Murder In The Black

In this episode of Murder in the Black , we unpack the heartbreaking story of Kim Groves —a Black woman, community advocate, and mother whose decision to report police misconduct in 1994 set off a chain of events that would change everything. What began as one woman speaking up against abuse of power quickly revealed something much bigger: a deeply corrupted system inside the New Orleans Police De...

In this episode of Murder in the Black , hosts Steph and Maia examine the heartbreaking case of Damilola Taylor , a 10-year-old boy whose life was tragically cut short in London. What initially appeared to be an isolated act of violence revealed deep systemic failures within public housing, community safety, and institutional accountability. Steph and Maia explore the investigation into Damilola’s...

Summary In this gripping episode of Murder in the Black , host Steph examines a devastating series of arson fires that shattered a neighborhood in Akron, Ohio. The story begins with a late-night blaze that claimed the lives of Gloria Hart and Lindell Lewis , quickly raising suspicions that the fire was anything but accidental. As investigators dig deeper, a troubling pattern emerges—earlier incide...

In this episode of Murder in the Black , hosts Steph and Maia tell the story of Erica Vassel , a vibrant 21-year-old from Clewiston, Florida , whose life was cut short just days after Super Bowl Sunday in February 2011. Known as America’s Sweetest Town , Clewiston sits on the edge of the Everglades, surrounded by sugar cane fields and built on familiarity and trust. But when Erica failed to come h...

Summary This conversation delves into the tragic story of Derwin Brown, a visionary police officer in DeKalb County, who was assassinated shortly after winning the sheriff election against Sydney Dorsey. The discussion covers the corruption within the police department, the election dynamics, the investigation into Brown's murder, and the subsequent trials of those involved. It highlights the...

In this rebroadcast of Murder in the Black , the hosts revisit the haunting case of Gregory Agnew and the unresolved disappearance of his former girlfriend, Tammy Niver . The story unfolds in Ypsilanti , a vibrant college town whose familiar streets hide a far darker history. Tammy vanished shortly after ending a volatile relationship with Gregory—one marked by control, intimidation, and escalatin...

The episode unpacks the complex dynamics of control, manipulation, and power within relationships, while drawing unsettling parallels to the disappearance of Taalibah Islam, another woman connected to the same man. Through these cases, Steph challenges listeners to reflect on the role of witnesses, the warning signs of abuse, and the lasting impact unanswered questions leave on families. As the se...

In this episode, host Steph examines two deeply unsettling true-crime cases that reveal how pressure, secrecy, and fractured relationships can shape devastating outcomes. We begin with the disappearance of Harmahn Smith in 2005, a case that unraveled into a web of complex relationships, community pressures, and the vulnerabilities that young people often carry silently. From there, Steph turns to...

In this episode, Steph explores a real-life case that feels eerily similar to A Thin Line Between Love and Hate — except this story ends in tragedy, not movie credits. When Memphis police officer Tony Hayes goes missing after Labor Day 2006, his family immediately senses something is wrong. Their search leads detectives straight to his girlfriend, Monique Johnson , a corrections officer whose jeal...

In this deeply moving episode, we explore the life, loss, and legacy of Ben “Benji” Wilson —the nation’s #1 high school basketball player in 1984 and the pride of Chicago’s South Side. What began as a typical school day spiraled into tragedy when Benji was shot just steps from Simeon High School. We walk you through the events leading up to the shooting, the emotional weight carried by his family...

SUMMARY:In today’s episode, Steph takes listeners deep into one of the most shocking workplace murders in recent history — the Lululemon case. This story follows the lives of Jayna Murray and Brittany Norwood, two women who started life on remarkably similar paths: athletic, ambitious, intelligent, and deeply loved. But as adulthood unfolded, their journeys diverged dramatically. Jayna lived a lif...

The episode delves into the tragic double homicide of University of Miami linebacker Marlin Barnes and his friend Timwoknika Lumpkins in 1996. It explores the events leading up to the murders, the investigation, and the subsequent trial of LeBrant Dennis, who was eventually convicted. The narrative highlights the impact of the crime on the community and the families involved, as well as the legacy...

