Murder In The Black

Steph and M.D.

M.D. and STEPH are sisters who share a passion for true crime. They are committed to highlighting stories within the black community that often do not receive the attention they deserve. This has led them to create a platform where these stories can be shared on a weekly basis through their podcast. Drawing on her legal expertise, M.D. provides the legal context of each case, while Steph delves into the details concerning the victims and occasionally the perpetrators. By tuning in weekly, listeners can expect to learn about lesser-known crime cases and gain a deeper understanding of the cases

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S9 · E33
Thursday · 35 min
Thirty-Six Wounds and an Unexplained Drive: What Happened to Jonathan Luna?
On December 3, 2003, federal prosecutor Jonathan Luna left his Baltimore office shortly before midnight—but he never made it home. Hours later, his car was discovered beside a rural Pennsylvania creek, with Jonathan lying facedown beneath it. He had suffered 36 stab wounds and cuts before ultimately drowning. The local coroner ruled Jonathan’s death a homicide. However, federal investigators reportedly considered a dramatically different possibility: that Jonathan inflicted the wounds himself while attempting to stage an attack or disappearance. In this episode, Steph traces Jonathan’s unexplained interstate drive, the blood found throughout his vehicle, the professional pressures surrounding him, and the competing theories that have divided investigators for more than two decades. The recently unsealed autopsy confirms important details about his injuries—but does it bring us any closer to understanding what really happened? Also, before you go, check your feed for Steph’s special video interview with MD discussing the outcome of the Karmelo Anthony evidentiary hearing. Case discussed: Jonathan Luna Content warning: This episode discusses suicide, drowning, and sharp-force injuries. Follow Murder in the Black, leave a five-star review, and share the episode. For exclusive content, join the paid subscription on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and begin with a three-day free trial.
S9 · E32
Wednesday · 33 min
Did Karmelo Anthony Receive a Fair Trial? An Attorney Breaks Down the Evidentiary Hearing
Steph sits down with MD to break down the Karmelo Anthony evidentiary hearing and what Judge Chitty was actually being asked to decide. This was not a new determination of guilt or innocence. Anthony’s appellate team was requesting a new trial based on alleged errors and constitutional violations connected to the original proceedings. Steph and MD discuss the alleged “gentleman’s agreement,” whether the defense relied on it when making critical trial decisions, and why the defense needed to prove that this reliance affected the outcome. They also examine the due-process arguments, Anthony’s right to present a complete defense, and the Waller test involving the right to a public trial. MD explains why appellate relief is difficult to obtain and why the public-trial claim may be the defense’s strongest argument. The episode closes with Steph and MD discussing why the trial can still raise serious fairness concerns—particularly regarding venue, jury selection, and public access. Timestamps 00:31 – Steph introduces MD 02:22 – What Judge Chitty had to decide 04:17 – The alleged gentleman’s agreement 08:10 – Proving breach and prejudice 09:10 – How the agreement may have shaped trial strategy 17:54 – The constitutional arguments 18:49 – Due process and fundamental fairness 21:26 – The Waller test and public-trial issue 28:28 – Why damaging information may be inadmissible 33:14 – How appellate courts evaluate errors 35:11 – The defense’s strongest appellate argument 37:05 – Why MD believes the trial was unfair 39:00 – Closing thoughts and listener feedback
S9 · E31
August 20 · 1 hr 3 min
The Other Side of Silence: The Ruby McCollum Case
In 1952, Ruby McCollum walked into the office of prominent white physician and politician Doctor C. Leroy Adams in Live Oak, Florida, and fatally shot him. Ruby never denied the shooting. What she attempted to explain was everything behind it—an alleged sexual assault, a child she said Adams fathered, another pregnancy, financial dealings and the racial power that shaped their relationship. But in a segregated Florida courtroom, Ruby was repeatedly prevented from telling that story in full. In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine Ruby’s life before the shooting, the relationship between the McCollum and Adams households, the trial that sentenced her to death and the Florida Supreme Court decision that overturned her conviction. We also discuss why the new trial ordered by the court never happened and how Ruby instead spent nearly twenty years confined to a state hospital. The episode also considers the work of Zora Neale Hurston and journalist William Bradford Huie, the restrictions placed on their reporting and the importance of Black people being able to preserve and represent their own stories. Ruby had education, wealth and status, but none of those things separated her from a system capable of exercising its power over her. Her case remains a warning about what can happen when Black voices are discussed, interpreted and judged without being fully heard. TRUE CRIME IN CURRENT NEWS Updated August 20, 2026 Karmelo Anthony: Karmelo Anthony, now 19, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years for fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a 2025 high-school track meet. Anthony’s attorneys are seeking a new trial, arguing that courtroom-access restrictions, an off-the-record evidentiary agreement and the jury instructions affected his ability to receive a fair trial and fully present his self-defense claim. On August 19, Judge Sid Harle removed trial judge John Roach Jr. from the post-trial proceedings. Although Harle did not find that Roach had violated judicial rules, he determined that Roach’s public comments after the verdict could cause a reasonable observer to question his impartiality. Retired Judge Michael Chitty is now considering Anthony’s motion for a new trial. During the August 20 hearing, the defense challenged the courtroom restrictions and whether the findings required under Waller v. Georgia were properly made. Prosecutors defended the proceedings and disclosed that both sides had agreed to keep certain information about Anthony and Metcalf from the jury. A ruling must be issued by August 24 or the motion will be denied automatically. Tupac Shakur Murder Trial: The trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis is underway in Las Vegas. Davis is accused of helping organize the retaliatory 1996 shooting that killed Tupac Shakur. Prosecutors do not allege that Davis pulled the trigger. They argue that he obtained the gun, provided it to the men inside the Cadillac and helped arrange the shooting after Tupac’s entourage attacked Davis’s nephew, Orlando Anderson, at the MGM Grand. The prosecution is relying heavily on Davis’s interviews and memoir, in which he placed himself inside the Cadillac and described his involvement. The defense argues that Davis exaggerated or invented those accounts to gain attention and sell books. His attorney is asking jurors not to believe his client’s own words while emphasizing the absence of physical evidence connecting Davis to the weapon. The trial is expected to last several weeks. CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses homicide, alleged sexual violence, reproductive coercion, racism, capital punishment and psychiatric confinement.
S9 · E30
August 13 · 46 min
Alfred Wright: What Happened in the East Texas Woods?
On November 7, 2013, 28-year-old physical therapist Alfred Wright experienced car trouble along a rural highway near Hemphill, Texas. While waiting for his parents to pick him up, Alfred suddenly ran from the area. During his final phone call, his wife said he sounded distressed. His clothing and personal belongings were later discovered scattered across the surrounding countryside—but the official search ended without finding him. Eighteen days after Alfred disappeared, his family organized another search and found his body in the same general area authorities had already searched. The official autopsy concluded that Alfred died accidentally from combined drug intoxication. Investigators uncovered toxicology evidence and messages connecting him to a cocaine supplier. Alfred’s family, however, questioned the search, the condition of his body, and whether the official conclusion explained everything that happened. In this episode of Murder in the Black, Steph examines the documented evidence, the Wright family’s concerns, the region’s racial history, and the rumors that have complicated Alfred’s story. What happened between the moment Alfred ran from that store and the moment he died in the East Texas woods? Follow Murder in the Black and join the conversation. Content warning: This episode discusses drug use, decomposition, postmortem injuries, racism, and disturbing descriptions of human remains.
S9 · E29
August 6 · 31 min
The Map That Exposed a Serial Killer: The Maury Travis Case
During the early 2000s, Black women began turning up dead across Missouri and Illinois. Their bodies were discovered in different jurisdictions, and for months, the connection between them remained unclear. Then, a St. Louis newspaper published a story about one of the women, Teresa Wilson. The article caught the attention of someone who claimed to be her killer—and he responded with a chilling letter, a challenge to the reporter, and a computer-generated map leading investigators to another victim. That map would eventually take authorities to Maury Travis and expose what had been happening inside an otherwise ordinary-looking home in Ferguson, Missouri. In this episode of Murder in the Black, Steph walks through the investigation from the discovery of the women through the digital trail that led police directly to Travis. We also discuss the victims whose names are known, the women who remained unidentified for decades, and how three of those women finally regained their names in 2025. This story is not simply about how investigators caught a suspected serial killer. It is also about whose disappearances receive urgency, whose deaths are connected, and how vulnerable Black women were overlooked until their killer demanded attention. Content warning: This episode discusses murder, sexual violence, torture, substance-use disorder, and violence against women. Follow Murder in the Black on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Subscribe to the paid edition on Apple Podcasts for bonus episodes and exclusive content. New listeners can begin with a three-day free trial. Until next time, this is Murder in the Black.
S9 · E28
July 30 · 40 min
The Child Everybody Saw: The Life and Death of Emani Moss
Emani Gabrielle Moss was ten years old. Her family called her “Angelface.” She loved reading, dancing, and cooking, and her fourth-grade teacher remembered a child with a beautiful smile who always wanted to help people. But behind that smile, Emani was trying to survive. She went to school bruised and afraid. She disclosed abuse. She ran away. Teachers, relatives, police, and child-protection workers encountered pieces of her story—and still, she was returned to the home where she was being harmed. In this deeply difficult episode of Murder in the Black, Steph examines the warnings that came before Emani’s death, the adults and systems that had opportunities to intervene, and the family members who fought to protect her. Most importantly, this episode remembers Emani as a child: bright, helpful, loved, and deserving of the chance to grow up. CONTENT WARNING This episode discusses prolonged child abuse, neglect, starvation, domestic violence, the death of a child, and an attempt to conceal and destroy a child’s remains. The material is deeply distressing. Please take care of yourself while listening, and pause or skip this episode if needed. LISTENER CALL TO ACTION If this episode moved you, follow Murder in the Black on whatever podcast platform you use and leave a five-star review. Share Emani’s story—not because of how she died, but because of who she was. And if you know or suspect that a child is being harmed, do not assume someone else will act. Report the concern to the appropriate child-protection agency and contact emergency services if the danger is immediate.
S9 · E27
July 23 · 45 min
Asia Adams: She Never Came Back Through the Door
In this Thursday episode of Murder in the Black, we cover the murder of 21-year-old Asia Adams, a West Chester University student whose life was taken inside her mother’s Germantown home in November 2004. What first looked like a house fire quickly became something else. Investigators found Asia’s body in an upstairs bedroom, but the fire was not the beginning of the story. It was the cover-up. This episode follows the investigation from the neighbor who heard the door, to the missing bank cards, the ATM withdrawals, the nickname “Napoleon,” Asia’s dorm room, the witness statements, and the courtroom testimony that led to convictions for Thomas Strode and Simeon Bozic. We also talk about Asia’s life before the crime, her mother Shelah Harper’s fight for justice, and the work that came afterward through the Asia Adams Save Our Children Foundation. At the end of the episode, we close with a True Crime in Current News segment covering recent updates in the D4vd/Celeste Rivas Hernandez preliminary hearing and the independent autopsy update in the Nolan Xavier Wells case. Cases discussed: Asia Adams Thomas Strode Simeon Bozic Celeste Rivas Hernandez Nolan Xavier Wells Listen with care. This episode discusses domestic violence, murder, arson, sexual assault allegations, violence against a young woman, and the death of a teenager.
S9 · E26
July 16 · 42 min
The Boy Without a Name: The William DaShawn Hamilton Case
In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the heartbreaking case of William Deshaun Hamilton, a six-year-old boy whose skeletal remains were discovered in the woods of DeKalb County, Georgia, in 1999. Despite years of investigation, forensic testing, and national attention, William remained unidentified until 2022. We trace the investigation from the discovery of his remains to the courtroom nearly 25 years later, exploring how advances in forensic science, facial reconstruction, and one woman's unwavering determination helped restore William's identity. We also discuss the trial of Teresa Ann Bailey Black, the verdict, and the questions that remain unanswered. William's story is a reminder that even when decades pass, every child deserves to have their name restored—and their story told. The discovery of William's remains in DeKalb County, Georgia The early investigative clues—and why they led nowhere How forensic science evolved over two decades The role of facial reconstructions in identifying unidentified children Ava McNeil's determination to uncover the truth How a single tip finally identified "Clifton John Doe" The arrest and trial of Teresa Ann Bailey Black The verdict, sentencing, and unanswered questions surrounding William's death TimeLine 00:05 – The evening that changed everything 00:35 – A devastating discovery in DeKalb County 01:16 – The first clues investigators uncovered 02:21 – Why the cause of death remains unknown 03:57 – The decades-long search for William's identity 05:09 – Buried as "Clifton John Doe" 06:15 – Forensic evidence and overlooked clues 07:58 – Why investigators believed William had been abandoned 09:41 – DNA testing and the limitations of the late 1990s 10:55 – The importance of forensic facial reconstructions 13:32 – Ava McNeil's recognition and relentless search for answers 15:28 – The reconstruction that reignited the investigation 16:52 – William's life before he disappeared 17:53 – Leaving Charlotte and William's disappearance 20:47 – The tip that finally solved the mystery 22:37 – Giving William his name back 23:48 – The trial of Teresa Ann Bailey Black 36:31 – The verdict and sentencing 41:57 – William's legacy and the search for justice Sources FOX 5 Atlanta. "Boy's remains found in cemetery still not identified 20 years later." Published February 27, 2019. FOX 5 Atlanta. "Teresa Ann Black murder trial: Old friend testifies against mother accused of murdering son in Atlanta." Published January 3, 2024. FOX 5 Atlanta. "Teresa Ann Black Trial: Mother accused of murdering 6-year-old son waives last chance to testify." Published January 8, 2024. FOX 5 Atlanta. "Teresa Black trial: Mother sentenced to 10 years for concealing son's death." Updated January 12, 2024. A&E Crime + Investigation. "A Decades-Old Cold Case Ends With the ID of a Young Boy, and His Mother Charged With Murder." Published December 16, 2022; updated August 27, 2025. Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) press releases and case information. DeKalb County Medical Examiner records and publicly reported court proceedings. Public court reporting and news coverage reviewed to verify the investigation timeline, trial proceedings, verdict, and sentencing.
S9 · E25
July 9 · 44 min
LaVena Johnson: The Soldier, the Tent, and the Questions That Never Went Away
Private First Class LaVena Johnson was just 19 years old when she died while serving in Iraq in 2005. The U.S. Army ruled her death a suicide, but her family—led by her father, John Johnson—has spent nearly two decades questioning that conclusion. In this episode, we examine the official investigation, the inconsistencies that continue to fuel public debate, and why LaVena's death remains one of the military's most discussed unresolved cases. We carefully separate documented facts from allegations and explore the competing theories surrounding her death, including the family's belief that critical questions were never answered. We also discuss the broader conversation about military accountability, violence against women in the armed forces, and what families face when they challenge official findings. In True Crime in Current News, we provide updates on the disappearance of Nolan Wells and the ongoing custody case involving Alicia Brown and her missing daughter, Aaliyah. In this episode: The life and military service of LaVena Johnson The Army's official ruling and the evidence cited The Johnson family's unanswered questions Competing theories surrounding her death Military accountability and transparency Nolan Wells case update Alicia Brown custody and missing child update If you enjoy Murder in the Black, please follow the show, leave a five-star review, and share this episode with someone who values thoughtful true crime storytelling.
S9 · E24
July 2 · 53 min
Predators Don’t Live in Folders | Jesse Matthew Jr.
