It is widely known that the 48 hours after a child is abducted are the most critical for their safe return… So when 9-year-old Charlotte Sena disappeared from her family’s campsite at Moreau Lake State Park, every parent’s worst nightmare quickly became a terrifying reality for the Sena family.  

In today’s episode, Charlotte’s mother and aunt—Trisha and Jené Luciani Sena—share their family’s story that received nationwide coverage, recounting the harrowing details of Charlotte’s abduction, the agonizing search, and the overwhelming aftermath.

Tune in to hear how the Sena family has turned their unimaginable trauma into a powerful mission for change.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[03:02] Trisha Sena begins to talk about her family’s background, the dynamic between her children, and describes what her daughter, Charlotte is like. 

[10:30] Trisha recounts the moment she realized Charlotte was missing.

[15:58] Charlotte’s aunt, Jené Luciani describes the moment she learned of Charlotte’s disappearance. 

[21:38] Trisha and Jené open up about the investigation process and developments in Charlotte’s case.

[26:04] Trisha recounts when a state trooper arrived at their home with news of Charlotte. 

[31:30] Trisha talks about how Charlotte’s abductor kidnapped her and shares Charlotte’s perspective. 

[35:52] Jamie and Trisha discuss the perpetrator’s conviction and Charlotte’s bravery while helping the detectives.    

[39:46] Trisha and Jené talk about their mission to change the handling of child abduction cases, discussing media coverage and the legal aftermath they would like to see improved for future families. 

[46:40] Trisha speaks about her pride for Charlotte’s personal growth after her experience. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[34:10] Trisha talks about Charlotte’s mature take away from her abduction: that she wouldn’t be defined by her traumatic experience. 

[39:36] Trisha stresses the importance of not placing images of abducted children next to their abductors in cases’ media coverage. 

[45:24] Trisha describes the importance of using the word “survivor” instead of “victim” when describing Charlotte and all children that have experienced abduction. 

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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Thank you to Jené Luciani Sena and Trisha Sena for sharing their family’s truth with us today. Follow Jené on Instagram @jeneontv.

Check out Jené and Trisha’s Podcast: 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sisterhood-of-the-survivors/id1745701037

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7r1srRZzesEJkRreknwXRp?si=b08c0089c9764822

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali 

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