Murder In The Black

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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In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the heartbreaking murder of Kenyadda Patterson, a 31-year-old mother whose life was taken in Charlotte, North Carolina. When her body was discovered behind a church, investigators were faced with a disturbing crime scene and very few answers.

As detectives began piecing together Kenyadda’s final hours, suspicion initially fell on people close to her — including her estranged husband and a man she had recently met. But forensic evidence would ultimately lead investigators in an unexpected direction, revealing that the person responsible for her death had been much closer than anyone realized.

This episode explores the investigative process, the role of DNA evidence in identifying the killer, and the unsettling discovery that the suspect had a long history of violent crime. We also reflect on the impact Kenyadda’s death had on her children and community.

At the end of the episode, we also highlight the still-unresolved disappearance of Daniel Robinson, a young geologist who vanished in the Arizona desert in 2021, reminding us that while some families receive answers, others are still searching for the truth.

TIMELINE

00:00 – A crime scene behind a church in Charlotte, North Carolina00:30 – Discovery of Kenyadda Patterson’s body03:00 – Crime scene analysis and evidence collection04:24 – Investigators examine the abandoned vehicle and possible timeline07:04 – Medical examiner findings: strangulation and sexual assault08:02 – Investigators examine Kenyadda’s relationship with her estranged husband09:21 – Interviews with James Patterson and the emergence of another potential suspect12:35 – Johnny Moulton enters the investigation14:36 – Community reaction and the impact on Kenyadda’s children16:58 – Neighbor Thelma Harris contacts investigators with a tip22:38 – Detectives uncover the criminal history of Derrick Harris23:02 – A shocking connection between Derrick Harris and the investigation24:29 – Detectives revisit the neighborhood as suspicion grows25:47 – DNA results identify Derrick Harris as the killer26:31 – Reflection on Kenyadda’s life and the legacy she left behind27:38 – Featured segment: The disappearance of Daniel Robinson31:05 – Why some cases remain unresolved32:36 – Final reflections and call to action

In the closing segment of this episode, we also discuss the disappearance of Daniel Robinson, a 24-year-old geologist who vanished in the Arizona desert in 2021. Daniel was described by family and friends as intelligent, adventurous, and determined. After weeks of searching, his vehicle was discovered in a remote desert area with many of his personal belongings still inside, but Daniel himself was missing.

Human remains later confirmed to belong to Daniel were discovered in the desert, but investigators have been unable to determine the exact cause of death. His father has continued to advocate for answers and further investigation.

If you have information related to Daniel Robinson’s disappearance, please contact:

Buckeye Police Department Tip Line: 623-349-6411Silent Witness (Anonymous Tips): 480-WITNESS

• ​ Information on criminal investigations and forensic evidence• News coverage and case documentation related to Kenyada Patterson• Resources for families of missing persons• Community organizations supporting victims and families affected by violent crime

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In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the chilling Seminole Heights serial shootings in Tampa, Florida — a case that left a neighborhood paralyzed by fear and ultimately led to the arrest of Howell Donaldson III.

Four strangers. No connection. No clear motive. Just proximity.

We break down the victims’ stories, the psychological layers behind violence without motive, the investigative challenges, and the nearly six-year legal journey before Donaldson’s guilty plea.We also provide updates on the cases of Na’Ziyah Harris and Celeste Rivas Hernandez, exploring the complexities of plea deals, grand jury proceedings, and what justice truly means when families are still waiting for closure.

Key Topics Covered

• The Seminole Heights serial murders: timeline, victims, and community impact
• The psychological question: What drives someone to kill strangers?
• The comparison to the D.C. Sniper and the terror of unpredictability
• How fear reshapes neighborhoods and daily routines
• Evidence that led to Howell Donaldson’s arrest and conviction
• The six-year legal process and the decision to plead guilty
• The emotional toll on victims’ families navigating the justice system
• Update on the Na’Ziyah Harris case: guilty plea, sentencing timeline, and the ongoing search for her remains
• Celeste Rivas Hernandez case update: grand jury process and investigative patience

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: When violence has no motive
00:26 – Seminole Heights and the first shooting
00:59 – Community fear and escalating tension
1:29 – Who was Howell Donaldson III?
3:02 – Victim profiles and the randomness of the attacks
4:01 – Police response and reward increases
6:50 – Serial pattern and D.C. Sniper comparison
9:14 – The final murder and mounting pressure
12:26 – Arrest, ballistics evidence, and guilty plea
19:55 – Families navigating six years of legal delays
20:42 – Reflection: What ultimately drives random violence?
23:50 – Update: Na’Ziyah Harris case developments
32:43 – Celeste Rivas Hernandez investigation update
36:21 – Broader reflection on justice, delay, and closure

Resources & Links

• Seminole Heights Serial Murders – Case Background
• Howell Donaldson III – Court Records & Sentencing
• Na’Ziyah Harris – Case Update
• Celeste Rivas Hernandez – Investigation Overview

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In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine two intentional homicide cases connected by a deeper pattern of proximity, access, and life transition.

