Minority Crimes

Timothy Cole was convicted of a brutal crime he did not commit, and died in prison before the truth came out. In this episode of Minority Crimes, prosecutor Stewanna Dasari examines the wrongful conviction of Timothy Cole and the devastating consequences of certainty built too quickly. Through a legal and human lens, this episode explores eyewitness misidentification, systemic pressure, race, and...

This month, we’ve seen far too many cases involving domestic violence. In this episode, Stewanna Dasari examines the story of Ashanti Allen , a pregnant woman whose life was taken in Southwest Houston. But this is more than one case. It’s a conversation about what people see… and what they miss. From social media perception to the realities inside relationships, this episode explores the complexit...

On December 19, 1992, in New Orleans East, on Lake Barrington Drive, a 62-year-old school principal answered her front door after someone claimed her car had been hit. Moments later, she was shot and killed outside her home. More than 30 years later, her case remains unsolved. Who would target a 62-year-old principal? In this relaunch episode of Minority Crimes, host Stewanna Dasari shares the sto...

In this special bonus episode of Minority Crimes , Co-Host Stewanna Dasari breaks down the key developments in the federal criminal case against Sean "Diddy" Combs. She explains the charges he faces, the defense strategy centered around claims of diminished capacity, and why the Southern District of New York—the court overseeing the case—plays a pivotal role in high-profile prosecutions....

In this episode Johna and Stewanna delves into the mysterious disappearance of Raja McQueen, a mother from Cleveland, Ohio, who went missing in 2021. The hosts explore her life, the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, and the ongoing investigation. They discuss the theories surrounding her case, and the importance of community involvement in finding answers. The episode emphasizes the nee...

This episode delves into the alarming crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women in New Mexico, focusing on the case of Anthonette Cayedito, who disappeared in 1986. Johna discuss the challenges faced by law enforcement in investigating such cases, the dynamics within Anthonette's family, and the importance of public awareness and advocacy in seeking justice for missing individuals. They...

This episode delves into the tragic story of Tioni Theus, a 16-year-old girl who was a victim of human trafficking and gun violence. The hosts discuss Tioni's early life, the impact of multiple losses on her mental health, and the circumstances leading to her untimely death. They highlight the media's portrayal of Tioni, the victim-blaming that ensued, and the systemic failures in addressi...

This episode is about the tragic case of Lena Sardar Khil, an Afghan refugee who went missing in San Antonio, Texas, in December 2021. The hosts discuss the circumstances of her disappearance, the ongoing investigation by the San Antonio Police Department, and the emotional toll on her family. They highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement in handling the case, including cultural sensitivi...

In this episode, Johna and Stewanna discuss the tragic case of Nicole Fitts. Nikki was an African American mother of two daughters who was found murdered in a San Francisco park in April of 2016. Family say that she was lured to the park by her babysitters who her 2-year-old daughter lived with temporarily. No one has seen Arianna since February of 2016. The host explore Nikki's struggles as a sin...

This episode discusses the mysterious disappearance of 22-year-old Tonee Turner from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on December 30, 2019. The hosts explore the lack of media coverage and police action in the case, the community's efforts to keep her story alive, and the various conflicting reports surrounding her last known whereabouts. They emphasize the importance of community involvement and the nee...

In this episode, Johna and Stewanna discussed the cold case of St Louis Jane Doe, an unidentified African American 8 to 11 year old girl who was found murdered in the basement of an abandoned apartment building on February 28, 1983, in St Louis, MO. She was murdered and believed to have been killed by strangulation, she was raped and decapitated. 

In this episode, Stewanna and Johna discuss the case of Claire Ojeda, a 16-year-old girl who went missing in South St. Louis. She was last seen, high, getting into a car with no visible license plate, occupied by two unknown males. They explore the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, the neighborhood's reputation, and the potential issues of trafficking and prostitution. The conversation...

