Unshakable Science - P7

Unshakable Science - P7

From One Minute Remaining - Stories from the inmates by Jack Laurence

May 18, 2026 · 32 min · Season 53 · Episode 7

About this episode

The episode explores the tragic case of Marsha Mills, who was charged with murder after a freak accident involving her granddaughter's friend.

After losing her husband Mike, fifty-five-year-old Marsha Mills found purpose in caring for her two beloved granddaughters and occasionally watching Evan and Noah Shoup, toddlers from her daughter's best friend's family. On May 10th, 2006, that love would destroy her life. After feeding lunch to the four children, Marsha took them outside to play. With her infant granddaughter in her arms, she turned to close the back door when two-year-old Noah fell from the porch to the concrete patio below. The child was unconscious. Marsha moved him inside, called his father, and waited for emergency workers while caring for three other frightened children. When Noah died the next day, Marsha was charged with murder. The case against her was built on medical opinion, not evidence. Detective Larry Hootman, who first investigated the scene, testified it was a "freak accident." He was removed from the case. Detective Michael Goodwin used ultraviolet imaging throughout Marsha's house but found no substances or evidence of violence. No physical evidence. No weapon. No motive. But Dr. Daryl Steiner of Akron Children's Hospital had an opinion. Based on Noah's injuries, Steiner testified the child…

People in this episode

Host: Jack Laurence

Guest: Marsha Mills

Topics covered

  • accidental death
  • legal case
  • child safety
  • medical testimony
  • biomechanics
  • family tragedy

Keywords

  • Marsha Mills
  • Noah Shoup
  • accident
  • murder charge
  • biomechanical engineer
  • medical opinion
  • family tragedy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Akron Children's Hospital

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