Who is Karen Matthews? Quick Facts on 'Fake Kidnapping' Victim Shannon Matthews' Mum, And Was She Involved

On 19 February 2008, nine-year-old Shannon Matthews was reported missing after leaving Westmoor Junior School in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. Her disappearance launched the biggest police operation in the region since the Yorkshire Ripper case. More than 250 officers and 60 detectives were deployed, alongside a public appeal led by local residents.

Karen Matthews, Shannon's mother, made multiple emotional pleas for help. Her friend Julie Bushby helped coordinate community searches, while posters of Shannon were placed in nearly every street. But what appeared to be a desperate search for a missing child soon unravelled into something far more complex.

Karen Matthews was later found guilty of orchestrating her own daughter's kidnapping in a plan to claim reward money. Alongside Michael Donovan, who held Shannon captive, Karen was sentenced to eight years in prison for kidnap, false imprisonment, and perverting the course of justice.

Suspicion Turns Inward

Early on, many sympathised with Karen Matthews for the disappearance of her daughter. However, as the investigation went on, suspicions began to form around Karen's behaviour. Detectives and friends noted odd moments — including her dancing during police visits and laughing off-camera when the media weren't present. Her account of events changed frequently.

Detective Constable Christine Freeman later recalled feeling unsettled from the beginning. Karen and her boyfriend, Craig Meehan, were seen playing video games during initial police contact. Even a close friend, Natalie Brown, began to question Karen's reactions when media attention faded.

Shannon was eventually found alive, 24 days after going missing, at the home of Michael Donovan — Karen's then-partner's uncle. She had been drugged and restrained. Donovan later told police the plan was to claim a reward for finding Shannon and split the money with Karen.

Karen initially denied any involvement. But her explanation changed multiple times under questioning, including claims she only wanted Donovan to look after Shannon temporarily. After continued inconsistencies and pressure from friends, Karen eventually admitted to helping stage the kidnapping.

In December 2008, Karen Matthews and Michael Donovan stood trial at Leeds Crown Court. Both were convicted of kidnap, false imprisonment, and perverting the course of justice. They were each sentenced to eight years in prison.

Where Is Karen Matthews Now?

Karen served half her sentence and was released in 2012. Upon release, she changed her name and moved away from her former community. Her precise whereabouts remain unknown.

Since her release, Karen Matthews has maintained she wasn't involved in the kidnap. In a 2018 interview with The Mirror, she claimed: 'I didn't kill anybody... I didn't have a clue.' Despite the court verdict, she insisted she was not guilty and said others were involved.

Now in her late forties, Karen has kept a low profile. The Prime Video series The Hunt for Shannon Matthews, released on 17 August 2025, offers some insights into her current life but stops short of revealing her location. In it, former friend Julie Bushby shares how Karen's story would shift each time she visited her in prison.

Where Is Shannon Matthews Today?

Shannon, who is now 27, was placed into care after her rescue, along with her six siblings. She was given a new identity, and a legal order protects her from being contacted or named publicly. The documentary producers confirmed they spoke with her during production but did not share further details.

Her current life remains private. Friends and family hope the events of 2008 haven't followed her into adulthood. Petra Jamieson, a family friend, said in the series: 'I just hope they have a happy life.'