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Scared Silent: The Mildred Muhammad Story
In this riveting memoir, Mildred Muhammad, the former wife of convicted "D.C. Sniper" John Muhammad, breaks her silence about the domestic violence she suffered during their marriage and the tragic events that occurred after their divorce, which led up to the October 2002 sniper killings in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Mildred witnessed firsthand John's bizarre behavior after he returned from the Gulf War, but no one -- including her family, friends, and local police -- took her warnings seriously. Even when John kidnapped their three children for eighteen months, changed their identities and lived with them on the run in Antigua, or when he threatened to kill Mildred, her pleas for help went unfounded and she was forced to live undercover for eight months in a women's shelter. Everyone knew John as a charming and intelligent man. No one could fathom that he posed a serious threat to Mildred, let alone the ten innocent victims he and his seventeen-year-old accomplice Lee Boyd Malvo would later kill to carry out John's heinous plot to get custody of his and Mildred's children... permanently.
What began as a domestic case eventually victimized millions. And it has taken years for Mildred and her children to heal from the fear and psychological trauma they endured.
In Scared Silent, Mildred shares her personal story to show how domestic violence devastates entire families, including the children, and hopes that what she reveals will give new insight on this national social ill.
Mildred witnessed firsthand John's bizarre behavior after he returned from the Gulf War, but no one -- including her family, friends, and local police -- took her warnings seriously. Even when John kidnapped their three children for eighteen months, changed their identities and lived with them on the run in Antigua, or when he threatened to kill Mildred, her pleas for help went unfounded and she was forced to live undercover for eight months in a women's shelter. Everyone knew John as a charming and intelligent man. No one could fathom that he posed a serious threat to Mildred, let alone the ten innocent victims he and his seventeen-year-old accomplice Lee Boyd Malvo would later kill to carry out John's heinous plot to get custody of his and Mildred's children... permanently.
What began as a domestic case eventually victimized millions. And it has taken years for Mildred and her children to heal from the fear and psychological trauma they endured.
In Scared Silent, Mildred shares her personal story to show how domestic violence devastates entire families, including the children, and hopes that what she reveals will give new insight on this national social ill.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published October 9, 2009
15 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
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January 23, 2011I first have to say Wow! This was a very good read. Some of John's behavior reminded me of my psycho ex. I kept trying to figure what exactly was wrong with him. Did it happen in the war like Mildred seems to think or was he already a little touched and just a really good manipulator and actor. He was very good. My ex had those charming and convincing qualities all the while manipulating you and turning things to his advantage. I still don't know what made him turn on Mildred like that? To make him want to kill her. I know she went through torture when he took those kids. I cannot imagine being away from mine for a day. She is a strong and courageous woman. When the chips were down and her back was against the wall. She kept her mind focused on what she needed to do. I do believe so much of it was her relationship with God. I am not Muslim but her faith was strong and God came through.
March 7, 2024
Non-fiction. Gave this 3.5 stars.
Mildred was married x 12 years, unknowingly to the
eventual DC Sniper. She demonstrated her strong faith
in Islam. She became reacquainted w/ her 3 kids after her
estranged spouse John Williams Muhammad kidnapped
them. She seemed to have the same convo over and over
with son John Jr. after his father taught him to be dis-
respectful to women & to show his rebellious side.
Mildred & John met in 1983. He dated her before inform-
ing her he was already married. Some of his other lies
might have served as 'red-flags?' He shared that although
he was a high school grad, he was illiterate. She offered to
tutor him as friends only. She described how he turned on
the charm.
Several years later they wed. Mildred saw her role as a
a submissive wife and John would 'call the shots.'
The Army stationed him & Mildred, in Germany, he as
a combat engineer, in explosives. They discovered
the Nation of Islam after watching a borrowed video-
tape. Mildred surmised she genuinely followed Islam,
whereas John wanted to use Islam mostly to further
control her. (He told friends at their mosque lies
about Mildred.) John's highest Army rank was Sgt.