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 19-year-old Sade Robinson disappeared after a first date. Her dismembered remains were later discovered near Lake Michigan. Investigators arrested Maxwell Anderson, who now faces charges including first-degree intentional homicide, dismemberment of a corpse, and arson.

In Seat Pleasant, Maryland, 24-year-old Lamont Adaire Jr. — a father and athlete preparing to play professional basketball in China — was shot 12 times in a coordinated attack. Franklin Scott later pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 50 years.

Two cities.
Two lives in motion.
Two acts of deliberate violence.

Cases & Locations ReferencedTopics

This episode explores dating violence, digital evidence, jealousy, entitlement, masculinity, and the vulnerability that can accompany major life transitions. We examine how access and emotional immaturity intersect — and how opportunity can become perceived threat.

• Sade Robinson – Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2024)
• Milwaukee Area Technical College
• Life360 location-sharing app
• The Twisted Fisherman restaurant (Milwaukee)
• Maxwell Anderson – arrest and pending court proceedings

• Lamont Adaire Jr. – Seat Pleasant, Maryland (2018)
• Franklin Scott – court records and sentencing details

• Critical missing person alerts
• Digital tracking and safety limitations
• Surveillance and forensic timelines
• Jealousy, retaliation, and emotional regulation
• Cultural narratives around possession and entitlement
• The ripple effect of violence on families

Covered Resources & Links

Life360
Milwaukee Area Technical College
The Twisted Fisherman (Milwaukee)
Maxwell Anderson – Mugshot & Court Records
Franklin Scott – Court Records & Sentencing Details

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse:

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233
thehotline.org

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In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the devastating loss of LoLetha Hall — a woman simply doing her job who became entangled in a deadly situation fueled by fear, misinformation, and an AI-driven scam.

As technology evolves, so do the dangers surrounding it. Steph and Maia unpack how impersonation scams are changing the landscape of crime, the legal complexities of self-defense in Ohio, and the difficult questions surrounding “reasonable fear,” implicit bias, and accountability.

This conversation goes beyond one case. It asks how we protect our communities, our elders, and ourselves in a world where voices can be fabricated — and fear can be engineered.

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🔎 Key Topics Covered

• The rise of AI-powered scam calls and impersonation tactics

• How vulnerable populations — especially seniors — are targeted

• The timeline leading to the fatal encounter between LoLetha Hall and William Brock

• Ohio self-defense law and the question of proportional force

• The difference between genuine fear and legally “reasonable” fear

• How implicit bias can shape perceptions of danger

• Public awareness, digital literacy, and family safety planning

• Practical strategies for preventing scam-related harm

  • AI Impersonation Scam Resources

    
    

Time Stamps

00:00 — Why this case highlights the dangers of AI scams
00:29 — Who LoLetha Hall and William Brock were
01:48 — Inside the scam: impersonation and escalation
02:38 — The confrontation and fatal shooting
03:51 — Dashcam footage and police response
04:21 — Fear, perception, and Brock’s mindset
08:38 — AI’s growing role in modern scams
09:07 — Elder vulnerability and education gaps
11:37 — Breaking down Ohio self-defense law
16:24 — Fear, bias, and legal interpretation
19:07 — The impact on LoLetha’s family
20:50 — Community responsibility and awareness
23:18 — Practical scam-prevention tools
25:03 — Final reflections on bias, fear, and accountability

• Understanding Deepfake Technology

• Scam Awareness Tips (AARP)

• Ohio Self-Defense Law Overview

• Social Media & Digital Safety Tips

• Resources & Education

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When Jermaine Ross stopped answering his phone and missed his barber appointments, concern quickly turned into something far more disturbing. On October 3, 2018, Jermaine was found dead inside his home on Elm Street in Cahokia, Illinois. At first, investigators believed his death may have been natural. But forensic findings, an autopsy, and unsettling details inside the home revealed the truth—Jermaine Ross had been murdered.

