A True Crime Momcast

This case includes descriptions of stalking and violent crime.  Take care of yourself while listening.

For resources on stalking awareness and prevention visit
The Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center at https://www.stalkingawareness.org/
You can also visit https://www.womenslaw.org/ for resources and information regarding custody, stalking, Safety planning, and much more.

On October 2, 2020 a man in an SUV pulled into the spot next to where Alyssa Burkett was parked outside her office. He got out of the vehicle and shot her through the driver's side window. Assuming she was dead, the shooter began driving away, but Alyssa was still alive. As she got out of her car and ran towards her office, the assailant got back out of his car and attacked her with a knife. Unfortunately, Alyssa would not survive, she only 24 years old. As the investigation unfolded, authorities would unravel months of systematic harassment and stalking that escalated into violent behavior.

True Crime Momcast
Follow us: @atruecrimemomcast

Have a case recommendation, or are you a family member looking to raise awareness for a loved one?
[email protected]

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If you liked the show, we would appreciate it if you shared it with a friend! This helps others find us!

Any opinions, thoughts, or commentary shared in this episode are our own. Factual information discussed throughout the episode comes from publicly available sources, which we’ve included in our show notes for transparency and further reading. 

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(00:00:00) 01: Misery Loves Company - The Attack and Murder of Shawna and David Scott

(00:03:42) Case Coverage - Misery Loves Company

In episode 01, we dive into the attack of Shawna Scott and murder of David Scott in their home by someone they once called a friend. After years of knowing one another Shawna and Frances Zaayer had a falling out that turned into a full blown neighbor feud. As time went on, love thy neighbor, was out of the question. And pent up anger turned into a deadly shoot out, leaving Shawna fighting for her life and her husband David, murdered. Shawna was a mother but her pride and joy was her grandson, with another on the way, which was the driving force to survive!

Listener Resources

VictimConnect Resource Center — Confidential support and referrals for victims of crime.
Call 1-855-4-VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)
victimconnect.org• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Support for anyone experiencing emotional distress, crisis, trauma, or loss.
Call or text 988
988lifeline.org• Stalking Prevention, Awareness & Resource Center (SPARC) — Education and resources related to stalking, repeated unwanted contact, threats, and escalating behavior.
stalkingawareness.org• National Center for Victims of Crime — Resources and education for crime victims and their families.victimsofcrime.org

True Crime Momcast
Follow us: @atruecrimemomcast

Have a case recommendation, or are you a family member looking to raise awareness for a loved one?
[email protected]

Please be sure to subscribe to A True Crime Momcast to be notified when new episodes are released.

If you liked the show, we would appreciate it if you shared it with a friend! This helps others find us!

Any opinions, thoughts, or commentary shared in this episode are our own. Factual information discussed throughout the episode comes from publicly available sources, which we’ve included in our show notes for transparency and further reading. 

Sources:
Mount Sterling, Kentucky - Wikipedia The Safest and Most Dangerous Places in Mount Sterling, KY: Crime Maps and Statistics | CrimeGrade.org David Scott: How Did He Die? Who Killed Him? Frances Zaayer: A Year of 911 Calls, Then Two Shots Next Door | Camviction Pewee Valley, Kentucky - Bing Maps Mount sterling kentucky editorial stock image. Image of springtime - 347861219 Netflix: Worst Neighbor Ever - She Finally Snapped

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-true-crime-momcast--6210055/support.

We’re heading to CRIMESTERY FEST!

Join us October 9–11 in Danvers, Massachusetts, for the Northeast’s newest crime and mystery convention! We’ll be there together talking all things mom-related true crime alongside authors, investigators, law enforcement, podcasters, content creators, and more.

Plus, Heather will be taking the stage Saturday alongside Brandi Morey Pols for an important conversation about her beautiful son Rowan, her grief and healing journey, and the incredible advocacy she’s doing through The Rowan Act and The Rowan Project.

Tickets are still available, so grab yours, make the trip, and come hang out with us at Crimestery Fest! 

We seriously cannot wait to see you there!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!
Crimestery-Fest | true crime | Boston, MA, USA

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-true-crime-momcast--6210055/support.

This True Crime Momcast is heading to LONDON! 
Host, Rachel Holloway will be attending CrimeCon London, October 3–4, 2026, for a weekend of true crime, conversation, discovery, and advocacy.

If you are still looking to get tickets, be sure to use our code LMLM10 to get 10% off!

We are so excited to be among so many incredible people within the true crime community, including authors, advocates, investigators, content creators, and especially families, survivors, and people directly impacted by these crimes. They’re the reason these conversations and stories matter.

We hope to see YOU at CrimeCon London!

London 2026 | The Ultimate True Crime Event | CrimeCon UK

Follow us on Instagram to stay up to date with all we do!
(4) Instagram


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In 2005, 28-year-old Heather Bloom—a woman with Down syndrome who relied on full-time care—was last seen in Berkeley, California. Although police documented a disturbance at the apartment she shared with her sister and caregiver, Heather wasn't reported missing until four years later by her mother after she said she hadn't seen or spoken to her daughter since 2005.

In this episode, we examine the timeline, the unanswered questions, the legal challenges investigators faced, and why Heather's case remains one of the most unusual missing persons cases in California.
 
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Heather Bloom, please contact:
Berkeley Police Department
📞 510-981-5938

Sharing missing persons cases keeps names and faces in front of the public.
Even the smallest piece of information could help investigators move a case forward.
Please share Heather's story.

Your Host Jules
(4) Instagram
Facebook

Thank you to Jules Thorp for joining us and sharing about Heather Blooms disappearance. 