John recounted 2 incidents in the Army after returning
from Desert Storm. John was 1 of 16 men sleeping
in a tent. Either John discovered a live grenade in
his sleeping bag or allegedly John threw a live
grenade in the tent & walked away? Later a higher
ranking officer accused John of threatening to kill
the officer & his family. A court-martial determined
John not guilty & a couple yrs later he received an
honorable discharge.
Milderd reported John manipulated her and others.
And brain-washed people to do his bidding. He
questioned her skills as a wife, mother and worker.
He tried to break her spirit. He undermined her w/
their children. He took off-she did not know where
he was. He had other women. Mildred added John
did not think he had to conform to behavioral norms
or rules.
They informally separated in 1999. One day he kidnapped
their 3 kids. And Mildred saw them again 18 mos. later,
after legal intervention. The police dropped the ball. They
promised to add the kids to the NCMEC national database,
but did not. Was this their indifferent attitude in finding
3 black children? John told Mildred multiple times that
he'd kill her. Mildred voiced law enforcement, @ various
levels did not take this threat against her seriously. John
mentally terrorized her, in person & later by use of the
phone, stalking etc. He became irate when he lost custody
of the kids.
John and teen Lee Malvo "The DC Snipers" randomly
shot and killed people in DC, Virginia and Maryland.
etc. Mildred moved from Washington State to Maryland,
to be w/ family. John's intent was to shoot Mildred dead,
and make it look like just another random shooting. He
would then have his kids again. But the police discovered
John before he carried this out.
Some in the public blamed Mildred for her ex-spouse's
killing spree, when John appeared to be mentally unstable.
Mildred voiced "But victimization is more than physical
scars. Only 20% of domestic violence (DV) is physical,
80% is verbal, emotional, spiritual, mental, stalking &
economic (85% mark)." She became a national spokes-
woman on preventing DV & having a safety plan as
related to DV. She created a non-profit After the Trauma.
She found 'her voice' and made it her life's mission to
help others.
Revised 09/20/22.
Mildred was married x 12 years, unknowingly to the
eventual DC Sniper. She demonstrated her strong faith
in Islam. She became reacquainted w/ her 3 kids after her
estranged spouse John Williams Muhammad kidnapped
them. She seemed to have the same convo over and over
with son John Jr. after his father taught him to be dis-
respectful to women & to show his rebellious side.
Mildred & John met in 1983. He dated her before inform-
ing her he was already married. Some of his other lies
might have served as 'red-flags?' He shared that although
he was a high school grad, he was illiterate. She offered to
tutor him as friends only. She described how he turned on
the charm.
Several years later they wed. Mildred saw her role as a
a submissive wife and John would 'call the shots.'
The Army stationed him & Mildred, in Germany, he as
a combat engineer, in explosives. They discovered
the Nation of Islam after watching a borrowed video-
tape. Mildred surmised she genuinely followed Islam,
whereas John wanted to use Islam mostly to further
control her. (He told friends at their mosque lies
about Mildred.) John's highest Army rank was Sgt.
John recounted 2 incidents in the Army after returning
from Desert Storm. John was 1 of 16 men sleeping
in a tent. Either John discovered a live grenade in
his sleeping bag or allegedly John threw a live
grenade in the tent & walked away? Later a higher
ranking officer accused John of threatening to kill
the officer & his family. A court-martial determined
John not guilty & a couple yrs later he received an
honorable discharge.
Milderd reported John manipulated her and others.
And brain-washed people to do his bidding. He
questioned her skills as a wife, mother and worker.
He tried to break her spirit. He undermined her w/
their children. He took off-she did not know where
he was. He had other women. Mildred added John
did not think he had to conform to behavioral norms
or rules.
