Naman Shrestha
In the episode titled ‘There is a Monster in Me’ of ABC’s ’20/20,’ the primary focus is on the brutal killing of Susan Jeanette Atkins, whose remains were discovered in the bathtub of her Stephenville, Texas, residence in July 1987. For a couple of decades, the detectives suspected her ex-husband, Michael Woods, to be the perpetrator behind the crime, but couldn’t find any incriminating evidence against him. It was Shannon Myers Barrientos who indirectly helped the authorities get to the bottom of the case.
Just a year after Susan’s murder, in 1988, Shannon was allegedly raped and physically assaulted by a man named Joseph Scott Hatley, who also turned out to be the killer that they had been searching for decades. Despite having physical evidence and a rape kit against Joseph, Shannon did not receive justice for her alleged assault. However, she was glad to see him get convicted for the murder of Susan. Shannon features in the documentary and recounts his traumatic encounter with Joseph in detail.
Shannon Myers Barrientos Has Built a Career in Leadership and Management
Shannon Myers-Barrientos has garnered immense experience in the field of training and management. She kick-started her career in 1989, working as a Pharmacy Technician Trainer at CVS Pharmacy. After a decade at a retail pharmacy chain, she switched jobs and began serving as the Regional Training Manager at H-E-B in 1999. Six years later, in 2005, Shannon left her position at the supermarket. She then moved to Humble Independent School District in the Northeast part of Houston, Texas, where she has been serving as the Print Shop/Document Center Supervisor since August 2018.
Shannon Continues to Serve as a Staunch Advocate For Abuse Victims and Survivors
Though it has been nearly four decades since Shannon survived the brutal attack, it continues to haunt her to this day. While she showcased immense strength and resilience in moving on from the horrifying ordeal, the emotional trauma understandably still lingers from time to time. Shannon deeply comprehends what it means to go through that pain and is committed to ensuring others never have to go through anything even remotely disturbing or brutal like that. With “speaking for those who can no longer speak” as her motto, she is highly focused on using her voice in advocating for the victims and survivors of abuse.
Over the years, Shannon has shared her story on ‘Cold Case Files: DNA Speaks,’ ‘On The Case with Paula Zahn,’ the Texas Monthly podcast, titled ‘Stephenville,’ and others. She values mental health and recognizes that talking about her life experiences gives her strength and contributes to her healing journey. In her own words, “Each time I speak I heal even more.” She is also active in the charity circuit to extend a helping hand to those who need it. In April 2024, Shannon attended the Chance for Hope Gala to raise money for pediatric cancer research and support families with childhood cancer.
Shannon Finds Strength in the Support of Her Loved Ones
She is a free-spirited individual who doesn’t let a bad hair day stop her from hitting the bar and having a drink or two in her T-shirt and shorts. She is confident in her true self and often heads out without makeup and a filter, just as authentically as she lives her life. Through unwavering determination, hard work, and perseverance, she has carved a path for herself that she is quite proud of. When she is not raising awareness or speaking for what she stands for, Shannon loves to relax and unwind doing the things she loves.
While not much is known about the romantic aspect of her life, we can tell that she is a doting mother to two kids — a son and a daughter. Her world revolves around her children and family, who form a tight-knit unit. She often takes time out from her busy schedule to create beautiful memories with her people. From sharing a dance with her son to praising her daughter’s singing skills at the church choir, she frequently showers her kids with affection and reminds them just how much they mean to her. An avid animal lover, Shannon is also a proud LGBTQIA+ ally and strongly believes in acceptance and the freedom to live life and love on one’s own terms.
Read More: Joseph Hatley: What Happened to Susan Woods’ Killer?
