Stevie Bellush is a woman who has faced unimaginable challenges in her life. She is the daughter of Sheila Bellush, who was brutally murdered by a hitman hired by her ex-husband, Allen Blackthorne, in 1997. Stevie was only 13 years old when she found her mother’s body in their Sarasota home, along with her four quadruplet siblings who were covered in blood. The horrific crime shocked the nation and became the subject of several books and documentaries.
How Stevie Bellush Survived the Loss of Her Mother
Stevie Bellush was one of the two daughters that Sheila had with Blackthorne, who was a wealthy and abusive businessman. Their divorce was bitter and contentious, with Blackthorne stalking and harassing Sheila for years. He eventually enlisted the help of a golfing buddy, Daniel Rocha, who hired his cousin, Jose Del Toro, to kill Sheila. Del Toro shot Sheila in the face and slit her throat, leaving her to die in front of her quadruplets.
Stevie Bellush was the first to discover the gruesome scene when she came home from school. She called 911 and tried to comfort her siblings until the police arrived. She later testified against Del Toro, who was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. Rocha and Blackthorne were also found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and received life sentences.
Stevie Bellush and her sister, Daryl, were taken in by their aunt, Kerry Walsh, who raised them along with the quadruplets. Stevie Bellush struggled with the trauma of losing her mother and witnessing the violence. She suffered from nightmares, anxiety, and depression. She also had to deal with the media attention and the public scrutiny that came with the high-profile case.
Stevie Bellush credits her family, friends, and therapy for helping her cope and heal. She also found solace in music, art, and writing. She graduated from high school and college, and pursued a career in graphic design. She married Joe Bellush, a musician and producer, and moved to Portland, Oregon. She changed her name to Stevie Leigh Bellush to honor her mother’s maiden name.
How Stevie Bellush Became an Advocate for Domestic Violence Victims
Stevie Bellush has not let her past define her. She has used her voice and her story to raise awareness and support for victims of domestic violence. She has spoken at various events and platforms, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the Women’s Foundation of Oregon, and the Oprah Winfrey Show. She has also written a memoir, titled “Every Breath You Take”, which chronicles her journey of survival and resilience.
Stevie Bellush hopes that by sharing her experience, she can inspire and empower others who are going through similar situations. She wants to honor her mother’s legacy and prevent other families from suffering the same fate. She believes that domestic violence is a serious and pervasive issue that needs to be addressed and prevented.
Stevie Bellush is a remarkable woman who has overcome tragedy and turned it into a force for good. She is a testament to the strength and courage of the human spirit. She is a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, and an advocate. She is Stevie Bellush.