They informally separated in 1999. One day he kidnapped
their 3 kids. And Mildred saw them again 18 mos. later,
after legal intervention. The police dropped the ball. They
promised to add the kids to the NCMEC national database,
but did not. Was this their indifferent attitude in finding
3 black children? John told Mildred multiple times that
he'd kill her. Mildred voiced law enforcement, @ various
levels did not take this threat against her seriously. John
mentally terrorized her, in person & later by use of the
phone, stalking etc. He became irate when he lost custody
of the kids.
John and teen Lee Malvo "The DC Snipers" randomly
shot and killed people in DC, Virginia and Maryland.
etc. Mildred moved from Washington State to Maryland,
to be w/ family. John's intent was to shoot Mildred dead,
and make it look like just another random shooting. He
would then have his kids again. But the police discovered
John before he carried this out.
Some in the public blamed Mildred for her ex-spouse's
killing spree, when John appeared to be mentally unstable.
Mildred voiced "But victimization is more than physical
scars. Only 20% of domestic violence (DV) is physical,
80% is verbal, emotional, spiritual, mental, stalking &
economic (85% mark)." She became a national spokes-
woman on preventing DV & having a safety plan as
related to DV. She created a non-profit After the Trauma.
She found 'her voice' and made it her life's mission to
help others.
Revised 09/20/22.
Read
September 22, 2016Simply put: A must read!
November 23, 2018
3.5 stars
As other reviewers have commented, I had two main issues with this story: the constant focus on religion and prayer, and the fact that Mildred's ex-husband, the D.C. sniper, comes across as a douchebag rather than an abusive husband.
The latter might be the fact that by the time you get to the end of the book, the details of Mildred's marriage have grown fuzzy. He definitely was a jerk--having affairs, being critical, and sneaking into the house after they'd separated--but usually when someone becomes a mass murderer, there are even more troubling signs than that. When the FBI asks her if she can see her ex killing people, she says yes without hesitation, even though there were really no previous signs of violence. He had a military background and had made some troubling comments, but I'm not sure how she made the leap from that to ruthless killer. It makes me wonder if she left out some details to protect her children. (And I'm not referring to the lack of physical abuse. Mental and emotional abuse can be just as damaging, if not more.)
As for the religion, as the other reviewer said, it was obviously a source of strength and comfort to Mildred throughout her ordeal, but nearly every page has her praying or giving thanks to Allah, and it's a bit much--like you're being preached to.
Flaws aside, this memoir was yet another sad look at how domestic violence victims fall through the cracks and have very little resources. If anyone had taken Miriam seriously, quite a few people would still be alive today. It's also a shocking expose of how our society treats those who are connected to criminals--after her ex was arrested, some blamed Mildred for his crimes, verbally abusing her. How on earth could she have had anything to do with it? When her husband became a murderer, they were already divorced. Smh.
As other reviewers have commented, I had two main issues with this story: the constant focus on religion and prayer, and the fact that Mildred's ex-husband, the D.C. sniper, comes across as a douchebag rather than an abusive husband.
The latter might be the fact that by the time you get to the end of the book, the details of Mildred's marriage have grown fuzzy. He definitely was a jerk--having affairs, being critical, and sneaking into the house after they'd separated--but usually when someone becomes a mass murderer, there are even more troubling signs than that. When the FBI asks her if she can see her ex killing people, she says yes without hesitation, even though there were really no previous signs of violence. He had a military background and had made some troubling comments, but I'm not sure how she made the leap from that to ruthless killer. It makes me wonder if she left out some details to protect her children. (And I'm not referring to the lack of physical abuse. Mental and emotional abuse can be just as damaging, if not more.)
As for the religion, as the other reviewer said, it was obviously a source of strength and comfort to Mildred throughout her ordeal, but nearly every page has her praying or giving thanks to Allah, and it's a bit much--like you're being preached to.
Flaws aside, this memoir was yet another sad look at how domestic violence victims fall through the cracks and have very little resources. If anyone had taken Miriam seriously, quite a few people would still be alive today. It's also a shocking expose of how our society treats those who are connected to criminals--after her ex was arrested, some blamed Mildred for his crimes, verbally abusing her. How on earth could she have had anything to do with it? When her husband became a murderer, they were already divorced. Smh.