In this episode of Murder in the Black, we look at the case of Jesse Leroy Matthew Jr. and the murders of Morgan Harrington and Hannah Graham. This story is not just about how Matthew was eventually caught. It is about the years before that: the college allegations, the DNA that sat without a name attached to it, the missed opportunities, and the systems that treated each warning sign like it belonged in a separate folder. Morgan Harrington disappeared in 2009 after leaving a Metallica concert in Charlottesville, Virginia. Years later, UVA student Hannah Graham disappeared after a night out in the same city. DNA evidence eventually connected Matthew to a 2005 Fairfax assault, Morgan's case, and Hannah's case. The question at the center of this episode is not only what Jesse Matthew did. It is how many times he could have been stopped before another woman was harmed. Because predators do not live in folders. This episode discusses sexual assault allegations, abduction, homicide, missing persons cases, violence against women, and institutional failures around campus safety. Jesse Matthew's early background and college football years Sexual assault allegations at Liberty University and Christopher Newport University The 2005 Fairfax assault and unmatched DNA profile Morgan Harrington's disappearance after the 2009 Metallica concert The search for Morgan and the creation of Help Save the Next Girl Hannah Graham's 2014 disappearance in Charlottesville How CCTV helped identify Matthew as a suspect The DNA links between Fairfax, Morgan, and Hannah Matthew's arrest in Texas, guilty pleas, and life sentences The larger conversation around campus safety, DNA policy, and missed warning signs After the main episode, I also cover two current stories: The death of Nateal Campbell, mother of NFL player Calais Campbell, and the charges against her son Ciarre Campbell The update in Joniah Walker's case after the Milwaukee teen, missing since 2022, was found safe Jesse Matthew was eventually convicted in the murders of Morgan Harrington and Hannah Graham, but this case raises a bigger question: how many times could he have been stopped before another woman was harmed? This episode looks at the college allegations, the 2005 Fairfax assault, the DNA links, the disappearances of Morgan and Hannah, and the institutional gaps that allowed warning signs to stay separated. Because predators do not live in folders. Content warning: sexual assault allegations, abduction, homicide, missing persons cases, and violence against women. If you made it this far, thank you for sitting with these stories with me. Let me know your thoughts on the missed opportunities in this case, because I really want to hear how y'all feel about that. For those of you who are like me and love to binge a story all the way through, episodes 6, 7, and 8 of What I Didn't See drop Sunday on the paid subscription, along with bonus journal entries with behind-the-scenes insight into Christina's thoughts. Thank you for the support, the comments, the shares, and the way y'all continue to show up for this space. Like, follow, and share this episode with someone who follows true crime with care. I'll see y'all in the next one. Research for this episode included public reporting from CNN, NBC News, NBC29, The Washington Post, CBS, WDBJ, and public case summaries related to Morgan Harrington, Hannah Graham, the 2005 Fairfax assault, and Jesse Matthew's convictions. Content WarningIn This EpisodeTrue Crime in Current NewsShort Spotify DescriptionListener CTASource Note For Spotify
S9 · E23
June 25 · 41 min
The River Did Not Keep Her | The Murder of Lisa Eatmon
Lisa Eatmon was a Brooklyn mother, Army veteran, and expectant mom preparing to welcome her son, Jaden Marquis. In April 2005, Lisa was found in the Hudson River, and what first seemed unclear soon became a homicide investigation. In this episode of Murder in the Black, we walk through Lisa’s life, the discovery in Manhattan, the evidence left behind at home, and the investigation that led detectives from phone records to a sanitation dock near the Hudson River. We also reflect on warning signs that can appear in relationships when pregnancy, accountability, secrecy, and control collide. Content warning: homicide, pregnancy loss, intimate partner violence, and grief involving a child losing a parent. If you or someone you love feels unsafe, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.org. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
S9 · E22
June 18 · 50 min
The Lawyer Who Became the Case: Murder of Chiquita Tate
