In rural Michigan, a young woman dreamed of building a loving home, raising her children, and creating the kind of future so many couples imagine at the beginning of a marriage.

Years later, her story would become one of the most influential domestic violence cases in American history.

In this episode of Deadly Devotion, we look beyond the headlines to explore who Francine Hughes was before her name became known around the world. Together, we'll examine the relationship that changed her life, the courtroom testimony that challenged long-held beliefs about abuse, and the legacy that continues to shape conversations about trauma, justice, and compassion nearly fifty years later.

This isn't simply the story of a trial.

It's the story of a woman whose life helped change the way many people understand domestic violence.

Because before there was a courtroom...

There was a family.

There was hope.

And there was a life.

Sources:

• The Burning Bed by Faith McNulty (1980)

• The Washington Post – Francine Hughes Wilson, whose "Burning Bed" became a TV film, dies at 69
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/francine-hughes-wilson-whose-burning-bed-became-a-tv-film-dies-at-69/2017/03/31/a1799db8-161c-11e7-ada0-1489b735b3a3_story.html

• Francine Hughes biography
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francine_Hughes

• National Domestic Violence Hotline
https://www.thehotline.org

• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)
https://ncadv.org

Episode 12: Travis Alexander | When Love Becomes Possession

Before Travis Alexander became the center of one of America's most infamous murder trials, he was a son, a brother, a mentor, and a man known for his generosity, optimism, and unwavering faith.

In this episode of Deadly Devotion, we look beyond the headlines surrounding Jodi Arias and instead focus on the life of Travis Alexander. Through careful research, we follow the evolution of their relationship, examine the warning signs that emerged over time, and walk alongside investigators as they pieced together one of the most compelling digital evidence cases in modern criminal history.

More than a courtroom drama, this episode explores the difference between love and possession, the importance of healthy boundaries, and why every victim deserves to be remembered for the life they lived—not just the way it ended.

If you enjoyed today's episode, please consider following Deadly Devotion, leaving a five-star review, and sharing this episode. Your support helps bring awareness to relationship violence, honors victims and their families, and allows these stories to continue reaching those who need to hear them.

Sources

• Maricopa County Attorney's Office – State of Arizona v. Jodi Arias (case information)

• Arizona Judicial Branch – Court records and proceedings

• ABC News – Coverage of the Travis Alexander murder investigation and Jodi Arias trial

• CBS News – Jodi Arias trial coverage and timeline

• Court TV – Trial coverage, testimony, and courtroom archives

• AP News – Reporting on the verdict and sentencing

Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional abuse, coercive control, stalking, or intimate partner violence, help is available.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: The Hotline
Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text: START to 88788

• Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center (SPARC): SPARC

• One Love Foundation – Learn the warning signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships: One Love Foundation

In May 2002, 24-year-old Evelyn Hernandez vanished from San Francisco while eight months pregnant. Her five-year-old son, Alex, disappeared with her.

Evelyn wasn't just another headline. She was an immigrant from El Salvador, a devoted mother, a beloved sister, and a woman preparing to welcome her second son into the world. As investigators searched for answers, her story would eventually be overshadowed by another high-profile case that captivated the nation—leaving many people unaware that Evelyn's family was still desperately searching for justice.

In this episode of Deadly Devotion, we carefully examine the evidence, the investigation, and the unanswered questions that remain more than two decades later. Most importantly, we remember Evelyn for who she was before she became a case file.

Because every victim deserves to be remembered with dignity.

If you have credible information regarding the homicide of Evelyn Hernandez or the disappearance of Alex Hernandez, please contact the San Francisco Police Department.

Sources:

• San Francisco Police Department – Cold Case: Evelyn Hernandez: San Francisco Police Department – Evelyn Hernandez Cold Case

• ABC News Primetime investigation: ABC News – Evelyn Hernandez Investigation

• SFGATE – What Happened to Evelyn Hernandez?: SFGATE – What Happened to Evelyn Hernandez?

• SFGATE archive reporting (2002): SFGATE Archive – Remains May Be S.F. Woman Who Vanished

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: The Hotline
Call: 800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text START to 88788.