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Every morning, Anita Redhair receives a "good morning" text from her 27-year-old daughter, Pepita. On the morning of March 25, 2020, Anita waited for her usual text, but it never came. She wondered if her daughter was busy with school, work, her hobby of skateboarding, or spending time with her boyfriend Nick. She soon reached out to Nick, and he claimed she left a party the night before, and he didn't know where she was. When Anita alerted the authorities of Pepita's disappearance, the Albuquerque Police Department, her case was ignored due to the recent COVID outbreak.  

As Pepita's family investigated, more details of Pepita's life were revealed. Join Arlene and Leah as they review the clues, evidence, her family's tireless efforts,  theories of what could have happened to Pepita, and the suspects. 

November is Native American Heritage Month, and Box in the Basement would like to shine light on native women, who face a murder rate 10 times more than the national average. If you have information about a missing or murdered Indigenous person, reach out to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Text BIAMMU and your tip to 847411, call 1-833-560-2065, or email [email protected]. 
 

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and we feature the selfless mother of 6, Takara Hightower, and the current case of missing San Antonio 51-year-old mother Suzanne Simpson. If you're experiencing domestic violence, please seek help: National Domestic Violence Hotline

1. Navy Senior Chief Recruiter Kills Wife, Dies in Shootout, Police Say
2. Texas Man Fatally Shot Wife as She Filed Domestic Violence Complaint
3. Peoria Native Greg Hightower Identified as Man Who Killed Wife in Texas
4. Wife Shot Dead by Military Recruiter Husband After Filing Abuse Complaint
5. Military Recruiter Kills Wife, NCIS Agent Shot
6. Texas Woman Fatally Shot by Husband While Filing Domestic Violence Complaint
7. Shots Fired at Atascocita Residence
8. Military Recruiter Killed by Police After Fatally Shooting Wife
9. Missing Mom Suzanne Simpson’s Husband Sent Urgent Message to Business Partner
10. Suzanne and Brad Simpson: Missing Wife and Husband Arrest
11. San Antonio Friends Seek Missing Mother Suzanne Simpson
12. Missing Texas Woman Suzanne Clark
13. Friends of Missing Mom Suzanne Simpson Struggle to Stay Positive
14. Nonprofit Aids in Search for Missing Woman Suzanne Simpson
15. Day 11 of Landfill Search for Clues in Suzanne Simpson Case
16. Evidence Found as Husband Remains Jailed

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In 2018, a masked intruder attacked 31-year-old teacher Sophi Sullivan, and her 7-year-old son was the only witness to the stabbing.  The town of Marfa, Tx mourned, her former students creating a memorial in her honor. Sophi's son claims he knows the murderer, but will the police build a solid case?

If you or anyone you know, is being abused, please check out the links below:  

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 24/7 support for those facing domestic violence.

Love Is Respect: Focused on helping young people in abusive relationships.

RAINN: Support for victims of sexual abuse.

StrongHearts Native Helpline: Assistance for Native American survivors of domestic violence.

WomensLaw.org: Legal information and support for abuse survivors.

 Episode Notes:
Sophi & Danny Sullivan: A Murder Rooted in Domestic Violence

Suspect in Marfa Teacher’s Murder Identified by 7-Year-Old Son

Parents of Slain Marfa Teacher Criticize DA Ori White’s Silence on New Trial

Marfa High School Mourns Beloved Teacher

Mother of Slain Marfa ISD Teacher Awarded $7 Million in Damages

Few Details Known in the Death of Marfa ISD Teacher

Students Create Memorial in Honor of Marfa Teacher

Support Box in the Basement & Our Causes 

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Mariah Gardner's life changed forever on the night her ex-husband, Stephen Clare, attacked her in a fit of rage. In February 2023, Clare shot Mariah, killing their 10-month-old daughter, Willow Grace, in the process. Clare's violent assault left Mariah fighting for survival, both physically and emotionally. In the aftermath, Mariah has spent over a year seeking justice, advocating for domestic violence awareness, and fighting for stronger protections for survivors.

Join Arlene and Leah as they highlight domestic violence in Texas through this jarring case.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We encourage our listeners to donate an essential items bag for a nearby shelter.

