In this episode of Tragedy: A True Crime Podcast, we sit down with author and longtime friend of Crystal McCrory, Lee Hickey.

Lee takes us beyond the case files and unanswered questions to introduce us to the Crystal she knew. She shares how their friendship began, the memories they created together, and the heartfelt stories that only those closest to Crystal can keep alive in her absence.

We also explore Lee’s work as an author and discuss the ideas behind her books, including how observation, critical thinking, and investigative skills can be developed and strengthened. It’s a conversation about looking deeper, asking better questions, and learning to recognize the details that others may overlook.

But at the heart of this episode is Crystal.

Cases can become consumed by evidence, timelines, theories, and questions about what happened. Lee reminds us that before Crystal became the subject of an investigation, she was a friend, a person with a personality, a history, and people who loved her.

This episode helps preserve that part of Crystal’s story—the part no case file could ever fully capture.

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In this episode of Tragedy: A True Crime Podcast, we sit down with Jana Guyewski-Lautigar, sister of Crystal McCrory, for a conversation about Crystal's death and the fight for answers that has consumed the years since.

Jana takes us back to the moment she first learned that Crystal was dead and shares what she remembers about the reactions of the people around her in those first confusing hours and days. She describes when the questions began, why those questions wouldn't go away, and how trying to understand what happened to her sister eventually grew into an enormous collection of reports, records, photographs, correspondence, and other information related to the case.

That case file has become part of Jana's mission. She has shared what she's collected with investigators, journalists, podcasters, experts, and virtually anyone willing to take a serious look at Crystal's story. 

We also talk candidly about Jana's experiences seeking help from law enforcement—where she believes officials have listened, where she believes they haven't, and what she still wants authorities to do. Crystal's death was initially deemed a suicide, while subsequent public accounts have reported that the manner of death was later changed to undetermined.

But this conversation is about more than a case file.

It's about a sister who refuses to allow Crystal to become just another name attached to a closed folder.

Jana tells us what she continues to advocate for, why she believes there is still work to be done, and what justice for Crystal would mean to her and her family.

This is Jana's story of persistence, advocacy, and a promise to keep asking questions in the name of Crystal McCrory.

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Every investigation begins with a single question. In this episode, we take our first look at the death of Crystal McCrory, introducing the known facts of the case and examining the details that immediately caught our attention.

As we walk through the timeline, we discuss several aspects of the investigation that raised questions for us, from the handling of evidence to the circumstances surrounding Crystal's death. While we're not drawing conclusions, we are identifying the areas that deserve a closer look as this series unfolds.

We also introduce many of the voices you'll hear throughout this investigation, including family members, friends, investigators, and experts who will help us better understand both Crystal's life and the investigation that followed her death. Each conversation adds another piece to a story that is far more complex than it first appears.

This is where the journey begins. Join us as we start asking the questions that continue to surround Crystal McCrory's case and begin searching for the answers.

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This episode is all about you—the incredible community that has helped transform Tragedy: A True Crime Podcast into something far greater than we ever imagined. Every download, every share, every review, and every conversation has helped amplify the voices of victims and their families. Because of your support, we've reached another major milestone, and we wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you while sharing where this journey is taking us next.

We also provide important updates on several of the cases we've been following, including Jody Kilgore, LaTonya Thomas, Michael John Olson, Cody Haney, and Ian Rogers. From new developments to ongoing efforts behind the scenes, we discuss where each investigation stands, what we've learned, and what may be coming next.

Finally, we look ahead to the conferences and events we'll be attending in the coming months, where we'll continue building relationships with investigators, advocates, families, and experts who share the same mission: keeping unsolved cases in the public eye and helping bring answers to those who have waited far too long.

Thank you for believing in this mission. None of this happens without you, and together we're proving that a dedicated community can make a real difference. As our audience continues to grow, so does our ability to shine a light on cases that deserve renewed attention, and we couldn't do it without each and every one of you standing beside us.

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What does evidence actually tell investigators—and just as importantly, what doesn't it tell them?

In this episode of Tragedy: A True Crime Podcast, we sit down with Kathy Decker, founder of IRIS (Incident Response & Investigative Strategies), for an in-depth conversation about the realities of professional investigations. Kathy shares the story behind IRIS, how the organization was built, and the decades of investigative experience she and her team bring to some of the most challenging cases.

Throughout the conversation, we explore the many facets of investigative work. We also present Kathy with several stories and real-world scenarios we've encountered during our own investigations, asking her to explain what specific pieces of evidence might actually mean, and what conclusions investigators should avoid jumping to.

During our discussion, we also talk about the potential value that organizations like IRIS can bring to unresolved investigations. We previously presented IRIS and its capabilities to the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office as a potential resource for assisting with unsolved cases (specifically the Jody Kilgore case), and to our knowledge, that opportunity was never pursued. Our hope is that this conversation provides another opportunity to highlight the expertise IRIS offers and that those responsible for investigating unsolved cases in our county will listen with an open mind and reconsider whether these resources could help bring answers to families who have been waiting far too long.

