Murder Plot Charged in Cheerleading Contest

An aspiring cheerleader’s mother has been arrested on charges of trying to hire a hit man to murder a competitor’s mother.

Wanda Webb Holloway, who was arrested last week, believed that her daughter’s rival would be so upset by her mother’s death that she would drop out of the competition at Alice Johnson Junior High School, authorities said.

Holloway, 36, was charged with solicitation of capital murder. She was freed after posting $10,000 bond.

Holloway is accused of trying to hire a hit man to murder Verna Heath, 38, “for the purpose of enhancing the probability of her (Holloway’s) daughter being elected as a school cheerleader,” court records said.

Authorities became aware of the plot when Holloway contacted an acquaintance about finding someone to do the job, Detective George Helton said. The person informed authorities and an undercover officer posing as a hit man contacted Holloway to discuss a deal.

If convicted, Holloway could be sentenced to life in prison. She has no prior record.

Holloway’s husband was unaware of her actions, investigators said.

Both girls, age 13, are vying for a spot on the cheerleading squad of Channelview High School, which they will attend next year. Cheerleaders will be elected by a vote of eighth-graders.