In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the heartbreaking 1987 murder of Anna Mae Florence—a case that remained unsolved for decades before modern forensic technology finally uncovered the truth. What began as a brutal attack investigation evolved into a complex story involving unreliable witnesses, false identities, overlooked evidence, and the persistence of investigators who refused to let the case disappear.

This case highlights how one piece of evidence—a bloody handprint—ultimately became the key to solving a murder 25 years later.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: a case where the truth remained buried for decades
00:28 – The attack on Anna Mae Florence and the initial police response
01:11 – Anna Mae’s life and background in Columbus, Ohio
02:13 – The violent attack: 14 stab wounds and her final moments
03:32 – Crime scene analysis and evidence of a struggle
04:54 – Discovery of the blood-stained purse and bloody handprint
05:45 – Fingerprint analysis limitations in 1987
06:32 – Witness descriptions and the original suspect sketch
07:48 – Investigators explore theories of robbery and overkill
08:58 – Reports of a frantic woman asking strangers for help
09:54 – Early suspects, including a teenage girl and local residents
11:25 – The tip involving Odell and emerging inconsistencies
12:45 – Odell’s changing stories and sudden disappearance
13:41 – Investigators examine Danita’s alibi and hospital records
14:28 – Discrepancies in records and evidence of deception
15:26 – The plan to use a wire in hopes of gathering more information
16:17 – A major setback when fingerprint evidence fails to match the suspect
17:42 – The case goes cold in 1988 while Anna Mae’s family continues searching for answers
20:01 – The 2012 cold case revival and renewed forensic testing
20:59 – Reinvestigating suspects through modern DNA and fingerprint analysis
26:34 – The shocking identification of Zina Roberson
29:34 – Zina’s arrest, background, and confession
31:09 – Why the bloody handprint became the defining piece of evidence
33:02 – Reflections on trust, vulnerability, and the exploitation of kindness
34:43 – The lasting impact of Anna Mae Florence’s case
35:07 – Closing thoughts, community discussions, and upcoming Murder in the Black projects

Christina thought she understood exactly who she was and the life she was supposed to want. But as her wedding approaches, two men force her to confront the parts of herself she has spent years refusing to see.

What I Didn’t See is a psychological thriller about love, denial, self-deception, and the truths that circle us long before we are ready to name them.

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The Murder of Carlnell Walker | Riverdale, Georgia

In 2006, college student Carlnell Walker was found dead under deeply disturbing circumstances—his body discovered in the trunk of a car in Clayton County, Georgia. What initially appeared to be a missing persons case quickly evolved into something far more complex.

In this episode, we examine how perception, identity, and image—both online and in real life—intersected with greed and manipulation, ultimately leading to devastating consequences.

This case challenges how we think about who people present themselves to be versus who they actually are—and what can happen in the space between those two realities.

In This Episode

• The discovery of Carlnell Walker and the condition of the scene
• Key moments in the investigation and how suspicion developed
• The role of social media and identity performance
• Financial motives, including insurance and personal gain
• Confessions, arrests, and case outcomes
• The larger questions this case raises about perception and vulnerabilityTimestamps

00:00 – Listener discretion advised
01:28 – Case introduction: Clayton County, Georgia
02:13 – A mother’s concern: Peggy Walker speaks up
03:11 – Discovery of Carlnell in the trunk
04:55 – Who Carlnell was beyond the headlines
05:52 – Evidence of torture and escalation of violence
06:49 – Scene analysis and multiple perpetrators
08:15 – Insurance and eviction letters raise questions
08:44 – Interview with landlord Terry Alexander
10:38 – Early inconsistencies in the story
13:24 – Witness tip and fear of retaliation
14:22 – Ari Brown’s interview
15:49 – Social media, image, and perception
16:47 – Financial motive and insurance claims
18:11 – Forensic findings and cause of death
19:05 – Breakthrough lead from cafeteria worker
19:58 – Reinvention and identity among suspects
21:18 – Confession from Breylon Garland
23:45 – The final hours of Carlnell’s life
26:49 – Arrests: Miles Allen, Keith Roberts, Theodore Hall

In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the devastating murders of Gloria Short, her son Caleb, and her granddaughter Gianna—a case that forces us to confront what happens when violence comes not from strangers, but from within trusted circles. Through forensic evidence, investigative breakthroughs, and reflection, we explore how care, access, and familiarity were manipulated in one of the most haunting forms of betrayal.

