Episode 41: MURDERED: Lacey Claire Gaines - Justice, IL

A 20-year-old mother was brutally murdered in the safety of her own home, with no signs of forced entry or struggle. Fifteen years later, will the town of Justice ever live up to its name for Lacey Gaines?

Episode Summary

Lacey Gaines was just 20 years old when her life was cut short inside her apartment in Justice, Illinois. A young mother with her whole future ahead of her, Lacey had recently started over: new boyfriend, new place, and plans for the future with her toddler son. But in December 2009, everything changed.

She was found brutally murdered in what should have been the safety of her own home. No forced entry. No signs of robbery. No immediate answers. Within hours, investigators were on the scene, but what they found only raised more questions.

Fifteen years later, her case remains unsolved. Who killed Lacey Gaines, and why? Her family is still fighting for justice, and this episode takes a closer look at the strange circumstances, unanswered questions, and lingering silence surrounding her murder.

 If you have any information about what happened to Lacey Gaies, no matter how small it may seem, please reach out to the Justice Illinois Police Department at (708) 458 - 2192, or you can email an anonymous tip in at police@villageofjustice.org.  If you or someone you know is being hurt, threatened, stalked, or controlled, you can reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1(800) 799 - 7233. You can text start to 88788, or you can chat with them online at thehotline.org.

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Episode 40: MURDERED: Sophi Sullivan - Fort Davis, TX

In the remote beauty of West Texas, a beloved teacher and mother was brutally murdered in her own home. What followed was an investigation riddled with delays, missed evidence, and unanswered questions that still haunt Sophi Sullivan’s family years later.

Episode Summary

Sophi Eleanor Sabey Sullivan was born on February 9, 1987, and was known for her gentle spirit, intelligence, and deep love for people and animals. She was a devoted mother, a passionate teacher, and someone whose presence made others feel safe and supported. Friends and family describe Sophi as kind, encouraging, and the person you wanted beside you on your worst days. Sophi and her husband, Danny Sullivan, married in 2009 and shared a son, Keagan. Over time, loved ones say Danny became increasingly possessive, jealous, and controlling.

On Thursday, March 15, 2018, Sophi spent the day with a close friend and her son at the 4-H fair. Her friend noticed troubling behavior from Keagan, including language and hostility that felt learned rather than age-appropriate, and the conversation turned to concerns about Danny and Sophi’s safety. Sophi expressed fear about leaving and what Danny might do if he found out. The next day, Sophi stopped responding to calls and texts. Just before 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 16, Danny called 911, claiming he had just arrived home and found Sophi dead on the floor, covered in blood. When deputies arrived, they immediately sensed something was wrong. Sophi had been stabbed more than 40 times.

Keagan later told investigators that he witnessed the attack and initially described a masked intruder. Sophi’s phone was never recovered. Her rings and watch, sentimental items, were missing from her body. Despite serious red flags, investigators failed to search Danny’s Odessa trailer for months. When it was finally searched, new tenants were already living there. Surveillance footage was reviewed using the wrong timeline, resulting in lost evidence. Danny was arrested and charged with capital murder just days after Sophi’s death. In 2019, the case went to trial, but due to investigative failures, excluded testimony about abuse, and largely circumstantial evidence, the trial ended in a hung jury.

If you have any information related to the murder of Sophi Sullivan or relevant details that may help advance this case, please contact local law enforcement or the Jeff Davis County District Attorney’s Office. If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out for help.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Sophi’s family has waited far too long for accountability. You can help by sharing Sophi’s story to keep pressure on the justice system, calling for the Jeff Davis County District Attorney to move forward with a retrial, and supporting organizations that advocate for domestic violence survivors.

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Episode 39: MURDERED: Lucy Dade Forrester - Frankfort, NY

A quiet village in upstate New York. A trusted shopkeeper who never turned anyone away. And a brutal murder that shattered a community and was never solved. Who killed Lucy Dade Forrester?

Episode Summary

Lucy Dade Forrester was a 69-year-old shop owner in the village of Frankfort, New York. She lived alone above the small variety store she had worked hard to build, a place where locals knew her as kind, dependable, and always willing to help. Lucy had a reputation for opening her door after hours if someone knocked, no matter the time. It was simply who she was.

On the night of February 19, 1964, Lucy was last seen alive inside her store on South Litchfield Street. Sometime overnight, someone came to her door. Investigators believe Lucy let them inside. What happened next was violent and fatal.

On the morning of February 20, 1964, Lucy was found beaten and strangled inside her store. The building, including her upstairs living quarters, had been thoroughly ransacked. Investigators quickly believed robbery was the motive, fueled by long-standing rumors that Lucy kept cash hidden on the property. No forced entry was reported. No suspects were arrested.

