Episode 95: The Spreckels Mansion Mystery: What Really Happened to Rebecca Zahau?

In July of 2011, 32-year-old Rebecca Zahau was found dead at the historic Spreckels Mansion in Coronado, California—a massive, oceanfront estate owned by her boyfriend, pharmaceutical tycoon Jonah Shacknai. Rebecca’s body was discovered hanging from a balcony, bound at the wrists and ankles, a cryptic message scrawled on the bedroom door. Authorities ruled it a suicide… but did she really do this to herself? Or was something far more sinister at play? From eerie last text messages to an investigation that left more questions than answers, this case is as twisty as they come. Suicide? Murder? Cover-up? We’re breaking it all down. PLUS: A very special thank you to all the recent Apple reviews that called out my disgusting mouth noises and off-topic tangents—in this episode, I worked really hard to avoid saying “um,” to avoid making annoying mouth noises, and to avoid having off-topic rambles. But if you still catch any of this, PLEASE let me know! I will keep trying to improve and thank you for joining me on this journey of self-improvement and…murder💀🌵🩷 xoxo,  Margot 💀🌵😘 Come for the true crime, stick around for the life updates, and—of course—enjoy the chaos🩷 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media @DeathXSouthwest for all the behind-the-scenes fun. My AMAZING therapist’s IG (bc we can all benefit from a little therapy!): @wholeselflindsay (Lindsay Christianson) Want more DXSW? Leave us a voicemail: 520-302-5253 Email us: [email protected]  Official DXSW Website  Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Shop My Amazon Faves  Try Our Patreon - bonus content and more! If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264 National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741 Follow DXSW | @deathxsouthwest: Instagram TikTok Twitter Facebook DXSW is: Hosted, Executive Produced, & Audio Edited by Margot Carmichael Music from Soundstripe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices