# 10 Evil Stepmothers Who Aren’t From A Story Book

- Link: https://stayathomemum.com.au/news-opinion/true-crime/10-evil-stepmothers-who-arent-from-a-story-book/
- Published: 2019-02-19T06:00:03+11:00
- Author: Clare Whitfield

## _For years, books like Cinderella and Snow White have portrayed stepmothers as evil, jealous, and unhinged. _

> They marry into the family then suddenly, go from sweet and warm to wicked and
> malicious. Well, there are some real-life stepmothers who are much worse than 
> the ones you’ve read about in story books.
> The crimes they’ve committed against innocent children are unspeakable — heinous,
> violent and shocking. The details of these crimes involve torture, food deprivation,
> rape and more. The brutal acts of violence incurred was so bad, you can only label
> these stepmothers as pure evil.
> All charged, these women are now remanded in custody and paying the price for 
> the atrocities they committed.

## **1. 󠀁[The Murder of Adrian Jones, 7](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4531912/Adrian-Jones-stepmom-detailed-abuse-Facebook.html)󠁿**

 * Murdered by Stepmother Heather Jones
 * Victim:  7 year old Adrian Jones

[⌊10 evil stepmothers that arent from a story book | stay at home mum⌉⌊10 evil stepmothers
that arent from a story book | stay at home mum⌉[

Heather Jones was charged with first-degree murder and child abuse and participated
in the mistreatment and eventual death of seven-year-old Adrian Jones. Together,
Heather and her husband, Michael A. Jones inflicted horrific acts of torture against
little Adrian leaving headlines across the country which read, ‘Death of Unbearable
Suffering’.

Adrian died sometime between the 18th of September and the 4^(th) of October 2016.
In an unrelated crime, Michael Jones was being investigated for aggravated battery
and assault. Upon arriving at Michael’s 15-acre property, it was found that Adrian
hadn’t been seen at the residence for months.

As the police investigated the child’s whereabouts, they found countless videos 
and photographs of both Michael and Heather documenting their abuse against Adrian.
The little boy was starved of food, made to stand in the home’s dirty pool neck 
deep for hours on end, beaten and confined.

Adrian was eventually starved to death. Michael and Heather fed his body to their
pigs in an attempt to cover up the murder. The police investigators found the child’s
emaciated body in the barn, which ultimately led to the couple being charged. Heather
Jones is serving her life sentence in a Topeka prison in the US.

## **2. 󠀁[The Murder of Zahra Baker](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2039295/Zahra-Baker-case-Mother-Emily-Dietrich-confronts-Elisa-Baker-trial.html)󠁿**

 * Murdered by Stepmother, Elisa Baker
 * Victim: 10 year old Zahra Baker

[⌊Cruel stepmother elisa baker faces emotional conflict with her stepdaughter zahra Intense family dr⌉⌊Cruel stepmother elisa baker faces emotional conflict with her stepdaughter zahra Intense family dr⌉ ](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2039295/Zahra-Baker-case-Mother-Emily-Dietrich-confronts-Elisa-Baker-trial.html)

Elisa Baker was charged with second-degree murder and was a disgraceful and mentally
disturbed woman. Claims of Elisa being abusive both physically and psychologically,
as well as neglecting her stepdaughter, were all documented incidents with the Department
of Social Services.

Elisa killed her stepdaughter, Zahra Clare Baker in a horrendous act of dismemberment.
Zahra’s actual cause of death could not be determined due to the mutilated state
of her remains. Elisa used a chainsaw to cut up Zahra’s body and scattered her remains
through the rugged countryside where they lived. It was confirmed by finding a part
of Zahra’s vertebrae, that her spine had, in fact, been sawn off just below her 
head.

Little Zahra had already had a difficult life. She was diagnosed with bone cancer
in 2005. The disease had left Zahra with part of her lower leg amputated and hearing
aids in both ears. When she went into remission, her father moved the family to 
the United States where he married Elisa Baker. In this ‘Undetermined Violent Homicide’,
Elisa Baker was sentenced to 18 years in prison and a further 10 years on unrelated
drug charges.

