Shivangi Sinha
In 1991, Wanda Holloway made headlines when she was convicted of soliciting the capital murder of another woman. Her shocking motive? To eliminate the mother of her daughter’s cheerleading rival in an attempt to secure her own daughter’s spot on the team. The bizarre and almost unbelievable case captured national attention, and Wanda was ultimately found guilty. Prime Video’s ‘The Texas Cheerleader Murder Plot’ delves deep into the case, exploring the series of events that led to her drastic and infamous decision.
Wanda Holloway Lived Her Dreams of Becoming a Cheerleader Through Her Daughter
Wanda Webb Holloway was born in 1954 and experienced a typical upbringing. Her father worked as a tester at a concrete plant, while her mother was employed as a high school cafeteria worker. Although the family’s resources were modest, they managed to make ends meet. Those who knew Wanda during her early years often remarked on her desire for attention. She relished being in the spotlight and was acutely aware of how others perceived her. Wanda herself aspired to become a cheerleader, but her parents were not supportive of the idea, which left her unfulfilled with that ambition.
Wanda’s mother was deeply religious and disapproved of the outfits worn by cheerleaders, deeming them inappropriate. As a result, Wanda decided to pursue a business degree instead. However, her plans took a different direction when she met Tony Harper. The two married in 1972, and the following year, Wanda gave birth to their son, Shane. Their family grew in 1977 with the arrival of their daughter, Shanna, creating a small and happy household. For a time, everything seemed to go well, but in 1980, the couple’s marriage came to an end, and they divorced.
As Shanna grew older and joined the cheerleading team, Wanda saw it as an opportunity to relive the dream she had never fulfilled. She became deeply invested in her daughter’s activities, particularly in cheerleading, and lived vicariously through her. In 1989, when Shanna was in seventh grade, she tried out for the cheerleading team at Channelview Junior High School in Texas. Although she made the team that year, she failed to secure a spot the following year. By 1991, Shanna was losing interest in cheerleading, but Wanda was determined that this would be the year her daughter succeeded. Encouraging her to prepare for tryouts, Wanda secretly devised a different plan to ensure her daughter’s success.
Wanda Holloway’s Ex-Brother-in-law Provided Evidence Against Her
Wanda Holloway contacted her former brother-in-law, Terry Harper, who had a minor criminal history, including a DUI and a few petty misdemeanors, but no record of violent offenses. She approached him with a shocking request—to kill Verna Heath, the mother of Shanna’s cheerleading rival, Amber Heath. Rather than agreeing, Terry immediately informed the police. The authorities instructed him to wear a recording device to gather evidence against Wanda. Following their plan, Terry met with Wanda and discussed the terms, pretending to agree to her proposal. He quoted $2,500 to kill Verna alone and $7,500 to eliminate both Verna and Amber Heath.
Wanda clarified to Terry that her primary goal was to eliminate Verna Heath, believing Amber would be too emotionally devastated to continue cheerleading, thereby securing a spot for Shanna on the team. Terry handed over the recorded evidence to the police, which they deemed sufficient to press charges. On January 30, 1991, Wanda was arrested and charged with solicitation of capital murder. Her trial began in June 1991. Wanda’s defense team argued that the entire situation was a scheme concocted by her ex-husband and Terry Harper. They claimed her ex-husband held a grudge against her following their 1980 divorce, during which Wanda had been awarded custody of their children.
Wanda Holloway is Leading a Quiet Life Surrounded by Family Today
Wanda Holloway was initially found guilty of solicitation of capital murder and sentenced to 15 years in prison. However, the case was declared a mistrial when it was discovered that one of the jurors was on probation for a drug-related felony and was ineligible to serve. During her second trial in 1996, Wanda entered a plea of no contest to the charges. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined $10,000. Despite her sentence, she was released on probation after serving only six months, gaining her freedom on March 1, 1997.
In a 2012 interview, Shanna revealed that her mother, Wanda, has remained close to the family and spends time with her grandchildren. A resident of Houston, Texas, the daughter shared that Wanda often travels to visit them. However, Shanna admitted that her relationship with her mother had been strained since the incident, and they were not particularly close. Wanda appears to have stepped away from the public eye and is leading a quiet, private life.
Read More: Amber and Verna Heath: Where are Wanda Holloway’s Victims Now?
