; barring that, however, the voices of those they loved most means so much. thanks, OP. great video, great focus (the one often ignored by mass media, as we know) as usual.

[@agingerbeard]

Mama bear: "so I grabbed the blade" 😭 ❤️ kudos to the whole family for their bravery!!

[@nreynolds75243]

Not only were these families victims of this psychopath. The psychopath had a wife and children. Imagine their shock and hurt?! They probably couldn't believe what they were hearing and seeing. Like, huh???? The police said how he came across as respectful. But as soon as they started mentioning the killing his attitude changed. People like this are good at hiding who they are and use this to do their dirt right under people's noses. This psycho fooled everyone around him.

[@17luckynumbers]

He's not the first serial killer that randomly goes for unlocked doors and won't be the last! Please keep your doors locked at all times! ❤

[@trailerparkfarm9198]

Idk if I’m getting my period or what but that family fighting made me cry…like happy tears of how much they love each other. They fought like hell for each other & it paid off ❤️

[@therealdebbiecakes]

same !! 🥹 i was literally cheering them on in my bed hehe such an inspirational family !!

[@vespasianflavius2766]

Could have said that without the first sentence lol. No hate as they say.

[@TommyM.Pickles]

Classy

[@OscarLangleySoryu]

@@TommyM.Picklesmature

[@mkuti-childress3625]

Hilarious how guys feel so uncomfortable when a woman’s period is mentioned. 😄

[@lynguinii]

Those are some badass parents

[@nlwilson4892]

Well the daughter had a lot of courage to fight back too.

[@bellerain381]

They really were a wolf pack!!!

[@kirstyjackson3195]

And no guns. Ideal

[@Panda_Roll]

the McDonough family is just amazing. I know you don't get to pick between fight or flight but the fact that the whole family fought tooth and nail to protect each other is just so impressive.

[@DPSFSU]

I lived in the next town over from Chelmsford, MA at that time. I would have just been out of college then. Probably thought I was invincible back then as well and would have wanted to run into this sicko. Pretty glad I didn't have to.

[@wadewilson8011]

I honestly think it's a generational thing. When I graduated boot camp in 1997, I literally did not believe that I could die if I was shot. I THOUGHT I was on a Michael Myers level of invulnerability. That's just how cocky I was. 🙄🤦🏾‍♂️ Youth will have you delusional AF. I have skills that I learned in the USMC. But I'm wiser now and know that no matter how big or bad you are, any dog can have it's day. I'm more aware of my mortality now. But don't think I won't defend myself or my loved ones just as fierce as I could in my 20s. ✊🏾

[@Arukan]

He could have easily made the mistake of running into someone with a rooty-tooty-point-n-shooty and got murked basically on his first night- it is clear he wasn't actually a brilliant hunter, he was a door-checker.

[@DPSFSU]

@@Arukan notice how he didn't come up to NH too. Got a lot more pew pews ups here lol

[@rapman5791]

Adam Lane parked his truck at the rest stop on Rt 495 in Chelmsford and went on foot to a trailer park and apartment building on Littleton td and attempted to gain access to one ladies place, but the dog scared him away. Another person saw him in the parking lot of the brick apartments that are along 495 on the northbound side just before the rest area. Eventually he made his way down Hunt td to the McDonough’s where his reign of terror ended.

[@rapman5791]

@@DPSFSUActually Adam Lane was in Nashua for a delivery and was on his way south when he decided to stop at the Chelmsford rest area and go hunting.

[@tylerstamps2786]

That is an entire family of BA’s…I tip my cap to them for the courageous act and the empathy they showed to the other victims.

[@AlinaTowers]

Sometimes I wonder why I’m attracted to crime stories-there’s something dark about exposing your mind to the worst of humanity. But it’s the heroes-the fact that people can stand up to evil and fight it and survive and thrive and being courageous to others through their trauma-so inspiring!!!

[@IsabelMarie7]

The McDonough family are literally warriors.

[@StarryThursday]

The fact that the family not only physically restrained the killer, but then went to go support the families of other victims says a lot about their character. They are strong in every sense of the word.

[@Samurai__Sista16]

This is amazing i love how u spread victims' story to be aware, keep it up man, ur doing great!

[@strummercash5601]

This story is tragic, yet, in its aftermath, the courage of the McDonough family to stop a killer, their unwavering support of Monica’s family, and then, those families joining to support the Ewalt’s is very inspiring and shows us great humanity in the face of great evil. Todd Ewalt looks like a leading man in movies. That he lived under suspicion in the wake of losing his love, his best friend, is especially heartbreaking. I pray he lives peacefully the rest of his days.

