In this powerful introduction to our series on the case of Krystle Cook, we begin examining the heartbreaking realities surrounding her story — the challenges of victim advocacy, the frustrations families often face within the legal system, and the lasting emotional toll left behind after tragedy.

We also begin our two-part interview with Krystle’s father, as he shares his firsthand experience navigating grief, unanswered questions, and his relentless pursuit of justice for his daughter. Lee opens up about the pain his family has endured, the obstacles they have encountered, and the determination that continues to drive him forward.

This episode sets the stage for a deeply emotional and important series focused not only on Krystle’s case, but also on the broader struggles families face when seeking accountability and support after unimaginable loss.

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For years, LaTonya Thomas’s story has gone largely unheard. In this episode, we speak with her mother, Thomasene Butler, as she shares intimate details about her daughter’s life, the events surrounding the day she died, and the lasting emotional toll.

We also explore new updates in the case, including possible law enforcement involvement and growing efforts to bring long-overdue media attention to LaTonya’s story. Thomasene’s voice adds powerful context to a case that continues to raise questions.

This episode is based on available information, including interviews and public records, and is intended for informational purposes only. Any individual discussed in this case is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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In this powerful interview, we sit down with Vicki Jenkins to uncover the woman behind the case. Vicki shares deeply personal stories of who LaTonya was, the days leading up to her death, and what she understands about the day everything changed.

Through firsthand accounts and lived experience, this episode sheds light on unanswered questions and the lasting impact LaTonya’s death has had on those who loved her.

Vicki also makes a direct and emotional plea to law enforcement: reopen the case and take another look.

This is not just a story about loss—it’s a call for accountability, transparency, and justice.

Any individual discussed in this case is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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In this deeply personal episode, we sit down with Crystal Newkirk—one of LaTonya’s closest friends—to hear a firsthand account of the days leading up to LaTonya’s death, the day everything changed, and the lasting impact left behind.

Crystal shares intimate details about LaTonya as a person—the friend she was, the life she lived, and the moments that now carry new weight in hindsight. Through her voice, we gain a clearer picture of what those final days looked like and the questions that still remain.

This conversation is more than a retelling of events—it’s a reflection on loss, unanswered questions, and the enduring ripple effect of a life taken too soon.

As with all cases, all parties are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

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LaTonya Thomas’s case is one that truly defines what it means to be underserved—and overlooked.

In this episode, we break down the facts uncovered through our FOIA request, examining the official records, timelines, and key details that paint a troubling picture. What we found raises serious questions about how this case was handled and why it was closed when so much remains unresolved.

We walk through what is known today, highlight gaps in the investigation, and discuss the lasting impact on LaTonya’s family—who are still searching for answers and justice.

This is more than a case review. It’s a call to look deeper at the systems that fail victims and families when they need support the most.

As with all cases, all parties are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

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In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Rowton, one of Hailey Athay’s closest friends, for a deeply personal and emotional conversation about who Hailey really is beyond the headlines.

Amanda shares what it was like to know Hailey as a friend—the kind of person she was, the memories they built together, and the bond they shared. But this story doesn’t stop at loss. It’s about what comes after.

Amanda opens up about the responsibility and love involved in helping care for one of Hailey’s children, and how this unimaginable situation has reshaped her life and the lives of those around her. Through grief, resilience, and unwavering loyalty, she offers a perspective rarely heard in missing person cases—the voice of the friend who steps in and never steps away.

This is a story about friendship, family, and the lasting impact of disappearance.

As with all cases, all parties are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

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Ashley Griggs joins us to discuss the disappearance of her sister, Hailey Athay, and the details she believes matter most. From her perspective on the events of that day to the lingering questions that continue to haunt the case, Ashley provides a candid and emotional account. She also shares what it means to raise Hailey’s daughter in the absence of answers—and how that responsibility fuels her pursuit of truth. 

As with all cases, all parties are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

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Behind every missing persons case is something we don’t always talk about enough—grief.

In this episode, we speak with Nick Gaylord, host of Grief Is Not a Dirty Word, about why grief deserves a louder voice and how his podcast is helping break the stigma around it. He shares his journey into podcasting, what drives his mission, and why these conversations matter.

We also explore how grief impacts families, communities, and even those telling these stories. Because at the heart of every case we cover… there are people carrying unimaginable weight.

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When someone goes missing, the world moves on—but families don’t.

In this episode, we speak with Nicole Brooks, the mother of Hailey Athay, who shares the reality of living in the unknown. Nicole walks us through the details she knows, the questions that still linger, and how Hailey’s disappearance has changed her life forever.

We also explore the importance of community support and advocacy in keeping cases like Hailey’s alive. This is a raw and powerful conversation about grief, strength, and a mother’s determination to find answers.

As with all cases, all parties are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

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For our 50th episode milestone, we sit down with Julia Cowley, a former profiler from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Behavioral Analysis Unit and host of the podcast The Consult.

In this conversation, we reflect on our first experience meeting Julia and how her philosophy and approach to investigative work helped shape the focus and mission behind our own podcast. Julia shares insights from her time working inside the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, discussing how profilers analyze behavior, develop offender profiles, and approach complex cases.

We also explore the human side of investigations—Julia’s perspective on working with families of the missing and murdered, the importance of empathy in investigative work, and how responsible true-crime platforms can help raise awareness, encourage community engagement, and potentially move cases forward.

This episode is both a look back at our journey to episode 50 and a powerful conversation about behavioral analysis, advocacy, and the role media can play in seeking answers.

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