Awareness

By SMM

Welcome to "Awareness," a podcast dedicated to shedding light on unsolved cases of missing persons and homicides. Join us as we delve into the depths of these mysteries, striving to bring answers and ... more

· True Crime

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FAQs about Awareness:

How many episodes does Awareness have?

The podcast currently has 23 episodes available.

Awareness episodes:

July 13, 2025 The murder of Linda Sykes
The story follows the tragic life and untimely death of Linda Diane Sykes, a promising young woman born on July 7, 1959. Raised in a loving family in Newport News, Virginia, Linda faced the tragic loss of her father, Clifton, in a motorcycle accident during her childhood. Despite this adversity, she excelled academically and was actively involved in various clubs at Kecoughtan High School, leading to her acceptance at Christopher Newport College. However, her bright future was brutally cut short when, on February 24, 1981, her mother, Mary, discovered Linda's lifeless body in a bathtub, drowned with signs of severe trauma. The investigation into her murder reveals a dark mystery involving a blood-stained dollar bill and an unknown assailant, leaving the community reeling with grief and fear.

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9min
June 29, 2025 The Murder of Homer Abel
The Tragic Case of Homer Abel" recounts the life and untimely death of a dedicated community member and war veteran from Pueblo, Colorado. Born on June 21, 1920, Homer served honorably in World War II before returning to build a life with his wife, Aletha, in the peaceful surroundings of the Western Slope. Their life was marked by love for the outdoors and active participation in local governance.

Tragedy struck on February 27, 1984, when a gruesome discovery was made at the Asamera Oil Co. USA gasoline station. Homer was found murdered, the victim of a robbery gone wrong. As investigators pieced together the evidence, they uncovered troubling oversight and communication failures among local law enforcement agencies. Despite initial leads, including descriptions of a suspicious man seen at the station shortly before the murder, the case quickly grew cold.

Over the years, authorities expended substantial resources in their quest for justice, interviewing numerous suspects and following countless leads, yet the identity of Homer Abel's killer remained elusive. As time marches on and the probability of resolution diminishes, the story serves as a poignant reminder of the lingering need for closure. The call for public assistance remains open, inviting anyone with potential information to contribute to solving this decades-old mystery.

