Navigating Advocacy

In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, Whitney and Melissa share the story of Charlotte Heimann, a 27-year-old mother, student, writer, and artist who vanished after being granted a four-hour pass from the Rochester Psychiatric Center on October 30, 1981. Charlotte had told staff she was afraid of a man who might be waiting at her apartment, yet she never returned, never paid her rent, and left behind her belongings; her bank account and disability checks went untouched. The delayed response left potential evidence compromised and the case largely quiet for decades.

Her granddaughter, Shyla, has revived the search through records requests, media outreach, and renewed work with police, but Charlotte remains missing. If you know anything, contact the Rochester Police Department Major Crime Unit at 585-428-7157 or [email protected], or submit an anonymous tip to Rochester Crime Stoppers at 585-423-9300.

Charlotte's Writings: 
https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Past-Charlottes-Shyla-Jump/dp/B0HJYQ795K/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SV1GWG750FPJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uIGVfJstdh-GGcNe4YrHhQ.dZKcRO1a08CpAWUuu_nNlqmI3XO0Qm5T8JNHI4NFBV0&dib_tag=se&keywords=charlotte+writing+shyla+jump&qid=1793150867&sprefix=charlotte+writing+shyla+jum%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-1

The Silence is Louder: 
https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/blakeburke/the-silence-is-louder%E2%81%A0

Melissa and Whitney revisit the death of CU Boulder student Megan Trussell, a 19-year-old film major found in Boulder Canyon after leaving her dorm on February 9, 2025. Officials ruled her death a suicide, but her family and many others have unanswered questions and note the investigative gaps, including missing phone and purse, limited video footage, injuries, and evidence they say was not fully tested. 

The CBI review requested under Colorado’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples law, which the family says upheld the original findings without addressing any concerns. Since recording this episode two forensic toxicologists have signed on to help Megan's family.

Please support the Trussell family’s ongoing independent investigation, consider donating to the GoFundMe. https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-megan-trussell?attribution_id=sl:ed3ff838-b63d-465e-b082-251f4779f46f&lang=en_US&ts=1760155893&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp13_c-amp17_te&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

Sign their petition: https://www.change.org/p/cu-boulder-fix-the-safety-failures-exposed-by-megan-trussell-s-disappearance?recruiter=1386078845&recruited_by_id=74b3bf90-82f9-11f0-a429-6babe8998bc0&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=starter_onboarding_share_personal&utm_medium=mobileNativeShare&share_id=CxcHTzzhdG

Research for this episode was provided by Haley Gray Research.

In October 2006, 29-year-old mom, volunteer firefighter, and Army veteran Margaret Haddican McEnroe vanished from her Warren Township, New Jersey home after a tense period in her marriage; her baby was left alone, and her car, wallet, and most belongings remained. For six days, her family wasn’t even told she was missing, and early assumptions delayed an urgent investigation. As questions grew around shifting timelines and an alleged domestic dispute, Margaret’s sister Adrienne pushed for accountability and renewed attention, stressing how advocacy can keep a missing loved one from being dismissed or forgotten.

If you have any information, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov, or call Somerset County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-577-TIPS or visit scpo.org.

Research for this episode was provided by Haley Gray Research.

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

Submit a story: [email protected]

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ADVOCACYCON
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IMPACT ADVOCACY FOUNDATION
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https://impactadvocacyfoundation.org

THE ADVOCACY BLUEPRINT
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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.