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Rick and Tanya Fernandez of Peoria, Arizona, entered a felony-diversion program in February 2024 instead of standing trial on charges of harassing a Phoenix pediatric doctor. Then copies of a book called Layers of Attack landed on the desks of executives at her hospital. The book is credited to a mysterious author named "Rachel Cholla," tells the Fernandezes' story from Rick's point of view, and uses the real names of Dr. Gressman and her husband. Javier follows Phoenix Police Detective Anthony Hardina as he traces the Cholla PO box and email account back to Rick, while new police reports from the Fernandezes' son, Blake, accuse Dr. Gressman's husband of crimes. Plus, an unexpected email from the Fernandezes' adult daughter.

Correction: An earlier version of these notes, and parts of this episode's audio, described the Fernandezes' arrangement as a "plea deal" and said they were "on probation." Neither is accurate. Court records show Rick and Tanya Fernandez pleaded not guilty and entered the Maricopa County Attorney's Felony Diversion Program, a deferred-prosecution program, in February 2024. PRETEND corrected this in "The Stalker Correction" (Oct. 3, 2024).

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Can you believe this is the 16th episode of our investigation into LaDonna Humphrey—a story that, honestly, I didn’t think would last this long. But here we are.

Now, if you’ve followed along, you know this has been a wild ride. LaDonna, once a respected figure in the true crime community, has become the center of some truly shocking accusations. Stealing evidence from the Fort Smith Police Department? Allegations of harassment? Manipulating people for her own gain? It’s been hard to keep up, even for me.

In this episode, we’ll get a little help trying to make sense of it all. I brought in retired FBI profiler Julia Cowley—yes, the Julia Cowley, the one who worked on the Golden State Killer case. She will help us break down LaDonna’s behavior and explain why someone might go to such extreme lengths to control others. You might be surprised by some of the parallels she draws between white-collar criminals and more violent offenders.

We’re also going to revisit some of the disturbing messages that LaDonna has allegedly sent to her victims. And I’ll share some new evidence we’ve uncovered—evidence that links multiple harassing messages to a phone number connected to LaDonna herself. It’s the kind of proof that, quite frankly, is hard to ignore.

But here’s what makes this episode different: today, we’re not just looking at the past. We’re asking what’s next for LaDonna Humphrey. With court cases, potential criminal investigations, and a growing list of accusers, is the end finally near for her? Or is this just another chapter in a never-ending saga?

Guest:

Julia Cowley, Retired FBI Profiler

https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/

Watch LIVE Q&A:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJr5bDWJ2nY

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We continue our investigation into Charles Ray Vines and his potential

involvement in the Melissa Witt murder. In this episode, we track down

Vines’ former neighbor and friend, Thomas Seymour. Seymour claims that

he spoke with Vines just before Vines was heading to the bowling alley

to meet a girl named Melissa. What other information does Seymour have

that could shed light on this 30-year-old mystery?

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I’ve been investigating the Melissa Witt case for a while now, and just

when I thought I had a handle on it, a new lead dropped into my lap. In

this episode, I sit down with Patti Rush, a victim advocate who might

have uncovered the most crucial evidence yet. We’re talking

about a case so warped by misinformation that even those

closest to it can’t tell what’s real anymore. But now, we’re pulling on a

thread that could unravel the whole story—and maybe, just maybe, lead

us to the truth about who really killed Melissa Witt.

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"Javier, aren't you worried that LaDonna might target you next?" That's the question I get asked most frequently. The answer is too late.

Even before this series dropped, LaDonna began sending me spoof emails. I've received various messages, including some from fake accounts, and even attempts to hack into my podcast platform. Additionally, LaDonna tried other creative ways to obstruct my investigation and stop the legitimate reporting of her abusive behavior toward others.

Fun, fun.

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If you need an Intellectual Property attorney, I know a good one.

https://www.casimirjones.com/

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Every charity organization LaDonna Humphrey has led seems to collapse under the weight of controversy and financial mismanagement. Today, we're closely examining Oasis of Northwest Arkansas, a sober living facility under LaDonna's direction. Our investigation reveals alarming stories of harassment, financial mismanagement, and overcrowded, unsafe living conditions.

A former resident of Oasis shares her harrowing experience living at the facility. She recounts how donations intended for her baby shower were allegedly kept by LaDonna, leaving her without the promised support. Residents describe living in cramped conditions, with up to 15 women and children in a house meant for nine. Basic amenities like smoke detectors, working washers, and air conditioning are often missing or broken.

We'll also examine the nonprofit's questionable accounting practices. Oasis's financial records show suspicious entries, such as LaDonna working 65 hours per week for only $15,600 annually and unexplained professional fees amounting to $58,000.

LaDonna is accused of using intimidation tactics, such as threatening to kick out residents over minor infractions and enforcing arbitrary fines for damages— creating a culture of fear and control.

Call to Action:

If you're as concerned as we are about the allegations against Oasis of Northwest Arkansas, we urge you to take action. Contact the Arkansas Attorney General's Office at [email protected] or call 501-682-1306. You can also raise awareness by posting on social media with the hashtag #justiceforoasis.

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Every charity organization LaDonna Humphrey has led seems to collapse under the weight of controversy and financial mismanagement.

Today, we scrutinize LaDonna Humphrey's non-profit world, focusing on her troubled history with charities. Our investigation reveals a pattern of failed ventures, harassment accusations, and questionable financial practices.

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I'd like to thank Jayson Blair with the Silver Linings Podcast for allowing me to use clips from his interview with LaDonna Humphrey.

Listen the Silver Linings Podcast: https://linktr.ee/silverliningshandbookpodcast

Also, referenced in this episode is the LaDonna Humphrey Talks Sub Reddit:

https://www.reddit.com/r/LadonnaHumphreyTalk/

NEW EPISODES are available now:

Part 11

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Part 12

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Content Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault.

Today, we're going to talk about the enigma that is LaDonna Humphrey. Like the fact that she was logged in under the same death fetish account, harassing her co-host, yet she denies creating the account. We'll also try to untangle how LaDonna went from attacking the death fetishers to befriending them. Or perhaps her plan to pin Missy Witt's murder on Daniel Watson despite having zero evidence.

Credits:

    Written and produced by Javier Leiva.

    Produced by Alison Byrne.

    Edited by Puneeth Shenoy.

    Theme music by Joel Basile with thechicken.net.

Referenced in this episode:

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/LadonnaHumphreyTalk

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