The Wounds That Do Not Heal

TWTDNH is a truth-telling podcast on domestic violence, trauma, and systemic injustice. If you’ve survived abuse, loss, or institutional neglect—or work in these spaces—we’re seeking collaborators and experts to help amplify unheard voices. 📧 [email protected]

TW: Suicide and rape discussed in this episode:

In this episode, we delve into the dark and often hidden world of military corruption, domestic violence, military sexual trauma, and conspiracy theories.

Listeners will hear about the mysterious death of a military wife in Kaneohe Bay, the potential cover-ups of military deaths and sexual assaults, and the shocking stories of service members who have committed heinous acts.

Throughout the episode, Tressa shares personal anecdotes, listener emails, and detailed accounts of military-related murders and cover-ups, highlighting the systemic issues and the need for change. The episode concludes with a discussion on the increasing trend of young service members committing violent acts against their spouses, raising questions about the impact of military culture and the stresses of young marriages.

Join us for a deep dive into the hidden truths and untold stories of military life, as we uncover the secrets and scandals that the military would rather keep buried.

Sources for today's show:

10 years later, a soldier's family still grieves and questions the Army's version of her death | STLPR

Fort Hood Army Staff Sgt. Paul Norris Fatally Shot Spc. Kamisha Block in Murder-Suicide in Iraq; Family Calls for Congressional Hearings & Independent Investigations (August 16, 2007) | MILITARY JUSTICE FOR ALL

Bragg soldier gets nine months in prison for medic's death

Witness: Paratrooper tired of lying to cover up medic's death

Sailor admits killing wife, in-law | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

Hawaii Marine Detained in Case of Dependent Death Amid Separate Search for Soldier's Missing Wife | Military.com

Pat Tillman: Remembering The NFL Player Turned Army Ranger Killed By Friendly Fire 12 Years Ago Today - Inquisitr News

Report: Choking, strangulation victims 750% more likely to be killed by offender - KOB.com

DEEP DIVE: MEGAN FOX & THE BLA - The First Degree - Apple Podcasts

TWTDNH is a truth-telling podcast on domestic violence, trauma, and systemic injustice. If you’ve survived abuse, loss, or institutional neglect—or work in these spaces—we’re seeking collaborators and experts to help amplify unheard voices. 📧 [email protected]

Dive into the unsettling realities of Hawaii's military bases, where a pattern of domestic violence and unexplained murders have gone alarmingly without major systemic changes. This episode unravels a chilling case that underscores the systemic failures of military leadership in safeguarding dependents, particularly women and children.

 As the story unfolds, listeners are guided through a series of shocking revelations involving deceptive schemes. By the end of the episode, like all the true stories on the TWTDNH podcast, we are left questioning the military's culpability and underscoring the urgent need for accountability.  

Join us as we uncover the depth of this crisis and demand action, exploring a story that will leave you questioning the very structures meant to protect those most vulnerable. Stay tuned for a series of episodes spotlighting these harrowing challenges that dependents on Hawaiin military instillations are facing.

Resources:

Michael Walker: Child Sex Predator Sentenced for Wife's Murder

Former Army medic sentenced to 35 years for his wife’s murder

Ex-Army medic pleads guilty in Hawaii love triangle murder | AP News

Catherine Walker: Wife told husband’s mistress she forgave her during stabbing | news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message!

Dive into the unsettling realities of Hawaii's military bases, where a pattern of domestic violence and unexplained murders have gone alarmingly without major systemic changes. This episode unravels a chilling case that underscores the systemic failures of military leadership in safeguarding dependents, particularly women and children.

 As the story unfolds, listeners are guided through a series of shocking revelations involving deceptive schemes. By the end of the episode, like all the true stories on the TWTDNH podcast, we are left questioning the military's culpability and underscoring the urgent need for accountability.  

Join us as we uncover the depth of this crisis and demand action, exploring a story that will leave you questioning the very structures meant to protect those most vulnerable. Stay tuned for a series of episodes spotlighting these harrowing challenges that dependents on Hawaiin military instillations are facing.

Resources:

Michael Walker: Child Sex Predator Sentenced for Wife's Murder

Former Army medic sentenced to 35 years for his wife’s murder

Ex-Army medic pleads guilty in Hawaii love triangle murder | AP News

Catherine Walker: Wife told husband’s mistress she forgave her during stabbing | news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site

TWTDNH is a truth-telling podcast on domestic violence, trauma, and systemic injustice. If you’ve survived abuse, loss, or institutional neglect—or work in these spaces—we’re seeking collaborators and experts to help amplify unheard voices. 📧 [email protected]

Andre McDonald seemed to have it all—an Air Force Major with a successful wife and beautiful daughter. But behind the facade of this San Antonio power couple lay a dark reality of control, abuse, and ultimately, murder.

