That father should be in prison too. He knew his child was sleeping in the attic that should have had him running back to Australia with his baby but he selfishly stayed. Heartbreaking 😢
This happened in my hometown. Zahra used to be in the youth at Mount Zion Baptist Church with all of us. She was such a sweet, kind, innocent little girl, she was always smiling & laughing at church none of us would’ve ever thought…especially with all of us being children ourselves. We don’t even acknowledge the presence of the stepmother here, we only choose to remember Zahra & who she was. Everyone still leaves things at her memorial & the park they dedicated to her in Hickory as well🤎 Fly high baby 🤎
I’m so sick of hearing stories of child abuse where people, whether it be authorities, neighbours, friends, teachers, etc, are AWARE of the abuse but nothing is done. Like we all seriously need to do better. And the fact that this woman was only sentenced to 28 years in total is so ridiculous. She viciously murdered a 10-year-old child. She deserves to be in prison for life, 1000%.
I agree completely , I know child abuse is a serious accusation we shouldn't make lightly but if you know a child is getting abused and do nothing to stop it you're a part of that abuse.
THEY DID TELL BUT DCF BELIEVES THE STEP MONSTER . FROM 0 TO 10 AS A CHILD I DID NOT HAVE A VOICE OF BEING SEXUAL ABUSES BY ADULTS MALES AND SOME TEENAGERS IN THE FAMILY, MAYBE ANOTHER REASONS I HAVE A LEARNING DISABILITY , PLUS GETTING HIT IN THE HEAD AM NOW 59 AND THE NIGHTMARES NEVER LEFT.
I love that Danielle called out Adam! PUT 👏 YOUR 👏 KIDS 👏 FIRST. Preach it sister! I'll never understand how parents put their partners first over ANY kids, let alone minors or kids with needs.
@icarus4302, I agree. She really called Adam out. I too will never understand how any parents would consider doing what you mentioned. Once Adam met Elisa, he no longer cared about his daughter's needs and happiness; he put his own needs and happiness first, and that was a HUGE mistake. If he and Zahara had stayed in Australia instead of moving with Elisa to the US, Zahara would still be doing okay today. But unfortunately, no. Adam is going to pay a serious price for his selfishness. He and Elisa are terrible people.
The fact that Adam was willing to move across the world for a woman he had just met rather than prioritize the happiness and well-being of his own child tells you everything you need to know about him. He reminds me so much of my own father. Adam is partially to blame for his daughter's death. He was likely not the perpetrator of her murder but he needs to be held responsible for the abuse that he *clearly* let slide from Elisa to Zahra and all of the warning signs that he ignored because he was prioritizing his own happiness over his child's.
AMEN. I don't understand that mentality...the type who seem to have NO maternal/paternal instinct. No sense of putting their flesh and blood over anyone else. Smdh it's Pathetic
What that evil woman did to that child was so horrific but the fact that her own daddy stood by and let it happen is incomprehensible. I hope neither one of them draw a peaceful breath for the rest of their miserable, rotten lives. And the system miserably failed that child. I hope they are never at peace again either.
I'm so thankful for the woman my ex-husband married. She loves our son. We have become the best couple of friends, and she and my husband have been our sons parents since he was 2. This could have been so different, but God sent this beautiful loving woman who has made it comfortable for all of us to be great parents.
That is so wonderful to hear. you are one of the lucky ones. my mom boyfriend took care of me and my other 3 siblings. and my mom really good. We didn’t won’t for anything. but when my mom would leave the house he would rape me. sad to say she didn’t believe me. I’m 53 and just now getting help. RIP sweet angel.❤❤❤
I’m so grateful for your family. Our family is similar. Unfortunately my ex is very abusive and is not able to be in the picture however his previous ex and I have grown close like sisters and our children who all share the same father are surrounded by love and get to grow up with their siblings. I wish things were different in regards to their father but I’m so grateful for the beautiful little family we have made for ourselves ❤
I've never felt luckier to have the dad I do. My mom met and married him when I was 2 (whirlwind romance). He's been my dad for as long as I can remember and he loves me as much as he loves the children they had together, my siblings. I've never been in contact with my bio father because honestly why would I need to? I have the only dad I'll ever need. ❤️ I'm so sorry this little girl didn't get the love and care she deserved.
In Finland you get 10 years from dealing drugs but murder or violence sentences are usually more mild. It’s so sick that human life is so cheap. Like it send message to everyone who is violent that it is okay to beat someone. But having drugs is worse than murder. It’s just crazy.
I miss growing up in the 80s and seeing these cases similar to this one where the jury only took half an hour to sentence someone to death. and then it's carried out in just a few years@@jLkm89719:48
I cannot believe this girl survived cancer and then had her life taken away from her in such a horrific way by such a women. My heart breaks for how short her life was. I’m thankful her teacher tried to help her.
Hi Danielle! My cousin, Alice Hawkes, was murdered in Maine in the 80s. Her case is one of less than 100 unsolved cases in Maine -- and one of the oldest. I'd love to see some more coverage of it so she can one day get justice! May Zahra rest in peace.
@@l.c.1816 Thank you! I actually was born after she passed, but I just want to take up the case a bit for my family, who is getting older and may pass before they get justice. I hope you're doing alright, it sounds like you've been through a lot!
Some cold cases need very little to get up and running again. Right now, the FBI has a new act, Homicide Victims Families Rights Act, to review cold cases when victims families request it. Also, for cases prior to DNA testing, you can reach out to the homicide division and offer to pay for the testing of any clothing, etc. Sometimes, that's all it takes to get the ball running again. Or reach out to someone like Paul Holes, retired cold cases investigators who know the process to get a case moving again.
This happened in my home town, thank you for telling her story, we had a handicap friendly park built in her honor, this case shook our entire community
It’s disgusting how the authorities didn’t do anything to help poor Zara. A big part of the problem is the broken system. This story broke my heart rip Zara.
Most nights my husband doesn't get home until after our daughter is asleep, yet I don't think there has been a night where he didn't make sure she was there. He woke me up once in the middle of the night because she wasn't in her bed and he was freaking out (she either fell off her bed or just decided to sleep on her floor). I can't imagine him not noticing she was missing one night, much less weeks. The step mom is beyond evil, but Zahra's dad is not much better.
Can always tell when ur about to cry. U are the most genuine story tellers. I watch quite a few, and u def invest your emotions into your stories. At this point they're like in depth documentaries .
Zara was born only 5 months after I was. She should be here experiencing life like I am. It breaks my heart to think of how alone and abandoned she must’ve felt. 💔
she was born only 17 years after I was. She and I have so much in common, because we were both born in a year, and on planet earth. She should be alive, like I am. This really is all about me.
I believe jealousy of Zara drove this evil woman. Zara had a spirit that she knew she could never possess so she took it. This is a devastating case. Truly heartbreaking 💔
Yep I reckon you are totally correct, jealousy was probably the reason for this evil evil women to kill Zahra, how pathetic being jealous of a 10yr old, what a monster.
I think you're half right. She was certainly jealous but also didn't want to be 'burdened' with a child with a lot of different needs be it because she couldn't be bothered and financially it cost a lot of money
My niece went to school with her and we lived miles from where it all was discovered I feel like no one covers this case especially not like this so thank you for not letting her be forgotten
Being a mother myself and also having "THE BEST " stepmother for almost 42 years, I can't wrap my head around the vile and cruel way this monster treated that baby. DCS and the father definitely are to blame as well. It sickens me. May this angel rest in peace Finally away from such brutality.