In this episode, we revisit the tragic case of Chiquita Tate, a rising Baton Rouge criminal defense attorney whose life was violently taken inside her own law office. Chiquita was brilliant, ambitious, and building a name for herself in the courtroom when her final night at work became the center of a murder investigation. We walk through Chiquita’s life, the timeline of her last hours, the evidence found at the scene, and the courtroom battle that followed. From DNA and hair evidence to the missing wallet, blood evidence, possible staging, and the complicated personal history between Chiquita and her husband, Greg Harris, this case raises difficult questions about violence, control, justice, and legacy. This episode also includes a brief update and reflection on the Alexis Crawford case, another heartbreaking story involving a young woman whose future was stolen. Key Topics Chiquita Tate’s life, career, and rise as a criminal defense attorney The timeline of her final night in Baton Rouge The crime scene evidence, including DNA, hair, blood evidence, and the missing wallet How the prosecution and defense interpreted the same evidence differently The role of marriage, motive, life insurance, and possible separation plans Greg Harris’s trial, manslaughter conviction, sentencing, and appeals The lasting impact of workplace and intimate-partner violence Chiquita’s legacy beyond the crime scene Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and factual reporting note 01:06 - A Baton Rouge law office becomes a crime scene 02:04 - The murder of Chiquita Tate 03:02 - Chiquita’s background, ambition, and legal career 04:29 - Chiquita’s marriage to Greg Harris 09:26 - February 19, 2009: dinner, work, and her final hours 13:12 - Crime scene findings and early evidence 15:59 - The suspect list and growing focus on Greg Harris 17:31 - The discovery of Chiquita’s wallet 19:37 - Evidence from Greg and Chiquita’s home 22:17 - Possible motives: separation, control, and life insurance 24:03 - A tip that redirected investigators 26:41 - Sunglasses, DNA profiles, and forensic questions 29:18 - Court proceedings and trial strategy 36:16 - The verdict: manslaughter, not second-degree murder 37:20 - Sentencing, appeals, and legal aftermath 39:52 - Reflection on Chiquita’s life and legacy 42:51 - Update and reflection on the Alexis Crawford case 47:14 - Closing message and listener gratitude Resources Mentioned DNA evidence and forensic interpretation Louisiana second-degree murder and manslaughter law Criminal appeals and post-conviction challenges The Alexis Crawford case Intimate-partner violence and workplace violence awareness Connect With the Host Follow and connect on social media for case updates, episode discussions, and behind-the-scenes content. Final Reflection The heart of this story is not only the evidence. It is Chiquita Tate herself: a first-generation college graduate, a determined attorney, and a woman whose future was still unfolding. Her legacy reminds us to honor the lives behind the headlines and to keep speaking about violence that too often begins behind familiar doors.
S9 · E21
June 11 · 47 min
Latasha Harlins, Karmelo Anthony, and the Question of Black Childhood
In this episode of Murder in the Black, the host reflects on Latasha Harlins’ life, death, and legacy while connecting her story to racial violence, community grief, policing, and justice in America. She also shares her firsthand experience attending the Karmelo Anthony trial and examines how Black youth are viewed in courtrooms, media, and public opinion. Key Topics Latasha Harlins’ life, family, and tragic death South Central LA in the 1980s and 1990s Eula Mae Love, Rodney King, and LAPD violence Black and Korean community tensions in South Central The 1992 LA Uprising and its aftermath The O.J. Simpson trial and distrust of the LAPD Cyrus Carmack-Belton and ongoing racial violence The Karmelo Anthony trial and courtroom experience Race, accountability, grief, and Black childhood Timestamps 00:00 - Witnessing the Karmelo Anthony trial 00:23 - Latasha Harlins’ story 03:06 - Latasha’s family and move to LA 05:42 - Crystal Harlins’ death 09:15 - Black grandmothers and survival 11:07 - Latasha’s dreams 13:14 - Black/Korean tensions in South Central 14:19 - Eula Mae Love and LAPD violence 17:15 - Rodney King 21:34 - Latasha’s murder 23:22 - Sentencing and outrage 26:21 - 1992 LA Uprising 29:32 - O.J. Simpson and the LAPD 30:24 - Cyrus Carmack-Belton 31:03 - Karmelo Anthony case 36:04 - Jury composition 37:09 - Verdict impact 42:19 - Race, grief, and accountability 46:01 - James Baldwin reflection Resources Latasha Harlins case, Rodney King beating, 1992 LA Uprising, O.J. Simpson trial, Cyrus Carmack-Belton case, Karmelo Anthony case, James Baldwin quote.
