Voices Against Filicide

In this episode of Voices Against Filicide, Hope Hooton discusses the heartbreaking deaths of Austin Davis (10) and Andolan Davis (18 months) following an alleged filicide-suicide in Glendale, Arizona. Through this case, Hope explores the warning signs that often precede these tragedies, including emotional instability, relationship conflict, untreated mental illness, suicidal and homicidal ideati...

In this episode, Hope Hooton speaks with Christy Camara about her son Wyland, who was killed at age 10 on March 2, 2020, when his father shot him and then himself. Christy describes the shock of arriving to crime scene tape, being taken to the police station without answers, and later saying goodbye at the hospital. She shares memories of traveling with Wyland and how grief reshaped her identity a...

In this episode, Hope Hooton speaks with Kathryn Zook, a mental health and substance abuse professional and mother who shares her experience navigating the California family court system after leaving an abusive marriage. Kathryn describes years of custody proceedings in which her documented concerns were reframed as “high conflict,” while her ex-husband allegedly used their son as a weapon and he...

In this episode Hope Hooton sits down with Kitty Mayo, organizer of Georgia Protective Parents, who shares how her stepsons were ordered into the Family Bridges reunification program after abuse allegations shifted from criminal to custody court, despite expert testimony. Mayo describes reunification camps as a for-profit, coercive system involving threats from transport agents, isolation from pro...

In this episode Hope Hooton interviews Nakesa Sineath, who shares about losing her firstborn son to filicide, when she was 19. Nakesa recounts becoming a teen mom, Amari’s father’s inconsistency and manipulation, and earlier warning signs after Amari returned from his father’s care ill with walking pneumonia. In 2015, after months of no contact, she allowed Amari’s father to have him for two weeks...

In this episode Hope Hooton interviews Nakesa Sineath, who shares about losing her firstborn son to filicide, when she was 19. Nakesa recounts becoming a teen mom, Amari’s father’s inconsistency and manipulation, and earlier warning signs after Amari returned from his father’s care ill with walking pneumonia. In 2015, after months of no contact, she allowed Amari’s father to have him for two weeks...

This episode covers the April 19, 2026 Shreveport, Louisiana mass filicide in which authorities say 31-year-old Shamar Elkins shot and killed eight children (seven of his own and their cousin), critically injuring two women, while a 13-year-old reportedly escaped; Elkins fled, carjacked a vehicle, and later died after a police pursuit. Hooten frames the case within domestic violence, coercive cont...

This episode marks the two-year angelversary of Alec and Lydia Mater. In this deeply personal two-part conversation, Hope shares the unimaginable reality of losing her two children and her estranged husband to filicide, while reflecting on the grief, advocacy, and healing that have followed in the years since. Hope opens up about the darkest moments of her journey and the difficult process of lear...

This episode marks the two-year angelversary of Alec and Lydia Mater. In this deeply personal two-part conversation, Hope shares the unimaginable reality of losing her two children and her estranged husband to filicide, while reflecting on the grief, advocacy, and healing that have followed in the years since. Hope opens up about the darkest moments of her journey and the difficult process of lear...

Melissa is a Michigan mother and activist whose daughter was taken from her through the family court system. In this episode, she shares her story — from her daughter's father refusing to return her child in 2019, to her daughter disclosing sexual abuse at age three, to a system that repeatedly failed to protect them both. She also discusses the Rowan Act, legislation that would require law enforc...

Melissa is a Michigan mother and activist whose daughter was taken from her through the family court system. In this episode, she shares her story — from her daughter's father refusing to return her child in 2019, to her daughter disclosing sexual abuse at age three, to a system that repeatedly failed to protect them both. She also discusses the Rowan Act, legislation that would require law enforc...

In this special update, Hope shares an important milestone — the release of her memoir, There’s Still Hope: A Journey of Adversity, Tragedy, and Unshakable Faith This deeply personal book tells the story of Hope’s life, her unwavering faith, and the profound love she holds for her children, Alec and Lydia. Through unimaginable loss, Hope has transformed grief into purpose — advocating for child sa...

In this episode of Voices Against Filicide, host Hope Hooton speaks with Dr. Cocchiola, a licensed psychologist specializing in high-risk mental health cases involving trauma and complex family systems. They discuss warning signs of coercive control, the dangers of untreated or poorly managed mental illness, and common misconceptions surrounding personality disorders. The conversation explores lov...

