Where is Frances Zaayer now? Netflix’s ‘Worst Neighbor Ever’ revisits fatal Kentucky neighbor feud

Episode 1 of Netflix's newest documentary featured how a long-time friend turned neighbor became the ‘Worst Neighbor Ever’ to Shawna and David Scott.
A still from 'Worst Neighbor Ever' featuring Frances Zaayer (Cover Image Source: YouTube | @Netflix)
A still from 'Worst Neighbor Ever' featuring Frances Zaayer (Cover Image Source: YouTube | @Netflix)

Netflix’s latest docuseries, ‘Worst Neighbor Ever,’ has been attracting viewers with its four episodes and the stories they feature. The docuseries is part of the popular franchise, with two previous installments, ‘Worst Roommate Ever’ and ‘Worst Ex Ever.’ The first episode, titled 'She Finally Snapped,' features the story of Frances Zaayer and her close friend Shawna Scott. It all started when Shawna and her husband, David, moved to Kentucky to be closer to her family. Shawna reconnected with her old family friend Frances, who had just bought a house across the street from their new residence. At first, everything appeared peaceful.

A still from the show 'Worst Roommate Ever'
A still from the show 'Worst Neighbor Ever' (Image Source: Netflix)

When Frances faced personal difficulties, Shawna and her husband opened their home and helped her through the ordeal. Things soon took an unexpected turn after Frances showed the two a video of herself railing against members of a specific religion. After Frances showed them the video, her relationship with the couple quickly deteriorated. The two decided to evict Frances from their home, after which she moved across the street from them. Holding a grudge against the couple, Frances became increasingly obsessive, stalking them and eventually turning to violence. Police became involved after both sides made repeated complaints, though Frances was the frequent caller, leading to regular police visits.

A still from 'Worst Neighbor Ever' featuring Shawna Scott (Image Source: YouTube | @Netflix)
A still from 'Worst Neighbor Ever' featuring Shawna Scott (Image Source: YouTube | @Netflix)

In 2018, things escalated, and unthinkable events took place. Frances walked across the street to Shawna and Dave's home and opened fire. While Shawna was shot in the face, David unfortunately died. Later, Shawna underwent 16 facial surgeries while mourning her husband's death. “I just want to be here for my kids and my grandkids because they are the most important thing to me,” Shawna mentioned. On January 12, 2022, Frances Zaayer pleaded guilty to murder, second-degree assault, and first-degree wanton endangerment. 

A still from 'Worst Neighbor Ever' (Image Source: YouTube | @Netflix)
A still from 'Worst Neighbor Ever' (Image Source: YouTube | @Netflix)

As a result, she received a 35-year sentence and remains in prison. However, she will be eligible for parole in 2038. Referring to the possibility of her getting parole, Shawna noted that it was her biggest fear. “Honestly, I hope she never gets out. There’s still a fear that’s in the back of my head every day,” Shawna mentioned. ​‘Worst Neighbor Ever’ featured three more episodes, titled ‘Midwest Meltdown’, ‘Fear Thy Neighbor’, and ‘The Executor.’ As Netflix describes, the docuseries “takes a deep dive into four different cases, each set in a seemingly close-knit neighborhood, until everyday quarrels spiral into harassment, intimidation, and sometimes deadly violence.” If your guilty pleasure is true-crime documentaries, this one would be the perfect binge-watch for the upcoming weekend.

​

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Jeffrey Dahmer and Richard Ramirez return alongside James March for a Devil’s Night showdown at Miss Robichaux’s Academy
18 hours ago
Four ‘Landman’ supporting stars join the main cast as Tommy Norris builds his own family-run oil company
21 hours ago
The franchise's only TV outing so far has been the animated Netflix series ‘Fast & Furious Spy Racers,’ which debuted in 2019
22 hours ago
Peacock's upcoming project comes from ‘Mad Men’ creator Matthew Weiner and is produced by 101 Studios and Universal Television
1 day ago
‘Neagley’ Season 1 ends with Frances Neagley facing the fallout of a case that hits close to home, leaving questions about what comes next.
1 day ago
Brandon Larracuente hints at how 'Chicago Fire' will handle two cast exits when Season 15 premieres.
1 day ago
‘Bridgerton’ fan favorite confirms her return in Season 5, revealing she will have more of a cameo role as the story shifts to Francesca.
1 day ago
‘Shrinking’ Season 4 adds a familiar face from a hit medical comedy, bringing a new patient into Jimmy’s therapy practice.
1 day ago
The Mexican teen drama 'No One Will Miss Us' has more surprises in store as Prime Video shares news about the series at an industry event.
1 day ago
An identity swap and three separate motives lie behind the murders in Netflix’s 'The Final Problem.'
1 day ago