Frances Zaayer, featured in the first episode of Netflix’s true crime docuseries Worst Neighbor Ever (“She Finally Snapped”), was once a close family friend of the Scott family in Mount Sterling, Kentucky. What began as an act of kindness turned into a months-long nightmare of harassment and ultimately ended in tragedy.

Background and Escalating Feud
Zaayer, who had a long history with the Scott family (including living with Shawna Scott’s grandmother as a teenager), moved in with Shawna and her husband David Scott in late 2016. She was going through a divorce and waiting for renovations on a neighboring house she had purchased.
Initially, things were friendly. However, tensions quickly rose. Shawna noticed concerning behaviors from Zaayer, such as scolding her young grandson, becoming upset over cleaning habits, and allegedly showing racist videos. David, who was Black, reportedly sensed trouble early on. In January 2017, Shawna asked Zaayer to move out.
Just two months later, Zaayer moved into the renovated house directly across the street. Instead of peace, the harassment intensified. Zaayer allegedly engaged in behaviors like banging on David’s car windows, following family members, using racial slurs, and even appearing naked in front of Shawna and her grandchild.
A physical altercation between the two women in April 2017 led to Shawna’s brief arrest. Zaayer pushed hard for Shawna to face prison time and accused David (a deputy jailer) of protecting his wife. Despite this, Shawna reached a plea deal in May 2018 and avoided incarceration.

The Tragic Shooting
On May 26, 2018 (some reports note May 28 in certain details), Zaayer entered the Scotts’ home uninvited. She shot Shawna in the face and then shot David on the back porch in the chest. David, 47, died from his injuries. Shawna survived after multiple surgeries but suffered permanent damage, including loss of sight in one eye and hearing in one ear.
Where Is Frances Zaayer Now?
Zaayer was arrested after a brief standoff with police. In January 2022, she accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to murder, second-degree assault, and wanton endangerment. She was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
She is currently serving her sentence at the Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women in Shelby County (near Pewee Valley), Kentucky. She becomes eligible for parole on May 4, 2038.
During the sentencing hearing, Shawna’s daughter Haley Boyd delivered a powerful victim impact statement, telling Zaayer she deserved a harsher punishment and that she would never forgive her. Zaayer has reportedly never provided a clear motive or explanation for the shooting and has shown little remorse.
Shawna has expressed ongoing fear about the possibility of Zaayer’s eventual release, stating it remains a daily concern for her and her family.
The case highlights how neighbor disputes can escalate dramatically and serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of unchecked harassment.