In this episode of Voices Against Filicide, host Hope Hooton sits down with Amber Snodgrass and Kandra Durfield, founders of Arizona Safe Parents, to discuss the urgent need for child safety reforms in the family court system. They share personal experiences navigating systemic failures, highlight issues like coercive control, judicial accountability, and trauma-informed mental health evaluations,...

In this episode, the host welcomes Dr. Katherine Spearman, assistant professor at Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nee College of Nursing and a member of the Child Maltreatment Solutions Network and the Center on Children and the Law. Dr. Spearman shares insights from her work in child welfare, violence prevention, and trauma support, exploring the critical connection between domestic violence and fili...

In this impactful episode of Voices Against Filicide, Hope is joined by Geralyn Morris, founder of Protective Parents Michigan, and Nicole Massey, a domestic violence survivor, to discuss the systemic challenges that put children and survivors at risk. Key topics include: The failures of family courts in understanding domestic violence and risks of default 50/50 custody Nicole’s 13-year struggle n...

In this ep i sode of Voices Against Filicide, Hope Hooton speaks with Amber, an Australian advocate working to make change and honor victims of filicide and medical child abuse. Amber shares how learning about five-year-old Garnett Spears led her to advocacy, highlighting red flags of medical child abuse and systemic failures that put children at risk. The conversation also examines the ongoing fi...

Hope is joined by Representative Rachel Keshel from Arizona, who shares her personal journey into politics and a desire to protect children and improve family court systems. They discuss: Legislative efforts to reform family courts and address systemic failures Challenges around judicial immunity and accountability The role of faith in guiding advocacy and public service The community impact of th...

In this episode of Voices Against Filicide, host Hope Hooton is joined by Danielle Pollock, co-founder of the National Safe Parents Organization and Kathie Sherlock who is a mother who lost her daughter to filicide, they discuss their work in family court reform and child safety advocacy. Danielle explains the importance of Kayden’s Law, how it prioritizes child safety in custody decisions, and th...

In this deeply moving episode of Voices Against Filicide, host Hope Hooton sits down with Brandi Morey-Pols, mother of Rowan Morey-Pols, a child tragically lost to filicide. Brandi shares heartfelt memories of her son and the devastating impact of his death, shedding light on the systemic failures that contributed to this tragedy. The conversation explores: Brandi’s journey of grief and healing wi...

SEASON TWO DROPS JANUARY 20th SUBSCRIBE TODAY This bonus episode recaps Season One of Voices Against Filicide, a podcast created to raise awareness about filicide and the systemic failures that too often surround it. As we prepare for Season Two, we honor the voices that were heard—and commit to doing more. This trailer reflects on the stories, lessons, and lives that shaped the first season, and...

This episode covers a TikTok Live event featuring Hope, the creator behind 'Voices Against Filicide,' a podcast aiming to raise awareness about the tragic phenomenon of filicide, the murder of a child by a parent or caregiver. The event includes discussions about the emotional rawness of the podcast, Hope's personal story of losing her children Alec and Lydia in 2024, and her advocacy efforts, inc...

✨ Special Announcement ✨ While Season 2 of Voices Against Filicide is coming in the new year, we’re not waiting to connect with you. On December 3rd, I’ll be hosting a LIVE podcast taping on TikTok at @HopeInThePain — and you’re invited. We’ll record an entire episode together, open the floor for Q&A, and give away free merch to show our gratitude for this community. To enter the giveaway, s...

In this episode, Hope revisits one of the most heartbreaking missing children cases in recent history: the disappearance of the Skelton brothers — Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner — who vanished over Thanksgiving weekend in 2010. Host Hope Hooton walks listeners through the chilling timeline leading up to their disappearance, the deeply troubled family situation surrounding the case, and the emotiona...

In today's episode, Hope Hooton, a mother and advocate, shares raw and emotional firsthand accounts of families impacted by the murder of children by parents or caregivers. This episode recounts the tragic events of September 11, 2025, in Port Huron, Michigan, where three siblings, Kayleb, Bentley, and Kinzley, were shot by their father, Jeffrey James Smerer. Kayleb did not survive, while Bentley...