December 24, 2014
Scared Silent by Mildred Muhammad is one of the most riveting true stories I've ever read. While I was reading Mildred Muhammad's novel, I kept thinking to myself, there's no way that this could actually be someone's true life story. There's no way that this could be real. In reality, in truth, this is a real story of a woman who overcame more in the years of her life than most of us could even imagine. Mildred Muhammad tells her story of how she came through darkness into the light while married to the "D.C. Sniper". John Muhammad was a killer, and she was married to this killer. Unbeknownst to her, she was his intended target. He wanted to kill her. Mildred Muhammad is a true survivor, a loving mother, and an advocate for women who are threatened by domestic violence. Her story is inspirational and educational. There is much to learn about survival, the many forms of domestic violence, victims, true crime and the meaning of true love, self love in Mildred Muhammad's novel. It's an absolute page turner. I finished this book in just a couple of days. If you have some time and wish to learn about the true survivor behind the silence, pick up Scared Silent by Mildred Muhammad. I recommend this book to therapists, survivors of domestic abuse, and fans of true crime novels.
I'm looking forward to reading more from Mildred Muhammad.
Felicia Johnson, Author of "HER"
I'm looking forward to reading more from Mildred Muhammad.
Felicia Johnson, Author of "HER"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2024
Most will remember the DC Sniper case as a terrorism case - because that's how courts, tabloids and other publications wanted to sell it. But we were so wrong.
It was a domestic violence case where the authorities neglected/failed at their jobs. She is likely still living today because of a whole lot of luck and a strong support system between her family and mosque. The authorities didn't bother entering Mildred Muhammad's children's kidnapping, restraining order against her husband, etc until after he murdered people and they finally decided they wanted to arrest John. It's mind blowing that in neglecting her safety/not bothering to protect her, they ended up putting the ENTIRE city in danger. Two thirds of the mass shootings in the US are related to domestic violence. If authorities cared enough to protect victims, we'd ALL be safer.
We don't seem to have learned too much since this was published in 2009. Though Mildred has done all she can to help - she set up an organization and has resources at the end of the book. She's a force of nature.
I wouldn't have taken another look at this or known about the book if it weren't for the You're Wrong About podcast. I highly recommend both.
It was a domestic violence case where the authorities neglected/failed at their jobs. She is likely still living today because of a whole lot of luck and a strong support system between her family and mosque. The authorities didn't bother entering Mildred Muhammad's children's kidnapping, restraining order against her husband, etc until after he murdered people and they finally decided they wanted to arrest John. It's mind blowing that in neglecting her safety/not bothering to protect her, they ended up putting the ENTIRE city in danger. Two thirds of the mass shootings in the US are related to domestic violence. If authorities cared enough to protect victims, we'd ALL be safer.
We don't seem to have learned too much since this was published in 2009. Though Mildred has done all she can to help - she set up an organization and has resources at the end of the book. She's a force of nature.
I wouldn't have taken another look at this or known about the book if it weren't for the You're Wrong About podcast. I highly recommend both.
September 13, 2013
I read it ALL DAY! It was addictive. However, there are 3 problems:
1. She wrote, on page 231 "There was a couple there who were related to his mother who could not get a visa to travel to the united state." Umm...but there were in the US? Makes no sense.
2. Page 169: "They were trying to learn me and I was trying to learn them." WHAT?!?! She didn't write like this the entire time and this sentence angered me! Don't write like that. Ugh!
3. I KNOW her ex was coo-coo, but maybe due to poor advisors or writing on her part...but he didn't seem abusive. He seemed like a jerk, but not a killer. Story was definitely compelling, but perhaps not written true to life as I wasn't afraid of this guy. Maybe abusers pick their victims carefully-naive, submissive, and I'm not that!
Can't believe he's been electrocuted already. His DNA is in several children in this world...that's scary, too!