## **3. 󠀁[Murder of Chase & Natalie Deblase (3 & 4)](http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2015/05/gruesome_discoveries_confronta.html)󠁿**

 * Murdered by Stepmother Heather Leavell-Keaton
 * Victim: 3 year old Chase and 4 year old Natalie Deblase

[⌊Evil stepmothers portrayed with stern expressions highlighting their harsh personalities⌉⌊Evil stepmothers portrayed with stern expressions highlighting their harsh personalities⌉ ](http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2015/05/gruesome_discoveries_confronta.html)

[via al.com](http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2015/05/gruesome_discoveries_confronta.html)

Heather Leavell-Keaton was sentenced to death after killing her husband’s three-
year-old son, Chase and four-year-old daughter Natalie Deblase. Heather Leavell-
Keaton was apparently jealous of Natalie, especially when friends and family referred
to the little girl as ‘Princess’. Heather’s resentment toward the girl was so intense
she duct-taped her; put her in a suitcase and left her in a cupboard for 12 hours.
It was in this tiny space the little girl choked to death.

Upon asking about his sister, Chase DeBlase was bound to a broom handle and left
in the corner of the couples’ bedroom overnight. During the night, little Chase 
also choked to death and Heather then disposed of his body the same way in which
she’d disposed of his sisters. The remains of the children were scattered throughout
the woods close to where they lived.

Heather Leavell-Keaton and husband, John DeBlase have since both been sentenced 
to death. It didn’t, however, stop Heather from requesting she be spared punishment.
Apparently, since the murders, the woman has become spiritual and believes a death
sentence, regardless of the crime should never be imposed. I beg to differ Heather.

## **4. Child Abuse of **

Abuser: Jessica Ann Cox

Victims: Her 14 and 16 year old step-sons

[⌊Evil stepmother with a stern expression blonde hair in a braid wearing a red top⌉⌊Evil stepmother with a stern expression blonde hair in a braid wearing a red top⌉ ](http://archive.knoxnews.com/news/crime-courts/stepmother-accused-of-torturing-stepsons-on-hunt-for-new-lawyer-after-sex-scandal-2c23d243-92c2-5f55-369478792.html)

Jessica Ann Cox tortured both her 14 and 16-year-old stepsons. These boys did manage
to escape but not before they suffered beatings with mallets and rolling pins. They
were burned with cigarettes and made to strip naked and forced into icy baths as
punishment. The abuse went on for five months before they managed to escape their
home of terror.

The boys’ father, Kenneth Michael McIntosh, an ex-police officer testified on behalf
of Jessica Cox. He stated the boys were trouble. He accused his own sons of sexually
abusing other boys and killing animals in an attempt at freeing Jessica from her
charges.

Justin McIntosh who was 14 at the time recounted various incidents of abuse and 
torture which has resulted in PTSD. Austin McIntosh, the older of the two boys, 
was impacted heavily by the abuse and was indicated as wearing the brunt of Jessica’s
violent mistreatment of the boys. Jessica Ann Cox was sentenced to 24 years prison.
She received 12 years for each of the boys she abused and isn’t eligible for parole.

## **5. 󠀁[Death of Mellisa Stoddard, 11](http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20140627/misty-stoddard-guilty-of-killing-stepdaughter-melissa)󠁿**

 * Murdered by Stepmother Misty Stoddard

 

Misty Stoddard was a  stepmother who killed her 11 year old autistic stepdaughter
Melissa Stoddard. Melissa was sent to live with her father in an attempt by her 
biological mother to protect her. Apparently, Melissa’s brother was sexually abusive
and had been molesting her. Melissa struggled with routine and only spoke in basic
sentences which prevented her from verbalising her abuse.

Misty Stoddard testified that Melissa became violent and tried restraining her on
a board. In doing so, Misty stuffed Melissa’s mouth with a sock and duct-taped her
mouth shut until she suffocated to death. In the court hearing, it was alleged that
the board was in fact used for sexual bondage role play.