So sorry for your loss Mama, it's the most unfair thing in the world! I hate that this monster stole this little girl's bonus years from her, so much!!
i’m really questioning just how involved in Zahra’s life Adam really was, even before meeting elisa. there’s no possible way he was an attentive father before this. not in my eyes
@Jamie's Jammies, I agree. No parent that truly loves and cares about their child, would take them away from their live saving medications and doctors, for thier own selfish desires. I believe the presence of the grandparents was the driving force behind how Adam originally looked after Zahra, but then I wonder, how much of the care was actualy the grandparents vs him.
That’s what I was thinking! I don’t think he was involved in the murder but he sure as hell knew about the abuse and he didn’t do anything about it. I also think he might have helped cover up the murder
Such an AVOIDABLE tragedy. Shame on the CPS workers for not removing this sweet angel from the home, why on earth did interview her in front of her abuser?? Also, her father is a real piece of trash for allowing this or being so absent that he didn't even notice. I feel like he was possibly strung out on whatever drugs she was selling. Rest in peace sweet girl.
For this child to have survived cancer twice only to be killed by the hands of a parent is heartbreaking 😢 I just don’t understand how Alyssa’s lies were believed by the authorities. Her own children reported her (along with neighbors and teachers). Even if the neighbors and teachers were wrong, her own daughters would surely know if she is an abusive parent.
I have so much respect that you still tell these stories Danielle even when you feel upset/uncomfortable by the situation. We can hear in your voice when you are shaken by the story, and we appreciate it so much that you still share your research with us ❤ we appreciate you so much, Danielle!
This is the first case that’s made me cry my eyes out and hug my little 9 year old like my life depended on it. That poor sweet baby was living her best life in Australia with her friends and grandparents but she was forced into this life of abuse and eventually murder. My heart goes out to Zara, this poor sweet happy girl deserved absolutely none of this. And every source that was supposed to be her protector failed her. Rest in love sweet sweet Angel♥️
I've never seen someone who covers true crime on here with the compassion and love that you have. I see it and I feel it through the screen! Please never stop doing what you do here
I’ve seen some other RUclipsrs not Danielle Kirsty go from empathetic and kind to almost a caricature of it. Others are serious some just seem like they’ve changed.
I feel that Zahra would have had so much to give to this world if she had been given the chance. Her case is so heartbreaking. I wish we all could be as courageous as she was ❤️
I don’t live far from where this happened and it was absolutely devastating. I will never understand how anyone can be so cruel to children especially a child that they are supposed to love and care for.
It’s crazy. I’ve been a public school teacher (year 22) and there is no checking on homeschool children. The parents literally just sign a paper saying they will teach their child. They don’t have to complete any state testing and no one checks on these children. It’s terrifying
This is crazy to me and in a case more horrific than this one Michelle Blair used this exact loophole to.murder 2 of her children and abuse the other 2
Actually, it depends on the state laws for homeschooling. In many states, homeschooled children have to have yearly evaluations or testing to make sure they are learning what they need. That is the minimum, there are states that have quarterly evaluation that have to be done. I will say the majority of homeschoolers are doing it the right way. Also, there are so many online schools/programs (public or private) that people are now using to school their children at home. Using these "schools" (unless it's an online public school) is still considered "homeschooling". There are very few states that don't have any accountability anymore.
I see your point, but it is also understandable why many parents are choosing this option now in the US, many public schools in left leaning areas have become indoctrination centers teaching kids CRT and exposing them to overtly sexual content at a very young age.
@@Chame0912 in Missouri ppl can homeschool without the state or DFS getting involved. It's ridiculous. I've seen it multiple times. There are parents who essentially let their kids "drop out" and then never actually tech them anything.
The part where you were talking about the 5th (I think) husband Adam and his daughter and it gave me the chills when she said that she not only had cancer TWICE but lost her left leg in the process because I got diagnosed with cancer when I was 12, lost my left leg and by losing my leg I beat it and then got it a second time (not in my lungs but still) and beat it but continued with treatment and it’s just so crazy like I know she was younger and it was definitely harder on her but she knew what I went through and I never thought someone who knew that feeling other than me existed
sadly no one is ever sent to check on homeschool kids, at least where I live. I was homeschooled by alcoholic parents in an incredibly religious and abusive home, and all my mom had to do was literally sign an intent to homeschool form.
Wow. Listening to Zara's story made me super emotional. I really relate to her. We both had cancer twice as children and we both got hearing aids due to the hearing loss that came with treatment. Both of our biological mothers were not fit as well. She was such a strong young girl who had an extremely bright future ahead
Hey Danielle sending you much love from Australia 🇦🇺 thanks for doing this case. As an Aussie myself it's hard not claim Zahra as our's even though her and her Dad had moved to the USA, anyways I cried my eyes out the first time I heard this story as well as each and everytime since including today. This is an horrific story in every way shape and form. So from the very bottom of my heart thank you for telling Zahra's story and I hope that you are OK considering the terrible things that Zahra endured, those of which you would have had to of read. Thank you for pointing out Adam's short comings as a parent, so often I see comments about how sad it must be for him blah blah blah, seriously though you 100% nailed it, he wasn't thinking about his amazing, beautiful, special one in a million daughter and everything she had been through oh no no no, he was thinking with little Adam and that's it and for that it's hard to feel sorry for him because he failed her in so many ways, if he COULDNT live without Alyssa then he should have gone to the USA and left Zahra with her grandparents and with access to the healthcare she so very much needed, he should have left her in the loving and stable environment that ZAHRA NEEDED, instead of thinking solely about what was between his legs. R.I.P Zahra, you touched many people in your very short life and you will never be forgotten ♥️ 🕊
Agreed! He is just as responsible! If my husband (who is my son’s father) ever laid a hand on or a degrading word toward our children, I wouldn’t hesitate to leave! I also would never put anyone before my son or my stepdaughter ever! They are adults now and I am still mama bear, chief complaint hearer and problem solver for them! I love my stepdaughter as much as I love my son! She lost her mom at 14 and I honor her mom daily by making sure I continued her journey to help her grow as her mom would have wanted! She is 30 and getting married in May. We cried together the other day in the phone as both of us wished her mom could be here, she would be so proud of her!
Absolutely agree! Why did he have to take Zahra to the US with him? She was in perfect hands being with her grandparents. Adam is just as responsible for Zahra's death. Turning a blind eye to the obvious abuse, not speaking to his child to find out what's going on and making the excuse that he was always working are not acceptable. They both deserve to be put under the jail. RIP poor little Zahra.
I've been fighting for my kid almost 4 yrs against DCF, I'm a wicked good mom and this story PAINS me. I STAY in Massachusetts cuz of mass health n my kid needs services. Danielle ur kindness and energy is so important. I love watching ur channel ur ALWAYS on the right side of history. Thanks for always getting it right
This made me immediately think of Dave Pelzer's autobiography A Child Called "It". I picked it up in a thrift store and it looked interesting. Best and worst book purchase I have ever made. Great read! Absolutely heart wrenching.
As an Aussie I thank you for covering Zahra's murder with so much compassion. I followed this case & the evil stepmother should rot in hell. I also feel that the father Adam, although maybe not involved in Zahra's murder, he should have been charged with child neglect! May he be haunted for not protecting his child from this monster as surely he saw signs. RIP Angel Zahra
Zara was born only days after I was and I am also Australian. I feel so sad that I am here living my life barely remembering being 10 Years old and that’s all she had. It give me motivation to make the most of each day and live the life she never got.
