Zorimar Bentancourt: Murder Can't Silence A Mother's Love
Thu Dec 11 2025
This episode honors the enduring bond that even murder cannot break. We sit down with Zorimar Betancourt, whose world shattered when her son Stefano was carjacked and murdered while she drove behind him, trying desperately to help him on the phone. This conversation is raw and real, but it's filled with grace, a reminder that ever when violence steals life, it can't silence a mother's love. Learn how Zorimar tirelessly advocates for organ donation in Puerto Rico, and has made it her mission to help other parents navigate grief during trauma -- all in honor of her son, Stefano.
The Stefano Steenbakkers Bentancourt Foundation: https://www.fundacionstefano.org/
To reach our guest Zorimar Bentancourt:
100 Av. San Patricio, Guaynabo Puerto Rico, 00968
1-787-607-4990
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamstefanopr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamStefanoPR
Referenced resources in this episode:
"Finding Meaning" by David Kessler: https://grief.com/
Dougy Center, The National Grief Center for Children & Families, Portland, OR: https://www.dougy.org/
A Second Chance Organ Donation: https://www.asecondchanceproject.org/
Life Net Health: https://www.lifenethealth.org/
What did you think? Share your feedback in a text message.
Holding the Light is an original, monthly podcast created and hosted by Monica and Colby Charette, edited and produced by Monica Charette, with support from Julia Vigue and Sophia Speeckaert. EMAIL US (shineoncass@gmail.com) with questions, comments, or a request to join us as a guest. We also welcome you to visit us at ShineOnCass (www.shineoncass.org) where our family continues to Shine the Light of Cassidy.
Our podcast’s theme music is As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) written and sung by Cindy Bullens, from the album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth produced by Blue Lobster Records (1999). Available on CD or download at www.cidnybullens.com. Mention Holding the Light Podcast and receive a signed copy!
We want to hear from YOU. Leave us a voicemail! If there is something you’ve learned in your grief journey that might be helpful for others, we invite you to leave us a message. We will listen to every one. Some might even be used in a future episode. You can also let us know what you think of our podcast, suggest a topic, or request to be a guest. The number to call and leave us a voicemail is: 617-302-7373. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Love what you heard?
leave us...
More
This episode honors the enduring bond that even murder cannot break. We sit down with Zorimar Betancourt, whose world shattered when her son Stefano was carjacked and murdered while she drove behind him, trying desperately to help him on the phone. This conversation is raw and real, but it's filled with grace, a reminder that ever when violence steals life, it can't silence a mother's love. Learn how Zorimar tirelessly advocates for organ donation in Puerto Rico, and has made it her mission to help other parents navigate grief during trauma -- all in honor of her son, Stefano. The Stefano Steenbakkers Bentancourt Foundation: https://www.fundacionstefano.org/ To reach our guest Zorimar Bentancourt: 100 Av. San Patricio, Guaynabo Puerto Rico, 00968 1-787-607-4990 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamstefanopr/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamStefanoPR Referenced resources in this episode: "Finding Meaning" by David Kessler: https://grief.com/ Dougy Center, The National Grief Center for Children & Families, Portland, OR: https://www.dougy.org/ A Second Chance Organ Donation: https://www.asecondchanceproject.org/ Life Net Health: https://www.lifenethealth.org/ What did you think? Share your feedback in a text message. Holding the Light is an original, monthly podcast created and hosted by Monica and Colby Charette, edited and produced by Monica Charette, with support from Julia Vigue and Sophia Speeckaert. EMAIL US (shineoncass@gmail.com) with questions, comments, or a request to join us as a guest. We also welcome you to visit us at ShineOnCass (www.shineoncass.org) where our family continues to Shine the Light of Cassidy. Our podcast’s theme music is As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) written and sung by Cindy Bullens, from the album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth produced by Blue Lobster Records (1999). Available on CD or download at www.cidnybullens.com. Mention Holding the Light Podcast and receive a signed copy! We want to hear from YOU. Leave us a voicemail! If there is something you’ve learned in your grief journey that might be helpful for others, we invite you to leave us a message. We will listen to every one. Some might even be used in a future episode. You can also let us know what you think of our podcast, suggest a topic, or request to be a guest. The number to call and leave us a voicemail is: 617-302-7373. We can’t wait to hear from you! Love what you heard? leave us...