newspapers.com
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8min
May 11, 2025 The murder of Avery "Peaches" Shorts
Avery Vernie "Peaches" Shorts, vanished on December 26, 1980, after a simple errand to buy a soda for her mother. What initially seemed like a routine outing quickly spiraled into a nightmare as her family reported her missing when she failed to return home. The local community, led by law enforcement, mobilized to search the area, leveraging both volunteers and police resources to find any trace of the young girl.
As the investigation unfolded, the atmosphere became increasingly tense, and suspects emerged. Notably, Mitchell Webb, an acquaintance of the family, aroused suspicion due to his presence around the timeline of Avery's disappearance. His inconsistent statements and suspicious behavior deepened the community's fear and intrigue surrounding the case. Meanwhile, police efforts intensified, but leads remained scarce, and hope began to fade.
Three days later, a breakthrough emerged with the discovery of an unopened 16-ounce bottle of Coke—Avery’s last purchase—where her fingerprints were sought in hopes of establishing a connection. Despite numerous interviews and a growing reward fund, the question of Avery's fate lingered heavily in the air, as the investigation struggled against the weight of unanswered questions.
The emotional weight of the search culminated in January 1982 when Avery's remains were tragically discovered. The subsequent autopsy revealed harrowing details, including signs of strangulation, intensifying the call for justice within the community. As detectives worked through evidence and leads, the episode encapsulates the profound sorrow and determination to find the truth behind the chilling disappearance of Avery Shorts, reminding us of the fragility of innocence in a world marked by darkness.
newspapers.com
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43min
May 08, 2025 The murder of Kevin Moyen
On October 4, 1995, the peaceful woods of Cedar Ponds became the scene of a tragic discovery when two young men, out target shooting, stumbled upon the lifeless body of 37-year-old Kevin Moyen. A resident of Everett, Kevin had dreams of escaping his difficult life by seeking fortune in Alaska, hoping to return home with money for his wife and children. Despite his aspirations and musical talent, Kevin struggled with alcohol dependency, which overshadowed his ambitions.
Kevin's sisters, Sandi and Linda, lovingly remembered him as "Butterball," a hardworking man who found dignity in manual labor despite his challenges. After a dentist appointment on October 2, Kevin disappeared. When efforts to locate him failed, his body was found, sending shockwaves through the community.
Investigating the case, police discovered Kevin's abandoned car near the police station, filled with empty beer cans, a marijuana pipe, and other clues hinting at a troubled night. The search for answers led detectives to a potential suspect, but as the details unraveled, a lack of credible evidence forced the prosecution to dismiss the charges against the initial suspect, leaving the case unsolved.
Years later, the memory of Kevin and his unfulfilled dreams continues to haunt Cedar Ponds, with his sisters clinging to the hope for justice. As they navigate their grief, Kevin's spirit serves as a poignant reminder of life's fragility and the relentless pursuit of understanding in the face of loss. The story reflects on the delicate balance between dreams and reality, underscoring the unresolved questions that linger long after a tragedy.
newspapers.com
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10min
April 28, 2025 The disappearance of Denise Pflum
In the small, tight-knit town of Connersville, Indiana, Denise Diane Pflum was seen as a miracle after surviving the losses of three siblings. Born on January 14, 1969, she thrived in academics and athletics, ultimately being accepted into Miami University to study microbiology. However, on March 28, 1986, Denise's life took a tragic turn. After attending a party with friends following a breakup, she set out to retrieve her forgotten purse. Dressed casually, she left home but never returned, leading to growing concern from her family.
The following day, Denise's abandoned car was discovered miles from the party, triggering a large-scale manhunt that included local law enforcement and community volunteers. Despite extensive searches, no evidence or clues were found, deepening the mystery of her disappearance. Authorities and family members wrestled with theories about whether she had run away, but skepticism surrounded this notion due to her character and the circumstances of her vanishing without personal belongings.
As days turned into weeks with no developments, the case grew colder, leaving her family desperate for answers. Detective Lieutenant Ted McQuinley, also a relative of Denise, sought to dispel rumors while maintaining hope for her safe return. The investigation continued, but by mid-April, frustrations mounted as leads dwindled, enveloping the Pflum family in uncertainty and fear for Denise’s fate.
https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/cant-give-up-fayette-county-family-hopes-new-task-force-will-find-answers-in-daughters-1986-disappearance-denise-pflum-missing/531-1ddba784-40f2-442a-b4ac-502fc81fe96c
https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/family-missing-denise-pflum-continues-fight-justice-34-years-after-n1151956
https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/denise-pflum-mystery-continues-32-years-later/531-eca990b7-b255-45c4-885b-38d52efdaa7f
https://disappearedblog.com/denise-pflum/
Newspapers.com
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41min
April 14, 2025 The disappearance of Israel Rosado
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/usedtobedoe/rosado-israel-may-13-2004-t11791.html
https://www.fox61.com/article/news/local/outreach/awareness-months/cold-case-israel-rosado/520-c4570a05-3fb7-4374-a105-a0cdc3b33ec4
**Synopsis:**
On May 13, 2004, 21-year-old Israel Rosado mysteriously disappeared after a court appearance in Waterbury, Connecticut. His last confirmed sighting was early that day, which left his family and friends deeply worried. His mother, Carmen Colon, reported him missing on May 19 after six days of silence, an unusual occurrence for a young man who regularly contacted his family. Detectives Renee St. George and retired Detective Roy Bredefeld initiated a comprehensive investigation into his disappearance.
Israel had a minor criminal history, which led detectives to interview his friends and associates. Despite his charm, he lacked steady employment, complicating the search for leads. Though some reported sightings surfaced in the months following his disappearance, every lead ultimately led to dead ends. The investigation revealed that Israel attended court on the day of his disappearance to address stolen firearm charges, and his calm demeanor during that visit raised additional questions.
After his court appearance, Israel's cellphone went silent despite having paid his phone bill for the month. This sudden loss of contact heightened suspicions, and concerns escalated for his mother, who was expecting a new baby. The detectives entered DNA samples into the FBI's VICAP system to connect Israel’s case with ongoing investigations, but to no avail.
Interviews revealed no signs that Israel feared for his safety. His girlfriend noted that he was last seen getting into a vehicle with an unknown person on May 13, a detail that troubled investigators. The absence of struggle or signs of premeditated disappearance raised concerns of foul play, as he was known to carry cash and travel frequently between Bristol and New York City.