When 29-year-old businesswoman Andreen McDonald vanished in March 2019, those closest to her already knew who was responsible—she had warned them herself.

This episode examines how powerful positions and military status can shield abusers, the way society often protects those we view as heroes, and how success and strength don't make someone immune to domestic violence. Through Andreen’s story, we uncover the devastating impact of unchecked violence and the price of societal idolization of power and prestige.

What You’ll Learn:

• Who was Andreen McDonald?
• Warning signs Andreen shared before her death.
• How Andre’s military prestige shielded his abusive behavior.
• Horrifying events leading up to and following Andreen’s murder.
• Flaws in the legal system that allowed a lesser conviction and sentencing.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “It's a harsh reality when the person that you're married to is the villain in your story, but the hero in everyone else's.” - Tressa Brady
• “How convenient is it that we so often don't hear the woman's side of the story because she's dead. She's no longer here to tell it.” - Tressa Brady
• “By continuing to idolize the wrong people, we send a message that fame and talent are more important than justice and human decency.” - Tressa Brady

Resources:

From Casetext: Smarter Legal Research

• McDonald v. State, No. 08-23-00132-CR | Casetext Search + Citator
• Air Force major convicted of manslaughter blames wife for fight that led to her death - CBS News
• Andre McDonald gets 20 Years for killing wife
• Tyson: 'I Really Do Want to Rape Her' | Fox News

TWTDNH is a truth-telling podcast on domestic violence, trauma, and systemic injustice. If you’ve survived abuse, loss, or institutional neglect—or work in these spaces—we’re seeking collaborators and experts to help amplify unheard voices. 📧 [email protected]

This podcast episode is a heartfelt and intense reflection on the challenges and dangers that holidays can bring, especially for those in abusive relationships. Tressa shares personal experiences of abuse during holidays, highlighting how increased stress, alcohol consumption, and financial strain can exacerbate domestic violence. The episode also discusses how events like football games and other sporting events can trigger abusive behavior.

Tressa shares a poignant story about Keith Lewis, a soldier who sustained a traumatic brain injury during his military service. Despite his injuries, he continued to serve and later married Sarah Stewart Whitaker, a former military service member and paramedic. Tressa explores the potential connection between the domestic violence and Keith's military service, examining if his trauma and experiences in the military contributed to his abusive behavior. The story highlights the severe impact of untreated mental health issues and the importance of support for those affected.
The episode underscores the importance of safety and support for victims of domestic violence, especially during the holiday season. It also calls into question the military's handling of soldiers with PTSD and brain injuries, highlighting the need for better support and intervention.

Tressa's message is clear: while holidays can bring joy and togetherness, they can also be a time of increased danger and stress for some. It's crucial to prioritize safety and seek help if needed.

What You'll Learn: 

1. **Domestic Violence During Holidays**: The episode emphasizes that holidays can be especially difficult for those in abusive relationships. Increased stress, alcohol consumption, and financial strain can exacerbate domestic violence, and sporting events can be significant triggers for abusers.

2. **The Impact of Untreated PTSD and Brain Injuries**: The story of Keith Lewis highlights the severe consequences of untreated PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. It underscores the need for better mental health support and intervention for soldiers returning from combat.

3. **The Role of the Military in Supporting Veterans**: The episode criticizes the military's handling of mental health issues and brain injuries among soldiers. It calls for greater responsibility and better care for those who have served.

4. **The Importance of Safety and Support**: The episode highlights the critical need for safety and support for victims of domestic violence, especially during the holiday season. It also encourages awareness and vigilance in recognizing and addressing signs of abuse.

Overall, the episode is a poignant reminder of the complexities of human experiences during the holidays and the importance of empathy, support, and mental health care.

Resources:

Family says Army ignored unseen wounds of a former Sarasota man

Army combat medic and pregnant wife die in apparent murder-suicide

Ugly side of the beautiful game: the football world cup and domestic violence | The BMJ

Find Domestic Violence and Abuse Help, Information and Stats

SGB, Spravato, TMS & Ketamine Infusion | Treatment by Stella

TWTDNH is a truth-telling podcast on domestic violence, trauma, and systemic injustice. If you’ve survived abuse, loss, or institutional neglect—or work in these spaces—we’re seeking collaborators and experts to help amplify unheard voices. 📧 [email protected]

Kelly Wilkinson knew she was in danger. She had a code phrase ready—"I'm considering moving back to Ohio"—to signal to her family that her life was at risk. But before she could use it, her worst fears came true.

This episode delves into a story of domestic abuse, systemic negligence, and a preventable tragedy. We explore how societal and institutional failures contribute to these heartbreaking outcomes and why Australia, with its relatively smaller population, sees approximately one woman per week killed by an intimate partner.

How can we hold systems accountable for their role in failing victims? And what needs to change to ensure no other family endures this pain?