I've heard this covered before but holy cow you went into way more detail and found out so many other things about this case than others have! Bravo for the in-depth coverage!
A quote from the interview “she got the same treatment than my other kids did…they said I tested her better” I don’t recall hearing about her other kids being murdered and dismembered.
I was really hoping she was alive even thought I knew this was a true crime case, just because she seemed like such an amazing little girl. I instantly fell in love with her spirit, I could tell she was remarkable. Hope she’s resting peacefully in heaven poor angel 💕💕
I’ve heard this story a couple of times now but this is the first time I heard or registered the part about Zahra sleeping in the attic. There’s no way her father wouldn’t have know about that. Whatever sympathy I had for him is gone. I think he knew a lot more
Was so happy to see this story! I'm local to the area and I remember when this happened. Everyone was talking about it, and everyone was absolutely disgusted by what happened. Folks still talk about it, even.
Danielle! Please do a personal Q&A. You mention little facts about yourself in these videos or can sometimes relate to the stories and I and so many others wanna know more about you! You're such a genuine story teller that I'm literally curious about your life too!
I'm from near Hickory and the murder happened on my birthday. I was 19 when this happened, but I'll never forget when the news broke. Thank you Danielle for always being so kind and enlightening of the victims.
Thank you! As usual, you've done a beautiful job with this story. The search for Zahra's remains extended across two counties, very close to my house. Her story is very dear to my heart and I don't want Beautiful Zahra to be forgotten. A lovely park in Hickory has been dedicated to her.
I have had the worst week of my life. Dealing with grief/loss and depression. When I saw your new upload I was so thankful because it was strangely comforting and like seeing an old friend. Thanks for your videos Danielle they are a little escape from the real world when you need it.
Sadly, they’re usually underfunded, and since a lot of people use calls to CPS as revenge, and CPS is required to follow up on every call, this further divides time. Being a social worker means taking a job that pays very little for a masters degree that costs a fortune, then burning out quickly from the traumatic things they see. No one goes into it lightly. Everyone goes in wanting to help, and their they leave quickly and with trauma, or they stay through the trauma and eventually emotionally shut off as a way of handling it.
My friend worked for CPS and she said they have too few agents and really lack funding. It's that we really don't make children a priority, at least not after they are born.
This one broke my heart and infuriated me so much. RIP lil one. Beating cancer twice, as a child, to die like this. Things like this make you question humanity.
Thank you for covering this case. As an Australian I was aware of this story, but never knew the full extent. Particulary, the neglect of her father. As a parent myself, I can't even fathom the idea that he was unaware of all of the abuse. He disgusts me. He should have left Zahra with her grandparemts, she was happy there and would still be alive. As for Elisa, what a monster. As you said, there is a special place in hell waiting for her. RIP Zahra xo
Poor Zahra was let down by so many people. I can't imagine the grief those people who actually tried to help her must have felt when learning of her death. I am so disgusted that Alyssa only got 18 years. She deserves life without the possibility of parole.
I just want to acknowledge how remarkable this little girl Zahra is. She deserved way more way way more and these are the cases that make you wish you knew everybody situation. Makes u wish you could've helped in some way. I love her soul and I felt her in this video. RIP zahra 😭
I am honestly in shock that Adam’s family would even want to be around him in Australia, after what he allowed to happen in front of his face to their grandchild, whom they were angry was even taken out of the country with her health condition in the first place. I don’t care if he was my family, I’d never forgive him, let alone be any kind of support system to him. Maybe the grandparents don’t have anything to do with him and they’re just referring to other family members, but even still - I could never be there for that monster, whether he was my son, brother, cousin, nephew, friend, etc. Like she is CLEARLY satan in the flesh, but I have absolutely ZERO empathy for any parent that would allow their child (disabled child, at that!) to be abused and tortured and then murdered by ANYONE. The fact that he kept that little girl in the US after learning his wife had lied about having money or health insurance and access to good medical care for his sick child and didn’t flee back to Australia immediately, is enough for me to think he should be in jail for some sort of child endangerment and neglect, covering up/being complicit in a murder (there is NO WAY he didn’t know his daughter was literally GONE for weeks), or SOMETHING. I’m honestly shocked they didn’t get him for anything at all. Neither of them deserves to feel another moment of peace for the rest of their existence and I hope they never do and that the images of the damage and trauma done to that poor, sweet little girl, never leave their minds again, for a second. Just from that brief interview clip, you can tell she’s a complete sociopath. My heart breaks for that little girl and for anyone that truly did love and care for her back home. This is just purely devastating. The fact that evil like this exists in some people is terrifying and so beyond comprehension. This case was hard to sit through. My stomach was in knots listening.
The fact she was only 10 when her life was taken from her, after suffering so very much, just makes my heart ache for her. What an amazing, strong young girl. I'm so sorry Zarha. Side note, she looks so much like myself at that age, with all those cute little freckles / angel kisses !
It kills me every time you are about to cry!! You are the most genuine true crime case teller ever Danielle!! Thank you so much for always being so wonderful. I truly believe that you are one of the only true crime tellers who DOES NOT DO IT FOR THE MONEY! You honestly do this because YOU CARE!! I wish everyone was like you!! Thanks again pretty ladie! We all love you here!
I lived through this case. I lived in Lenoir NC at the time. This case took over everyone’s life. It was so horrific to live through. We all knew she was guilty. She was never a good person. Zara has a beautiful memorial in Hudson NC and she has a special needs playground named after her in hickory. Thank you for covering this case with such grace. I watch you constantly and never thought you would do a case so close to home!
I love that you are one of the only true crime RUclipsrs that actually care. The part where you were talking about her being 23 today got me too. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for uploading Danielle. Your videos always go above and beyond to really honour the victims. This is such a heartbreaking story and you do Zahra justice. And as a side note... Your makeup always looks amazing...
How do so many separate people report them and still nothing gets done?! How do they not know that the abused child will be too scared to say anything?! This whole thing just makes me sick to the core.
You always dive into these stories and tell them with such heartfelt compassion and mindfulness of the victims and all that were affected and left hurting, which I think is so vital within true crime. I had a case that I heard about recently that I don't believe you've covered yet, and I wondered whether you'd be up for it. It's the case of Alison Botha and the Ripper Rapists in South Africa in the 90s.
I have listened to many cases, and heard many horrible crimes, this is the first one that actually made me cry. I hope she has the worst time in prison that she is begging to be released. As for Adam, I truly hope his family NEVER let's him forget the crime that he ALLOWED TO HAPPEN. they both deserve ultimate karma
I've heard about this tragedy before, on Deadly Women and a couple podcasts. I wish someone would give me 25 minutes in a room alone with Elisa Baker; see how she does trying to pick on a disabled person her own size.
What a wretched woman. I am a single mom of two. I couldn’t imagine. And Adam letting 15 days go by and not seeing your child. It’s unimaginable. It’s sick and disgusting. Such a sweet innocent child that has been through so much already. Him moving back to Australia without all the answers? There is a special place in hell for the both of them. My kiddos are my world, the reason I take every breath that I do. Absolutely disgusting. He should have been punished for something. Than again I suppose his time will come.
