Eight-year-old boy tells school counsellor that ‘Daddy killed Mummy'

Rebecca Hoover’s whereabouts were a mystery – but not to everyone

- GAIL SHORTLAND

In New Albany, Indiana, there was a missing mum and police were desperately trying to reunite her with her three children. Rebecca Hoover’s own mother hadn’t seen her in a few days and was growing increasingly concerned.

It was August 2020, and Rebecca, 38, was a devoted mum. It was extremely unlikely that she had left her children, but life had been extremely tough on her recently – perhaps she felt she had no choice but to flee from her volatile husband.

Rebecca’s marriage to Judson Hoover had reached a crisis point. Four months earlier, on April 17, the couple’s eight-year-old son had run to a neighbour for help after Judson attacked Rebecca. Judson was arrested for domestic abuse in the presence of a child and strangulation.

According to the police report, Rebecca had been trying to get Judson out of the house but he’d turned aggressive. He’d snatched her mobile off her, knocked her to the ground and kicked her in the head, face and neck more than 15 times. Judson had also pressed his foot against Rebecca’s neck.

The bravery of Rebecca’s young son in asking his neighbour to call 911 had stopped the fight escalating further. The arrest warrant stated that Rebecca had expressed fears for her safety. It added, “Rebecca also advised Judson used his feet to apply pressure to Rebecca’s neck and she could not breathe.”