Whether you're fascinated by true crime, investigative techniques, or simply want to understand how experienced professionals evaluate evidence, this episode offers a rare look inside the investigative process from someone who has spent a career separating fact from speculation.

Join us for an honest discussion about critical thinking, evidence, and the science—and experience—behind modern investigations.

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In this episode of Tragedy: A True Crime Podcast, we sit down with Brandy Guzman, a childhood friend of Deanna Merryfield, to remember what life was like growing up in Killeen, Texas, during the early 1990s. Brandy shares memories of a close-knit group of friends, the sense of freedom they enjoyed as kids, and how her family's move to a different neighborhood changed the course of her life.

She also reflects on the devastating moment she learned that Deanna had disappeared—a piece of news that forever changed the way she remembered her childhood. Through Brandy's firsthand recollections, listeners gain a deeper understanding of who Deanna was before she became a missing person's case and why those who knew her continue to seek answers more than three decades later.

This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that behind every unsolved case is a real person, lifelong friendships, and a community still searching for the truth.

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Deanna Merryfield's sister, Amy Hall, shares her memories of the little sister she knew before tragedy changed everything. Amy reflects on the happy moments they shared growing up, the day Deanna disappeared, and what she remembers about the early days of the investigation.

Amy also speaks candidly about the frustration of watching Deanna's case receive so little attention from both law enforcement and the media over the past three decades. She discusses the emotional toll that unanswered questions have taken on her family and the determination it has taken to keep Deanna's name alive.

A significant part of that effort has been led by Deanna's sister, Melissa, whose relentless advocacy has brought renewed attention to the case. Amy shares what it has been like to witness Melissa's unwavering commitment to seeking answers and why that work has become so important to their family.

The conversation also explores some of the misinformation that has surrounded Deanna's disappearance over the years, separating rumor from fact and discussing how inaccurate information can complicate an already difficult investigation.

This is a deeply personal conversation about family, resilience, and the enduring hope that one day the truth about what happened to Deanna Merryfield will finally be known.

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More than three decades have passed since Deanna Merryfield disappeared from Killeen, Texas, but those who knew her have never forgotten the person behind the headlines.

In this episode, Barbara Sueoka shares her memories of Deanna, offering a deeply personal look at the young woman whose life has too often been reduced to a missing person's case. Barbara reflects on their relationship, what everyday life was like in Killeen during the early 1990s, and the community that existed before Deanna vanished.

As the conversation unfolds, Barbara discusses why it is so important that Deanna's story continues to be told. Public awareness is often the catalyst that brings new witnesses forward, rekindles old memories, and reminds investigators that a case is never truly forgotten. By sharing these memories, Barbara helps restore Deanna's identity—not simply as a victim, but as a daughter, a friend, and a young woman whose life mattered.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation about remembrance, community, and why keeping Deanna Merryfield's story in the public eye remains one of the most powerful tools in the search for answers.

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For more than three decades, the search for answers in Deanna Merryfield's disappearance has shaped the lives of everyone who loves her. But what is it like to marry into a family carrying that kind of heartbreak?

In this episode, we sit down with Luke Twardowski, husband of Deanna's sister, Melissa, for a deeply personal conversation about what it's like to witness tragedy from the outside before becoming part of it. Luke shares his perspective on watching Melissa dedicate years of her life to advocating for her sister, the emotional toll that pursuit of justice has taken on their family, and why he has chosen to stand beside her every step of the way.

Together, we discuss the challenges families face when they refuse to let a loved one be forgotten, the importance of community support, and Luke's thoughts on what law enforcement needs to move Deanna's case forward. We also explore how this journey has changed his own outlook on justice, perseverance, and the responsibility we all share in helping solve cold cases.

If someone knows what happened to Deanna Merryfield, the answers are still out there. Sometimes, all it takes is one person deciding it's finally time to speak.

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In this episode of Tragedy: A True Crime Podcast, we sit down with Mark Fricke, a former law enforcement officer and personal safety trainer, to discuss the practical skills that can help keep you from becoming a victim. Drawing from decades of real-world experience, Mark shares how situational awareness, preparation, and everyday habits can dramatically improve your personal safety.

We explore the warning signs that are often overlooked, how criminals identify potential victims, and simple strategies anyone can use to become more aware of their surroundings. Mark also offers practical guidance on what to do if you find yourself in a dangerous situation, how to make quick decisions under stress, and why confidence and preparation can be powerful deterrents.

This conversation isn't about living in fear—it's about living with awareness. Whether you're walking through a parking lot, traveling alone, or simply going about your daily routine, the lessons in this episode could help you protect yourself and those you love.

Join us for an informative discussion that empowers listeners with knowledge, confidence, and practical tools for staying safe in an unpredictable world.

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