I am so, SO glad you finally covered this story. I live only a couple miles from where this happened. Watching all of this unfold in real time was horrifying and heartbreaking. That piece of garbage was a monster and a waste of space (still is). Zahra was a fighter. She was meant to be on this earth to make it a better place. And she did while she was here, and still does after her beautiful soul was taken from this world. The park they have in her memory makes hundreds of children happy a day. She definitely changed Hickory for the better. DSS/CPS are beyond capable now because of this case and a lot more children are saved and taken care of because of it. R.I.P. beautiful angel ❤ Thanks again Danielle for the amazing work and brilliant video!
I was thinking of you just 20 minutes ago wondering how you were! Wonderful to see you, thank you for telling us the stories of the people who cannot speak for themselves any longer ❤
This woman reminds me of my mother so much. She’s also been married and divorced many many times, and she’s faked cancer and regularly other illnesses, including seizures. Also a drug addict. Also a terrible mother who absolutely HATED whenever I’d get any sort of attention bc it needs to be on her at all times.. so this case saddens me every time I hear it :( May Zara Rest In Peace.
I live in the same town where this happened. I used to take my boys to the memorial park when they were little. It devastated everyone here, but we rallied around each other. Thank you so much for covering Zahra’s case! ❤ RIP Zahra ❤️
What a MONSTER! Princess took a plea deal to spare her own damn life. What an EVIL woman! Zahara’s light shines through in every one of her photos. In spite of everything that happened in her life, her spirit was angelic. Zahara was a beautiful soul!
This happened about 15 minutes from my house at the time. It shook the whole community because of how senseless and brutal it was. Thank you for covering it with such tact and compassion ❤️
zara is only less than a year younger than me… she would be turning 25 this year. i’ve experienced the incompetence of CPS firsthand. rest in peace, zara. you were so so so strong, and you should still be here.
It’s so tragic how much this precious little girl was failed by almost everyone, and the people were trying to help her and making complaints to Dcf were ignored
You’re one of the best true crime tellers. You’re so sympathetic to the victims and tell things so detailed. I hope you take time for yourself and make sure your mental state is ok especially with these heavy cases we will all understand ❤️
I love how you have so much compassion while telling these tragic stories. Thank you for bringing some justice to this poor child who brutally lost her life.
First time watching, so glad I did. Your passion and emotion are palpable, and the respect and attention paid to the victim, Zahra, as the most important part of the video is amazing and not something I see regularly. Def subscribing. Thank you for quality content!
I absolutely love how you put your heart into these stories. It gives the victims another voice. I am comforted to know that Zarah is now in a place where children are cherished and loved. God bless Zarah.
Hey guys - if you wanted to check out ExpressVPN you can go to expressvpn.com/danielle and find out how you can get 3 months of ExpressVPN free! 💜💜
What is the name of the music you put at the end of your videos?
😊
Plz share ur skin care Routine love ur channel
❤
Hey Danielle! If its possible, could you please cover the Savannah Leckie story? Its an unbelievably sad one.
That father should be in prison too. He knew his child was sleeping in the attic that should have had him running back to Australia with his baby but he selfishly stayed. Heartbreaking 😢
This happened in my hometown. Zahra used to be in the youth at Mount Zion Baptist Church with all of us. She was such a sweet, kind, innocent little girl, she was always smiling & laughing at church none of us would’ve ever thought…especially with all of us being children ourselves. We don’t even acknowledge the presence of the stepmother here, we only choose to remember Zahra & who she was. Everyone still leaves things at her memorial & the park they dedicated to her in Hickory as well🤎 Fly high baby 🤎
The only thing that gives me peace is believing that the kingdom of Heaven is for children. Just like Zahra
Thank you for this.
I used to go to that church and I have only heard a little bit of this story but know I know the full story
❤
Thank you for sharing this❤
I’m so sick of hearing stories of child abuse where people, whether it be authorities, neighbours, friends, teachers, etc, are AWARE of the abuse but nothing is done. Like we all seriously need to do better.
And the fact that this woman was only sentenced to 28 years in total is so ridiculous. She viciously murdered a 10-year-old child. She deserves to be in prison for life, 1000%.
So true!!!!!
I agree completely , I know child abuse is a serious accusation we shouldn't make lightly but if you know a child is getting abused and do nothing to stop it you're a part of that abuse.
Why are their prison mates letting us all down?
I think life in prison is more than she deserves for what shes done to this girl..
THEY DID TELL BUT DCF BELIEVES THE STEP MONSTER . FROM 0 TO 10 AS A CHILD I DID NOT HAVE A VOICE OF BEING SEXUAL ABUSES BY ADULTS MALES AND SOME TEENAGERS IN THE FAMILY, MAYBE ANOTHER REASONS I HAVE A LEARNING DISABILITY , PLUS GETTING HIT IN THE HEAD AM NOW 59 AND THE NIGHTMARES NEVER LEFT.
That poor girl beat cancer twice to then go onto being abused and murdered. So unbelievably heartbreaking 💔
Really makes you think about life
I was literally thinking the same thing 😓
Jesús she had the worst luck. Poor baby. Not to mention abandoned by her mother before all of it.
I love that Danielle called out Adam! PUT 👏 YOUR 👏 KIDS 👏 FIRST. Preach it sister! I'll never understand how parents put their partners first over ANY kids, let alone minors or kids with needs.
@icarus4302,
I agree. She really called Adam out. I too will never understand how any parents would consider doing what you mentioned. Once Adam met Elisa, he no longer cared about his daughter's needs and happiness; he put his own needs and happiness first, and that was a HUGE mistake. If he and Zahara had stayed in Australia instead of moving with Elisa to the US, Zahara would still be doing okay today. But unfortunately, no. Adam is going to pay a serious price for his selfishness. He and Elisa are terrible people.
I agree wholeheartedly. I never put anyone over my son. A partner comes and goes. But your child will always be there for you.
The fact that Adam was willing to move across the world for a woman he had just met rather than prioritize the happiness and well-being of his own child tells you everything you need to know about him. He reminds me so much of my own father.
Adam is partially to blame for his daughter's death. He was likely not the perpetrator of her murder but he needs to be held responsible for the abuse that he *clearly* let slide from Elisa to Zahra and all of the warning signs that he ignored because he was prioritizing his own happiness over his child's.
ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 🎁🎁🎊🎊
so agree he needs to be charged with accomplice to murder or something
AMEN. I don't understand that mentality...the type who seem to have NO maternal/paternal instinct. No sense of putting their flesh and blood over anyone else. Smdh it's Pathetic
This 🙌🏻
His complicity led to this sweet baby angel's death. It should be illegal to sit idly by while a child is getting abused (idk if it is or not)
What that evil woman did to that child was so horrific but the fact that her own daddy stood by and let it happen is incomprehensible. I hope neither one of them draw a peaceful breath for the rest of their miserable, rotten lives. And the system miserably failed that child. I hope they are never at peace again either.
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Well said, well said.
"I hope neither one of them draw a peaceful breath for the rest of their miserable, rotten lives."
That is such a satisfying line, ooft. 👏👏
They are trash, and if not caught, they would still go on further. The dad is a Bogan.
Give me 10 minutes in a room with both of them...
Love your response.I agree 💯
I'm so thankful for the woman my ex-husband married. She loves our son. We have become the best couple of friends, and she and my husband have been our sons parents since he was 2. This could have been so different, but God sent this beautiful loving woman who has made it comfortable for all of us to be great parents.