Summary This episode of Murder in the Black delves into the tragic story of Cherica Adams, a young woman whose life was cut short by violence and betrayal. The host, Steph, explores Cherica's early life, her relationship with NFL player Rae Carruth, and the events leading up to her untimely death. The conversation emphasizes the importance of remembering Cherica not just as a victim, but as a woma...

This episode of Murder in the Black delves into the mysterious disappearance of Relisha Rudd, an eight-year-old girl who vanished from a homeless shelter in Washington, DC. The episode features interviews with Natalie Wilson, co-founder of the Black and Missing Foundation, and Antonio Wheeler, Relisha's stepfather, who share insights into the case and the systemic failures that contributed to...

Summary This episode explores the tragic case of Nailah Franklin, a young woman whose life was cut short by the manipulative and controlling actions of her ex-boyfriend, Reginald Potts. The narrative delves into the choices that led to her disappearance, the investigation that followed, and the eventual trial that sought justice for her untimely death. It highlights the themes of emotional abuse,...

In this gripping episode, Steph, explores the tragic story of Keisha Jones — a devoted mother of four whose life took a fatal turn in a single heated moment. What began as a night out in South Philadelphia with her husband Tyrone Taylor, ended in murder, heartbreak, and a life sentence. Through emotional narration and legal analysis, we unpack how one split-second choice devastated two families an...

Summary In this episode of Murder in the Black, host Steph delves into the chilling true crime case of Brittany Rojas and Nikki Silas, two young women whose dreams were violently cut short in their Harlem apartment. The episode explores the investigation, the suspects, and the emotional impact on the victims' families, while also reflecting on the importance of human connections and the danger...

Summary This episode delves into the chilling case of Stewart Weldon, a serial killer whose heinous acts were uncovered following a routine traffic stop. The narrative explores the harrowing experiences of his victims, the investigation that led to the discovery of multiple bodies, and the subsequent legal proceedings. It highlights the vulnerabilities of the victims and the systemic failures that...

  The conversation delves into the tragic case of LaTashaNorman, a college student who went missing in 2007. It explores herrelationships, the investigation into her disappearance, the role of suspicion,and the eventual arrest and trial of her ex-boyfriend, Stanley Cole. Thediscussion highlights the impact of domestic violence and the importance ofseeking help, culminating in a reflection on LaTas...

The episode delves into the tragic case of Shania Gray, a 16-year-old girl from Texas, who was murdered by Franklin Davis. The story highlights the dangers of online interactions and the importance of parental vigilance. It also discusses the investigation process and the eventual conviction of Davis for capital murder. ----------------------------------------------------------------- 00:00:00 Int...

Summary This episode of 'Murder in the Black' explores the complex case of Lydell Grant, who was wrongfully convicted of murder in Houston, Texas. The narrative delves into the socio-economic backdrop of Houston, Lydell's aspirations post-incarceration, the chaotic events leading to the murder of Aaron Scheerhoorn, and the flawed reliance on eyewitness testimony that led to Lydell's conviction. Th...

Summary In this episode of 'Murder in the Black', host Steph delves into the tragic case of Linda Robinson, who was brutally murdered in her home. The conversation explores the complexities of murder charges, the emotional impact on families, and the importance of family activism in seeking justice. Through a detailed recounting of the investigation, including various suspects and the even...

Summary In this episode of Murder in the Black, host Steph shares the tragic story of Shilie Turner, a promising track star from Philadelphia who went missing and was later found murdered. The narrative explores Shile's rise in athletics, her complicated family dynamics, and the events leading up to her disappearance. The investigation reveals shocking truths about her mother, Vivian King, who...

Summary This episode of 'Murder in the Black' delves into two tragic cases of injustice: the police shooting of Timothy Russell and Melissa Williams in Cleveland, and the racially motivated bombing of civil rights activists Harry T. and Harriet Moore in 1951. The hosts explore the systemic issues surrounding homelessness, police brutality, and the ongoing fight for civil rights, highlighti...

Summary This episode of 'Murder in the Black' explores the tragic story of a neighborly feud in Detroit that escalated into violence. The narrative follows Marc Davidson, a friendly mechanic, and Charles Montgomery, an aspiring musician, whose lives intertwine in a seemingly peaceful neighborhood. As circumstances change, tensions rise, leading to a deadly confrontation that leaves one nei...