Did Shanda Vander Ark Know What She Was Agreeing To? Inside the Hearing

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In this intense true crime update, we dive deep into the recent Gither Hearing for convicted child murderer Shanda Vander Ark. Vander Ark, the Michigan mother found guilty of the horrifying starvation and torture death of her teenage son, Timothy, is back in court arguing that her original trial was compromised due to ineffective assistance of counsel.

We break down the shocking, jaw-dropping testimony from her former defense attorney, Fred Johnson, who details his trial strategy, his concerns about her mental state, and the controversial decision to concede manslaughter without her express permission. Get ready for a critical look at the legal loopholes, the emotional courtroom drama, and the testimony that just might lead to a new trial for a woman a court expert once called a "monster."

⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This video discusses graphic details of child abuse and murder. Viewer discretion is advised.

Chapters and timestamps

0:00 Warm bath testimony, “hours before he dies”
0:57 Trigger warning + what this update covers
1:37 Grab the blankie, quick setup for today
1:44 Sponsor, Hungryroot (holiday, budget, no grocery runs)
6:35 Welcome + Sofa Sidebar disclaimer
7:11 What we’re covering today, 60 second recap + hearing clips
8:12 Quick case overview, conviction and why it’s back in court
8:47 What a Ginther hearing is, her claims vs. the state’s position
9:42 Lawyer takes the stand, the “photo reaction” and competency talk
13:57 Fred Johnson workload, “conveyor belt” and prior suspension context
17:06 Expert hunt backfires, “she’s a monster” and why experts weren’t called
21:34 Trial strategy shift, conceding manslaughter to keep jury credibility
25:37 The big issue, conceding guilt without her consent
28:02 The day she refused court, meltdown claims vs. what witnesses say
32:26 Waiving presence, what he did, what he “doesn’t recall”
34:36 Deputies testify, “if I go upstairs, I’m going to try and run”
35:20 Catatonic claim walked back, “exaggeration” under oath
37:08 Today’s hearing drama, the headache adjournment attempt
41:29 Judge’s response, “situational” pattern, Tylenol and move on
43:20 State pushes back, delay tactic argument
46:56 Competency indicators, note writing, coherent, time and place
49:02 Lawyer’s belief, “healthy person wouldn’t do this”
51:30 Flashback trial clip, ice bath punishment logic on the stand
53:05 Wrap up, will she get a new trial, what happens next
53:56 Outro, Sofa Squad love + where to find you

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