Sources:
https://www.ds-int.org/pages/faqs/category/advocacy-human-rights/tag/advocacy-human-rights#:~:text=People%20with%20Down%20syndrome%20have,choose%20to%20live%20your%20life.https://www.magmutual.com/learning/article/law-enforcement-exception-hipaa-what-providers-need-know/
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2010/08/05/berkeley-police-search-for-missing-woman/https://int-missing.fandom.com/wiki/Heather_Bloom
https://charleyproject.org/case/heather-bloom
https://abc7news.com/heather-bloom-disappearance-disappear-disappears/2063602/
https://www.berkeleyside.org/2017/06/02/berkeley-police-make-new-push-find-risk-woman-missing-since-2005
https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/tw9vht/what_happened_to_heather_bloom_a_woman_with_down/
https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/tw9vht/what_happened_to_heather_bloom_a_woman_with_down/
https://patch.com/california/berkeley/cold-case-missing-person-berkeley-police-release-age-progression-sketch
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2010/08/05/berkeley-police-search-for-missing-woman/



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In 2021, Terron Evans Jr died. It was ruled a suicide, yet his autopsy showed evidence to contradict this theory. Now Terrons mother, Jennifer, is fighting for answers.


Sources

Change.org - Garret Phillips
GoFundMe - Terron Evans Jr
Change.org - Terron Evans Jr

https://www.syracuse.com/news/2010/11/anti-violence_vigil_ends_when.html
https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/41588/20200605/not-just-brush-it-under-the-table-potsdam-s-black-lives-matter-organizer-on-changing-systemic-racism
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fbV4VLxV9BW0Qd6M5QNRc5v34Y1HJSHryspEo9KjdZg/edit?tab=t.0
https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/28539/why-is-justice-for-garrett-phillips-so-complicated
https://fhsfalconer.com/viewpoints/potsdam-blm-activist-believes-her-son-was-killed-to-silence-her/8139
https://northcountrynow.com/stories/defense-team-in-potsdam-murder-trial-attacks-credibility-of-sheriff-who-used-to-date-mother-of-boy,46061


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Today we share a recent, mom-centered tragedy from Las Vegas involving 11-year-old cheerleader Addi Smith and her mother, Tawnia McGeehan, who were found deceased by gunshot wounds in their Rio hotel room after multiple urgent calls requesting a welfare check during a cheer competition weekend.

With a trigger warning for child murder and suicide, they use the case to raise awareness about filicide, discuss how custody conflict, mental health struggles, medication concerns, and access to weapons can intersect, and emphasize the importance of checking in, advocating, accountability, and child-centered safety decisions, sharing that resources will be in the show notes.

LISTENER DESCRETION IS ADVISED

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In January 6, 1993 Bonnie Haim was just 23 year old when she would be seen for the last time.
Her husband claimed they had argued and Bonnie drove off. Then two days after her disappearance, Bonnie’s three year old son Aaron made a shocking statement - Daddy hurt Mommy. So why did it take over 20 years for justice to be served?

🎟 CrimeCon London Oct 3–4, 2026
Code: LMLM10 (10% off)
Book Now | London True Crime Event | CrimeCon UK

Get ad free episodes, bonus content, and support our show for less than $5/month.
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Sources

Unsolved Mysteries Season 14 Episode 131

https://sao4th.com/news/2019/michael-haim-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-murdering-bonnie-haim-in-1993/

https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/12/us/bonnie-michael-haim-trial-closing

https://www.news4jax.com/news/2019/04/10/murder-victims-son-testifies-of-finding-her-remains-21-years-later/

https://www.bwss.org/eighteen-months-after-leaving-domestic-violence-is-still-the-most-dangerous-time/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-true-crime-momcast--6210055/support.

Recorded live at Beyond the Crime 2026 in Albuquerque, Like Mother, Like Murder shares the story of Loretta Jones, a 23-year-old single mother murdered in Price, Utah on July 30, 1970, and the decades-long pursuit of justice led by her daughter, Heidi.

After four-year-old Heidi found Loretta’s body and told investigators “Tom did it,” suspect Tom Egley was arrested but released for lack of evidence. Nearly 40 years later, Heidi reignited the case with Detective David Brewer, overcoming missing evidence and fading witnesses.

In 2016, Loretta’s exhumation drew renewed attention, and Egley’s Colorado neighbor recorded conversations in which he confessed. Egley ultimately confessed to police, was arrested at 76, and pled guilty—solving the cold case without DNA and underscoring Heidi’s message: where there’s hope, there’s a way.

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This week, we cover the heartbreaking case of Lizzbeth Aleman Popoca, a 27-year-old mother who disappeared from East Haven, Connecticut, in July 2020. As investigators searched for answers, evidence quickly began pointing toward the man closest to her. What unfolded was a tragic case involving coercive control, abuse, and the dangerous reality many victims face when trying to leave a relationship. We break down the timeline of Lizzbeth’s disappearance, the investigation, and the warning signs surrounding domestic violence.

If you or someone you know needs help, support is available:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
Text START to 88788
thehotline.org
Crisis Support: Dial 988


🎟 CrimeCon London Oct 3–4, 2026
Code: LMLM10 (10% off)
Book Now | London True Crime Event | CrimeCon UK

Get ad free episodes, bonus content, and support our show for less than $5/month.
Become an Apple subscriber!

Sources:
02082024JaraAucapina 
Murder of Lizzbeth Aleman-Popoca by Jonnathan Jara-Aucapina investigated on Crime Junkie 
LoMonaco’s Italian Restaurant, Branford, CT 
Medical Examiner Releases Cause of Death For East Haven Mom Found Behind Restaurant – NBC Connecticut 
Man sentenced in murder of girlfriend found behind CT restaurant 
Common-law husband arrested in death of East Haven’s Lizzbeth Aleman-Popoca 
New Haven man sentenced to 25 years for 2020 murder of longtime girlfriend 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-true-crime-momcast--6210055/support.