The Willow Grace Foundation

Resources: National Domestic Violence Hotline
Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Show notes:
Woman Who Survived Brutal Attack Reacts to DA's Decision to Pursue Death Penalty Against Ex-Husband

‘My Ex Shot Me and Killed Our Baby’: A Mother’s Horror and Fight for Change

‘I Will Do Whatever It Takes’: A Mother's Year-Long Fight for Survival and Justice

Healing Through Advocacy: A Mother Survives Deadly Domestic Violence Attack

One Year Later: Mariah Gardner Reflects on Surviving a Brutal Domestic Violence Attack

Vigil for Baby Willow: Remembering the Rampage

Prosecutors Pursue Death Penalty Against Man Accused of Killing Baby; Mother Expresses Relief

Local Mother Hosts 'Walk for Willow' to Honor Late Daughter and Domestic Violence Victims

Man Accused of Killing Daughter, Attacking Ex-Wife Has Trial Date Pushed Back

Hundreds of Texans Were Killed by Intimate Partners in 2023

San Antonio Mother of Domestic Violence Victim Creates Nonprofit 

Support Box in the Basement & Our Causes 

• Leon Laurales: Website & GoFundMe 
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In January 2009,  San Angelo shop owner & bowling aficionado Randy Cave's murder shocked the community, including hosts Arlene and Leah. Randy, known for his kindness and popularity, was found by employees when he didn't show up to work. Investigators have a few persons of interest, who would want Randy dead?

Candance Boley, a former Marine and mother of two, joined the Army & moved to Fort Hood in 2011. After a neighbor finds her body, Candance's family receives confusing information, including outright lies regarding the autopsy.

Join Arlene and Leah as they examine both cases, looking at evidence, theories, and pushing for justice.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We encourage our listeners to take action, and if you're being abused, contact www.thehotline.org for resources. Call 1-800-799-SAFE. Text "Start" to 88788. 

Show notes:
The Mysterious Murder of Randy Lee Cave

Randy Cave’s Death Still Unsolved

Currently Unsolved Cold Cases in San Angelo

Here Are Cold Cases Still Being Investigated in San Angelo

2009 Murder of Randy Lee Cave

Beloved San Angelo Businessman Among the Restless Slain

San Angelo Crime Stoppers: Unsolved Cases

Newspapers Coverage of Randy Lee Cave

Candance Boley: Murdered in Killeen

Family Fights for Justice for Candance Boley

Inside the Rash of Unexplained Deaths at Fort Hood

Texas Veteran Murders

Mother Seeks Justice for Candance Boley

Remembering Candance Boley

Support Box in the Basement & Our Causes 

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Catrina Mowrey's death in 1985 remains one of Dallas, Texas' haunting cold cases. Kansas native Catrina was found dead in her Oak Cliff apartment, and despite the passage of nearly 40 years, questions about what exactly happened to her continue to plague her family. Her body was discovered under mysterious circumstances, with inconsistencies that left investigators puzzled. Initially ruled an accidental death, the case was later reopened as a homicide when new information came to light, sparking her family’s relentless pursuit of justice.

Catrina's family has remained vocal, tirelessly fighting for answers and hoping that renewed attention might finally solve the case. Her story is one of loss, unanswered questions, and a family's unwavering determination to find out who was responsible for tearing their lives apart. Join Arlene and Leah as they investigate how Catrina died, the police's bungled investigation, theories, and Catrina's family's ongoing search for justice.

Sign the Petition to help keep Catrina’s case alive and ensure her story is not forgotten. We've signed - will you? 

Notes:
Cold Case Is Niece’s Tragic Legacy

Oak Cliff Family Fights for Answers in 1983 Cold Case

Texas Cold Case Tore Apart Family, Keeps Fighting for Answers Nearly 40 Years Later

The Unexplained Death of Catherine ‘Catrina’ Mowrey

Catherine 'Catrina' Diane Mowrey - Find A Grave Memorial

Catherine Mowrey Memorial on MyKeeper

Support Box in the Basement & Our Causes 

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Late on July 4th, 2010, 19-year-old Shonda Townsend, a kind mother of one, disappears on a drive home after celebratory fireworks in Palo Pinto, Tx. Months later, her remains would be found. Why would anyone murder Shonda? 

Staff Sergeant Jessica Mitchell, a shy, hardworking, intelligent 30-year-old mother, went out on New Year's Eve 2020 with friends, happily posting on her socials. She left the 4th Quarter Sports bar at 2:00 am, only to be followed and gunned down by a red SUV, shocking the community of San Antonio and the military base Fort Sam Houston. Who would want Jessica dead? Join Arlene and Leah as they dig deep into the case, find clues police have found, and explore the theories. 

Show Notes:
Army CID Press Center on Jessica Mitchell
Jessica Mitchell Murder
Jessica Mitchell Case Forum
San Antonio Billboard Highlights Unsolved Murder of Army Sergeant
Reward Increased to $50,000 for Information on Jessica Ann Mitchell's Murder
Billboard Seeks Justice for Army Sergeant's Murder
KSAT Coverage of Jessica Mitchell Case
Search for Who Shot and Killed Army Staff Sergeant Jessica Ann Mitchell
Army CID Cold Case Unit Overview
Army Drill Sergeant and Mom Fatally Shot in Her Car

Support Box in the Basement & Our Causes 

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Phyllis Barry, a member of the Choctaw, headed off camping in Terlingua, Texas, in 1975.  Enjoying nature and a motorcycle ride with a stranger, Phyllis spent the evening around the campfire with friends. As they dispersed to look for more firewood, Phyllis disappeared. 