1. She wrote, on page 231 "There was a couple there who were related to his mother who could not get a visa to travel to the united state." Umm...but there were in the US? Makes no sense.
2. Page 169: "They were trying to learn me and I was trying to learn them." WHAT?!?! She didn't write like this the entire time and this sentence angered me! Don't write like that. Ugh!
3. I KNOW her ex was coo-coo, but maybe due to poor advisors or writing on her part...but he didn't seem abusive. He seemed like a jerk, but not a killer. Story was definitely compelling, but perhaps not written true to life as I wasn't afraid of this guy. Maybe abusers pick their victims carefully-naive, submissive, and I'm not that!
Can't believe he's been electrocuted already. His DNA is in several children in this world...that's scary, too!
January 8, 2010
Interesting how little the public (myself incldued) knew about the drive of the D.C. Sniper. Goes to show what the media is interested in portraying. This memoir also backs up the notion that this country does not provide enough mental health to soldiers (and their families) that have returned from war. The problem I found with this book is the constant Allah references and Qur'an/bible passages...although I understand religion is what carried Mildred through such a painful and difficult life, it seems almost forced upon the reader. In any event, it turned out to be a very powerful story on domestic violence survival and the strength of an individual.
November 21, 2022
IF YOU ARE A MILLENIAL READ THIS BOOK! & Listen to the D.C. Sniper series from the "You're Wrong About Podcast"
There are so many times I have found my self with a foundation of looking at the world through narratives that I soaked in during my adolescence that I never questioned or looked at again. The D.C. sniper case is a great example of this. I was so young when it all happened I just took in whatever the adults around me were saying about it so in my head it was another terrorist attack on the East Coast (so close to 9/11 and living in the midwest that part of the country felt so far away).
WRONG! Time and time again we ignore victims of domestic abuse. The media doesn't want to talk about domestic abuse because it is a tale as old as time and mainly impacts women (we know how the United States feels about women--looking at you Supreme Court boo shame on you).
The D.C. Sniper case was not about terrorism it was a tragic domestic abuse story where there were no winners and no one to blame besides the society we as a collective have allowed to exist.
Read this book for an engaging tale about a terrible set of circumstances Mildred Muhammad found herself in and how she overcame an incredible amount of adversity AND reset your understanding of the D.C. sniper case as well as how domestic abuse is viewed in the U.S.A.
Boom read it read it read it.
There are so many times I have found my self with a foundation of looking at the world through narratives that I soaked in during my adolescence that I never questioned or looked at again. The D.C. sniper case is a great example of this. I was so young when it all happened I just took in whatever the adults around me were saying about it so in my head it was another terrorist attack on the East Coast (so close to 9/11 and living in the midwest that part of the country felt so far away).
WRONG! Time and time again we ignore victims of domestic abuse. The media doesn't want to talk about domestic abuse because it is a tale as old as time and mainly impacts women (we know how the United States feels about women--looking at you Supreme Court boo shame on you).
The D.C. Sniper case was not about terrorism it was a tragic domestic abuse story where there were no winners and no one to blame besides the society we as a collective have allowed to exist.
Read this book for an engaging tale about a terrible set of circumstances Mildred Muhammad found herself in and how she overcame an incredible amount of adversity AND reset your understanding of the D.C. sniper case as well as how domestic abuse is viewed in the U.S.A.
Boom read it read it read it.
October 1, 2024
I don’t doubt any of what happened here but my low score comes from the polished lifetime vibe the story starts to take on particularity towards the end. I tried very hard to give the benefit of the doubt but at some point you know you’re not reading reality. Particularly with the kids, how they’re processing everything and how a few faithful, strong words from their mother makes it better. That’s just not how trauma works. 2.6
February 11, 2019
A great read. An eye opener for sure. Between her ex husband and the law,she went through hell.
February 22, 2020
Read in 2018. The story isn’t all that well-written, but it is quite a powerful portrait of a life experience with domestic violence.
