Where Is Hailey Sisco Now? Inside Her Life After Dana Chandler’s Murder Trials

Where Is Hailey Sisco Now? Life After Testifying Against Her Mother, Dana Chandler

Hailey Sisco’s life was forever changed when her father, Michael Sisco, and his fiancée, Karen Harkness, were murdered in 2002. Her mother, Dana Chandler, was later convicted of the crime.

Hailey spent over 20 years fighting for justice, recording conversations, and testifying in court—sometimes against her mother. This article traces Hailey’s emotional journey, her pivotal role in the case, and how she has found peace in a private life far from the public eye.

A Childhood Marked by Love and Loss

Hailey Sisco was born in 1985 to Michael Sisco and Dana Chandler. She grew up alongside her younger brother, Dustin. After their parents’ divorce, Hailey and Dustin were raised by their father, Michael, who had been awarded full custody of them. Hailey enjoyed a close bond with her father, cherishing his love and the stability he provided.

Then came the day that would change everything—July 7, 2002. Hailey was just 17 when she learned that her father and his fiancée, Karen Harkness, had been murdered. The brutal killings shattered her world, leaving deep emotional scars that would take decades to heal.

Choosing to Seek Justice

As investigators dug into the murders, suspicion soon turned toward Dana Chandler. Hailey and Dustin also suspected their mother was responsible. Determined to help uncover the truth, Hailey took matters into her own hands. At age 20, she began secretly recording conversations with her mother, hoping for a confession. “If she was responsible, I wanted to know,” Hailey later shared.

Between 2005 and 2009, Hailey collected multiple phone and in-person recordings. In these conversations, Dana often dodged Hailey’s questions about her whereabouts on the weekend of the murders.

One key moment came when Dana mentioned returning a computer the day before the killings—a small but revealing detail. Hailey’s courage in gathering this evidence would later play a significant role in her mother’s trials.

Facing Her Mother in Court

Hailey’s bravery didn’t stop at the recordings. Over the course of 20 years, she faced her mother in court three separate times. The first trial ended with a conviction that was later overturned. The second trial resulted in a hung jury. Finally, in February 2025, Hailey testified once again during her mother’s third trial.

In her testimony, Hailey described how Dana had used court-ordered visitation time to take Hailey and her brother to watch their father’s and Karen’s homes. She recalled how her mother had verbally attacked Karen, calling her a homewrecker and using harsh language.

During the trial, Hailey’s recordings were played in court. In one, Hailey repeatedly asked her mother to explain her alibi. Though her mother tried to avoid the questions, the recording revealed inconsistencies.

For Hailey, sitting in court and listening to those tapes was gut-wrenching. “It felt bad,” she confided, describing how hearing her voice on the recordings brought the pain flooding back.

The Toll of Years in the Spotlight

Living through three trials left Hailey emotionally drained. Public attention only intensified the strain. Each time she testified, she had to relive her father’s murder. She also worried about her safety. During the legal battles, Hailey feared that her mother might retaliate against her. Friends say that fear never entirely left her.

Testifying against her mother was an unimaginable burden. Hailey openly shared that the label “mom” became painful for her to hear. The word reminded her of betrayal and trauma, so she chose not to use it in her own life. Even as she became a mother herself, she struggled with the title—an emotional reminder of her fractured family history.

Choosing a Life of Peace

Following the 2025 trial’s conclusion with another conviction, Hailey made a conscious decision to step out of the spotlight. “Bye, spotlight!” she reportedly told friends, eager to reclaim her life. The years of legal battles had taken a heavy toll. Now, she was ready for healing.

Hailey and her husband moved to northern Colorado, seeking the quiet of the mountains. They chose a life far from courtrooms and TV cameras. Today, Hailey treasures her privacy, keeping her personal and professional life out of public view.

Travel has become her therapy. In March 2024, Hailey hiked the beautiful trails of Arkansas. She and her husband often explore new places, finding joy in the simplicity of nature. These adventures help her leave the past behind, one peaceful step at a time.

The Complicated Meaning of Family

Despite moving forward, Hailey still carries the weight of her past. Her relationship with her mother is fractured beyond repair. The years of recording conversations, testifying, and facing harsh truths have left emotional scars.

A Story of Courage and Resilience

Hailey Sisco’s journey is a powerful example of resilience. As a teenager, she lost her father in a brutal murder. As a young woman, she became a pivotal witness in the pursuit of justice. And as an adult, she chose to walk away from the shadows of the past.

Hailey’s strength shines in the choices she makes today: to value privacy, to find peace in nature, and to surround herself with love and healing. Her story reminds us that even in the face of significant trauma, it is possible to move forward—and to reclaim life on one’s own terms.

Final Words

Hailey Sisco spent more than 20 years fighting for justice for her father. Her courage helped bring vital evidence to light and ensured her mother was held accountable. Today, she chooses a different path—one of peace, privacy, and healing. Her journey offers a profound reminder of the human cost of family trauma and the strength it takes to rebuild a life beyond tragedy.

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Where Is Hailey Sisco Now? Life After Testifying Against Her Mother Dana Chandler