Search for Missing Mom Ends After Son's Shocking Admission to School Counselor

The tragic disappearance of 38-year-old Rebecca Ruth Hoover took a devastating turn when her 8-year-old son revealed to a school counselor that he had witnessed his father kill his mother. This chilling confession led to the arrest and eventual guilty plea of 50-year-old Judson Keith Hoover, Rebecca's husband.

Rebecca was last seen on August 2, 2020, and her husband filed for divorce the following day. However, authorities later confirmed that Rebecca was already dead at the time. The case gained momentum when Rebecca's mother reported her missing on August 4. Investigators initially found no leads, but on August 27, new evidence pointed to foul play.

The breakthrough came after the boy’s testimony revealed horrifying details. According to the probable cause affidavit, the child described seeing his father stomp on Rebecca's head 20 times and punch her in the stomach while she lay unresponsive in their basement. Blood spatter was later discovered at the crime scene.

Judson admitted to strangling Rebecca and initially leaving her body in the basement. However, the medical examiner confirmed she died from blunt force trauma to the head and torso, aligning with the child’s account. Surveillance footage revealed Judson moving a large container believed to contain Rebecca’s body between storage units, where her remains were eventually recovered.

In court, Judson pleaded guilty to spare his son from testifying. The case highlights the horrifying domestic violence Rebecca endured and the bravery of her young son, whose testimony was instrumental in uncovering the truth.