That is so wonderful to hear. you are one of the lucky ones. my mom boyfriend took care of me and my other 3 siblings. and my mom really good. We didn’t won’t for anything. but when my mom would leave the house he would rape me. sad to say she didn’t believe me. I’m 53 and just now getting help. RIP sweet angel.❤❤❤
Your comment gave me hope. Good, loving people exist!
I’m so grateful for your family. Our family is similar. Unfortunately my ex is very abusive and is not able to be in the picture however his previous ex and I have grown close like sisters and our children who all share the same father are surrounded by love and get to grow up with their siblings. I wish things were different in regards to their father but I’m so grateful for the beautiful little family we have made for ourselves ❤
I've never felt luckier to have the dad I do. My mom met and married him when I was 2 (whirlwind romance). He's been my dad for as long as I can remember and he loves me as much as he loves the children they had together, my siblings. I've never been in contact with my bio father because honestly why would I need to? I have the only dad I'll ever need. ❤️
I'm so sorry this little girl didn't get the love and care she deserved.
I always was blessed our five kids have the best stepmom a kid could ever ask for and my ex is still one of my best friends
10 years for dealing drugs … and 18 for beating a child to death. This is our “justice” system. Revolting. 😔
It is so scary to think about what it will be like 15 years from now.
Exactly
In Finland you get 10 years from dealing drugs but murder or violence sentences are usually more mild. It’s so sick that human life is so cheap. Like it send message to everyone who is violent that it is okay to beat someone. But having drugs is worse than murder. It’s just crazy.
I miss growing up in the 80s and seeing these cases similar to this one where the jury only took half an hour to sentence someone to death. and then it's carried out in just a few years@@jLkm89719:48
I cannot believe this girl survived cancer and then had her life taken away from her in such a horrific way by such a women. My heart breaks for how short her life was. I’m thankful her teacher tried to help her.
Hi Danielle!
My cousin, Alice Hawkes, was murdered in Maine in the 80s. Her case is one of less than 100 unsolved cases in Maine -- and one of the oldest. I'd love to see some more coverage of it so she can one day get justice!
May Zahra rest in peace.
@@l.c.1816 Thank you! I actually was born after she passed, but I just want to take up the case a bit for my family, who is getting older and may pass before they get justice. I hope you're doing alright, it sounds like you've been through a lot!
Some cold cases need very little to get up and running again. Right now, the FBI has a new act, Homicide Victims Families Rights Act, to review cold cases when victims families request it. Also, for cases prior to DNA testing, you can reach out to the homicide division and offer to pay for the testing of any clothing, etc. Sometimes, that's all it takes to get the ball running again. Or reach out to someone like Paul Holes, retired cold cases investigators who know the process to get a case moving again.
I have lived in maine my entire life. May she get the justice she deserves. My thought are with you.
I live in Brunswick. Westbrook isn’t far from me
I'm sorry ❤️
This happened in my home town, thank you for telling her story, we had a handicap friendly park built in her honor, this case shook our entire community
💔🇦🇺
Oh myyy
Lovely about the park
💔💔💔
That must have been so difficult, to have something so horrific happen in your midst 😕
It’s disgusting how the authorities didn’t do anything to help poor Zara. A big part of the problem is the broken system. This story broke my heart rip Zara.
Most nights my husband doesn't get home until after our daughter is asleep, yet I don't think there has been a night where he didn't make sure she was there. He woke me up once in the middle of the night because she wasn't in her bed and he was freaking out (she either fell off her bed or just decided to sleep on her floor). I can't imagine him not noticing she was missing one night, much less weeks. The step mom is beyond evil, but Zahra's dad is not much better.
YES! 100%
Can always tell when ur about to cry. U are the most genuine story tellers. I watch quite a few, and u def invest your emotions into your stories. At this point they're like in depth documentaries .
right. I was impressed that she briefly compared her personal struggles with unfit parenting too all the while without making anything about herself
Agree! GodBlessY'all 🐦🙏
I agree. She’s extremely empathetic and puts her heart into really difficult topics.
@@momabird4116 God bless you too! 😁
@@Sshhaannddaa True. I couldn't do it
Zara was born only 5 months after I was. She should be here experiencing life like I am. It breaks my heart to think of how alone and abandoned she must’ve felt. 💔
Shame on her father, he should have protected his daughter above and beyond anything else! He never deserved that precious girl
she was born only 17 years after I was. She and I have so much in common, because we were both born in a year, and on planet earth. She should be alive, like I am. This really is all about me.
I believe jealousy of Zara drove this evil woman. Zara had a spirit that she knew she could never possess so she took it. This is a devastating case. Truly heartbreaking 💔
Yep I reckon you are totally correct, jealousy was probably the reason for this evil evil women to kill Zahra, how pathetic being jealous of a 10yr old, what a monster.
That's what I was thinking too. She's such an ugly woman, how did she get married that many times?!
Jealous of a child. Narcissistic sociopath!
Zara, we love you! ❤
Wasn't the Princess it was used to being 🤔✌️😎🌺
I think you're half right. She was certainly jealous but also didn't want to be 'burdened' with a child with a lot of different needs be it because she couldn't be bothered and financially it cost a lot of money
My niece went to school with her and we lived miles from where it all was discovered I feel like no one covers this case especially not like this so thank you for not letting her be forgotten
Being a mother myself and also having "THE BEST " stepmother for almost 42 years, I can't wrap my head around the vile and cruel way this monster treated that baby. DCS and the father definitely are to blame as well. It sickens me. May this angel rest in peace Finally away from such brutality.
OMG. I had a daughter who fought cancer and lost. I can NOT understand how someone can treat that sweet child the way they did. Makes me sick
So sorry for your loss Mama, it's the most unfair thing in the world! I hate that this monster stole this little girl's bonus years from her, so much!!
Im currently battling cancer as well. i cant imagine how my parents feel
@@Baldjotarokujo I'm sure they feel blessed for every day and look forward to the future you'll share together.
@@kymberlecheney4820 Im definitely trying to stay positive and look to the future
@BaldJotarokujo I'll be praying for you . Stay strong you can beat this.
i’m really questioning just how involved in Zahra’s life Adam really was, even before meeting elisa. there’s no possible way he was an attentive father before this. not in my eyes
Agreed. Should have just left her with the grandparents. Poor girl 😔
@Xuěhuā yeah especially moving to a country where health care isn’t free. that’s just straight up a bad decision, no matter how much money you have
@Jamie's Jammies, I agree. No parent that truly loves and cares about their child, would take them away from their live saving medications and doctors, for thier own selfish desires. I believe the presence of the grandparents was the driving force behind how Adam originally looked after Zahra, but then I wonder, how much of the care was actualy the grandparents vs him.
That’s what I was thinking! I don’t think he was involved in the murder but he sure as hell knew about the abuse and he didn’t do anything about it. I also think he might have helped cover up the murder
He wasn't he did care one bit!
Such an AVOIDABLE tragedy. Shame on the CPS workers for not removing this sweet angel from the home, why on earth did interview her in front of her abuser?? Also, her father is a real piece of trash for allowing this or being so absent that he didn't even notice. I feel like he was possibly strung out on whatever drugs she was selling.
Rest in peace sweet girl.
For this child to have survived cancer twice only to be killed by the hands of a parent is heartbreaking 😢 I just don’t understand how Alyssa’s lies were believed by the authorities. Her own children reported her (along with neighbors and teachers). Even if the neighbors and teachers were wrong, her own daughters would surely know if she is an abusive parent.