The Bristol Police sought public help in locating Israel, stating they had pursued every lead but needed assistance. Despite collaboration with various agencies, including the FBI, the investigation yielded few results. Those who knew Israel continue to hope for his return, though the odds of closure appear slim over time. Israel Rosado’s case remains an open investigation—a haunting true crime mystery, waiting for the truth to emerge.
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9min
April 08, 2025 The murder of Mary Ellen Wise
Mary Ellen Wise was a beloved figure known for her gentle and kind nature, described by her sister as a "quiet, shy person." Growing up in Butler, Pennsylvania, she created cherished memories with her cousin Paula during carefree summers. After marrying and moving to Vero Beach, Florida, Mary Ellen faced a devastating setback in the early 1980s when a horrific car accident left her with severe injuries and a challenging recovery process. Demonstrating incredible resilience, she eventually learned to live independently and found joy in working at a daycare center.
Mary Ellen's life took a tragic turn on November 2, 1992, when she disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Her partner, John Matranga, returned home to find her missing, along with signs of a struggle. Despite extensive searches and the discovery of her car with shattered windows, initial investigations yielded no immediate leads. Tragically, on November 8, her decomposed body was found, revealing she had died from blunt force trauma.
The ensuing investigation uncovered concerning cash withdrawals made by Mary Ellen shortly before her disappearance, suggesting foul play. Authorities determined she likely knew her assailant due to the absence of forced entry into her home. Mary Ellen's family established a reward fund for information leading to her killer's arrest, highlighting both the community's sorrow and determination to seek justice for her untimely death. The case remained a haunting mystery for her family and friends, who struggled to comprehend the loss of such a vibrant life.
https://www.wpbf.com/article/what-happened-to-mary-ellen-wise/8654879
https://www.wptv.com/news/region-indian-river-county/mary-ellen-wise-new-evidence-found-in-cold-case-murder-from-1992-in-vero-beach
https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/crime/indian-river-county/2019/11/26/family-indian-river-homicide-victim-hopes-dna-can-result-charge/2579597001/
https://www.wpbf.com/article/florida-cold-case-cards-being-given-to-florida-inmates-in-hopes-they-can-help-solve-old-cases/61078249
Newspapers.com
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12min
April 02, 2025 The murder of Karen Oatley
Karen Lynn Oatley, faced the daunting challenge of being almost entirely deaf from birth, relying on a hearing aid to engage with the world. Despite her difficulties, she displayed remarkable determination, impressing her teachers with her resilience and intellect as she adapted to her circumstances.
On a warm evening, August 5, 1979, 14-year-old Karen embarked on her routine bike ride but did not return home, prompting her worried parents to report her missing. Initially classified as a runaway, the investigation took a grim turn when her bicycle was found near a wooded area behind Gardner Junior High School. Tragically, her body was discovered soon after, revealing signs of homicide that sent shockwaves through the community.
As the investigation unfolded, multiple leads emerged, yet the police struggled with a lack of solid evidence. They received numerous tips, but many led to dead ends, leaving the community in fear and uncertainty. In an effort to gather more information, the Lansing Police Department activated the Secret Witness program, encouraging residents to come forward with any potential clues while ensuring anonymity.
Despite the influx of tips and extensive canvassing of the area, the case stagnated, and investigators expressed frustration over the scarcity of physical evidence. As they continued to explore potential suspects, whispers of a local figure known as the "hair man" surfaced, leading to further questioning but ultimately yielding no significant breakthroughs. The case of Karen Oatley remains a complex and emotional mystery, highlighting the community's desire for justice and closure.
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13min
March 27, 2025 The murder of Melinda Juul
In the small town of Jamestown, New York, the peaceful life of Melinda (Harvey) Juul, born March 12, 1960, in Wichita, Kansas, comes to a tragic end. A devoted mother of four and a committed community living specialist, Melinda's world is shattered on January 20, 1993, when she is found murdered after leaving work at the Resource Center's Immediate Health Care Facility.
After failing to return from a break at a nearby Quality Markets Store, Melinda is discovered on Marion Street, shot in the chest with a .40 caliber pistol. The community is devastated, and Police Chief Andrew Johnson Jr. appeals for information, revealing that Melinda's family was home during the time of the murder.
Despite investigations and a reward offered for information regarding the case, leads begin to dwindle, and by July, the reward amount is doubled as the police continue their search for answers. Over the years, the mystery deepens, with Captain Robert Samuelson suggesting that Melinda may have been a victim of mistaken identity. An anonymous letter arrives years later, hinting at a suspect and indicating she was not the intended target.
Meanwhile, Greg Juul, Melinda's husband, grapples with the loss and remarries, but he too passes away in 2011 without ever finding closure. The profound sadness of Melinda's murder lingers, affecting her children and the community.
Today, as Jamestown remembers Melinda Juul, her legacy lives on, and the search for justice continues. The police urge anyone with information to come forward, maintaining that all calls and tips will be kept confidential. The hope for closure remains, emphasizing the impact of Melinda's life and the unresolved questions surrounding her tragic death.
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15min
March 16, 2025 The disappearance of Paula Welden
Paula Jean Welder, an American college student, vanished on December 1, 1946, while hiking on Vermont's Long Trail. At the time, she was on a solo expedition, pursuing her passion for outdoor exploration. After failing to return from her hike, concerns grew, and local authorities initiated a search operation.
However, the investigation faced significant criticism due to a series of missteps made by the local sheriffs, which hampered the search efforts and led to confusion among search parties. Despite extensive searches conducted in the rugged terrain, no trace of Paula was ever found, prompting further scrutiny into the failings of the investigation.
In the aftermath, the public outcry over the handling of Paula's case significantly contributed to the establishment of the Vermont State Police, aimed at providing a more organized and effective law enforcement response in future emergencies. Paula Jean Welder's disappearance remains a poignant reminder of the challenges faced in search and rescue operations, and her case continues to resonate within the community as a symbol of unresolved loss.
https://tkrice.tripod.com/welden.html
https://www.strangeoutdoors.com/mysterious-stories-blog/paula-jean-weldon
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3h 26min

FAQs about Awareness:

How many episodes does Awareness have?

The podcast currently has 23 episodes available.