The New York State Police took over the investigation, canvassing the neighborhood and processing the scene, but the case stalled almost immediately. No witnesses came forward. No suspect was publicly identified. No charges were ever filed.

Lucy’s murder came during a year that would deeply scar Frankfort. Just months later, another violent crime would rock the village, but unlike Lucy’s case, that murder would be solved. Lucy’s never was.

More than sixty years later, her case remains open and unsolved. No forensic breakthroughs have been announced. No public suspects have been named. And Lucy Dade Forrester has become one of the oldest unsolved homicide victims in Herkimer County.

She was not reckless. She was not involved in a crime. She was a trusted, hardworking woman who believed in helping people, and someone took advantage of that trust.

Lucy deserves to be remembered as more than a cold case. She deserves answers.

If you have any information related to the murder of Lucy Dade Forrester, no matter how small, old, or uncertain it may seem, please contact:

• Frankfort Police Department: (315) 894-3594
• New York State Police – Troop D (Herkimer County): (315) 366-6000

Tips can remain confidential. Even decades later, one detail could change everything.

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Episode 38: MURDERED: Marquis Martin - Wilmar, AR

A missing young man, a ransom text, a disturbing Snapchat, violent rumors, and tons of possible police corruption. What really happened to 26-year-old Marquis Martin?

Episode Summary

Marquis Martin was born on August 5, 1993, in Monticello, Arkansas. Known as “Mack,” he was described as kind, outgoing, deeply faithful, and someone who went out of his way to make others smile. He was a paraprofessional at Drew Central Elementary School through the Drew County Consortium, supporting special needs children who adored him, and a devoted father to his young son, whom he “cherished with his soul.”

On the night of February 9, 2020, Marquis left his shift at McDonald’s with a coworker and was dropped off at a Murphy gas station in Monticello due to car trouble. Surveillance shows Marquis walking away at 9:21 p.m. The coworker later claimed he dropped Marquis off at his home in Wilmar. That was the last confirmed sighting of Marquis alive. When Marquis didn’t show up for work the following days, his mother, Lakisha, attempted to report him missing but was told to wait 48 hours. He was officially reported missing on February 11. That same day, a disturbing Snapchat photo surfaced from the sheriff’s family camper containing a racial slur. The sheriff acknowledged his son posted the image but denied any connection to Marquis. Lakisha firmly believes the image depicts her son. While the photo’s authenticity remains disputed, it added to growing concern and mistrust within the community.

On February 12, Lakisha received a ransom-style text message claiming Marquis had been kidnapped and demanding $7,000. Despite turning the message over to law enforcement, Lakisha reports repeated difficulty getting responses or updates. Twenty-seven days after he disappeared, on March 7, 2020, Marquis’s body was found in a creek in Wilmar. The coroner ruled his death a close-range gunshot wound to the back of the head and claimed his body had been in the water for nearly the entire time he was missing, despite reported gunshot residue and blood spatter findings that raised serious questions.

Over time, rumors spread rapidly, many of them horrific, while official information remained limited and inconsistent. Local speculation, allegations of conflicts of interest, questionable investigative decisions, and repeated appearances of the same names have surrounded this case from the beginning.

If you have any information related to the disappearance or murder of Marquis “Mack” Martin, please contact:

• Arkansas State Police: 870-226-3713

• Drew County Sheriff’s Department: 870-367-6211

• Crime Stoppers: 501-340-8477

Marquis’ family continues to fight for truth, accountability, and justice. If you are able, please help by:

• Sharing Marquis’ story to keep his name and case visible

• Encouraging transparency and accountability from local officials

• Supporting the Martin family and their ongoing efforts to seek answers

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Episode 37: Charles “Robby” Lawrence - Linden, TN

Robby Lawrence was a beloved elementary school teacher, a community leader, and a man on the brink of a new chapter. He never made it to see that future.

Episode Summary

In this episode of True Crime Unwind, we travel to Linden, Tennessee, to tell the story of Robby Lawrence, a 36-year-old fifth-grade teacher whose impact on his students and community is still felt decades later. Known for his kindness, dedication to education, and belief in young people, Robby was the kind of teacher kids remembered for life.

In April of 1984, Robby was days away from a local election for Perry County School Superintendent, a role many believed he was poised to win. He spent his evenings doing what he always did, showing up for his community. But on the night of April 26, Robby never got the chance to wind down at home. He was killed inside his own house, in a crime that would forever change Linden.

What followed was shock, grief, and a case that remains unsolved nearly forty years later. Despite early investigative efforts, preserved evidence, and modern forensic advances, Robby’s killer has never been publicly identified. Friends, former students, and law enforcement officials continue to ask the same question. Who would want to silence a man whose life revolved around teaching and service?