I have so much respect that you still tell these stories Danielle even when you feel upset/uncomfortable by the situation. We can hear in your voice when you are shaken by the story, and we appreciate it so much that you still share your research with us ❤ we appreciate you so much, Danielle!
This is the first case that’s made me cry my eyes out and hug my little 9 year old like my life depended on it. That poor sweet baby was living her best life in Australia with her friends and grandparents but she was forced into this life of abuse and eventually murder. My heart goes out to Zara, this poor sweet happy girl deserved absolutely none of this. And every source that was supposed to be her protector failed her. Rest in love sweet sweet Angel♥️
I've never seen someone who covers true crime on here with the compassion and love that you have. I see it and I feel it through the screen! Please never stop doing what you do here
even listening to her podcast, you could feel the empathy through your headphones. she seems like such a sweet person
RIL Sweet beautiful Angel Zahra 🙏🕊 May the memory of your heroic and amazing accomplishments live on forever ❤
I can see she has so much empathy unlike some youtubers I've seen who cover true crime and make jokes
Have you seen Kimberleigha? She is equally compassionate.
I’ve seen some other RUclipsrs not Danielle Kirsty go from empathetic and kind to almost a caricature of it. Others are serious some just seem like they’ve changed.
The dad deserved a charge for negligence. His actions, or inaction rather, blows my mind every time I hear about this case.
Truth, dad knew his daughter was being abused and he was ok with this.
As a child this was my biggest fear was having an evil stepmother and as a stepmother now i try my hardest to be as kind loving and caring as possible
Totally agree.. I’m a stepmom too.. Always trying to be the best for my step kids.. I love them so much, I treat them as my own..
It's so touching how you care so deeply about your cases that it brings you to tears. Bless you, it must be so hard to discover such shocking details.
I feel that Zahra would have had so much to give to this world if she had been given the chance. Her case is so heartbreaking. I wish we all could be as courageous as she was ❤️
I don’t live far from where this happened and it was absolutely devastating. I will never understand how anyone can be so cruel to children especially a child that they are supposed to love and care for.
I live close too and I am still mad she didn’t get the death penalty!
RIL Sweet beautiful Angel Zahra 🙏🕊 May the memory of your heroic and amazing accomplishments live on forever ❤
So do I! It was insane! Our community was heartbroken…such a horrible story
I live in Wilkesboro, Willie. About the same away!
It’s amazing to see so many people from NC that still remember and think about Zahra.
I remember as an Australian and a Queenslander, our country was FURIOUS over this case!
It’s crazy. I’ve been a public school teacher (year 22) and there is no checking on homeschool children. The parents literally just sign a paper saying they will teach their child. They don’t have to complete any state testing and no one checks on these children. It’s terrifying
Zahara was not being home schooled properly. Home schooled children are supposed to do the testing.
This is crazy to me and in a case more horrific than this one Michelle Blair used this exact loophole to.murder 2 of her children and abuse the other 2
Actually, it depends on the state laws for homeschooling. In many states, homeschooled children have to have yearly evaluations or testing to make sure they are learning what they need. That is the minimum, there are states that have quarterly evaluation that have to be done.
I will say the majority of homeschoolers are doing it the right way. Also, there are so many online schools/programs (public or private) that people are now using to school their children at home. Using these "schools" (unless it's an online public school) is still considered "homeschooling". There are very few states that don't have any accountability anymore.
I see your point, but it is also understandable why many parents are choosing this option now in the US, many public schools in left leaning areas have become indoctrination centers teaching kids CRT and exposing them to overtly sexual content at a very young age.
@@Chame0912 in Missouri ppl can homeschool without the state or DFS getting involved. It's ridiculous. I've seen it multiple times. There are parents who essentially let their kids "drop out" and then never actually tech them anything.
The part where you were talking about the 5th (I think) husband Adam and his daughter and it gave me the chills when she said that she not only had cancer TWICE but lost her left leg in the process because I got diagnosed with cancer when I was 12, lost my left leg and by losing my leg I beat it and then got it a second time (not in my lungs but still) and beat it but continued with treatment and it’s just so crazy like I know she was younger and it was definitely harder on her but she knew what I went through and I never thought someone who knew that feeling other than me existed
sadly no one is ever sent to check on homeschool kids, at least where I live. I was homeschooled by alcoholic parents in an incredibly religious and abusive home, and all my mom had to do was literally sign an intent to homeschool form.
Wow. Listening to Zara's story made me super emotional. I really relate to her. We both had cancer twice as children and we both got hearing aids due to the hearing loss that came with treatment. Both of our biological mothers were not fit as well. She was such a strong young girl who had an extremely bright future ahead
ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 🎁🎁🎊🎊🎊
Hey Danielle sending you much love from Australia 🇦🇺 thanks for doing this case.
As an Aussie myself it's hard not claim Zahra as our's even though her and her Dad had moved to the USA, anyways I cried my eyes out the first time I heard this story as well as each and everytime since including today.
This is an horrific story in every way shape and form.
So from the very bottom of my heart thank you for telling Zahra's story and I hope that you are OK considering the terrible things that Zahra endured, those of which you would have had to of read.
Thank you for pointing out Adam's short comings as a parent, so often I see comments about how sad it must be for him blah blah blah, seriously though you 100% nailed it, he wasn't thinking about his amazing, beautiful, special one in a million daughter and everything she had been through oh no no no, he was thinking with little Adam and that's it and for that it's hard to feel sorry for him because he failed her in so many ways, if he COULDNT live without Alyssa then he should have gone to the USA and left Zahra with her grandparents and with access to the healthcare she so very much needed, he should have left her in the loving and stable environment that ZAHRA NEEDED, instead of thinking solely about what was between his legs.
R.I.P Zahra, you touched many people in your very short life and you will never be forgotten ♥️ 🕊
Agreed! He is just as responsible! If my husband (who is my son’s father) ever laid a hand on or a degrading word toward our children, I wouldn’t hesitate to leave! I also would never put anyone before my son or my stepdaughter ever! They are adults now and I am still mama bear, chief complaint hearer and problem solver for them! I love my stepdaughter as much as I love my son! She lost her mom at 14 and I honor her mom daily by making sure I continued her journey to help her grow as her mom would have wanted! She is 30 and getting married in May. We cried together the other day in the phone as both of us wished her mom could be here, she would be so proud of her!
Absolutely agree! Why did he have to take Zahra to the US with him? She was in perfect hands being with her grandparents. Adam is just as responsible for Zahra's death. Turning a blind eye to the obvious abuse, not speaking to his child to find out what's going on and making the excuse that he was always working are not acceptable. They both deserve to be put under the jail. RIP poor little Zahra.
Well put!!
Poor child. Hickory CPS did her dirty
He is 💯% a Dousche Bag 🚮
I've been fighting for my kid almost 4 yrs against DCF, I'm a wicked good mom and this story PAINS me. I STAY in Massachusetts cuz of mass health n my kid needs services. Danielle ur kindness and energy is so important. I love watching ur channel ur ALWAYS on the right side of history. Thanks for always getting it right
RIL Sweet beautiful Angel Zahra 🙏🕊 May the memory of your heroic and amazing accomplishments live on forever ❤
It can be very sticky...Hoping you make the healthiest choices for you both! Keep trying sweetheart
I absolutely love your style of story telling. It's respectful and such a deep dive into everyone involved in the case.
