Brandon Lawson disappeared off of the side of Highway 277 just outside of Bronte, Texas. After running out of gas, calling his brother, Kyle, and a chilling 911 call, Brandon remained missing for over 8 years. 

January 15, 2022, Melissa and Whitney joined a 9-person volunteer search team that found evidence leading to the discovery of human remains. After extensive DNA testing, it was confirmed that the remains discovered were those of Brandon Lawson. 

Now, over four years later, his family still has not been able to lay Brandon to rest. 

Private Investigator, Jason Watts, joins Melissa and Whitney to talk about the discovery, challenges, and dispel all misinformation. 

In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, we’re joined by two well-known voices in true crime podcasting—Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna of Crawlspace Media.

Tim and Lance have spent years helping shape the true crime podcasting landscape, and in this conversation, we dive into how the industry has evolved—from its early days to where it stands today. We talk about the responsibility that comes with storytelling, the shift toward ethical, victim-centered coverage, and how creators can use their platforms to make a real impact. 

We also explore the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, a case that continues to raise questions and deserves ongoing attention. Together, we discuss the importance of keeping cases like Nancy’s in the public eye and what advocacy can look like in real time.
This episode is an honest, insightful conversation about growth, responsibility, and the power of using your voice for good.

🎧 About Our Guests: Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna are the creators and hosts behind Crawlspace Media, known for podcasts like Missing, Crawlspace, and The Missing Podcast. Their work focuses on in-depth storytelling, bringing awareness to unresolved cases, and amplifying the voices of families.

🔗 Where to Find Them:
Website: https://crawlspace-media.com Listen to their shows: Crawlspace, Missing, The Missing Podcast (available on all major platforms) Instagram: @crawlspacepodcast

Alex VanDalsen was a free-spirited 21-year-old who disappeared on February 3, 2021, after leaving his home in Lafayette, Indiana. Days later, his body was found in suspicious circumstances, leading to questions about the initial investigation, which quickly ruled his death a suicide. Despite clear inconsistencies and a lack of thorough investigation, Alex's family continues to seek justice and answers for his mysterious death.

Anyone with information should email [email protected]

LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION HERE
Apple Podcasts:
Spotify:

This episode was researched and produced by Whitney St. Andre and Melissa Leinweber.

Submit a story: [email protected]

SOCIAL
Instagram @ NavigatingAdvocacyPodcast
Facebook: @ NavigatingAdvocacyPodcast
https://navigatingadvocacy.com

ADVOCACYCON
YouTube:  ⁨@advocacycon⁩  
Instagram: @ advocacy_con
Facebook: @ Advocacy_Con
https://advocacycon.com

IMPACT ADVOCACY FOUNDATION
Instagram: @ ImpactAdvocacyFoundation
https://impactadvocacyfoundation.org

THE ADVOCACY BLUEPRINT
Instagram: @ TheAdvocacyBlueprint
Facebook: @ The Advocacy Blueprint by True Crime Research Training

In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, hosts Melissa and Whitney explore the heartbreaking story of Deanna Merryfield, who vanished at age 13 from Killeen, Texas, in 1990. Deanna's troubled family background, including her mother's alcoholism and her stepfather's sexual abuse, is discussed in detail. The case, filled with investigative missteps and lack of attention, saw no progress for years until her sister Missie took charge, advocating relentlessly for answers. A renewed search effort and public advocacy continue as her family seeks closure. Listeners are urged to share Deanna's story and help in the search for answers.


Follow Deanna’s Story: findingdeanna.com
Social media: @findingdeanna

Team Texas K9s: 
https://teamtexashrdtrackingk9s.org/

April Kelly Reed disappeared from Del City, Oklahoma in 2001 under mysterious circumstances. Raised amidst familial instability and trauma, April endured significant hardships, including being traded for a vehicle as a child and navigating life with schizophrenia. Her sister Kelsey, who uncovered April’s disappearance later in life through a Facebook post, is tirelessly seeking answers.