This episode focuses on who Robby Lawrence was, why he mattered, and why his story still deserves attention. Because justice is not just about solving a case. It is about honoring a life that was taken far too soon.

If you have any information regarding the 1984 murder of Charles “Robby” Lawrence, you can contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND or reach out to the Perry County Sheriff’s Office. You can remain anonymous.

If you lived in Linden or Perry County during the 1980s, knew Robby Lawrence, or have information you have never shared, we would also like to hear from you. Reach out to us below!

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Episode 36: MURDERED: Sonia Jimenez - Channelview, TX

A typical Monday evening, a violent estranged husband, a mother left for dead in a parking lot, and a family shattered forever.

Episode Summary

On July 31, 2006, Sonia Jimenez was brutally murdered outside a friend's apartment in Channelview, Texas. Just hours later, her three-year-old daughter, Danielle, vanished after being taken by the man police believe killed her mother. Nearly twenty years later, Sonia's case remains unsolved-and Danielle has never been found.

Sonia Jimenez was known for her joy, confidence, and unmistakable presence. Friends and family described her as vibrant and fearless—a woman who loved to dance, dress up, and take pride in her appearance. Her daughters were the center of her world, and despite financial struggles and a turbulent marriage marked by domestic violence, Sonia worked tirelessly to give her girls a happy, stable life.

At the time of her death, Sonia was separated from her husband, Leandro Jimenez. On the day she was killed, Sonia was ambushed and stabbed outside a friend’s apartment in Channelview. A few hours later, Leandro went to the family home in Pasadena, let himself inside, and took their three-year-old daughter, Danielle. Sonia later died from her injuries, and an arrest warrant was issued for Leandro on charges of murder and abduction. An Amber Alert was issued for Danielle, but neither she nor Leandro has ever been located. Authorities believe he may have fled to Mexico. Today, Danielle would be 22 years old. Sonia’s oldest daughter, Jessica, continues to hold onto memories of her mother and the hope that one day her sister will be found.

Sonia Jimenez was more than a case file—she was a loving mother, a devoted friend, and a woman whose light left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. Her story, and Danielle’s disappearance, deserve answers.

Please share this episode, share Sonia’s name, and share Danielle’s face. Awareness matters—and sometimes it’s the only thing keeping a case alive.

If You Have Information

If you have any information about the murder of Sonia Jimenez, the whereabouts of Danielle Jimenez, or Leandro Jimenez, please contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at (713) 967-5810. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward, call Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. You are not alone. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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Episode 35: MURDERED: Debra Sue Vine - Genoa, Ohio

A 19-year-old with her whole life ahead of her. A cherished daughter and sister. A small town left reeling by a crime that still has no justice.

Episode Summary

In February 1980, 19-year-old Debra Sue Vine vanished from her small hometown of Genoa. What followed was one of the most disturbing ransom schemes in Ohio history — a series of cryptic phone calls that sent Debra’s father on a terrifying scavenger hunt across northwest Ohio, demanding $80,000 for his daughter’s safe return.

But the ransom was never collected. And Debra never came home.

Nearly three months later, Debra’s body was discovered in a wooded area behind a rural cemetery. She had been bound, wrapped in bedding, and left far from where she disappeared. Due to the condition of her remains, investigators were unable to determine her exact cause or time of death — leaving behind more questions than answers.

Authorities eventually arrested a former sheriff’s deputy for orchestrating the ransom calls, but despite evidence tying him to the extortion and the kidnapping, Debra’s murder has never been officially solved. To this day, no one has been convicted for taking her life.

This week on True Crime Unwind, we walk through who Debra Sue Vine was, the chilling ransom scavenger hunt that gripped her family, the unanswered questions surrounding her death, and why this case continues to haunt her community more than four decades later.

If you have any information about the murder of Debra Sue Vine — no matter how small or insignificant it may seem — please contact the appropriate law enforcement agency in Ottawa County or Sandusky County, Ohio. Even decades later, one tip can still matter.

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Episode 34: MURDERED: Elrey “Bud” and June Runion - McRae, GA

A sentimental search for a classic car. A wholesome couple known for their kindness. A family that sprang into action. And a devastating crime that shocked the community.

Episode Summary

Elrey “Bud” and June Runion of Marietta, Georgia, weren’t just beloved — they were extraordinary. Bud, a Vietnam veteran with a passion for classic cars, and June, a devoted teacher and community leader, spent their lives giving to others. From repairing children’s bicycles to delivering Christmas gifts through the Appalachian mountains, the Runions made generosity their mission. Their ministry, founded in 1991, helped families with groceries, utility bills, spiritual support, and unwavering compassion.