April 17, 2023
Really appreciated the telling of this book and the impact of abuse and the failings of the system. She showed such courage and way more heart than was deserved
September 11, 2023
The world doesn’t deserve the elegance and grace Mildred has bestowed onto us. May we all learn something from Mildred and aspire to be more like her 💕
December 29, 2023
Lots to like about this book. It gives a really good portrayal of what domestic violence can look like when the batterer doesn’t physically harm the victim.
July 9, 2025
READ READ READ
February 10, 2012
Someone close to me is in the middle of a separation from her husband who is severely mentally ill and dangerous. He is in jail right now, but we're all still worried for her and her kid's safety, because he has a crazy friend in the area who is not locked up. We just bought her a tazer for Valentine's Day. I hate that the nicest, most wonderful women can find themselves married to psychotic men and afraid for their safety. You can really do everything right, be a good person, stack all the odds in your favor for a happy eternal marriage - and then those dreams can be completely crushed.
I found this book by accident, right after spending time with this friend when I searched for a book about "military spouses". This book is by Mildred Muhammad, who was married to the DC Sniper and had three children with him. Did you know (I didn't) why John Muhammad was killing people? He wanted to kill Mildred and get their kids. He made this elaborate plan to kill a certain number of random people and then shoot her. It would be blamed on the "DC Sniper" instead of him, and he could come in as a bereaved father and take custody of his children.
What was so chilling to me about this book (which is the story of her life with him and how she's tried to move on, even founding an organization to help women leaving domestic violence) is that my close friend's husband has been behaving almost exactly like John Muhammad did for years. I bought her a copy of this book and mailed it to her before I even finished reading it myself.
My friend and her husband were married in the temple and have a large family. He served in the military (and has severe PTSD) and was the scout master in his ward when he was arrested the first time. I'm sure the people at church are just now finding out what's been going on and are shocked. It's made me think more about people around me, and what I might be totally oblivious to that is happening down the street.
It's got me all shaken up and feeling unsettled. And now I've learned all about tasers and where to get online coupons for them. This book was interesting, but hard to read. I read it in just a day or two, more to finish it and get as much information and ideas from her as possible than because I was enjoying the story. It's a hard story to read. I think Mildred Muhammad grew into an incredible woman through her difficult circumstances. I would love to meet her.
I found this book by accident, right after spending time with this friend when I searched for a book about "military spouses". This book is by Mildred Muhammad, who was married to the DC Sniper and had three children with him. Did you know (I didn't) why John Muhammad was killing people? He wanted to kill Mildred and get their kids. He made this elaborate plan to kill a certain number of random people and then shoot her. It would be blamed on the "DC Sniper" instead of him, and he could come in as a bereaved father and take custody of his children.
What was so chilling to me about this book (which is the story of her life with him and how she's tried to move on, even founding an organization to help women leaving domestic violence) is that my close friend's husband has been behaving almost exactly like John Muhammad did for years. I bought her a copy of this book and mailed it to her before I even finished reading it myself.
My friend and her husband were married in the temple and have a large family. He served in the military (and has severe PTSD) and was the scout master in his ward when he was arrested the first time. I'm sure the people at church are just now finding out what's been going on and are shocked. It's made me think more about people around me, and what I might be totally oblivious to that is happening down the street.
It's got me all shaken up and feeling unsettled. And now I've learned all about tasers and where to get online coupons for them. This book was interesting, but hard to read. I read it in just a day or two, more to finish it and get as much information and ideas from her as possible than because I was enjoying the story. It's a hard story to read. I think Mildred Muhammad grew into an incredible woman through her difficult circumstances. I would love to meet her.
November 3, 2010
I really enjoyed reading this book. I actually finished it yesterday Nov 1st. It was important that I started reading this book in the month of October, because that is when the DC Sniper shootings took place.
I really wanted to understand what made John Allen Muhammed committ those killings. I wanted to understand it from his ex-wife's Mildred's point of view. She really lets the readers into her life, as she writes about how she met John and the circumstances that led to the month of October.
