In a digital age where answers to most questions are just a click away, Travis Holman's casual search about his mother revealed a spine-chilling past of murder and abandonment.

Travis Holman stumbled into his family's dark past while looking online, finding that his mother, Lynda Holman, had been deemed guilty of manslaughter and also had a separate murder conviction, as the Daily Mail reports.

It all began on a seemingly innocuous day when Travis decided to search his estranged family members online. Among the names he entered was his mother's, Lynda Holman. The search results led him to discover shocking truths about her criminal activities, which date back to the 1990s.

Lynda was involved in the manslaughter of an undisclosed victim during the 90s. This initial foray into crime predated her more severe offense in 2010, which would forever change the course of several lives, including her own.

The subsequent years after the manslaughter saw Lynda abandoning Travis and his sister, Daisy, when they were just 11 and 13, respectively. The children were left to the care of their aunt and uncle, providing them a semblance of family amid the turmoil.

The Escalation to Murder

Lynda's criminal path spiraled further post-abandonment. She had taken up with a man named Mark McCollum, eventually culminating in an intense domestic altercation. In a heated moment in February 2010, during which Lynda claimed to have been hallucinating ghostly figures, she fatally shot Mark.

Lynda’s actions that day led to her being charged with second-degree murder and first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. The severity of the crime reflected not only the tragedy of the event but her deteriorating mental state at the time.

The jury found Lynda guilty, and she was sentenced in June 2010 to 28 years in prison, marking a significant end to a tumultuous part of her life. Yet, this event was only the beginning of another challenging chapter for her family, especially Travis.

Perseverance Through Family Struggles

Despite the circumstances, Travis' relationship with Lynda remains complex but intact. They continue to connect through phone calls where conversations revolve around day-to-day activities and Lynda’s ongoing battle with breast cancer in prison -- her second encounter with the dreaded disease.

“When she calls me, we catch up on what each of us has been up to," Travis explained. "She updates me on her health struggles, particularly her fight against breast cancer.”

Even as he processes this painful history, Travis reflects on the impact of his mother's actions on his life. The sentencing, he recalls, had left him emotionally shattered. "I collapsed when my sister told me about the 28-year sentence," he said, reflecting the gravity of the situation they found themselves in.

Lessons to Learn from This Tragedy

1. Regular Communication: Keep open lines of communication with family, as secrets can cause significant unforeseen consequences.

2. Awareness of Mental Health: Recognize and seek help for mental health issues. Early intervention can prevent tragedies.

3. Legal Knowledge: Understanding the implications of unlawful actions can deter individuals from making devastating decisions.

This narrative stresses that despite precautions, crime can happen to anyone, and victims should never be blamed.

Why This Story Matters

This story serves as a stark reminder of how the past can impact the present. It highlights the importance of transparency, the complexities of familial relationships, and the ongoing challenges faced by those affected by crime. Revealing such personal stories generates public awareness and fosters a deeper understanding of the profound effects of crime on individuals and their families.

In conclusion, this tragic tale of Travis Holman discovering his mother's criminal history underscores the blend of personal ordeal and broader societal issues. It serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of crime and the power of resilience in the face of personal family tragedy.