S9 · E20
June 4 · 46 min
The Children Behind the Smiles : The Hart Family Murders
In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the heartbreaking case of the Hart family murders—a tragedy that exposed serious failures within the child welfare system and challenged the carefully curated image of a family celebrated by many. What appeared to be a picture-perfect family on social media concealed years of abuse, neglect, and unanswered cries for help. Through court records, witness accounts, and investigative findings, we explore how warning signs were repeatedly overlooked and why the voices of six children were not heard until it was too late. This episode is not simply about how the Hart family died—it is about how six children lived, what they endured, and the futures they were denied. The events leading up to the deaths of Jennifer and Sarah Hart and their six adopted children Repeated reports of abuse and neglect that failed to result in meaningful intervention The role social media played in shaping public perception of the family Devonte Hart's viral image and the complex reality behind the photograph The importance of recognizing and responding to children's disclosures The dangers of "savior" narratives and performative activism Race, adoption, and the challenges of transracial family dynamics Systemic failures within child welfare and protective services The final investigation and evidence supporting an intentional murder-suicide The lives, personalities, and futures of the children at the center of this case Time Stamps : 00:00 – Introduction to the Hart family case 00:25 – A hungry child seeks help from neighbors 00:55 – The family's disappearance and the discovery at the California cliffside 01:50 – Public perception versus reality 02:29 – Devonte Hart and the image that captivated the nation 03:26 – The carefully constructed narrative surrounding the family 04:07 – Social media, activism, and image management 05:09 – How trauma was used to explain away concerns 06:28 – Priscilla Celestine's efforts to keep her family together 07:19 – Family separation and contradictions within the system 08:16 – Investigations, reports, and missed opportunities 09:12 – Adoption history and the creation of a public success story 10:33 – When trauma became a shield against accountability 11:58 – The 2010 abuse allegations and legal outcomes 13:39 – Continued warning signs and institutional failures 15:09 – Homeschooling, isolation, and limited oversight 16:21 – Narrative control and public image management 17:50 – A troubling family visit in Oregon 20:18 – Hannah Hart's attempt to seek help 22:06 – Devonte's repeated requests for food 23:39 – Escalating concerns and failures to intervene 26:33 – The crash investigation and evidence of intentional family annihilation 28:30 – The final days: sedatives, control, and isolation 30:48 – Recovery efforts and the search for Devonte 32:00 – Examining years of systemic oversight failures 34:45 – The dangers of rescue narratives and public perception 37:09 – The futures each child deserved 38:09 – The emotional impact of the case 39:36 – Looking beyond appearances and curated images 40:34 – Final reflections: How many warnings are too many? Topics Covered Child Welfare and Protective Services Resources Information on Trauma and Child Abuse Recognition Research on Transracial Adoption and Child Advocacy Historical Context Behind Devonte Hart's Viral Photograph Follow the show for updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes discussions: Instagram: @murderintheblackpodcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your favorite podcast platform. In Memory of Hannah, Markis, Abigail, Jeremiah, Sierra, and Devonte Hart. Their story reminds us that a carefully crafted image can hide painful realities. Most importantly, it reminds us that children deserve to be heard, believed, and protected.
S9 · E19
May 28 · 40 min
Keeshae Jacobs: The Silence Toni Knew Was Wrong
In this episode, we revisit the disappearance of Keeshae Jacobs, a 21-year-old woman from Richmond, Virginia, whose mother, Toni Jacobs, knew from the beginning that something was wrong. Keeshae’s case is not just about one missing person investigation. It is about family intuition, delayed urgency, forensic evidence, unanswered questions, and the pain of a mother forced to keep fighting through unimaginable grief. Toni searched for Keeshae while later having to bury her son, DaeVon, and even after a major break in the case, the justice her family deserved still feels incomplete. We walk through Keeshae’s life, the day she disappeared, the early police response, the evidence connected to Otis Tucker, his later conviction for the murder of Ashley Fowler in Florida, and the 2024 confession that brought answers without full accountability. This episode also looks at the larger issue of missing Black women and the families who are too often left to advocate, investigate, and demand urgency on their own. Key Topics Keeshae Jacobs’ life, family, and close bond with her mother, Toni Why Toni knew Keeshae’s silence was not normal The early police response and misconceptions around missing adults The role of family intuition in missing person cases Otis Tucker’s changing timeline and history of violence Forensic evidence recovered from Tucker’s residence The emotional impact of DaeVon Jacobs’ murder on Toni and her family How misinformation, rumors, and scams affect missing families Media disparities in coverage of missing Black women Tucker’s later murder conviction in Florida for Ashley Fowler’s death The 2024 confession, immunity agreement, and why charges were not filed The difference between answers, closure, and justice What Keeshae’s case reveals about urgency, accountability, and advocacy 00:23 - Why Keeshae’s story is being revisited 03:00 - Keeshae’s life, family, and bond with Toni 08:12 - The night Keeshae was last seen 11:21 - Toni’s search and the early police response 14:40 - Keeshae’s last known location and Otis Tucker’s timeline 17:31 - Forensic evidence and Tucker’s violent history 19:54 - Delays, missed urgency, and systemic challenges 22:11 - Foul play suspected and barriers to prosecution 25:55 - DaeVon Jacobs’ death and Toni’s compounded grief 28:38 - Rumors, media coverage, and advocacy for missing Black women 29:57 - Tucker’s Florida conviction and Ashley Fowler’s murder 30:56 - The immunity agreement and 2024 confession 35:24 - Why charges were not filed 36:24 - Toni’s fight, grief, and the meaning of justice 38:21 - Reflection, listener takeaway, and closing CTA Resources & Links Black and Missing Foundation NCIC Missing Persons Statistics Richmond Police Department CBS 6/WTVR reporting on Keeshae Jacobs Coverage on Otis Tucker and Ashley Fowler’s case Closing Note Keeshae Jacobs was loved, known, and missed from the very beginning. Her story is a reminder to listen when families say something is wrong, to share missing person cases with care, and to keep pressure on the systems responsible for responding with urgency.
