Cafecito & Crime

On December 17, 1994, 27-year-old Alison Botha, spent her Saturday with her friends at the beach. Later that night, after midnight, Alison went to drop off her friend back at her place, and it never crossed her mind how life was about to change once she returned home. While about to exit her car, a man opened her door, and held a knife to her throat, asking her to move over. Over the next 90 minutes, Alison was kidnapped, rapped, attacked, and left for dead. But, the one thing her attackers never counted on, was Alison miraculously surviving. Join us for today's case, to find out what happened to Alison and how she found the strength to fight for her life, and make sure her attackers were put behind bars. So, grab your cafecito, and let's get started.


Alison's Book
I Have Life: Alison's Journey by Marianne Thamm
https://www.amazon.com/Have-Life-Alisons-Journey-Marianne-ebook/dp/B01G8WS2CG

Movie, Alison
https://www.amazon.com/Alison-Christia-Visser/dp/B077464V7W

You can donate to Alison's trust for her medical expenses.
Nedbank Trust Account No. 1302230492
Alison Trust
For international donations, include SWIFT code NEDSZAJJ
Payee Address: 157 Cape Rd, Newton Park, Gqeberha, 6001.
Description: Donation
Purpose: Gifts (BOP Code 401)

When 21-year-old Valentina Trespalacios moved in with her boyfriend, John, in January 2023, she had no idea that he would end up murdering her. Valentina grew up in a struggling household in Bogota, Colombia, and all she strived for was to be successful so she could help provide for her family. As she gained some success as a DJ, she met John online, who immediately began to lavish her with money and gifts and they began to date long-distance. After a toxic relationship, the couple broke up and got back together with John promising that things were going to be different and he was going to move to Bogota so they could finally be together. Not long after he arrived in Bogota so they could begin their new life together, Valentina's body was found on January 22 in a dumpster. With only one suspect in her murder, the race was on to find John before he got away. Join us for today's episode to find out what happened to Valentina. So, grab your cafecito, and let's get started. 


You can keep up with us on Instagram at @cafecitoandcrimepod

Or you can send us a nice email to [email protected]

In 2018, 16-year-old junior Danyna Gibson was at the top of her academics at Fitzgerald High School. She was one step closer to becoming the valedictorian of her graduating class and couldn't wait to pursue computer engineering after graduation. Sadly, Danyna wouldn't get to graduate. When issues with a former friend, 17-year-old, Tayana Lewis, exploded into something no one could have imagined, family and friends were left wondering how things took such a dark turn. Join us for today's episode to learn about what happened to Danyna. So, grab your cafecito, and let's get started. 

You can keep up with us on Instagram at @cafecitoandcrimepod

Or you can send us a nice email to [email protected]

When 24-year-old Alyssa Burkett made it work on October 2, 2020, she had no idea that there was someone there already waiting for her to shoot her. Unfortunately, Alyssa would be killed that day, but investigators would not have to look long before a primary suspect would make himself known, along with a motive. Join us for today’s episode to learn about what happened to Alyssa. So, grab your cafecito, and let’s get started. 

You can keep up with us on Instagram at @cafecitoandcrimepod

Or you can send us a nice email to [email protected]

When Jim Krauseneck made it home after work on February 19, 1982, he had no idea the horrific scene he was about to walk into. In their Brighton, NY home, Jim found his wife, Cathy, dead with an axe lodged in her head. When the investigation began, the scene looked like a robbery gone wrong, but after further inspection, the scene looked staged. Suspicion soon fell on Jim but without any concrete evidence against him, the case turned cold. It would be 40 years later, that someone was held accountable for Cathy's death, but what is the correct person put behind bars? Join us for today's case to learn about what happened to Cathy Krauseneck. So, grab your cafecito, and let's get started. 

You can keep up with us on Instagram at @cafecitoandcrimepod

Or you can send us a nice email to [email protected]

When Aileen Seiden returned with her ex, Zach Abell, she didn't know he would be her demise. Now, in a volatile relationship and on the road without her belongings, Aileen is trying to figure out how to make it back home safely. With a plan set to do just that, all she had to do was make it to Tampa, FL, but sadly, Aileen wouldn't make it there. Her beaten body was discovered off Highway 98 in Apalachicola, FL on April 23, 2018. Join us for today's episode to learn what happened to Aileen. So, grab your cafecito, and let's get started. 

You can keep up with us on Instagram at @cafecitoandcrimepod

Or you can send us a nice email to [email protected]

When 18-year-old Mandy Stavik returned to her small hometown, Acme, Washington, for Thanksgiving, she never thought it would be the last time she ever did. An avid runner, she went on a post-Thanksgiving day run down her regular route of Strand Rd with the family dog. When the dog made it back to the home alone, and without Mandy, it caused immediate concern. Tragically, Mandy's body was found three days later in the nearby Nooksack River, and her death was ruled a homicide. Her case soon turned cold, and it would take almost 30 years to catch her killer. Join us for today's episode to learn what happened to Mandy. So, grab your cafecito, and let's get started.


You can keep up with us on Instagram at @cafecitoandcrimepod

Or you can send us a nice email to [email protected]

When three similar missing persons reports were made in the area of Bradford within months of each other, police suspected they might all be connected but weren’t sure.  While searching for the third missing woman, Suzanne, the police received evidence that would break open all three cases. What they didn’t expect was to find how gruesomely all three women had been killed by the self-proclaimed Crossbow Cannibal. Join us for today’s case to learn more about the three missing women. So, grab your cafecito, and let’s get started.

The book used for research:
Stephen Griffiths: The Crossbow Cannibal (True Crimes Book 38) 
By: Andrew Alexander

You can keep up with us on Instagram at @cafecitoandcrimepod

Or you can send us a nice email to [email protected]

In 2023, a wellness check for Lois and John McCullough was called in by the couple's doctor's office since they had been canceling their doctor's appointments throughout the years. Not only that, but no one had seen them around since the pandemic. When police finally get to speak to their daughter, Virginia McCullough, she reveals things to the police that would leave them in shock as to the whereabouts of Lois and John. Join us for today's episode to learn about what happened to the couple, and how their daughter was involved. So, grab your cafecito, and let's get started.  


You can keep up with us on Instagram at @cafecitoandcrimepod

Or you can send us a nice email to [email protected]

When 29-year-old business owner Andreen McDonald didn’t show up to work on March 1, 2019, friends and family knew that something was wrong.  As it happens in many cases, her husband, Andre, soon became a person of interest in her disappearance. When he stopped cooperating with investigators and lawyered up, the race was on to prove that he did have something to do with Andreen's disappearance and suspected murder. Join us for today's episode to find out what truly happened to Andreen. So, grab your cafecito, and let's get started. 


You can keep up with us on Instagram at @cafecitoandcrimepod

Or you can send us a nice email to [email protected]