Netflix’s docu-series, Worst Neighbor Ever, delves into the harrowing tale of Frances Zaayer, who terrorized her neighbors before committing a heinous crime. Zaayer, once a family friend, lived temporarily with David and Shawna in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, while her own home was under construction.
Her presence soon became a nightmare for the couple. The documentary covers the events leading up to David’s tragic death on May 26, 2018, when Zaayer fatally shot him. She was convicted of murder, attempted murder, and burglary, receiving a 35-year prison sentence.
In the series, Shawna recounts how Zaayer’s disruptive behavior escalated daily, ultimately leading to violence. “Frances would lay out in her yard topless, she’d be out there mowing her yard naked, showing her butt and her boobs,” Shawna shares in the documentary.
Despite having her grandchildren nearby and reporting Zaayer’s actions to the authorities, Shawna found that the law provided limited recourse.
Duane Kidd, a former deputy sheriff, explained, “In Kentucky, it’s not a crime for a woman to be topless. We do have some odd laws.”
Shawna vividly remembers the tragic day her husband was killed. “I remember this awful bang, and I was down,” she said. She recalls seeing David through the sliding glass door and calling for help.
Her injuries were severe, requiring 16 surgeries. Shawna recounts, “I suffered the loss of my sight in my left eye, the loss of the hearing in my left ear, scars on my face, just a lot of surgeries and a lot of healing.”