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Main Topics

• The lives of Gloria, Caleb, and Gianna Short—and the close family bonds at the heart of this tragedy
• The crime scene evidence, including staging, forensic clues, and what investigators immediately recognized
• How community tips and social media helped move the investigation forward
• The involvement of young perpetrators and what this case raises about violence, influence, and accountability
• The investigative trail—from vehicle tracking to identifying accomplice Jervarceay “Weeda” Tapley
• The emotional weight of betrayal when harm comes through trusted relationships
• Legal outcomes, life sentences, and the family’s continuing path toward healing
• Broader reflections on predation, trust, and the corruption of care itself

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Key Insights

• Why betrayal by someone known can feel more destabilizing than stranger violence
• How forensic evidence helped establish planning, intent, and participation
• What this case reveals about the exploitation of proximity and trust
• The difficult questions raised when very young perpetrators are involved
• Why this case challenges assumptions about safety inside familiar relationships

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Timestamps00:00 — Introduction and listener warning00:31 — The crime scene and early investigative clues00:59 — Betrayal versus stranger violence01:27 — The victims: Gloria, Caleb, and Gianna02:23 — Who they were beyond the headlines

The disappearance and murder of Michael Giles is a case built on manipulation, deception, and a trail of circumstantial evidence that couldn’t be ignored.

In this episode, we break down how Kwaneta Harris constructed narratives, controlled perceptions, and left behind patterns that investigators couldn’t overlook.

From a suspicious backyard slab… to financial records, false alibis, and forged documents—this case forces us to examine how truth is uncovered when nothing is straightforward.

We also touch on the mysterious death of Ashlee Jenae, and what it reveals about justice, media coverage, and accountability.

Keywords

true crime podcast, Michael Giles case, Kwaneta Harris, murder investigation, circumstantial evidence, manipulation tactics, false confession, Erica Flores, domestic abuse, true crime stories, Black victims, justice system, crime analysis.

What You’ll Hear

• Michael Giles’ disappearance and investigation
• Kwaneta Harris’ role and psychological manipulation
• Backyard burial site and forensic discovery
• Financial evidence and digital trail
• False confession scheme involving Erica Flores
• Forged documents and deception tactics
• Patterns of behavior that built the case
• Reflections on justice, media, and accountability
• 
  

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction
01:32 Background & relationship timeline
08:30 Backyard slab discovery
11:13 Last contact with Michael Giles
13:24 Financial evidence
16:42 Excavation of the property
22:33 Discovery of remains
23:32 Arrest and interrogation
30:30 Erica Flores false confession
38:03 Pattern of deception
42:28 Plea deal
47:05 Final reflections

This episode explores the case of Ciara Ingram—a mother, nurse, and veteran whose life was cut short just as she was preparing to start over. What begins as a tragic discovery inside her Columbus, Georgia apartment quickly unfolds into a layered investigation marked by conflicting accounts, shifting timelines, and unanswered questions.

As the case develops, attention turns to the people closest to Ciara, including her ex-husband, Jared Ingram—the last known person to see her alive. His arrest, the 15 months he spent in jail before making bond, and the years that passed before trial all become part of a larger narrative shaped as much by time as by evidence.

This episode takes a closer look at what was presented in court—from witness testimony and alleged motives to the absence of definitive forensic evidence. It also examines the role of child witnesses, exploring how memory can evolve under pressure and how questioning techniques can influence what is later recalled as truth.

At its core, this case raises difficult questions about belief, credibility, and the burden of proof. When evidence leaves room for interpretation, how do jurors decide what is reliable? And what does justice look like when certainty is out of reach?

More than a recounting of events, this episode sits in the tension between what may have happened and what can actually be proven—leaving listeners to confront not just the outcome, but how they arrived at their own conclusions.

Keywords

true crime, Ciara Ingram, murder case, forensic psychology, court trial, child testimony, DNA evidence, justice system, reasonable doubt, criminal investigation

• The timeline of Ciara Ingram’s murder and the events leading up to her death
• The role of child testimony and how memory can be influenced over time
• The evidence presented at trial—and the gaps that raised doubt
• How perception, narrative, and interpretation can shape the outcome of a case“Children’s memories can be shaped, even when they believe they’re telling the truth.”

• “Doubt isn’t a weakness in the system—it’s the standard.”

Chapters

00:00 — The Complexity of Truth in Family Violence
03:30 — Ciara Ingram’s Life and Tragic Death
06:35 — The Investigation Begins
09:28 — Unraveling Relationships and Motives
12:13 — Children as Witnesses: Memory and Influence
15:29 — The Trial: Evidence and Doubt
18:34 — The Verdict and Its Implications

Episode Breakdown:
What happens when silence isn’t just fear—but culture, history, and survival?