In January 2015, the couple set out on a simple day trip to McRae after responding to a Craigslist listing for a 1966 Ford Mustang — a car that carried deep sentimental value for Bud. They never made it home. When the couple didn’t show up to babysit their grandchildren the next day, their three daughters instantly knew something was wrong. Within hours, the family mobilized search efforts, created a Facebook group, and spoke with multiple news outlets, determined to find their parents. But the investigation quickly uncovered chilling details.

Bud and June’s story is heartbreaking — but their legacy lives on. Their ministry, Forever Grateful Ministries, continues under the leadership of their daughter, ensuring their mission of love, service, and generosity endures.

This week on True Crime Unwind, Kinsley and Mercedes walk you through the life, tragedy, and lasting impact of a couple who truly embodied compassion. Pour a glass of wine and join us as we remember Bud and June — not just for how they died, but for how beautifully they lived.

If You Want to Honor Bud & June

✨ Share their story so the world remembers who they were.

✨ Perform an act of kindness in their memory.

✨ Support a local charity or family in need — just like they always did.

✨ And please stay safe when buying or selling online: meet in public places, bring someone with you, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and always trust your instincts.

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Episode 33: MURDERED: Marie Lisa Peak (The Waverly Three) – Waverly, Iowa

Three young women. Three strangulations. One small Iowa town. Was Lisa Peak’s murder part of something far more sinister?

Episode Summary

In September 1976, 19-year-old Wartburg College student Marie Lisa Peak left her dorm on a quiet Labor Day afternoon to run a quick errand for school supplies. She told friends she’d be back soon and that she had a date later that evening. Lisa never returned.

The next morning, her body was found just outside the city limits of Waverly, Iowa. She had been sexually assaulted, strangled, and left nude in a rural ditch beneath a lone cottonwood tree. Her clothing and belongings were never recovered, and no one has ever been charged with her murder.

Lisa’s story is especially haunting because just months earlier, she had bravely helped bring down a sex-extortion ring, becoming a key witness in a high-profile case that put a dangerous man behind bars. As investigators searched for answers, they began to notice chilling similarities between Lisa’s murder and the unsolved killings of Julie Benning and Valerie Klossowsky. Three young women, all strangled and discarded in rural Iowa, are now known as The Waverly Three.

This week on True Crime Unwind, we walk through who Lisa Peak was, the events leading up to her murder, the unanswered questions surrounding her final hours, and the disturbing pattern that connects her case to two others that remain unsolved nearly five decades later.

If you know anything about the murders of Lisa Peak, Julie Benning, or Valerie Klossowsky, even if it feels small or uncertain, please contact the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Cold Case Unit at 515-725-6010, or you can leave an anonymous tip with the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

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Episode 32: MURDERED: Carson Sistrunk – New Hebron, MS

A hardworking young man with a bright future. A beloved son, brother, and friend. A tight-knit Mississippi community shaken by senseless violence.

Episode Summary

Carson Monroe Sistrunk, born December 16, 1997, was the youngest of three boys and the heart of his family. Raised in Flowood, Mississippi, Carson grew up surrounded by love, laughter, and adventure. He adored the outdoors — hunting, fishing, shooting, and hand-grab fishing with his dad every spring. Known as a gentle giant at 6’4” and nearly 300 pounds, he earned the affectionate nickname “Little Man.”

Carson had a magnetic personality. He was tenderhearted, funny, genuinely kind, and the type of person people naturally gravitated toward. He had a close friend group, a lifelong best friend, and a deep devotion to his family. After graduating in 2016, he pursued mechanics, welding, and gunsmithing — turning his passions into a promising career he worked incredibly hard for. By 24, Carson was building the life he dreamed of, one step at a time.

But on Labor Day weekend, September 4, 2022, everything changed. When Carson didn’t return home — and later failed to show up for work — his family immediately knew something was wrong. By September 6, they had filed a missing persons report with the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, who acted swiftly: issuing a BOLO, pulling his phone records, and tracing his final debit card use to a gas station in New Hebron, a rural town 51 miles away where Carson had no known connections.

Carson was only 24 years old.

More than 700 people attended his funeral — a testament to his impact, his kindness, and the love he poured into everyone around him. He did everything right. He worked hard. He cared deeply. And he was building a future he deserved to experience.

This week on True Crime Unwind, Kinsley and Mercedes walk through the disappearance, the investigation, the evidence, and the search for justice for a young man whose life was stolen far too soon. Grab your glass of wine and join us as we honor Carson Monroe Sistrunk — a tenderhearted giant whose memory will never fade.

If You Want to Honor Carson

✨ Share this episode so his story continues to be heard.

✨ Support families impacted by violent crime.

✨ Be kind — the way Carson was.

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