Daughter of ‘pom-pom mom’ breaks her silence on cheerleading murder plot
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At age 14, Shanna Holloway faced the terrifying prospect of losing her mother forever. The now 47-year-old teacher and mother of two shared her emotional journey with Fox News Digital. In 1991, her mother, Wanda Holloway, was charged with conspiring to kill the mother of Shanna’s cheerleading rival in Channelview, Texas. The case, which captured national attention, is now the subject of a true-crime docuseries on Investigation Discovery titled “The Texas Cheerleading Murder Plot.”
Shanna revealed that the trial left her haunted for decades. She recalled the fear she felt at the thought of never seeing her mother again. Despite their close bond, Shanna struggled to cope with the aftermath of the trial.
Wanda, known as a devoted mother in her community, was accused of attempting to hire a hitman to eliminate her daughter’s cheerleading rival. The motive behind the plot was reportedly Shanna’s failure to make the cheerleading squad, which Wanda blamed on the rival’s mother and daughter.
The case took a toll on Shanna’s mental health, leading to suicidal thoughts and a struggle with depression. She kept her emotions bottled up for years, leading to physical health issues. It wasn’t until she sought counseling that she began to heal and confront her trauma. Shanna launched a website, Smile More Worry Less, to help others struggling with mental health issues.
Despite the challenges she faced, Shanna has maintained a relationship with her mother. Speaking out about her experiences was a difficult decision that received pushback from family members. However, she hopes that by sharing her story, others will find the strength to confront their own traumas.
In revisiting her past, Shanna aims to inspire others to seek help and confront their pain. Her journey of healing and resilience serves as a reminder that with support and determination, it is possible to overcome even the darkest of moments.