In this episode, we unpack the murder of Rene Charles—a case that sat in the shadows not because there were no answers, but because the truth lived inside a community that wasn’t quick to speak. This story forces us to look at how loyalty, fear, and unspoken rules can shape justice—and delay it.

This episode explores the life and murder of Rene Charles, and how cultural understanding became just as important as evidence in solving the case.

We go beyond the surface to examine how silence—rooted in both Black American and Haitian experiences—can protect, but also prevent accountability.

Through the investigation, we uncover how relationships, hidden truths, and community dynamics played a critical role in what happened—and why it took so long to get answers.

• The shared history of silence across the Black diaspora—and how it shows up differently in communities
• Rene Charles’ life, legacy, and role within the Haitian community
• The investigation timeline and why the case stalled
• How community trust (or lack of it) impacts justice
• The role of Detective Roxanne Lopez and Officer Ronnie Charles in reopening the case
• Hidden relationships, secrecy, and the weight of what wasn’t said
• The influence of Haiti’s political history on community interactions with law enforcement
• The lasting ripple effects of violence within tight-knit communities

Timestamps:

00:22 – Introduction: culture, silence, and what this case represents
02:09 – The murder of Rene Charles
03:02 – Rene’s relationship with Philomena and community response
05:10 – Silence as survival across the diaspora
06:36 – Haitian history and distrust of authority
08:17 – Rene’s journey, immigration, and impact
09:48 – His generosity, family life, and reputation
11:15 – The affair that complicated everything
13:22 – Secrets, relationships, and shifting narratives
15:03 – Rumors of a love triangle and motive
16:37 – Daniel Jean-Baptiste questioned and his alibi
19:37 – The case goes cold
20:31 – Evidence hidden in plain sight
21:31 – Community reaction to reopening the case
24:09 – Investigators turn inward toward the community
25:54 – Haiti connections and international elements
29:44 – Confession and the role of Daniel Jean-Baptiste
35:47 – Sentencing and unanswered questions (including Mucchi Toussaint)
36:22 – Reflection: trust, loss, and community impact
39:08 – The gray areas of relationships and truth
40:45 – Silence, secrets, and long-term consequences
42:07 – Update: Na'Ziyah Harris case + broader justice reflections

Full Breakdown of Na'Ziyah Harris Episode:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Jg7pBUeWl64CJA1H9fY1d?si=_m9JvPDiTaWHJ-i0QBnGGA

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Dawnia DaCosta was just minutes away from where she was supposed to be.

What started as a routine night—a late prayer vigil, a familiar drive—turned into something far more unsettling. Within a matter of hours, Dawnia would vanish, leaving behind a trail of questions, conflicting witness accounts, and a case that wouldn’t fully come together until years later.

In this episode, we walk through the timeline of that night, the investigation that followed, and the evidence that both helped—and delayed—answers. From the gas station sighting to the composite sketch, to the DNA that ultimately pointed to Lucious Boyd, this case reveals how easily critical details can be missed when they aren’t fully connected.

And even now, the story doesn’t end with one victim.

• The night Dawnia attended a prayer vigil alone

• The gas station encounter and witness descriptions

• The church van theory and early investigative focus

• The discovery of Dawnia’s body and forensic findings

• How DNA evidence led to Lucious Boyd

• The 2023 breakthrough linking another victim in the same time frame

• What this case reveals about patterns, missed connections, and delayed justice

  
  

  
  

  Why This Case Stays With You

Dawnia didn’t step outside of her routine.
She was close to home. Close to safety.

And somehow—
that still wasn’t enough.

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Discover the heartbreaking case of April Lynn Holt, a young woman whose life was tragically cut short amid emotional manipulation, unanswered questions, and a justice system that left her family fighting for more.

In this episode of Murder in the Black, we walk through April’s story — from her vibrant life as a beauty entrepreneur and social media influencer to the disturbing details surrounding her death, the evidence that raised red flags, and the legal outcome that continues to spark outrage.

This is more than a case.

It’s a conversation about emotional abuse, missed warning signs, and what justice really looks like when the system falls short.

