Obsessed Flatmate Murders Stephanie Hansen After Stalking with Secret Cameras
Stephanie Hansen, a 39-year-old woman, was brutally murdered by her flatmate Sheldon Rodrigues, who had become dangerously obsessed with her. Rodrigues stabbed Hansen more than 60 times before battering her lifeless body with a hairdryer and a tower fan in a horrifying attack that has shocked the nation.
A Mother's Dreaded Phone Call
Glenda Hansen, Stephanie's mother, received the devastating phone call from police on New Year's Eve, informing her that her daughter had been found dead. Initially, Glenda feared an accident or burglary, but the truth was far more sinister. Rodrigues, a 30-year-old work colleague and friend whom Stephanie had taken under her wing, was soon under investigation for the murder.
Stephanie had kept Rodrigues's increasingly deranged behaviour a secret, believing she could handle it herself. Tragically, this silence allowed his obsession to escalate unchecked. Rodrigues had installed secret cameras throughout their shared house in Hayes, West London, monitoring Stephanie's every move without her knowledge.
Escalating Obsession and Cyber-Stalking
Over nine months, Rodrigues bombarded Stephanie with thousands of pleading and abusive WhatsApp messages, sometimes up to 80 per day, demanding responses and threatening her and her boyfriend. He spiralled into obsession, googling questions like "What can I do to make someone love me?" and even stating, "I'll go to prison for you."
Despite Stephanie making it clear she was not interested in dating him, his behaviour worsened. He stalked her on social media and spied on her conversations with her boyfriend using listening devices. Glenda recalls that during their last meeting on Christmas Eve 2022, Stephanie seemed happy with her new partner and hopeful about starting a family, but downplayed Rodrigues's incessant messages.
The Gruesome Discovery and Investigation
Rodrigues called 999, claiming he had found Stephanie dead and suggesting her boyfriend might be responsible. However, police grew suspicious due to a deep cut on his hand. He claimed it was from carving a chicken on Christmas Day, but CCTV footage from his workplace on Boxing Day showed his hand was uninjured, contradicting his story.
Within days, Rodrigues was arrested and charged with murder. He pleaded not guilty, forcing Stephanie's family through a gruelling seven-week trial. During the proceedings, the full extent of his stalking and surveillance was revealed, highlighting the terror Stephanie endured in her final months.
Verdict and Documentary
In March 2024, Rodrigues was found guilty of murder and sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison. The case is now featured in a new ITV documentary titled WhatsApp Obsession – The Murder of Stephanie Hansen, which aims to raise awareness about cyber-stalking and dangerous behaviour.
Glenda Hansen hopes the documentary will help others recognise the signs of stalking, which can include digital harassment and surveillance by someone you live with. "You think stalking is someone physically following you around, but it isn't always that," she says. "We need to update what stalking is and get across that it can happen with someone you live with."
A Legacy of Love and Warning
Stephanie is remembered by her family as a kind, outgoing woman who loved animals and often helped others. Glenda emphasises that Stephanie was more than just a victim; she was a daughter, sister, and friend whose life is celebrated through gatherings in her garden, Christmas ornaments, and summer parties in the park.
Glenda urges anyone experiencing similar behaviour to speak out and seek help. "If this happens to you, please tell someone and recognise this is stalking. Look for the patterns. Is this getting worse? Talk to somebody, get their opinion. Recognise that this can be very dangerous behaviour," she advises. "We can't change what happened to Steph, but if anything good comes from this, it will be that we've helped someone else."