[@cavecookie1]

This story reminds me of a similar case from Missoula, MT, back in the 80's. The guy's name was Wayne Nance, he tried to invade co-worker and her husband's home one night. The difference is that Mr. Nance never faced trial... he didn't make it out of the house alive, and the couple survived, despite some serious injuries.

[@goodpeopleprosper635]

I love this family!!! I'm yelling at the phone. " That's right, yall gone head with yall bad selves" 😂so proud of them!!!❤

[@RwynHoffiCoffi]

Note to self, take wrestling lessons! What an incredible bad ass family, absolutely inspiring. Bet waiting for the cops was the longest ten minutes they'll ever have

[@wadepires]

Great story with a better end. This is a family that deserves respect. My hats off to this family

[@MamaPinks]

Wait, there were 5 DNA doners on the knife. What about the other 3 victims? Were the ever found and identified? Did he stand trail for them, too? Mr McDonough is truly a knight in shining armor! Mrs. McDonough is a warrior queen for grabbing that blade, and for their daughter, thank goodness her fight was strong, and she didn't freeze! An amazing family for continuing to support the other families, too. I'm in awe!❤

[@Cresenta]

What a case. What a strong family. One of your best videos yet!

[@Metoo-y7q]

That cop” there were no signs of a break in or anything “🙄 she was killed outside on the unscreened patio 🙄 a good thing this family got him because this guy is on a whole other level 🙄

[@rubywarner34]

The McDonough family is awesome. 🎉 When you fight back and don't comply you have a better chance of survival. Always fight for your life.

[@countessnic9809]

Absolutely awful. My most heartfelt condolences to the families. You are heroes. 🕊️

[@jflyiii1682]

McDonough family- you are real life heroes! Thank you for your strength, endurance and compassion. ❤

[@homecomp1953]

I know Darkened family well and stayed with them for a little bit. Her mom was devastated and there's a lot more to her personal story that was told. Her mom had me read her diary . I didn't know Darlene but just hearing her mom and stepdad speak about her and getting to know her through her own words she was a beautiful person inside and out and loved her children with all of her heart. I accidentally came across this channel tonight and figured I'd watch the first recommended video and I was shocked to see Darlene's story in it. My heart breaks for her and the awful torture that monster put her through. He should have gotten the death penalty. Thank you for covering her story.💛

[@homecomp1953]

Sorry some things are spelled wrong. Stupid autocorrect.

[@BriDia3]

What about the McDonahoughs son? He didn't come home that night? He didn't accompany them to the trials? Also must be nice to have the means to travel the country for everyones trials. They truly are awesome

[@fictionmyth]

Man, the family that fought him and held him till the police got there were badasses in every aspect. They fought a man who weighed as much alone as the three of them did together, the daughter refused to comply with his nonsense, the father wrestled a monster twice his size to a win, the mother stood in court next to other victims and faced him anew each time and even took on some maternal roles on for another victim's daughter. I respect everything they did. They also saved a man's life and reputation by catching his wife's killer when the police thought he was guilty. I mean, plus all the untouched victims that exist due to them catching this predator when they did. What a story. They used empathy and love to carve compassion out of broken hearts. If everyone on Earth were like them we'd all be better off.

[@susannaude8514]

This murderer is so arrogant. He truly believed that he was invincible and that he would never be caught. May all those families who went through this terrible ordeal, find peace as time goes by.

[@jz3712]

Love this family, they are amazing! I can’t send enough sympathy/empathy for Darlene’s husband, may God allow him peace, I can only imagine the horror. And also Adam Lanes family, I cannot fathom finding out your husband is a serial killer, so so so sad! This is unbelievable for them also, they are also victims. I hope they are also able to find peace and move on from this tragedy! Thanks again for another awful yet hopeful story! God bless y’all and stay safe! From some hillbilly mama in the backwoods of East Tennessee

[@PozoBlue]

that is the thing that is equally terrifying, that this guy had a normal family life going back to his kids and wife after murdering women. i can't imagine the horror for his wife and kids finding out they've been living with a monster and that any other woman could right now be in the same situation. there was that other famous serial killer BTK they caught because of a CD or something. He was living his life with a wife all normal with two kids, was super loving with his teen daughter, good dad.... all the while he was out there doing the most heinous horrific stuff 😱😵

[@Bridget51-Z]

The McDonough family members are real heros! No fear, did what they were able to do and won! So great. Glad that this monster is behind bars without parol. More than 100 victims. Just incredible that he got away with so many. Just horrible.

[@michelebella677]

The McDonough's are the type of people who help me to keep faith in humanity. They didn't have to show up to support the other families of the victims, but they're the type of people where being selfless is just an innate characteristic of their personality. We should all be so lucky to have someone in our lives like that family.

[@staffordlee1430]

The McDonough parents are incredible people who raised an incredible daughter! They are inspirational!

[@geraldstamour1312]

Iustitia Servitur, Unseen! It's always good to know that there are warriors like the McDonough family who literally marched into hell for a heavenly cause such as saving innocent individuals!

[@CROWSLAW]

I couldn’t even imagine the feeling of scrutiny by the public for being falsely accused of murdering my wife.

[@paulawelshhoward]

I truly feel wonderful with this wonderful family!! With the craziest of this world you have to fight if someone comes into your house

[@steveolson69]

This is what Americans are about ! Helping in times of trauma ,when you need it the most !

[@Yana-it6bt]

This family survive and win the psycho because daughter believed in her father and her mum protected the dad.. love and courage , bravo 👏🥰

[@NateKennard]

I have never heard about this guy or this amazing story of resilience and fight. I’m just blown away by this family going through everything to see that this monster was put away and I’m so happy they were able to bring comfort and closure to the other victims

[@altamontdarby2819]

This should be a Hollywood film! But to give that freak only 25-30 years for attacking the McDonough family is criminal! 🤢 What a brave family! Condolences to Darlene's family.R.I.P. 🙏🏾

[@anthonyesparsen7776]

You never leave your house doors unlocked for any reason period , never ! Ever !

[@imnotgayin2024]

nor opening the door to any stranger

[@jay_rubyx]

I can’t believe with all the true crime I’ve studied, that I had never heard this case before! The last name looks familiar but wow what an incredible tale of survival! This family could have easily just eased out of the spotlight after this, but no! They made sure that man was put away AND that the other victims family members had them as a support system! This family deserved a medal.

[@peggys121]

Wow.. remarkable people! Gutted and heartbroken, yet they continue on the beat they can. May God bless them with peace, and may they FEEL His peace.

[@Revan2908]

It pleases me to see that such a horrible tragedy turned three families into virtually one extended family.

[@rapman5791]

A lot was made of how long the police took to arrive at the McDonough’s house. Chelmsford is a huge town (geographically)and doesn’t have a huge police force. Especially on the overnight shift. The street where the McDonough’s live is on the south side of town far away from the center, and it is dark with a lot of houses around but they are spread out on the street. This could have gone another way, but the family gave it everything they have to hold onto this monster. Adam Lane had parked his truck in a rest stop on Rt 495 in Chelmsford and made his way several miles to an apartment complex and trailer park adjacent to the highway and tried to gain entry into several homes but didn’t gain access. It was only after he was about 4 miles on foot from the rest stop that he found the McDonough house and got inside where he attempted to assault the teenage girl. There is a lot to this story and I don’t live too far away from this scene.

[@Eyedunno]

I first heard this story on My Favorite Murder, and the daughter was an absolute badass for choosing to try to fight him off.

[@spaghettinoodle5914]

Your telling me a person has the chance at getting life in prison for selling drugs but someone who took a human life, a living, breathing person can get something other than life in prison or the death penalty? That's crazy.

[@deathrays]

McDonough family are all heros. and the mom stepping in to be a second mother to the daughter, so touching.

[@jerrilynhenson9024]

I’m still upset they had Todd’s son in handcuffs. But it’s heartwarming that the survivors of more than one family go to be there for other families.

[@Roxy-vw1se]

What a sad story, but at the same time amazing!! I love how that family fought to protect each other.

[@AnAdorableWombat1]

Now that's how you work together to save your lives! One man and a bunch of people can take him down! I'm glad they all worked together to get him! Rip to the victims.

[@michaelbiggs1254]

A family of heroes. Amazing.

[@wowamber5107]

This is my favorite kind of story

[@atotheran]

Im so happy people like this exist true hero’s all of them with everything always going on it’s so nice to hear and see stories like these

[@debbieangel9376]

The Bravery and the Love here among these people is insurmountable