In 1993, 34-year-old Jane McDonald-Crone danced in Magnolia, Texas. Her car would be found a few blocks from her home, but no signs of Jane. She was sighted several times, but were they Jane? Join Leah as she goes through the lives of the two victims and investigates the theories. 

Support Box in the Basement & Our Causes 

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Today's epsiode covers two suspicious missing persons cases in Texas. 

In 2006, Cole Jackson left his friend in a  gas station Whataburger without a word as to where he was headed, speeding off in his half-ton pickup. He then crashed into a fence, promising the owner he'd return and pay later. That's the last time anyone spotted Cole. What happened to Cole, and what did investigators find? 

Forty-one-year-old Toni Childress finally started putting the pieces of her life together when she reached out to her sister on Facebook. After several chilling messages and no sign of Toni, her family began to panic and filled in a missing persons report. Investigators would find her car, but where would the investigation take them? 

Join Arlene and Leah as they discuss the victim's last day, the evidence left behind, and the theories about what may have happened to Cole Jackson and Toni Childress. 

Show Notes: 

https://www.cbs19.tv/article/news/local/50th-birthday-of-east-texas-man-who-disappeared-in-2006/501-3e54bde5-c43e-48ee-bd0c-1e6481fc7648
https://www.ktre.com/story/6136241/what-really-happened-to-cole-duane-jackson/
https://www.ketk.com/news/local-news/shelby-county-sheriffs-office-still-searching-for-cole-duane-jackson-on-his-50th-birthday/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfoWueM3ViA
https://www.cbs19.tv/article/news/local/50th-birthday-of-east-texas-man-who-disappeared-in-2006/501-3e54bde5-c43e-48ee-bd0c-1e6481fc7648
https://charleyproject.org/case/cole-duane-jackson
https://scttx.com/articles/sheriffs-department-cold-case-vanished-cole-duane-jackson
https://charleyproject.org/case/antionette-renee-childress
https://www.news-journal.com/news/police/officials-seek-missing-rusk-county-woman/article_e138e741-f040-5933-97ab-783a893a558d.html
https://www.thehendersonnews.com/news/rcso-no-leads-on-missing-woman/article_0af133d8-7a5a-11e5-a4a0-7b926c83127a.html
https://www.kltv.com/story/32133536/rusk-county-officials-searching-for-person-of-interest-in-multiple-cases/

Support Box in the Basement & Our Causes 

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On a cold December evening in 2017 in Bailey, Colorado, high school senior Maggie Long left school to grab cookies and water for a concert. She never came back. Hours later, her home was engulfed in flames, and Maggie’s remains were found inside. Murdered. Bound. Her killers vanished into the night, leaving behind more questions than answers.

Was it a burglary gone wrong? Or something far more sinister? Nearly seven years later, the case remains unsolved, and Maggie's family is left devastated. This episode explores Maggie's last day, the horror her family faced 11 years prior, strange gag orders from the justice system,  the evidence and suspects.

Join us as we unravel the eerie details of that fateful day, explore the unsettling theories, and ask the burning question: Why hasn’t justice been served for Maggie Long?

Show Notes:
https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/maggie-long

https://gazette.com/news/crime/the-case-of-maggie-long-six-years-later-park-county-officials-search-for-answers-in/article_5fb3000a-9085-11ee-9f76-f3a6bad4ba54.html

https://gazette.com/news/crime/the-case-of-maggie-long-six-years-later-park-county-officials-search-for-answers-in/article_5fb3000a-9085-11ee-9f76-f3a6bad4ba54.html

https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/cold-case-spotlight/family-hopes-fbi-s-investigation-2017-death-maggie-long-hate-n1286778

https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/fbi-investigating-maggie-long-murder-case-out-of-bailey-as-hate-crime

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/maggie-long-death-hate-crime-fbi-investigation/

https://www.theflume.com/free_content/article_07ec73ba-e1e0-11e7-b970-c3db856203a5.html

https://www.theflume.com/free_content/article_3e02c1ee-700f-11e8-ade3-17412c8031a2.html

https://www.theflume.com/search/?l=25&sd=desc&s=start_time&f=html&t=article%2Cvideo%2Cyoutube%2Ccollection&q=maggie+long

https://www.theflume.com/free_content/article_9e833892-1294-11e8-845b-cb89abe408ce.html

https://www.theflume.com/free_content/article_077e8364-db82-11e7-80fe-afc9e1474238.html

https://www.parkcountyco.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=355&ARC=1004

https://kdvr.com/news/colorado-cold-cases/cold-case-who-murdered-maggie-long-1651-days-ago/

https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/maggie-longs-murder-bailey-park-coun

Support Box in the Basement & Our Causes 

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