Teen Speaks Out in Shocking Murder Doc After Mum Killed by Stepdad
Teen Witnessed Horrific Murder
At just 14, Georgia Hooper saw her mother, Cheryl Gabriel-Hooper, gunned down outside their Newport home in Shropshire. Cheryl, 51, was shot dead in January 2018 by her estranged husband and stepdad, Andrew Hooper.
Life Sentence for Stepdad After Suicide Attempt
Andrew Hooper tried to take his own life after the murder but survived. He was jailed for life and told he must serve at least 31 years behind bars. The farmer’s reign of terror didn’t start there—he had a history of domestic abuse and threats stretching back years.
Daughter Turns Tragedy Into Campaign
Georgia, now 19, has thrown herself into raising awareness about domestic abuse. She helped create the ITVX documentary A Murder in the 1 which reveals chilling details of her mother’s death and the harrowing lead-up. She believes a national domestic abuse registry could have saved her mum’s life.
“Perpetrators are very good at manipulating people and situations to make it appear as if nothing is going on,” Georgia said.
She also speaks at conferences, pushing for better training to spot and support abuse victims.
Warning Signs Ignored – A Call for Change
- Before meeting Cheryl, Hooper had convictions for domestic abuse.
- He installed a tracker on Cheryl’s car to follow her after she left him.
- In 2004, Hooper was sentenced to probation after threatening his first wife’s life.
Georgia insists this tragic story should be a wake-up call to introduce a domestic abuser registry to protect more families.
“People have told me that I gave them the courage to end a relationship. That is what motivates me,” she said.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, help is at hand. Women’s Aid offers a free support line at 01708 765200.