Misty was charged with aggravated child abuse and first-degree murder, to which 
she received a life sentence plus 30 years for the crime she committed. Melissa’s
father, Kenneth Stoddard was also charged with manslaughter, aggravated battery 
and tampering with evidence. They are both currently serving their sentences in 
Florida, USA.

## **6. 󠀁[Tracey Wright](http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/tracey-wright-stepmother-of-lauren-wright-arriving-at-news-photo/830699636#tracey-wright-stepmother-of-lauren-wright-arriving-at-norwich-crown-picture-id830699636)󠁿**

Victim: 6 year old Lauren Wright

Tracey Wright is serving a 15-year jail term for abusing and murdering her six-year-
old stepdaughter, Lauren. In this terrible act of violence, it was proved the Department
of Social Services failed this little girl. Social Services, although aware of the
abuse committed against Lauren, left her with her stepmother Tracey who continued
vicious mistreatment until her death on May 6, 2000.

At three, Lauren’s biological mother had left her in Turkey while holidaying. It
was left up to the British Consulate to organise her return home, upon which she
was listed on the Child Protection Register. When Lauren eventually went to live
with her father, it was clear her fate was sealed.

Tracey Wright left Lauren in such a state, her injuries were compared to that of
a motor vehicle accident victim. The little girl was malnourished and constantly
beaten. What eventually led to Lauren’s death was brutal punches and/or kicks to
her stomach which left her digestive system collapsed. In her final hours, it was
likely Lauren was dehydrated, vomiting and in severe pain.

## **7. 󠀁[Anna Ritchie](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ohio-stepmother-anna-ritchie-charged-in-4-year-old-austin-coopers-death/)󠁿**

Victim: 4 year old Austin Ritchie

[⌊Woman with serious expression standing against height measurement wall⌉⌊Woman with serious expression standing against height measurement wall⌉ ](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ohio-stepmother-anna-ritchie-charged-in-4-year-old-austin-coopers-death/)

Anna Ritchie is honestly something else. When I read about this woman, I was angry,
heartbroken and teary. Anna has been sentenced to 18 years to life imprisonment 
for the murder of her four-year-old stepson Austin. This woman resented her position
as the child’s primary caregiver and in turn, treated the child with absolute contempt.

In what was described as an ‘incomprehensible’ crime, Tracey Wright submerged little
Austin’s body in scalding hot bath water. At 134 degrees, the little boy was held
in the bath for 20 to 25 minutes. Upon removing the child from the tub, she apparently
observed the skin fall from his legs and floating in the water and his little feet
bleeding.

If this evil woman had taken Austin to the hospital immediately following the ordeal,
he’d have had a 95% rate of survival. Instead, Anna put him to bed where he died
of hypovolemic shock — basically put — a loss of blood and fluid from his tiny toddler
body.

Austin Cooper Ritchie’s father called 911 the next morning to which paramedics responded
finding the boy’s lifeless and badly burnt body. Robert Ritchie told the operator
that the boy had gotten into a hot bath with his wife last night, but she thought
he’d be fine. The sentencing was a result of Anna being charged with two counts 
of murder, felonious assault, involuntary manslaughter and two counts of endangering
children.

## **8. 󠀁[Murder of Lily Furneaux-Wolfenbarger, 2](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2107704/Renee-King-guilty-murdering-raping-stepdaughter-soiled-pants.html)󠁿**

 * Victim: 2 year old Lily Lynette Furneaux-Wolfenbarger
 * Murdered by her Stepmother, Renee Marie King
 * Date of Murder: 20th November 2010
 * Sentence: Life in prison without parole

![Image result for lily furneaux-wolfenbarger](https://i0.wp.com/www.babble.com/
wp-content/uploads/2015/04/lauren-2_updated.jpg?resize=748%2C785&quality=89&ssl=
1)

#### _Lily Furneaux-Wolfenbarger with her mother Lauren Furneaux_

Renee King is another stepmother who never deserved such a privilege. Her two-year-
old stepdaughter, Lily Furneaux-Wolfenbarger was left in her care at their trailer
park home. The reason for Renee murdering the little girl was because she’d apparently
thrown a tantrum and soiled her pants.

