Mama Gonna ‘Bring It On!’
Review by Kim Cantrell
Wanda Holloway was a self-absorbed, egotistical woman who lived vicariously through her daughter, Shanna. Wanda’s biggest dream was for Shanna to be a member of the Channelview, Texas high school cheerleading squad.
But there was, in Wanda’s mind, one thing standing in her Shanna’s way: Amber Heath.
Wanda was willing to do ANYTHING to get Shanna a coveted spot, even if it meant murder.
Wanda sought out her ex-brother-in-law, Terry; a man known for his drinking, drug use, and rowdiness.
When Wanda gave him $2500 worth of jewelry to pay a hitman, she began a snowball of legal entanglements that would last for the next seven years; ending with her serving time in prison.
Author Anne McDonald Maier details the case that stunned a nation, providing details that weren’t given in the movies and documentaries on the case in her 1994 true crime Mother Love, Deadly Love.
In this book, Maier digs deep into the background of Wanda Holloway and the life that led to such a humiliating, stunning outcome.
Readers will be simply amazed at the cast of characters in this book; from the gold-digging Wanda to the drunken, serial marrying brother Terry.
Mother Love, Deadly Love is an overall GREAT read; the only boring parts being the trial part which is redundant and the chapter dedicated entirely to the history of cheerleading.
I thought I knew all there was to know about this well-known Texas case, but I was wrong! If you have even the slightest interest in the case of Wanda Holloway, I definitely recommend reading this book.
Movies about this case: The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom
Ready to read it? Here’s where to buy it:
Updates from this book:
Following the filing of Wanda’s appeal, Wanda Holloway plead no contest and was sentenced to ten years in prison. She was released on March 1, 1997 after serving six months of her sentence. The judge ordered her to serve the remaining 9.5 years on probation and to perform 1,000 hours of community service.
Shanna Harper married Chris Alston in July 1999. They have a daughter, Shea. The couple divorced in 2008.
Amber Heath married Leslie Cirilo in 1996. They have at least one known child, a daughter named Sarah. As of 2007, they were residing in Harris County, Texas.
Verna Heathis now an independent sales associate for Pre Paid Legal Services, promoting sales by using her story as an intended murder victim. She still lives on Wrotham Lane in Channelview, Texas.
C D Holloway died September 10, 2006. His was survived by his son, Todd, daughter, Cynthia, and new wife Jeri Lynn.
Tony Harper remarried for the fourth time in 2007.
Terry Lynn Harper wed for the eighth time in 2000 to Gay Lynn Stokes. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 50 in August 2005. Before his death, he had retired from the oil industry and was working as a commercial real estate broker.
Shane Harper was, at one time, a successful insurance salesman. However, his license in Texas and Oklahoma have expired. His current whereabouts and occupation are unknown.
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