In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the homicide investigation from the inside out: the timeline shaped by decomposition evidence, rumors surrounding a recent insurance payout, shifting witness statements, and the chilling attempt to alter the crime scene after Jermaine’s death. As investigators worked to separate fact from fear in a close-knit community, the case exposed how desperation, access, and money can turn trust into a fatal vulnerability.

This is the story of a man known as “the people’s barber”—and how the people closest to him became central to solving his murder.

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In this episode of Murder in the Black, we unpack the heartbreaking story of Kim Groves—a Black woman, community advocate, and mother whose decision to report police misconduct in 1994 set off a chain of events that would change everything.

What began as one woman speaking up against abuse of power quickly revealed something much bigger: a deeply corrupted system inside the New Orleans Police Department, and a city already battling violence, fear, and broken trust.

Kim’s story forces us to confront the cost of courage, the danger Black communities face when they challenge authority, and the uncomfortable truth that corruption doesn’t always look like a stranger—it can wear a badge.

• The violent reality of New Orleans in the 1990s and the systemic failures that shaped it

• Corruption inside the NOPD, including the actions of Officer Len Davis

• Kim Groves’ courage—and what happens when a Black woman refuses to stay silent

• The long history of mistrust between Black communities and law enforcement in America

• How race, power, and internal systems of oppression complicate “protection” and “justice”

• The investigation, cooperation deals, and what accountability looks like in a corrupt system

• Why police reform is still an urgent conversation—and why stories like Kim’s must be remembered

Timestamps

00:00 — Introduction + case overview
00:35 — New Orleans in the 1990s: context + tension
01:02 — Crime statistics + community impact
02:24 — Len Davis + Kim Groves background
03:42 — Misconduct culture inside the NOPD
05:59 — Operation Shattered Shield begins
08:11 — Kim files a misconduct complaint
09:33 — The danger of speaking out
11:05 — The legacy of racial oppression + policing
13:09 — Kim Groves’ murder + surveillance footage
14:57 — Trial tactics: discrediting the victim
16:37 — Witness testimony + plea deals
20:03 — Victim-blaming + “perfect victim” expectations
21:41 — Sentencing + why plea agreements matter
24:50 — Len Davis’ death + the lasting damage
25:45 — Corruption and community trauma
27:08 — Remembering Kim’s humanity
28:20 — Corruption involving Black officers
30:05 — Accountability: personal + systemic
31:26 — Closing reflection: race, policing, reform

Resources & Links

• FBI: Operation Shattered Shield

• Kim Groves case coverage + justice reporting

  
  

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In this episode of Murder in the Black, hosts Steph and Maia examine the heartbreaking case of Damilola Taylor, a 10-year-old boy whose life was tragically cut short in London. What initially appeared to be an isolated act of violence revealed deep systemic failures within public housing, community safety, and institutional accountability.

Steph and Maia explore the investigation into Damilola’s death, the role of media narratives in shaping public perception, and how Black youth are often criminalized rather than protected. The episode also unpacks key differences between the UK and US legal systems—particularly the UK’s emphasis on rehabilitation over punishment when it comes to minors.

Finally, the hosts highlight how Damilola’s family transformed unimaginable grief into purpose through the Damilola Taylor Trust, an organization dedicated to education, community empowerment, and anti-knife crime initiatives.

This episode asks a critical question: What does justice truly look like—and how do we prevent the next tragedy?

Key Takeaways

• Damilola Taylor’s case exposes long-standing systemic failures in public housing and youth safety

• Media coverage often shifts blame onto Black youth instead of centering victims

• The UK legal system emphasizes rehabilitation rather than retribution for minors

• Legal inducements can complicate truth-seeking and justice

• The Taylor family chose advocacy over bitterness

• Community-driven efforts can lead to meaningful change

• Justice should be measured by prevention, not punishment alone

  
  

  Sound Bites

  • “Damilola was just 10 years old.”

  • “A system that failed him at every turn.”

  • “The media’s narrative shifted to criminalizing Black youth.”

  • “Rehabilitation, not retribution, is the priority.”

  • “Justice is measured by preventing the next child from dying.”

  • “Turning pain into purpose through advocacy.

    
    

    Episode Chapters

    00:00 — Introduction to Damilola Taylor’s Story
    05:12 — Systemic Failures & Public Housing
    17:40 — Investigation & Media Portrayal
    32:18 — Legal Proceedings & Cultural Differences
    46:05 — The Damilola Taylor Trust & Lasting Advocacy