🎧 In This Episode:

• The life of April Lynn Holt — her ambitions, business, and growing social media presence

• Her relationship with Donavan Holt, including on-and-off patterns and signs of emotional manipulation

• The final moments before her hospitalization, including bruising, petechiae, and conflicting accounts

• Key evidence uncovered in the case file — including fingerprint analysis and inconsistencies in the scene

• Denzel’s account of the argument on July 28 and what he witnessed

• The staged crime scene and Donavan’s confession, claiming her death was accidental

• The legal aftermath — charges, plea deals, and how prosecution limitations impacted sentencing

• The emotional toll on April’s mother, Jamie, and her relentless fight for truth and justice

• A deeper look into emotional abuse and how it can escalate into deadly outcomes

• Systemic failures in domestic violence cases and what this case reveals

  ⏱️ Timestamps:

  00:00 – Introduction to the case of April Lynn Holt
  00:25 – April’s background, personality, and social media presence
  01:11 – Her dedication to motherhood and entrepreneurship
  02:10 – The emotional connection between beauty professionals and clients
  03:00 – Relationship timeline with Donavan — on-and-off patterns
  05:00 – Social media and the illusion of “perfect” relationships
  09:30 – April’s mental health and decision to leave
  15:00 – Hospitalization, injuries, and conflicting narratives
  16:55 – Evidence of strangulation and staged scene indicators
  20:06 – Medical examiner ruling and Jamie’s refusal to accept suicide
  30:07 – Jamie’s advocacy, TikTok awareness, and gag order
  32:15 – Evidence pointing to foul play — fingerprints and Denzel’s testimony
  34:15 – Donavan’s confession and staged scene details
  37:11 – Legal proceedings, plea deal, and sentencing
  43:15 – Reflection on emotional abuse and systemic failures
  44:23 – Jamie’s resilience and fight for justice
  46:21 – Final thoughts: awareness, advocacy, and accountability

  
  

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In this episode of Murder in the Black, we explore the heartbreaking story of 14-year-old Nacole Smith, a young girl with dreams of becoming a pediatrician who never made it to school on the morning of June 7, 1995.

What began as a devastating crime in an Atlanta neighborhood would become a case that stretched across decades. Despite eyewitness descriptions, community efforts to identify a suspect, and early forensic evidence, investigators struggled to identify the man responsible.

The case took a critical turn nearly nine years later, when 13-year-old Betty Brown survived a violent assault in East Point, Georgia. Betty’s courage to report the attack and her detailed recollection of the man who assaulted her would ultimately connect the two cases through DNA evidence — revealing that the same offender had been living in the community for years.

Through advances in forensic science, including DNA profiling, CODIS, and later genetic genealogy, investigators were eventually able to identify the suspect responsible for both crimes. But the resolution came with its own tragedy when the suspect died before he could face justice.

In this episode we also introduce our True Crime in Current News segment, where we highlight cases currently unfolding that listeners have brought to our attention. In this episode we discuss several developing stories, including the disturbing discovery of two young girls found in suitcases in Cleveland, a Bronx double homicide connected to a domestic dispute, and a shocking case involving a former NFL player accused of killing his girlfriend and allegedly using ChatGPT in an attempt to research ways to cover up the crime.

• The life and dreams of Nacole Smith

• The events of June 7, 1995, and the discovery of her murder

• Early investigative leads and eyewitness descriptions

• Community involvement and the circulation of the composite sketch

• Suspicion surrounding Jamar Hendrix and why resemblance to a sketch alone is not evidence

• DNA evidence collected from the crime scene and its entry into CODIS

• Why CODIS searches sometimes return no match

• The 2002 jailhouse informant tip and why investigators ruled it out

• The attack on Betty Brown and how her survival connected two crimes

• The role of forensic science and genetic genealogy in solving cold cases

• The identification of Kelvin Arnold decades later

• The emotional impact of the suspect dying before he could face justice

• The perseverance of investigators and the importance of survivor testimony

• True Crime in Current News: listener-submitted cases and developing investigations

00:00 – Introduction to Nacole Smith’s case
02:25 – Nacole’s life, dreams, and family
04:07 – The morning of June 7, 1995
07:26 – Discovery of the crime scene and evidence recovered
09:55 – Witness descriptions and early suspect sketches
11:42 – Community efforts and the composite sketch
13:06 – Jamar Hendrix investigation and why he was ruled out
14:37 – DNA evidence, CODIS, and investigative challenges
17:31 – The 2002 jailhouse informant lead
19:15 – The attack on Betty Brown in 2004
21:10 – DNA connection between Betty Brown’s case and Nacole’s murder
25:20 – Advances in forensic science and genetic genealogy
26:32 – Identification of Kelvin Arnold
27:24 – Arnold’s death before arrest in 2021
28:15 – Reflection on justice, persistence, and investigative tenacity
35:02 – True Crime in Current News segment
36:08 – Final thoughts and episode close

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