In this episode Johna and Stewanna discuss the case of Mary Johnson Davis, a member of the Tulalip tribe who went missing one day before Thanksgiving in 2020. The hosts discuss the challenges faced by indigenous women in the justice system, the jurisdictional issues that complicate investigations, and the broader context of violence against native women. They explore Mary's background, her family'...

In this episode, Johna speaks with Haley Patterson, the Director of Austin Red Oak Hope Operations, about the complexities of human trafficking, the vulnerabilities that lead individuals into trafficking situations, and the importance of long-term support for survivors. Haley shares her journey into the anti-trafficking space, the role of trafficking recruiters, and the challenges faced by victims...

This episode delves into the mysterious disappearance of Kendra Nicole Botello, a biracial African American/Native American/Hispanic woman who is an enrolled member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. She went missing from Enid, Oklahoma, in July 2022. The hosts explore her background, the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, the investigation efforts by local police, and the involvement of he...

In this episode, hosts Stewanna and Johna discuss the ongoing legal issues surrounding Sean Combs, also known as Diddy. They delve into the serious allegations against him, including sex trafficking and witness tampering, and the implications of these charges on his upcoming trial. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by prosecutors, the influence of media on public perception, and the...

This episode delves into the mysterious disappearance of LaShaya Stein, a 16-year-old honor roll student from Aurora, Colorado, who vanished in July 2016. Johna and Stewanna discuss the initial police response, the family's ongoing search for answers, and the potential involvement of human trafficking. They highlight the emotional toll on Lashaya's family and the challenges faced by law enforcemen...

In this conversation, Jonna Stallings interviews Carla Manuel, an experienced crime analyst with over 20 years in intelligence analysis. They discuss Carla's background in the military and law enforcement, focusing on her work in human trafficking and prostitution in Houston. The conversation highlights the disparity in arrests between sex buyers and sellers, the role of crime analysis in law enfo...

In this episode, Johna talks with Dr. Khara Breeden about her journey into forensic nursing, her educational background, and the critical role forensic nurses play in assisting victims of violence. She highlights the importance of specialized training in understanding the dynamics of domestic violence and trafficking, the significance of medical forensic exams, and the collaboration with law enfor...

This episode delves into the complex case of Chrystul Kizer, a young African American girl accused of murder who sought to use an affirmative defense based on her status as a trafficking victim. The discussion highlights the legal intricacies surrounding trafficking laws, the implications of age in legal definitions, and the racial biases that may influence judicial decisions. The speakers emphasi...

In this episode, Johna chats with Sergeant Yuri Saenz from the Harris County Sheriff's Office in Houston, TX, and shares her extensive experience in law enforcement, particularly in human trafficking investigations. She discusses her journey from patrol to undercover narcotics and eventually to her current role in the human trafficking unit. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by...

In this episode, hosts Johna Stallings and Stewanna Dasari delve into the complex issues surrounding human trafficking, particularly in the context of the recent indictment of music mogul Sean Combs. They discuss the misconceptions about trafficking, the legal processes involved in indictments, and the dynamics of victimhood. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding coercion in...

Christina, shares her personal story of trauma and the challenges she and her sister, Rena, faced growing up. Rena experienced sexual abuse from their father and ran away at a young age, leading to a series of traumatic events, including being trafficked and experiencing drug addiction. The conversation also touches on the lack of proper support and intervention from authorities. Angie Aguirre sha...

Johna and Stewanna cover the case of Kristen Galvan, a 15-year-old girl who Aryion Jackson, an up-and-coming Houston rapper, allegedly trafficked. Kristen's mother reported that Kristen had been trafficked in 2019 by Jackson before his arrest. Kristen went missing again in 2020 after reporting her trafficking experience and has not been found since. The conversation explores the reasons why gi...

In this episode of Minority Crimes, hosts Stewanna Dasari and Johna Stallings discuss the topic of human trafficking, focusing on the case of Alexis Martin. They highlight the lack of knowledge and understanding surrounding the impact of human trafficking on victims and the slow evolution of laws to protect them. The hosts share their experiences working with victims of human trafficking and empha...