A True Crime Momcast

(00:00:00) 03: Michael & Alexander Smith: The Innocent Victims of Susan Smith | Part 1: Before the Tragedy

(00:15:34) CASE COVERAGE: Part One - Before the Tragedy

Michael Daniel Smith and Alexander Tyler Smith were just 3 years old and 14 months old when their lives were tragically taken in October 1994.

In Part One of this three-part series, we explore the family history, relationships, and circumstances leading up to the heartbreaking murders of these two innocent little boys.

Before the headlines, before the investigation, and before the truth was revealed, there were two brothers whose lives mattered and whose futures were stolen.

This is their story.
Michael and Alexander Smith.

True Crime Momcast
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Any opinions, thoughts, or commentary shared in this episode are our own. Factual information discussed throughout the episode comes from publicly available sources, which we’ve included in our show notes for transparency and further reading. 

SOURCES:
Susan Smith | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers
Susan Smith - Crime Museum 
50 Facts About Susan Smith - Facts.net

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This case includes descriptions of stalking and violent crime.  Take care of yourself while listening.

For resources on stalking awareness and prevention visit
The Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center at https://www.stalkingawareness.org/
You can also visit https://www.womenslaw.org/ for resources and information regarding custody, stalking, Safety planning, and much more.

On October 2, 2020 a man in an SUV pulled into the spot next to where Alyssa Burkett was parked outside her office. He got out of the vehicle and shot her through the driver's side window. Assuming she was dead, the shooter began driving away, but Alyssa was still alive. As she got out of her car and ran towards her office, the assailant got back out of his car and attacked her with a knife. Unfortunately, Alyssa would not survive, she only 24 years old. As the investigation unfolded, authorities would unravel months of systematic harassment and stalking that escalated into violent behavior.

True Crime Momcast
Follow us: @atruecrimemomcast

Have a case recommendation, or are you a family member looking to raise awareness for a loved one?
momcastproductions@gmail.com

Please be sure to subscribe to A True Crime Momcast to be notified when new episodes are released.

If you liked the show, we would appreciate it if you shared it with a friend! This helps others find us!

Any opinions, thoughts, or commentary shared in this episode are our own. Factual information discussed throughout the episode comes from publicly available sources, which we’ve included in our show notes for transparency and further reading. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-true-crime-momcast--6210055/support.

(00:00:00) 01: Misery Loves Company - The Attack and Murder of Shawna and David Scott

(00:03:42) Case Coverage - Misery Loves Company

In episode 01, we dive into the attack of Shawna Scott and murder of David Scott in their home by someone they once called a friend. After years of knowing one another Shawna and Frances Zaayer had a falling out that turned into a full blown neighbor feud. As time went on, love thy neighbor, was out of the question. And pent up anger turned into a deadly shoot out, leaving Shawna fighting for her life and her husband David, murdered. Shawna was a mother but her pride and joy was her grandson, with another on the way, which was the driving force to survive!

Listener Resources

VictimConnect Resource Center — Confidential support and referrals for victims of crime.
Call 1-855-4-VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)
victimconnect.org• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Support for anyone experiencing emotional distress, crisis, trauma, or loss.
Call or text 988
988lifeline.org• Stalking Prevention, Awareness & Resource Center (SPARC) — Education and resources related to stalking, repeated unwanted contact, threats, and escalating behavior.
stalkingawareness.org• National Center for Victims of Crime — Resources and education for crime victims and their families.victimsofcrime.org

True Crime Momcast
Follow us: @atruecrimemomcast

Have a case recommendation, or are you a family member looking to raise awareness for a loved one?
momcastproductions@gmail.com

Please be sure to subscribe to A True Crime Momcast to be notified when new episodes are released.

If you liked the show, we would appreciate it if you shared it with a friend! This helps others find us!

Any opinions, thoughts, or commentary shared in this episode are our own. Factual information discussed throughout the episode comes from publicly available sources, which we’ve included in our show notes for transparency and further reading. 

Sources:
Mount Sterling, Kentucky - Wikipedia The Safest and Most Dangerous Places in Mount Sterling, KY: Crime Maps and Statistics | CrimeGrade.org David Scott: How Did He Die? Who Killed Him? Frances Zaayer: A Year of 911 Calls, Then Two Shots Next Door | Camviction Pewee Valley, Kentucky - Bing Maps Mount sterling kentucky editorial stock image. Image of springtime - 347861219 Netflix: Worst Neighbor Ever - She Finally Snapped

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We’re heading to CRIMESTERY FEST!

Join us October 9–11 in Danvers, Massachusetts, for the Northeast’s newest crime and mystery convention! We’ll be there together talking all things mom-related true crime alongside authors, investigators, law enforcement, podcasters, content creators, and more.

Plus, Heather will be taking the stage Saturday alongside Brandi Morey Pols for an important conversation about her beautiful son Rowan, her grief and healing journey, and the incredible advocacy she’s doing through The Rowan Act and The Rowan Project.

Tickets are still available, so grab yours, make the trip, and come hang out with us at Crimestery Fest! 

We seriously cannot wait to see you there!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!
Crimestery-Fest | true crime | Boston, MA, USA

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-true-crime-momcast--6210055/support.

This True Crime Momcast is heading to LONDON! 
Host, Rachel Holloway will be attending CrimeCon London, October 3–4, 2026, for a weekend of true crime, conversation, discovery, and advocacy.

If you are still looking to get tickets, be sure to use our code LMLM10 to get 10% off!

We are so excited to be among so many incredible people within the true crime community, including authors, advocates, investigators, content creators, and especially families, survivors, and people directly impacted by these crimes. They’re the reason these conversations and stories matter.

We hope to see YOU at CrimeCon London!

London 2026 | The Ultimate True Crime Event | CrimeCon UK

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