What You’ll Learn:

• Who was Kelly Wilkinson?
• Family code words and safety planning in domestic violence situations
• The role systemic failures played in Kelly’s preventable murder.
• The scheme behind Brian Earl Johnston's abuse of Kelly.
• How police negligence and judicial complacency left Kelly unprotected.
• The social and institutional issues of domestic violence in Australia.

Ideas Worth Sharing: 

• “If a mother is being abused, then guess what? So are the children. Even if it's just that they're witnessing their mother being abused, that's abuse.” - Tressa Brady
• “Australia is a country of about 26 million people, so less than Florida's population. And yet, approximately one woman a week is murdered by an intimate partner.” - Tressa Brady
• “Leave no trace. Don't warn them. Don't meet up with them to talk or give them closure. Don't give them one last chance because the best predictor of the future is the past. Get out, but do so safely.” - Tressa Brady

Resources

• Kelly Wilkinson's estranged husband jailed for life over her murder on the Gold Coast in 2021 - ABC News
• Kelly Wilkinson: Devastated family of 'beautiful soul' violently killed says justice was not served
• The legal process has ended, but Kelly Wilkinson’s family are still looking for answers - ABC News
• Bradley Bell pleads not guilty to the murder of Kelly Wilkinson, accused of 'aiding' husband - ABC News
• Bradley Bell acquitted of murder of Gold Coast woman Kelly Wilkinson - ABC News

TWTDNH is a truth-telling podcast on domestic violence, trauma, and systemic injustice. If you’ve survived abuse, loss, or institutional neglect—or work in these spaces—we’re seeking collaborators and experts to help amplify unheard voices. 📧 [email protected]

Judge DaSean Jones had a chance to stop a violent man from causing more harm. Instead, his leniency led to tragedy—a mother of four, Jackelyn Wilson, was killed in front of her children by a man with a history of violence.

Despite clear warnings and previous convictions, Jackelyn's pleas for protection were ignored. Her story is just one of many tragic tales that show how broken the system is that is meant to shield victims of domestic abuse but often fails them instead.

In this episode, we talk about the consequences of judicial negligence and the disastrous ripple effect it has on families. Why are violent offenders allowed to walk free, and what needs to change in the way our courts handle domestic violence?

Could Jackelyn and her children have been saved if the system took her threats seriously? Should judges bear responsibility for the preventable deaths of victims like Jackelyn?

What You’ll Learn:

• Who Jackelyn Wilson was and her tragic story.
• The series of judicial failures that led to Jackelyn’s murder.
• The violent history of Jackelyn’s abuser, Howard Ruffin.
• The systemic failures in handling domestic violence cases.
• Judge DaSean Jones’ controversial leniency on violent offenders.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “We don't punish these men until they kill. They assault and assault and assault, and the judges look the other way, and when they kill, they go, ‘How'd this happen?’” - Tressa Brady
• “The legal system is not set up to favor women. Not by a long shot.” - Tressa Brady
• “It shouldn't be surprising that one of the most common reasons women stay with their abusers is because they know the court won't punish the abusers; they'll get away with it, and then they will retaliate for the woman trying to expose them.” - Tressa Brady

Resources

• Tina Swithin, author of Divorcing a Narcissist: Instagram
• How the Cash Bail System Endangers the Health of Black Americans
• 32-year-old mother of 4 murdered allegedly by her boyfriend, victim's mother blames Harris County judge
• Terran Green denied bail on attempted murder charges tied to shootings of law enforcement
• National Police Association
• Houstonians Grow Increasingly Impatient with Pro-Criminal Judges Like DaSean Jones

TWTDNH is a truth-telling podcast on domestic violence, trauma, and systemic injustice. If you’ve survived abuse, loss, or institutional neglect—or work in these spaces—we’re seeking collaborators and experts to help amplify unheard voices. 📧 [email protected]

John Needham was a decorated soldier, an artist, and a man battling demons after serving in the Iraq War.

Despite surviving the horrors of war, his battle with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and moral injury led to a tragic outcome—taking the life of the woman he loved, Jacqwelyn Villagomez. Their story reveals the devastating failures in the military’s mental health care system.

This episode talks about the long-lasting impact of untreated mental health issues and the moral injuries that soldiers like John endure.

How did someone so full of potential end up in such a dark place? Could better mental health care have saved both John and Jackqwelyn?

