The Mysterious Death of Rebecca Zahau: Case Background

The Rebecca Zahau Case: Unsolved Death at the Spreckels Mansion

The Rebecca Zahau case remains one of the more puzzling and widely discussed cases because of the initial ruling that her death was a suicide. Death by hanging has been a common method of suicide; however, her body and the injuries to it tell another story. In this post, we’ll cover the key events leading up to her death, the timeline of notable incidents, and the circumstances surrounding her death. Even years later, many questions remain unanswered, and understanding the context is essential before diving into the details of the investigation.

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If you’re just joining us, welcome! We discuss 1 case a month with 4 installments: Case Background, Key Witnesses and Suspects, Theories and Evidence, and Aftermath and Legacy. We post every week on Tuesdays. You can catch up on some of our other deep dive investigations below:

• • The Delphi Murders: Case Background
• • The Natalee Holloway Case:  Case Background
• • The Amanda Knox Case:  Case Background

Who Was Rebecca Zahau

Rebecca Zahau was 32 years old when she died on July 13, 2011. Born in Burma, she was one of six children and grew up in a home without running water, an upbringing that shaped her resilience and work ethic.

Rebecca was known for taking care of herself and those around her. She was physically fit, organized, and artistic, with a keen eye for detail. Professionally, she worked as an ophthalmology technician and spoke six languages fluently.

In 2009, Rebecca moved into the historic Spreckels Mansion in Coronado, California, a home built in 1908. She had been previously married and divorced. At the time of her death, she was in a two-year relationship with Jonah Shacknai. Jonah was twice her age, however they both shared a love of fitness, healthy food, and spending time together.

Standing 5’3”, Rebecca was deeply involved in the household and cared for Jonah’s five children. While she hoped to have children of her own with Jonah, he did not share that desire, leaving her feeling more like a caretaker than a partner. She developed a close bond with Jonah’s son, Max, who suffered a horrific accident prior to her death seemingly sparking the tragic events to follow.

Rebecca was a Christian and believed strongly that suicide was a sin. She also struggled with her relationship with Max’s mother, Dina, and did not feel it was particularly positive.

Timeline & Case Background

Rebecca’s death was not the only tragedy in this story. It seemed to be tied to another horrific event on July 11, 2011. Six-year-old Max Shacknai, the son of Jonah, was involved in a serious accident at the Spreckels Mansion. At the time, Max was living part-time with Jonah and Rebecca. That morning, Max was riding a scooter, chasing Rebecca’s dog, Ocean, around the second floor of the home. He somehow lost control, flipped over a second-story balcony, and fell approximately nine feet, crashing through a chandelier before landing on the floor below. The impact caused severe injuries to his body, including brain and spinal trauma. Fractures to several facial bones were also discovered later.

Rebecca Zahau, Jonah's girlfriend, was in the bathroom at the time of the accident. Her 13-year-old sister, Xena, was also present, having arrived the day before from Missouri for a two-week visit. After hearing Rebecca's screams, Xena rushed downstairs and called 911. Rebecca was found kneeling beside Max, performing CPR. She reported that Max had been conscious and uttered the word "Ocean" before losing consciousness. Max was transported to Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego, where he was placed in a medically induced coma.

Following Max’s accident, Jonah spent a lot of time at the hospital by his son’s side. It was decided best that Xena return to Missouri, and Adam Shacknai, Jonah’s brother, decided to visit The Spreckels Mansion in support.

On the night of her death, Rebecca picked up Adam Shacknai from the airport while dropping off Xena for her flight home. Rebecca, Jonah, and Adam had dinner together before Jonah returned to the hospital leaving Rebecca and Adam the only people at the mansion that night.

Rebecca spent the night talking with her sister Mary Zahau-Loehner about how she needed to remain strong for Jonah and making plans to visit the family for an upcoming birthday party. She was upset about Max’s accident but did not take personal responsibility for it. She was planning a shower before going to sleep to get up early to help support where she could. According to reports, she opened and listened to a voicemail on her phone around 12:50 am that came from Jonah.

At 6:45 am, Rebecca’s body was discovered hanging from a second-story balcony at the Spreckels Mansion. She had been bound and gagged — her wrists tied tightly behind her back, her ankles secured together, and a long-sleeve shirt wrapped around her head, with part of it forced into her mouth as a gag. Her feet hung just inches above the ground. The knots used on her bindings were complex and deliberate, far beyond what would typically be seen in a suicide.

Despite reportedly showering shortly before her death, Rebecca’s feet were dirty, and she had a head injury along with visible bruising on her body. Most unsettling of all, the man who discovered her — Jonah’s brother, Adam Shacknai — was the only person known to be at the mansion that night. When authorities arrived at the scene, they were met with a complex and unsettling situation. The manner in which Rebecca’s body was found—bound, gagged, and partially suspended—posed immediate questions about how such a scene could have occurred. Investigators began documenting the area, photographing the balcony, and collecting evidence from inside the mansion. Early observations and statements shaped the foundation of what would become a highly scrutinized investigation, one that divided opinions from the very beginning.

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What’s Coming Next?

Stick with us—next week, we’ll explore the Key Witnesses and Suspects and uncover more of the secrets behind Rebecca Zahau’s story.