There were signs early on that something wasn't right, but in loving someone, sometimes there's a reluctance to see what's in front of one's view. Therefore, I judge her as being this or that because she did eventually left John. Could I say that early in their relationship there were red flags that she should've paid attention to, yes, maybe I could, but other readers will see like I have how charming, manipulative, and cunning John Muhammed was.
I felt bad for their children and what they had to endure... And continue to have to endure. So, this book receives a high rating from me, I guess the questions that will always linger for me is, was it Gulf's War syndrome or evidence of mind-control?
May 2, 2010
This was a very compelling story. I have always believed that mental abuse can sometimes be just as bad or worse than physical abuse, and this book proves my theory correct. Mildred Muhammed proved to be a strong woman who stood even when others didn't believe her or refused to help her. Her story is inspiring in so many ways.
The reason for thefour-star review is because I felt she could have used more assistance in the writing and editing department. The story jumped around in some places, making it confusing in some areas. Other areas left me hoping that she would explain further, but she didn't. All in all, the story was written in a conversational tone that makes her story easy to understand. Readers may find themselves being a bit impatient with her at first, wondering why she would let this man talk to her in such a manner, but as they read on, their hearts will go out to her.
Scared Silent will truly open your eyes to the effects of mental abuse, and will unveil a different side to the entire D.C. Sniper story.
The reason for thefour-star review is because I felt she could have used more assistance in the writing and editing department. The story jumped around in some places, making it confusing in some areas. Other areas left me hoping that she would explain further, but she didn't. All in all, the story was written in a conversational tone that makes her story easy to understand. Readers may find themselves being a bit impatient with her at first, wondering why she would let this man talk to her in such a manner, but as they read on, their hearts will go out to her.
Scared Silent will truly open your eyes to the effects of mental abuse, and will unveil a different side to the entire D.C. Sniper story.
June 21, 2011
I feel that all women of every cultural background should read this book. It confirms what I've known all along; domestic violence does not always have visible appearances such as bruises, cuts, scars, and other bodily injuries. But most of the time, society's concerns and opinions and judgements do focus on these physical attributes making it difficult for victims to be heard and to seek assistance.
Even when women are not victims of domestic violence, they may know someone who is and the information that Mildred has shared and provided makes it less stressful to leap forward and not hold back for the sake of shame, embarrassment and humiliation.
I admire Mrs. Muhammad for the way she handled the situation. I could feel her downtrodden spirit through her conversations with her children, through her prayers, and through her chants as she always struggled for justice during the entire ordeal to remain calm, sane and strong. She stayed close to God.
The book will forever be an inspiration to me.
Even when women are not victims of domestic violence, they may know someone who is and the information that Mildred has shared and provided makes it less stressful to leap forward and not hold back for the sake of shame, embarrassment and humiliation.
I admire Mrs. Muhammad for the way she handled the situation. I could feel her downtrodden spirit through her conversations with her children, through her prayers, and through her chants as she always struggled for justice during the entire ordeal to remain calm, sane and strong. She stayed close to God.
The book will forever be an inspiration to me.
December 11, 2009
A very moving book by the former wife of the D.C. Sniper. The author was the wife of John Muhammad for 10 years. His terrible treatment of their children and his wife left them all with emotional scars.
Mildred Muhammad became convinced that John would kill her after he told her that she was his enemy. She spent a lot of time in a shelter for abused womesn, John took their children on a 2 year ramble all over the United States and the Carribean. Mildred had custody, but didn't even know where her children were.
John Muhammad was a very evil and scary person. He threatened anyone he had an altercation with. He recruited a teen, Lee Malvo, to help him kill many innocent people. Till this day, Mildred believes he killed all these innocents so that when he killed her, the police would believe that a serial killer did kill her.
Mildred is now an advocate for the abused women of America. She is a tireless worker against domstic abuse.