What You’ll Learn:

• Who are John Needham and Jacqwelyn Villagomez?
• John’s military career and deployment to Baghdad.
• The mental health decline that led to tragedy.
• The concept of moral injury and how it affects soldiers.
• The tragic incident involving Jacqwelyn.
• How military failures contributed to John's fate.
• The ripple effects of trauma, both in John's life and for those around him.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “The military makes these combat warfighters weapons. They make them weapons and they don't care when they are broken because, quite frankly, it doesn't always affect their ability to be good in combat.” - Tressa Brady
• “What happens when these men don't get the help they need and the men stop compartmentalizing, and they come home and they can't turn off the war? Women die.” - Tressa Brady
• “Many warfighters experience moral injury when they're in combat, when they're involved in events that just go against their moral code while they're deployed.” - Tressa Brady

Resources

Podcast source:

• "48 Hours" Presents: Private Needham's War - CBS News

Articles referenced:

• John Needham & Jacque Villagomez: A tale of love and war (cbsnews.com)
• Troubled Iraq vet charged with murder dies (tucson.com)
• Iraq vet charged with killing girlfriend is found dead in Arizona - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)

For Social Media Platforms/contact :

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthewounded13
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@healthewounded13
• Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@tressa.brady
• Email: [email protected]

TWTDNH is a truth-telling podcast on domestic violence, trauma, and systemic injustice. If you’ve survived abuse, loss, or institutional neglect—or work in these spaces—we’re seeking collaborators and experts to help amplify unheard voices. 📧 [email protected]

The youngest of nine, Selena was a force of nature—a talented violinist, star athlete, and dedicated military intelligence analyst.

But behind her achievements lay a dark secret: a troubled marriage marked by manipulation and control. Just weeks after advocating for victims of domestic violence, Selena became a victim herself.

This disturbing look at domestic violence in the military makes you think: How did a woman so full of life fall prey to such a tragic fate?

This episode paints a full picture of Selena—not just as a victim, but as a cherished sister, friend, and mother whose life was tragically cut short.

What You’ll Learn:

• Who is Selena Roth?
• Selena's military career and family.
• Her relationship with Raul Hernandez Perez.
• Why coercive control is the top predictor of an abuser killing their victim.
• Patterns leading up to Selena’s death.
• The aftermath and advocacy.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “If you're looking for signs of abuse in a marriage, very often the abuser is so talented at hiding their instability and abusive side that you have to look more at the spouse to see changes in them.” - Tressa Brady
  
  
• “Statistically, physical violence is not the top predictor of whether or not an abuser will kill their victim, but rather, being coercively controlling is the top predictor.” - Tressa Brady
  
  
• "When you’re dealing with the repercussions of any disagreements with an abuser, you bend and compromise yourself to keep them from getting angry.” Tressa Brady
  
  

Resources

Podcast: “True Crime Date Night”

• Hosted by: Married couple KC Witzens (audio engineer) and wife Nicole Friday (True Crime Expert).
• Guest Expert: Erin Roth (Selena’s older sister)

Facebook Memorial Page:

• Remembering Selena Roth
• Raul Hernandez-Perez Court Martial

Media Article:

• Hawaii-based soldier gets 62 years in prison for bludgeoning wife to death | Stars and Stripes by WYATT OLSON STARS AND STRIPES • September 15, 2021

For Social Media Platforms/contact:

• Instagram
• Threads
• TikTok
• Email

TWTDNH is a truth-telling podcast on domestic violence, trauma, and systemic injustice. If you’ve survived abuse, loss, or institutional neglect—or work in these spaces—we’re seeking collaborators and experts to help amplify unheard voices. 📧 [email protected]

What happens when the system designed to protect fails those who need it most?

In this episode, I will share with you the tragic story of Meghan Santiago, a devoted mother and military spouse who endured unimaginable abuse at the hands of her husband, Joseph Santiago, a Special Forces soldier. Through detailed court records, personal testimonies, and chilling recounts of the abuse Meghan faced, I will uncover the systemic failures that left her and her children vulnerable.

Meghan's story is one of love, sacrifice, and a planned escape that came just days too late. I hope this episode serves as a call to action and urges you to recognize the signs of abuse and understand the complexities faced by victims trying to leave dangerous situations. Let’s honor Meghan’s memory and explore how we can better protect those most vulnerable in our society.

What You’ll Learn:

• Personal reflections on Shel Silverstein’s ‘The Giving Tree.’
• The tragic story of Meghan Santiago.
• Prevalence of femicide in America and its connection to domestic violence.
• How the justice system handles military domestic violence cases.
• Complexities and challenges faced by victims of domestic violence in military families.
• Impact of childhood trauma on adult behavior.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “Femicide is an epidemic in this country, across the world, actually. Three women a day die in America.” - Tressa Brady
• “If you're going to bring on recruits who already have grown up in toxic environments, you have to preemptively give them the support and mental health resources that they will need.” - Tressa Brady
• "Women are dying across this world from intimate partner abuse, and the military and the justice system in this country are culpable.” Tressa Brady

Resources:

• The Giving Tree
• Nursing student Lauren Johansen found beaten to death after dad's chilling warning to judge
• US Army Court-Martial Public Record System
• Private messages, photos reveal desperate plan to rescue Fort Campbell wife before her murder