This made me immediately think of Dave Pelzer's autobiography A Child Called "It". I picked it up in a thrift store and it looked interesting. Best and worst book purchase I have ever made. Great read! Absolutely heart wrenching.
I read that book as a young teenager, incredibly traumatic like that child endured.
I read that book when I was pregnant with my first child, omg!!!! I balled my eyes out 😭😭😭😭 it was of the most horrific books I have ever read.
As an Aussie I thank you for covering Zahra's murder with so much compassion. I followed this case & the evil stepmother should rot in hell. I also feel that the father Adam, although maybe not involved in Zahra's murder, he should have been charged with child neglect! May he be haunted for not protecting his child from this monster as surely he saw signs. RIP Angel Zahra
Zara was born only days after I was and I am also Australian. I feel so sad that I am here living my life barely remembering being 10 Years old and that’s all she had. It give me motivation to make the most of each day and live the life she never got.
ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 🎁🎁🎊🎊🎊
I've heard this covered before but holy cow you went into way more detail and found out so many other things about this case than others have! Bravo for the in-depth coverage!
RIL Sweet beautiful Angel Zahra 🙏🕊 May the memory of your heroic and amazing accomplishments live on forever ❤
This one made me sob. Poor Zara, she deserved so much better.
This case has always broken my heart... I will never comprehend how someone could be this evil.
A quote from the interview “she got the same treatment than my other kids did…they said I tested her better”
I don’t recall hearing about her other kids being murdered and dismembered.
In other words, she has no regret/remorse for the way she treated the children she was supposed to be nurturing.
You always tell us about how our blood will boil when we hear these cases and oh boy, this time you were absolutely right! What terrible "parents" 😡
ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 🎁🎁🎊🎊.
“Use her looks” she was actually attractive at one point? Hard to believe
You under estimate desperate men seeking companionship. Men have a hard time being alone.
Was thinking same thing
I’m in Australia and my sister was born the same year as Zahra, really puts this into perspective. RIP beautiful Angel. You didn’t deserve this.
I was really hoping she was alive even thought I knew this was a true crime case, just because she seemed like such an amazing little girl. I instantly fell in love with her spirit, I could tell she was remarkable. Hope she’s resting peacefully in heaven poor angel 💕💕
I’ve heard this story a couple of times now but this is the first time I heard or registered the part about Zahra sleeping in the attic. There’s no way her father wouldn’t have know about that. Whatever sympathy I had for him is gone. I think he knew a lot more
Was so happy to see this story! I'm local to the area and I remember when this happened. Everyone was talking about it, and everyone was absolutely disgusted by what happened. Folks still talk about it, even.
Me too. I found this case from Deadly Women and I was disgusted on what she did to Zahra. Adam should be taken responsibility for it too.
I’m local too. I’m still mad she didn’t get the death penalty.
RIL Sweet beautiful Angel Zahra 🙏🕊 May the memory of your heroic and amazing accomplishments live on forever ❤
Danielle! Please do a personal Q&A. You mention little facts about yourself in these videos or can sometimes relate to the stories and I and so many others wanna know more about you! You're such a genuine story teller that I'm literally curious about your life too!
I second this!! ❤
Me too! What an AWESOME idea! 💡
Literally!!!
I think they sort of need to keep their personal lives to themselves.
I'm from near Hickory and the murder happened on my birthday. I was 19 when this happened, but I'll never forget when the news broke. Thank you Danielle for always being so kind and enlightening of the victims.
Love your videos Danielle! You are so respectful and emotionally tuned in. And you are so good at describing/explaining that I can just listen!
Thank you! As usual, you've done a beautiful job with this story. The search for Zahra's remains extended across two counties, very close to my house. Her story is very dear to my heart and I don't want Beautiful Zahra to be forgotten. A lovely park in Hickory has been dedicated to her.
Amen and thank you for sharing. It’s amazing that a park was dedicated in her memory. RIL Sweet beautiful Angel Zahra 🙏🕊❤️
I have had the worst week of my life. Dealing with grief/loss and depression. When I saw your new upload I was so thankful because it was strangely comforting and like seeing an old friend. Thanks for your videos Danielle they are a little escape from the real world when you need it.
RIL Sweet beautiful Angel Zahra 🙏🕊 May the memory of your heroic and amazing accomplishments live on forever ❤
It's heartbreaking to think about the number of children that could have been saved if child protective services did their jobs effectively.
Sadly, they’re usually underfunded, and since a lot of people use calls to CPS as revenge, and CPS is required to follow up on every call, this further divides time. Being a social worker means taking a job that pays very little for a masters degree that costs a fortune, then burning out quickly from the traumatic things they see. No one goes into it lightly. Everyone goes in wanting to help, and their they leave quickly and with trauma, or they stay through the trauma and eventually emotionally shut off as a way of handling it.
My friend worked for CPS and she said they have too few agents and really lack funding. It's that we really don't make children a priority, at least not after they are born.
This one broke my heart and infuriated me so much. RIP lil one.
Beating cancer twice, as a child, to die like this. Things like this make you question humanity.
Right now I'm stuck in my apartment because of the winter storm. So don't mind if I sit down all day n enjoy watching your videos
Thank you for covering this case. As an Australian I was aware of this story, but never knew the full extent. Particulary, the neglect of her father. As a parent myself, I can't even fathom the idea that he was unaware of all of the abuse. He disgusts me. He should have left Zahra with her grandparemts, she was happy there and would still be alive. As for Elisa, what a monster. As you said, there is a special place in hell waiting for her. RIP Zahra xo
I grew up there when this happened. I always think of Zahra when I hit a new milestone in life. Absolutely horrific what happened to that sweet girl.
Poor Zahra was let down by so many people. I can't imagine the grief those people who actually tried to help her must have felt when learning of her death. I am so disgusted that Alyssa only got 18 years. She deserves life without the possibility of parole.
Yes punishment for the many lives destroyed
She deserves death. I know how controversial that may be but, that kind of abuse coupled with murder, cannot be tolerated with a prison term.
I just want to acknowledge how remarkable this little girl Zahra is. She deserved way more way way more and these are the cases that make you wish you knew everybody situation. Makes u wish you could've helped in some way. I love her soul and I felt her in this video. RIP zahra 😭
I am honestly in shock that Adam’s family would even want to be around him in Australia, after what he allowed to happen in front of his face to their grandchild, whom they were angry was even taken out of the country with her health condition in the first place. I don’t care if he was my family, I’d never forgive him, let alone be any kind of support system to him. Maybe the grandparents don’t have anything to do with him and they’re just referring to other family members, but even still - I could never be there for that monster, whether he was my son, brother, cousin, nephew, friend, etc. Like she is CLEARLY satan in the flesh, but I have absolutely ZERO empathy for any parent that would allow their child (disabled child, at that!) to be abused and tortured and then murdered by ANYONE. The fact that he kept that little girl in the US after learning his wife had lied about having money or health insurance and access to good medical care for his sick child and didn’t flee back to Australia immediately, is enough for me to think he should be in jail for some sort of child endangerment and neglect, covering up/being complicit in a murder (there is NO WAY he didn’t know his daughter was literally GONE for weeks), or SOMETHING. I’m honestly shocked they didn’t get him for anything at all. Neither of them deserves to feel another moment of peace for the rest of their existence and I hope they never do and that the images of the damage and trauma done to that poor, sweet little girl, never leave their minds again, for a second. Just from that brief interview clip, you can tell she’s a complete sociopath. My heart breaks for that little girl and for anyone that truly did love and care for her back home. This is just purely devastating. The fact that evil like this exists in some people is terrifying and so beyond comprehension. This case was hard to sit through. My stomach was in knots listening.