Kelsey's search has revealed conflicting reports, family secrets, and possible foul play. Despite a prolonged lack of evidence and official missteps, recent developments, including DNA contributions, give hope for breakthroughs in the case.

If you have any information, please get in touch with the Dell City Police Department at 405.677.2443.

On September 17, 2007, 36-year-old Stephen Spina, a beloved father, postal worker, and longtime Little League umpire, was found stabbed to death in his Mamaroneck, NY apartment. With no signs of forced entry and nothing stolen, investigators believe Stephen knew his killer. He was last seen at 9:30 a.m. and discovered by his girlfriend three hours later.

Despite numerous leads, including slashed tires, past relationships, and community tips, no suspect has ever been named. Stephen’s murder devastated his family and shook the close-knit community.

His killer remains at large. 


Learn more about Stephen: https://www.facebook.com/JusticeforStephenSpina

In this episode of the Navigating Advocacy podcast, the story of Megan Piper Trussell, a bright and artistic 17-year-old from Boulder, Colorado, whose mysterious disappearance and death in February 2025 left her family and community searching for answers. Despite Megan’s promising future and close family bonds, her case was quickly ruled a suicide by authorities, even though evidence raised serious questions. The episode highlights the family’s relentless pursuit of justice, the shortcomings of the investigation, and the broader need for improved campus safety and victim advocacy. Listeners are encouraged to support Megan’s family, share her story, and help seek the truth behind her untimely death.

**$11,000 REWARD AVAILABLE**

Support Megan's Family by donating to her GoFundMe.

If you have any information about Megan, please send all tips to [email protected]

Support the podcast by leaving us a 5 star review on your favorite podcast platform. 

Camille Dains Dodson, born in 1964 in Los Angeles, was a talented and driven woman who faced unexpected life challenges. She married Gary Dodson, the first person exonerated of rape by DNA evidence in the USA, but their relationship turned abusive. After leaving Gary, Camille moved to Las Vegas with her young daughter, Ashley, where she struggled with low-paying jobs and got entangled in dangerous relationships and activities. Camille disappeared on September 3, 1994, after being released from the Clark County Detention Center. Despite multiple theories about her disappearance, including possible ties to the mob and abusive partners, her case remains unsolved. Camille's daughter, Ashley, continues to seek justice and raise awareness about her mother's case.

If you have any information, please contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

For more information: findcamille.com


#CamilleDardanesDotson #GaryDotson #Nevada #LasVegasNevada 

On this episode of Navigating Advocacy, we speak with Marty, mother of 39-year-old Amber Arnette, who vanished in Lansing, Michigan, in June 2023. Amber was a loyal, nurturing caregiver known for her generosity and devotion to family—especially her niece. Despite her spontaneous nature, her sudden disappearance sparked deep concern.
 
Marty’s relentless efforts to find her daughter have been met with delays, jurisdictional confusion, and an alarming lack of urgency from law enforcement. From the last confirmed sighting at a local Dollar Tree to troubling rumors and ignored leads, Marty and her family have done more than authorities to push the search forward.
 
This is a story about more than a missing person. It’s about a mother’s love, a family left with unanswered questions, and a system that’s fallen short.


🚨 Have information? Contact the Lansing Police Department at (517) 483-4600.
📢 Follow and share: [Help Us Find Amber Facebook Page]
❤️ Support our work: Leave a 5-star review and subscribe.

In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, hosts Melissa and Whitney delve into the tragic story of Stephanie Marie Wasilishin, tragically found shot to death in her Sedona, Arizona home on July 9, 1993. Despite compelling evidence suggesting homicide, the case remains unsolved. Stephanie's daughter Nikki, who has taken to social media and plans to launch her podcast 'Papi Killed Mommy,' continues to fight for justice. The episode uncovers the nuances of Stephanie’s life, her turbulent relationship with Russell Peterson, and the circumstances surrounding her death. With new forensic techniques available today, there’s hope that this cold case may yet find resolution. 

 If anyone has information or needs help, it is available.
Call: 800.799.7233
Text: BEGIN to 88788
Chat Online. 

Available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papi-killed-mommy/id1809655183