H
Mildred Muhammad became convinced that John would kill her after he told her that she was his enemy. She spent a lot of time in a shelter for abused womesn, John took their children on a 2 year ramble all over the United States and the Carribean. Mildred had custody, but didn't even know where her children were.
John Muhammad was a very evil and scary person. He threatened anyone he had an altercation with. He recruited a teen, Lee Malvo, to help him kill many innocent people. Till this day, Mildred believes he killed all these innocents so that when he killed her, the police would believe that a serial killer did kill her.
Mildred is now an advocate for the abused women of America. She is a tireless worker against domstic abuse.
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May 11, 2010
Very moving. I had an opportunity to work with Mildred when I lived in DC, and knew that she and her children were wonderful, sweet, strong people. Even still, I had no idea how much they had been through until I read this book. I am thankful that Mildred shared her story, and am sure that it will inspire those who have experienced or are experiencing abuse. I am also hopeful that her story will raise awareness of the issue of domestic violence (it doesn't have to be physical to be lethal!) and help a system that blames and backs away from survivors of abuse to start believing these survivors and providing them the assistance they seek to prevent unnecessary tragedies.
April 4, 2011
I felt for Mildred throughout this book as emotional abuse is so hard to make others see and believe, but as she says, it is the hardest to deal with for that exact reason. I am sorry she had to go through that and especially sad that she feels she has ANY responsibility for the deaths of people at her ex-husband's hand. She had NOTHING to do with that and she TRIED to tell authorities that he was dangerous, but sadly we cannot lock everyone up that we feel are dangerous..hopefully they do NOT take out their anger on others. I think she is an inspiration and very strong for telling her story.
April 27, 2012
This book was very well written & made you want to read it. I suggest everyone who knows someone who has been or going through abuse and/or stalking...Read this..so that you will get an idea of what they have to deal with and how hard it actually is to get out of 98% of abusive relationships...This situation is the reason why so many women are scared to get out. So saying "just leave"...isnt that simple...There are many that are just this crazy! If not crazier! But the book is worth the read...regardless!
January 16, 2015
An inspirational narrative of a young woman's journey to overcome domestic violence in the form of emotional abuse. The book sends a strong message to authorities and society as a whole, about the need for preventive and interventive strategies for victims/survivors of domestic violence. It also compels the reader to think about how mental disorders affect men(women) serving in the army and the enormous strain their intimate partners experience.
November 6, 2011
This was a surprisingly good book. There was so much about this story that I didn't know. However I was expecting more details about certain things. It's amazing how little help the authorities gave this woman and how the emotional abuse she dealt with was ignored by so many. Her story is so powerful and her ability to forgive is amazing.
December 5, 2018
A must read!
A very riveting account of one woman’s REAL journey through the very dark valley of emotional abuse. Mildred Muhammad’s words reel you into her life, her fears, and finally her emergence from that dark valley. If you have been a victim of any type of domestic violence this book will give you courage. If you haven’t this book will make you grateful!!
A very riveting account of one woman’s REAL journey through the very dark valley of emotional abuse. Mildred Muhammad’s words reel you into her life, her fears, and finally her emergence from that dark valley. If you have been a victim of any type of domestic violence this book will give you courage. If you haven’t this book will make you grateful!!
March 17, 2010
Interesting book, that dude DC Sniper was all kinds of crazy & disturbed for a long time. I pray for his children & Mildred for the strength to go on wih their life & not feel guilty because of his actions.
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October 9, 2012I believe this book was interesting because as i was reading i could feel what probably was on her mind. This book its really catchy and it was really hard to stop reading without knowing what was going to happen to her and John. I totally loved this book and i enjoy too.
December 25, 2025
I can't imagine what this lady and her children went through
I can't imagine what this lady and her children went through. However, I am happy her and her children got out of that situation safely. I will definitely read her other book.
I can't imagine what this lady and her children went through. However, I am happy her and her children got out of that situation safely. I will definitely read her other book.
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