“The Lies Beneath”: 20/20 Reports on Blaze Bernstein Homicide January 17 2025

On Friday, January 17, 2025, 20/20 will air a two-hour investigative episode delving into the disappearance of Michael Shaver, a Disney World monorail technician and devoted father, whose story is as heartbreaking as it is shocking. Reported by Eva Pilgrim, the program retraces the years-long mystery surrounding Michael’s 2015 disappearance and the subsequent revelations that uncovered his tragic fate. Featuring exclusive interviews with law enforcement, legal experts, and family members, this episode promises a comprehensive look into a case marked by deceit, betrayal, and a fight for justice.

The Disappearance: A Husband Vanishes Without a Trace

Michael Shaver disappeared in November 2015, leaving behind a bewildered family and friends. Laurie Shaver, his wife, claimed that he had driven away in a black SUV, never to return. She alleged that Michael had abandoned her and their two children, leaving no explanation. His sudden departure was perplexing to those who knew him as a family-oriented man.

For over two years, Michael’s whereabouts remained unknown. Friends and family grew increasingly suspicious as Laurie constructed a concrete fire pit in the backyard and provided inconsistent stories about his disappearance. In 2018, a concerned friend alerted authorities, prompting an investigation that would unravel the truth hidden beneath layers of deceit.

The Discovery: A Fire Pit’s Deadly Secret

In February 2018, law enforcement conducted a welfare check at the Shaver residence in Clermont, Florida. Laurie initially cooperated but became defensive when investigators requested to search the backyard fire pit. Deputies returned weeks later with a warrant, cadaver dogs, and ground-penetrating radar. Beneath the concrete slab, they unearthed Michael’s body, wrapped in a tarp and secured with straps.

The autopsy revealed that Michael had been killed by a single gunshot wound to the back of the head. A .38 caliber handgun, similar to one owned by Laurie, was identified as the murder weapon. Laurie’s calm demeanor and quick remarriage following Michael’s disappearance further fueled suspicions, leading investigators to name her as the prime suspect.

The Trial: Shocking Allegations and Testimonies

Laurie Shaver’s trial was riddled with complex narratives and conflicting testimonies. Her defense introduced claims that her then-7-year-old daughter shot Michael to protect Laurie during a domestic altercation. The daughter testified tearfully, recounting how she allegedly grabbed Laurie’s gun and shot her father to stop him from beating her mother.

Prosecutors sought to discredit the defense’s argument, labeling the daughter’s testimony as inadmissible hearsay and emphasizing Laurie’s actions after Michael’s death. Evidence presented in court painted a damning picture of Laurie impersonating Michael on social media, selling his belongings, and misleading his family to maintain the illusion that he was alive.

The Verdict: Justice for Michael Shaver

In September 2024, after years of legal proceedings, a jury found Laurie Shaver guilty of second-degree murder. She was acquitted of accessory after the fact, but the conviction marked a significant step toward justice for Michael’s loved ones. Prosecutors hailed the decision, emphasizing the tireless efforts of law enforcement and the strength of Michael’s family in seeking the truth.

Laurie’s defense attorney criticized the court’s limitations on evidence related to Michael’s alleged abuse, stating that these restrictions prejudiced the jury. An appeal is expected, but for now, the verdict provides a measure of closure in a case defined by manipulation and tragedy.

A Legacy of Loss and Resilience

The Michael Shaver case underscores the devastating consequences of domestic strife and deception. For his family and friends, the pain of losing a beloved father and friend has been compounded by years of uncertainty and legal battles. As 20/20 revisits this harrowing story, viewers will gain insight into the enduring strength of those who fought for justice and the chilling reality of the secrets buried beneath the surface.