Under My Roof: A Mother's Story of the Heinous Crime of Incest

Mary Jean Pearle and John Battaglia's marriage seemed picture perfect from the outside. With their two young daughters, Faith and Liberty, they made their home in a wealthy Dallas suburb. John was handsome, charming, and successful--but behind his mask of normality lay a vicious, violent abuser who'd brutally beaten his first wife--and who made Mary Jean the new target of his irrational rages. After nine hellish years, she divorced Battaglia.

On Christmas Day, 1999, during a court-ordered family visit, he attacked her in front of their daughters. For the next two years, he threatened, harassed and stalked her. Mary Jean feared for her life, but not for the lives of the children, with whom Battaglia was never anything less than caring, loving, and gentle.

But in spring, 2001, when Faith and Liberty were visiting their father, Mary Jean received a message to call her daughters. Helpless, horrified, she heard her older daughter's pleading cries. Then came the sound of gunshots--followed by silence. What evil impulses had driven a seemingly devoted father the ultimate act of violence and betrayal. . .and how would justice be served?

A shocking true story of domestic violence, physical and sexual child abuse, and a mother's fatal journey with a very evil man.

PHOTOS INCLUDED

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5 Stars! "This book evoked so much emotion from me... Book voyeurs who are able to tackle tough subject matter will love this tale." --Kim Cantrell, TCBR

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This book is the first to explore the mysterious death of Janyce "Janny" Hansen, a former top model from Denver, Colorado. She, along with her husband and children, live in an upscale home in the suburbs. The community sees an affluent, glamorous family. The reality is far different. An abused wife who can't let go. A husband who beats and sexually assaults his adopted children--while running gambling and prostitution businesses from their home.

In the early morning hours of September 21, 1984, Janny's husband returns home to discover her lifeless body in his Mercedes convertible parked in the garage--or so he says. Her family is led to believe she committed suicide.

Now, 25 years later, her son and daughter set out to prove she was killed by her husband, a successful real estate developer rumored to have strong ties to city officials and underworld crime.

Many believe the investigation into Janny's death was a cover-up--starting with the coroner's office--and her husband got away with murder. As their own investigation continues, they are led to believe their suspicions are true. Especially, since evidence increases almost daily and points to only one killer.

EXCERPTS FROM
TRUE CRIME BOOK REVIEWS by Kim Cantrell
December 16, 2011

"The Hansens appeared to be a glamorous family blessed with success. But behind the closed doors was a story of drugs, orgies, physical and sexual assault, and constant fear."
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"This book evoked so much emotion from me -"

"In her new book author Sherrie Lueder recounts the life of Richard and Jaynce Hansen, as told to her by two of Janyce’s children and Court documents. “He Killed Our Janny” doesn’t read so much like a book, per se, but more like written account of a friend’s story. It was a pleasant change from the textbook-style of many of today’s writers. When I was reading, I didn’t want to stop; when I had to put it down, I couldn’t wait to get back to reading. I wanted to know the ending."

... "I give honest reviews and anyone who can’t stomach such scenarios needs to be forewarned."

"But as I said earlier, it’s an interesting read and feels more like a friend telling a story than a book. Book voyeurs who are able to tackle tough subject matter will love “He Killed Our Janny” by Sherrie Lueder."

Kim Cantrell
TRUE CRIME BOOK REVIEWS

"It's my 40th birthday today and I'm trying to smile, but as I look in the mirror all I can see is an empty shell, someone waiting to die... You could never tell that anything was wrong with me by just looking at me, as I dress clean and I keep myself tidy, and I have a smile on my face that hides my emotions and over the years I've become an expert at hiding behind it" This is the shocking true story of an innocent girl abused by the very people who said they would take good care of her. Lilly's family began the path to her destruction - they used and abused her - but they never ever wanted or loved her. The little girl was sexually physically and emotionally abused by many people around her who were able to hide behind the security of Ireland's Catholic Church-run institutions. She also suffered at the hands of other people around them who they called their friends. You only get one chance to live your life as a child, but Lilly was never given that chance - her childhood was taken from her before it ever begun. From the age of four, when she was first sexually abused, her life changed forever; when she walked through the institution's doors in Ireland, her life continued along the same path that has destroyed her soul. Her emotional pain is as strong today as it was the day it began and will never leave her alone. "When I go to sleep it's in my head and when I wake up I can see it in the mirror and I am only waiting to die." A child abuse story that will stay with you forever and one that you will talk about for many years to come, The Girl Nobody Wants is a harrowing true story that will appeal to fans of biographies.