Jelani Day was such a dedicated student that when he didn't show up for class on August 24th, 2021, his professor immediately knew something was wrong. Jelani Day was such a caring son that when his mother texted him, and he didn't call her back right away to chat, Carmen Bolden Day knew that something had happened to her baby. When his body was found in the Illinois River in a town he had no connection to weeks after his disappearance, the police seemed content to label his death a suicide or an accident--but with the facts and evidence gathered, Carmen and the rest of Jelani's family are sure that Jelani didn't end up in the water of his own accord. How did a young Black man with so much promise and things to live for wind up in a river of a small town an hour away from his home? Support us! Want ad free listening? Patreon - https://patreon.com/crimesaladpodcast Sponsors: Apostrophe go to Apostrophe.com/CRIMESALAD and click Begin Visit, then use our code CRIMESALAD at sign up and you'll get your first visit for only five dollars! Uncommon Goods To get 15% off your next gift, go to UNCOMMONGOODS.com/CRIMESALAD StoryWorth Go to StoryWorth.com/crimesalad and save $10 on your first purchase! Munk Pack go to MunkPack.com and select ANY product, then enter the code CRIMESALAD at checkout to save 20% off your purchase. Follow us! Merch - http://www.crimesaladpodcast.com/shop Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/crimesaladpodcast Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/crimesalad Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/crimesaladpodcast RATE US - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crime-salad-podcast/id1457141569