The world of foster care is meant to be a haven for vulnerable children, a place of safety and support. But for the Canfel family, it became the backdrop of a horrific tragedy. This is the story of Lisa Canfel, a dedicated social worker and foster parent, whose life was tragically cut short in a case that shocked the community and revealed a web of deceit and manipulation within her own home.
A Family Dedicated to Fostering
Lisa and Kevin Canfel seemed like the ideal couple, opening their hearts and home to children in need. Married in 2006, they blended their families, each with a child from previous relationships. Together, they had fostered at least eight children, providing a stable and loving environment.
“We wanted to show these kids what it was supposed to be like to live in a somewhat normal family,” Kevin shared in a later interrogation.
Their dedication to fostering was unwavering. Even after the birth of their daughter, Haley, Lisa felt a persistent calling to help others. In 2011, they welcomed 16-year-old Sabrina Zunich into their home, seemingly ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of fostering a teenager.
A family photo of Lisa Canfel, her husband Kevin, and their children.
Little did they know, this decision would set in motion a series of events that would shatter their lives forever.
A Shocking Discovery in the Dead of Night
On November 16, 2012, the tranquility of the Canfel home was ripped apart. At 1:17 a.m., 13-year-old Megan Canfel was startled awake by the sound of her dog barking and chilling screams echoing from downstairs.
Following the horrifying sound, she found her foster sister, Sabrina Zunich, in her mother’s bedroom. Zunich was covered in blood, a 15-inch serrated knife still clutched in her hand, standing over the lifeless body of Lisa Canfel.
“My mom… with a knife… she’s stabbing my mom,” a terrified Megan cried to the 911 dispatcher, her voice trembling with fear and confusion.
First responders arrived to a gruesome scene. Lisa, a seasoned social worker, lay dead on her bedroom floor, her body riddled with over 178 stab wounds – a testament to the sheer brutality of the attack.
Unraveling the Truth: A Twisted Tale of Manipulation and Betrayal
Initially, Zunich claimed to have blacked out during the attack, remembering nothing after entering Lisa’s bathroom to retrieve headache medication. However, the sheer brutality and the number of wounds on Lisa’s body pointed towards a premeditated act, fueled by a rage that defied comprehension.
As investigators delved deeper, they unearthed a disturbing truth. Kevin Canfel, Lisa’s husband and the man who had vowed to protect their family, had been having a sexual relationship with Zunich.
A Father’s Betrayal: The Manipulation of a Vulnerable Teen
Kevin Canfel, a transit driver, had been using his position of authority to manipulate the vulnerable teenager. Zunich, desperate for affection and stability, fell prey to his advances, her judgment clouded by his influence.
Their relationship, which began under the guise of innocent massages, quickly escalated, transforming into a dangerous liaison that would have fatal consequences. Evidence suggested that their encounters occurred during their daily school drop-offs, hidden in plain sight.
“There was an obvious tension in the home at this point,” a teacher from Zunich’s school revealed in an interview. He recounted witnessing inappropriate interactions between Kevin and Zunich, observing Zunich sitting between Kevin’s legs in the car. “It seemed very odd and definitely inappropriate for any father-daughter relationship,” he stated.
The Price of Greed and Betrayal
Kevin, consumed by greed and a desire to start a new life with Zunich, had hatched a sinister plan. He had been secretly taking out life insurance policies on his wife, amassing over $750,000 in coverage.
He confided in Zunich, revealing his desire to be with her and his frustration with his marriage. Zunich, blinded by her infatuation, believed his lies, becoming a pawn in his deadly game. He manipulated her insecurities and vulnerabilities, convincing her that Lisa was an obstacle to their happiness.
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Sabrina Zunich and Kevin Canfel in court.
Justice Served: A Guilty Verdict and a Life Behind Bars
During Kevin Canfel’s interrogation, investigators presented their evidence, revealing Zunich’s confession and the damning details of their affair. Despite his attempts to deny any involvement, the evidence was overwhelming.
Kevin was indicted on 11 charges, including sexual battery, complicity to aggravated murder, and conspiracy to commit aggravated murder. In a chilling courtroom testimony, Zunich detailed Kevin’s manipulation and their plot to kill Lisa.
In June 2014, Kevin Canfel was found guilty of all charges and sentenced to life in prison. He will be eligible for parole after 30 years. Sabrina Zunich received the same sentence, eligible for parole at the age of 49.
A Legacy Marred by Tragedy: Remembering Lisa Canfel
The tragic murder of Lisa Canfel exposed a chilling tale of manipulation and betrayal. Lisa, a woman dedicated to helping others, became a victim of the very darkness she sought to combat. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children in the foster care system and the devastating consequences of unchecked abuse of power. While justice has been served, the scars of this tragedy remain, a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of protecting the most vulnerable among us.