The fact she was only 10 when her life was taken from her, after suffering so very much, just makes my heart ache for her. What an amazing, strong young girl. I'm so sorry Zarha. Side note, she looks so much like myself at that age, with all those cute little freckles / angel kisses !
Don't you just want to snatch her up and keep her safe? This story just breaks me
Thank you for always being compassionate while filming these. I bet it must be hard to research these cases in-depth. We love you!
RIL Sweet beautiful Angel Zahra 🙏🕊 May the memory of your heroic and amazing accomplishments live on forever ❤
It kills me every time you are about to cry!! You are the most genuine true crime case teller ever Danielle!! Thank you so much for always being so wonderful. I truly believe that you are one of the only true crime tellers who DOES NOT DO IT FOR THE MONEY! You honestly do this because YOU CARE!! I wish everyone was like you!! Thanks again pretty ladie! We all love you here!
RIL Sweet beautiful Angel Zahra 🙏🕊 May the memory of your heroic and amazing accomplishments live on forever ❤
I lived through this case. I lived in Lenoir NC at the time. This case took over everyone’s life. It was so horrific to live through. We all knew she was guilty. She was never a good person. Zara has a beautiful memorial in Hudson NC and she has a special needs playground named after her in hickory. Thank you for covering this case with such grace. I watch you constantly and never thought you would do a case so close to home!
I love that you are one of the only true crime RUclipsrs that actually care. The part where you were talking about her being 23 today got me too. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for uploading Danielle. Your videos always go above and beyond to really honour the victims. This is such a heartbreaking story and you do Zahra justice.
And as a side note... Your makeup always looks amazing...
How do so many separate people report them and still nothing gets done?! How do they not know that the abused child will be too scared to say anything?! This whole thing just makes me sick to the core.
Disgusting how uninterested Zahra's father sounds when he reports his child missing in the 911 call. Smfh🤔😠😡🤬. Adam & Elisa both make me sick🤮!!
aww imagine the grandparents knowing 'most' of her remains are with them but parts of her are still all over the place in another country :'(
The poor grandparents u know they r living w/this daily
You always dive into these stories and tell them with such heartfelt compassion and mindfulness of the victims and all that were affected and left hurting, which I think is so vital within true crime.
I had a case that I heard about recently that I don't believe you've covered yet, and I wondered whether you'd be up for it. It's the case of Alison Botha and the Ripper Rapists in South Africa in the 90s.
thank you danielle for sharing zahra’s story in such a compassionate way that only you do. xx
This is one of the most egregiously horrific cases I’ve ever heard of. Thank you for sharing with compassion, as always.
RIL Sweet beautiful Angel Zahra 🙏🕊 May the memory of your heroic and amazing accomplishments live on forever ❤
I have listened to many cases, and heard many horrible crimes, this is the first one that actually made me cry. I hope she has the worst time in prison that she is begging to be released. As for Adam, I truly hope his family NEVER let's him forget the crime that he ALLOWED TO HAPPEN. they both deserve ultimate karma
Really appreciate your soft heart, Dani. After everything you research for these cases, seeing you tear up for Zahra was really sweet
This story was so sad, but I'm so glad you chose to cover it. ♥️
When Danielle said Zahra had overcome so much, I assumed she had an abusive parent. Somehow what she actually overcome was much, much worse 😞
I've heard about this tragedy before, on Deadly Women and a couple podcasts. I wish someone would give me 25 minutes in a room alone with Elisa Baker; see how she does trying to pick on a disabled person her own size.
5 minutes even. As someone who is disabled but can force movement when needed, THATS all I’d need.
Join the cue
What a wretched woman. I am a single mom of two. I couldn’t imagine. And Adam letting 15 days go by and not seeing your child. It’s unimaginable. It’s sick and disgusting. Such a sweet innocent child that has been through so much already. Him moving back to Australia without all the answers? There is a special place in hell for the both of them. My kiddos are my world, the reason I take every breath that I do. Absolutely disgusting. He should have been punished for something. Than again I suppose his time will come.
Thank you for your compassion for the victims in your stories. This must be hard for you, so thank you for sharing these stories with us.
I am so, SO glad you finally covered this story. I live only a couple miles from where this happened. Watching all of this unfold in real time was horrifying and heartbreaking. That piece of garbage was a monster and a waste of space (still is). Zahra was a fighter. She was meant to be on this earth to make it a better place. And she did while she was here, and still does after her beautiful soul was taken from this world. The park they have in her memory makes hundreds of children happy a day. She definitely changed Hickory for the better. DSS/CPS are beyond capable now because of this case and a lot more children are saved and taken care of because of it.
R.I.P. beautiful angel ❤
Thanks again Danielle for the amazing work and brilliant video!
I was thinking of you just 20 minutes ago wondering how you were! Wonderful to see you, thank you for telling us the stories of the people who cannot speak for themselves any longer ❤
RIL Sweet beautiful Angel Zahra 🙏🕊 May the memory of your heroic and amazing accomplishments live on forever ❤
This woman reminds me of my mother so much. She’s also been married and divorced many many times, and she’s faked cancer and regularly other illnesses, including seizures. Also a drug addict. Also a terrible mother who absolutely HATED whenever I’d get any sort of attention bc it needs to be on her at all times.. so this case saddens me every time I hear it :( May Zara Rest In Peace.
ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 🎁🎁🎊🎊🎊.
Danielle you are so good at telling very hard stories. Well done and thank you for doing it.
I love your channel ! You tell these cases so well for the ones who can’t talk anymore..
I live in the same town where this happened. I used to take my boys to the memorial park when they were little. It devastated everyone here, but we rallied around each other. Thank you so much for covering Zahra’s case! ❤ RIP Zahra ❤️
Danielle, you told zaras story so beautifully and with such emotion. Rest in peace sweet girl xx
ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 🎁🎁🎊🎊🎊.
What a MONSTER! Princess took a plea deal to spare her own damn life. What an EVIL woman!
Zahara’s light shines through in every one of her photos. In spite of everything that happened in her life, her spirit was angelic. Zahara was a beautiful soul!
This happened about 15 minutes from my house at the time. It shook the whole community because of how senseless and brutal it was. Thank you for covering it with such tact and compassion ❤️
zara is only less than a year younger than me… she would be turning 25 this year. i’ve experienced the incompetence of CPS firsthand. rest in peace, zara. you were so so so strong, and you should still be here.
It’s so tragic how much this precious little girl was failed by almost everyone, and the people were trying to help her and making complaints to Dcf were ignored
You’re one of the best true crime tellers. You’re so sympathetic to the victims and tell things so detailed. I hope you take time for yourself and make sure your mental state is ok especially with these heavy cases we will all understand ❤️
I love how you have so much compassion while telling these tragic stories. Thank you for bringing some justice to this poor child who brutally lost her life.
First time watching, so glad I did. Your passion and emotion are palpable, and the respect and attention paid to the victim, Zahra, as the most important part of the video is amazing and not something I see regularly. Def subscribing. Thank you for quality content!
I absolutely love how you put your heart into these stories. It gives the victims another voice. I am comforted to know that Zarah is now in a place where children are cherished and loved. God bless Zarah.