The Child Who Was Torched

What happens when a mother's quest for a fresh start leads her down a path of destruction? Stella's story is a chilling reminder of how poor choices and dangerous associations can unravel lives. Moving from California to Oregon in search of a new beginning, Stella becomes entangled with Jesse Compton—a man with an abusive past, forbidden by law from seeing his own daughter. Their tumultuous relationship, fueled by methamphetamine and chaos, ultimately results in the tragic death of Stella’s own child, Teslin. This episode peels back the layers of a heartbreaking narrative, exploring the deeper impact of Stella’s turbulent upbringing, her father's suicide, and her struggle with maturity and substance abuse.
Listeners are drawn into a haunting tale of vulnerability and misguided desires, as we recount Stella's deteriorating journey from a struggling mother to a participant in unimaginable neglect. Witness the unsettling events that unfolded during her visit back to California and the ominous choices made upon her return to Oregon. This gripping episode underscores the vital importance of awareness and intervention in cases of child abuse and domestic violence, shedding light on the devastating consequences when help arrives too late. Join us for an intense exploration of human fallibility and the ultimate betrayal of trust.