In today's episode, Hope Hooton, a mother and advocate, shares raw and emotional firsthand accounts of families impacted by the murder of children by parents or caregivers. This episode recounts the tragic events of September 11, 2025, in Port Huron, Michigan, where three siblings, Kayleb, Bentley, and Kinzley, were shot by their father, Jeffrey James Smerer. Kayleb did not survive, while Bentley and Kinzley sustained severe injuries. The podcast urges for better mental health services and child protection reforms while honoring these children's stories and lives. The community has rallied in support, and listeners are called to action to help the affected family.
GoFundMe:
https://gofund.me/0e3e490dc
Sources:
https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/port-huron-dad-kills-son-injures-two-other-children-early-morning-shooting
https://www.wxyz.com/news/family-of-port-huron-teens-killed-injured-speaks-out-father-in-custody
TRIGGER WARNING
This podcast contains deeply disturbing content, including firsthand accounts from parents and family members who have lost children to familicide—the murder of a child by a parent or caregiver. The stories are raw, emotional, and include details of immense loss, system failures, and trauma. Listeners are advised to take care, and may pause or stop the podcast if needed.
Connect with Hope Hooton:
Email: hopeinthepain@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hope_in_the_pain/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hope.in.the.pain
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hopeinthepain
Website: voicesagainstfilicide.odoo.com
Support & Subscribe:
If you found this episode meaningful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast to amplify the stories of those who can no longer speak for themselves.
Voices Against Filicide Merch Shop:
https://momcast-productions.myspreadshop.com/
The Rowan Project:
https://therowanproject.org/
Production Credits:
Written, Researched, and Hosted by: Hope Hooton
Produced & Edited by: Rachel Holloway
A Momcast Production
Voices Against Filicide is a part of Momcast Production LLC. All content, including but not limited to audio, written materials, and visual assets, are protected under copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this content is strictly prohibited. © 2024 Momcast Production LLC. All rights reserved.
