Episode 9: Selena Roth: The Advocate

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The youngest of nine, Selena was a force of nature—a talented violinist, star athlete, and dedicated military intelligence analyst.

But behind her achievements lay a dark secret: a troubled marriage marked by manipulation and control. Just weeks after advocating for victims of domestic violence, Selena became a victim herself.

This disturbing look at domestic violence in the military makes you think: How did a woman so full of life fall prey to such a tragic fate?

This episode paints a full picture of Selena—not just as a victim, but as a cherished sister, friend, and mother whose life was tragically cut short.

What You’ll Learn:

• Who is Selena Roth?
• Selena's military career and family.
• Her relationship with Raul Hernandez Perez.
• Why coercive control is the top predictor of an abuser killing their victim.
• Patterns leading up to Selena’s death.
• The aftermath and advocacy.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “If you're looking for signs of abuse in a marriage, very often the abuser is so talented at hiding their instability and abusive side that you have to look more at the spouse to see changes in them.” - Tressa Brady
  
  
• “Statistically, physical violence is not the top predictor of whether or not an abuser will kill their victim, but rather, being coercively controlling is the top predictor.” - Tressa Brady
  
  
• "When you’re dealing with the repercussions of any disagreements with an abuser, you bend and compromise yourself to keep them from getting angry.” Tressa Brady
  
  

Resources

Podcast: “True Crime Date Night”

• Hosted by: Married couple KC Witzens (audio engineer) and wife Nicole Friday (True Crime Expert).
• Guest Expert: Erin Roth (Selena’s older sister)

Facebook Memorial Page:

• Remembering Selena Roth
• Raul Hernandez-Perez Court Martial

Media Article:

• Hawaii-based soldier gets 62 years in prison for bludgeoning wife to death | Stars and Stripes by WYATT OLSON STARS AND STRIPES • September 15, 2021

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