Renee King had abused the Lily so violently that it was revealed the injuries to
Lily’s head were consistent with having her head slammed into a door repeatedly.
Renee had also raped the two-year-old with an unknown object leaving her genitals
in a terribly mutilated state, with her autopsy revealing vaginal damage comparatible
with a woman who had recently given birth.

Renee King murdered Lily Furneaux-Wolfenbarger on the 20th of November 2010. She
was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Renee’s charges were murder, criminal
sexual conduct and child abuse.

## **9. 󠀁[Jessica Mae Hardin](http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/stepmother-pleads-guilty-running-death-alabama-girl-article-1.2661050)󠁿**

[⌊Woman in orange and white striped prison uniform with handcuffs⌉⌊Woman in orange and white striped prison uniform with handcuffs⌉ ](http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/stepmother-pleads-guilty-running-death-alabama-girl-article-1.2661050)

[via nydailynews.com](http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/stepmother-pleads-guilty-running-death-alabama-girl-article-1.2661050)

Jessica Mae Hardin was charged with aggravated child abuse resulting from the death
of her nine-year-old stepdaughter, Savannah Hardin. Jessica Mae used the excuse 
in court she was afraid of her mother in-law. Jessica said her mother in-law made
her fear for her own life and in turn, it ended the life of Savannah.

Apparently, a punishment being enforced by Savannah’s grandmother is what caused
her death. Savannah was made to run around the family’s backyard for a period of
three hours for having lied about eating candy bars. When Savannah collapsed on 
the ground seizing and vomiting, she was admitted to hospital. Days later, the little
girl died of extreme physical exertion.

Although Jessica Mae Hardin didn’t directly murder her stepdaughter, she failed 
to intervene. Being responsible for Savannah’s well-being, she was a party to the
abuse and enabled it leading to the child’s death. Savannah’s grandmother, Joyce
Hardin Garrard, is serving a life sentence for the death. Jessica Mae Hardin is 
right beside her, serving a 20-year jail sentence for doing absolutely nothing to
help save the girl.

## **10. 󠀁[Lisamarie Villasana](http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-stepmother-charged-in-girls-beating-death-20150509-story.html)󠁿**

[⌊Stay at home mum⌉⌊Stay at home mum⌉[

[via chicagotribune.com](http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-stepmother-charged-in-girls-beating-death-20150509-story.html)

Lisamarie Villasana was a violent woman who beat her five-year-old stepdaughter 
to death on May 7, 2015. Little Verna Tobicoe suffered serious injuries resulting
from multiple blunt force impacts. Some of the injuries were a lacerated liver and
intestines, burns, bites and a large skull fracture running the length of the back
of the child’s head.

Lisamarie tried to cover up her crime by telling investigators the little girl slipped
on Gatorade and hit the back of her head. She went on to add that during the fall,
the child had soiled herself and had to be put in a bath. Lisamarie apparently heard
a thump, went in to check the child finding her face up, eyes open and submerged
in the water. Verna was unresponsive. Lisamarie Villasana was eventually charged
with first-degree murder for savagely beating the little girl causing death.

After reading about the terrible crimes committed by stepmothers around the world,
you can understand why storybooks portray them as evil. We know not all of them 
are like this; but these 10 women are the epitome of sickening. The acts of violence
they inflicted are so heinous and shocking it makes you question your faith in humanity.
It seems Cinderella didn’t have it so bad after all.

## _Aren’t they the most wicked of all?_

[⌊Close up of a womans intense eyes symbolising the evil stepmother theme⌉⌊Close up of a womans intense eyes symbolising the evil stepmother theme⌉ ](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/10-Evil-Stepmothers-Who-Arent-From-A-Story-Book.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)

![author avatar](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/
12/clare_whitfield_profile.webp?quality=80&ssl=1)

 Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

 Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical
home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney,
she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school 
age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience
in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

 [See Full Bio](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/) [  ](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/)