Thank you for your patience while I navigated some unexpected travel challenges—this has been a long-awaited episode, and I'm so grateful to finally share it with you.

In this episode of Deadly Devotion, we examine the heartbreaking case of Cherica Adams, a young mother-to-be whose life was forever changed by jealousy, control, and violence. What should have been a joyful new chapter became a tragedy that shocked the world and left an innocent child fighting for survival.

Together, we'll explore the events leading up to Cherica's murder, the warning signs that often go unnoticed, and the lasting impact her story continues to have today. As always, our goal is not to sensationalize tragedy, but to honor victims, raise awareness, and learn from the patterns that can turn devotion into something deadly.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following, rating, and reviewing Deadly Devotion. Your support helps us continue sharing these important stories and keeping victims' memories alive.

Sources & Further Reading

Charlotte Observer – "Murder, Miracles and Rae Carruth: 25 Years Later" (2024)
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article295035034.html

Charlotte Observer – "Rae Carruth Case: Timeline of One of Charlotte's Most Notorious Murders" (2024)
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article295297719.html

ABC News – "Gunman Describes Cherica Adams' Killing"
https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=100048&page=1

ESPN – "Carruth Guilty of Conspiracy, Lesser Charges"
https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs00/news/2001/0119/1026558.html

Charlotte Magazine – "Cherica Adams Is Murdered"
https://www.charlottemagazine.com/cherica-adams-is-murdered/

For a more in-depth examination of the case and its lasting impact, listeners may also wish to explore The Charlotte Observer's award-winning "Carruth" podcast series.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence, homicide, and violence against a pregnant woman. Listener discretion is advised.

Faith Hedgepeth was just 22 years old when her life was brutally cut short in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

A proud member of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe, Faith was a college student with dreams, close friendships, and a future full of possibilities. But after a night out with friends in September 2012, she was found murdered in her apartment, leaving investigators, her family, and the public searching for answers.

For nearly nine years, the case remained unsolved. A mysterious voicemail, conflicting timelines, public speculation, and countless theories kept Faith's name in the headlines. Yet behind the mystery was a grieving family determined to ensure their daughter would never be forgotten.

In this episode of Deadly Devotion, we explore Faith's life, the investigation that captivated the nation, the DNA breakthrough that finally led to an arrest, and the legacy her family built in her honor. We also discuss the broader issue of violence against Indigenous women and why so many families continue fighting for visibility, justice, and answers.

This episode contains discussions of violence, homicide, and sexual assault that may be disturbing to some listeners.

Resources:

National Indigenous Women's Resource Center
https://www.niwrc.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline
https://www.thehotline.org
Call or Text: 800-799-7233

StrongHearts Native Helpline
https://strongheartshelpline.org
Call or Text: 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483)

Sources for this Episode:

• Justice for Faith Official Website — Faith’s family website dedicated to preserving her memory and sharing updates on the case.
• Killing of Faith Hedgepeth Overview — Timeline, investigation details, DNA evidence, arrest information, and court developments.
• ABC11 Coverage of the Arrest and Family Reactions — Interviews with family members, tribal leaders, scholarship recipients, and discussion of Faith's legacy.
• The Daily Tar Heel Coverage Archive — Local reporting and timeline coverage surrounding the case.
• 💙 Faith's Smile Memorial Scholarship
  Faith's Smile Scholarship Information
  Created in honor of Faith Danielle Hedgepeth, this scholarship supports Native American young women pursuing higher education.
• 💙 Justice for Faith
  Justice for Faith Memorial Website
  A website created by Faith's family to preserve her memory, share updates, and continue advocating for justice.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review Deadly Devotion. Your support helps us continue honoring victims, raising awareness, and telling stories that deserve to be remembered.

On this episode of Deadly Devotion, we explore the heartbreaking story of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez — the beloved Queen of Tejano music whose talent, warmth, creativity, and infectious spirit changed music forever.

Long before her life was tragically cut short, Selena was more than a rising star. She was a daughter, a wife, a sister, a designer, and a young woman with enormous dreams and a deep love for her fans. Her charisma lit up every room she entered, and her music continues to connect generations decades later.

In this episode, we look beyond the headlines to explore Selena’s rise to fame, her close-knit family, the pressure of success, and the complicated relationship that would ultimately lead to tragedy. We also examine the warning signs, blurred boundaries, emotional dependence, and misplaced trust that quietly unfolded behind the scenes.

This is not just a story about celebrity. It’s a story about loyalty, admiration, obsession, and the devastating consequences that can happen when trust falls into the wrong hands.

Join me as we honor Selena’s life and legacy with compassion while unpacking one of the most shocking tragedies in music history.

Sources & Resources:

• Selena Official Website
https://selenaqofficial.com

• Biography.com – Selena Quintanilla Biography
https://www.biography.com/musicians/selena-quintanilla

• Texas Monthly – Selena’s Legacy & Story
https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/selena-texas-legacy/

• Corpus Christi Caller-Times
https://www.caller.com

• IMDb – Selena (1997 Film)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120094/

• Netflix – Selena: The Series
https://www.netflix.com/title/81022733

• Grammy – Selena Artist Profile
https://www.grammy.com/artists/selena/6499