S9 · E18
May 21 · 40 min
Natise Johnson and Oliver Wendell Munson: The Cost of Doing the Right Thing
A 21-year-old pregnant woman is murdered inside her father’s Philadelphia home just days before giving birth. A Maryland teacher disappears three days before he is set to testify in court. In this episode of Murder in the Black, we discuss the murder of Natise Johnson and the unsolved disappearance of Oliver Wendell Munson, two cases connected by haunting questions about loyalty, vulnerability, and what it can cost to do the right thing. Natise’s case is a devastating story of obsession, control, and retaliation. Oliver’s disappearance remains one of those deeply unsettling unsolved cases where the timing alone makes it impossible to ignore what may have happened. This episode contains discussions of murder, gun violence, abuse, witness vulnerability, and the death of an unborn child.
S9 · E17
May 14 · 41 min
The House in Crescentville
In 2003, a Philadelphia neighborhood was shaken by the murders of Patricia, Nikki, and James inside their own home. What investigators found at the scene — an untouched slice of pizza, an extra Coke can, and victims covered after death — pointed toward something more personal and psychologically unsettling than a random act of violence. In this episode of Murder in the Black, Steph examines the investigation, the behavioral clues uncovered inside the home, and how the case ultimately shifted toward Sean Brown. The episode also explores the role of community observations, family persistence, and evolving forensic evidence in solving violent crimes. Later, Steph discusses ongoing updates in the cases of Vontisha “Sway” Williams and Celeste Hernandez, reflecting on how digital evidence and modern investigative techniques continue reshaping true crime investigations today. Topics Covered The murders of Patricia, Nikki, and James Crime scene behavioral analysis The significance of the extra Coke can and covered victims Sean Brown’s arrest and confession Community involvement and investigative breakthroughs Patterns of escalation and warning signs in violent offenders Updates on Vontisha Williams and Celeste Hernandez Timestamps (00:00) — The Philadelphia triple homicide (05:11) — The crime scene details investigators focused on (11:24) — Early theories and suspect developments (17:34) — Fingerprint evidence and Sean Brown (24:31) — Violence disrupting ordinary life (28:22) — Updates on Vontisha Williams and Celeste Hernandez (38:33) — Final reflections + What I Didn’t See Resources & Further Reading Philadelphia homicide investigation archives Public court records related to Sean Brown Community memorial pages for Vontisha “Sway” Williams Ongoing public updates surrounding the Celeste Hernandez investigation Connect With Murder in the Black YouTube: Murder in the Black TikTok & Instagram: @MurderintheBlack Substack: Murder in the Black Email:murderintheblackpodcast36@gmail.com
S1 · E1
May 10 · 9 min
What I Didn’t See, Episode 1: The Life I Thought I Had
Christina believed she understood exactly who she was and the kind of life she was building. But as wedding plans move forward, a quiet conversation and an unexpected new presence begin to disturb the certainty she has spent years protecting. In this first episode of What I Didn’t See, Christina introduces the world she thought was stable, the man she believed made sense of it, and the first subtle crack in the life she thought she wanted. What I Didn’t See is a psychological thriller about love, denial, self-deception, and the truths that begin circling us long before we are ready to name them. In this episode: Christina reflects on the life she thought she was building Samson appears as the kind of man who fits the future she has always imagined James enters the story as a quiet but unsettling new presence A simple evening begins to expose the difference between safety and certainty To hear the next chapter, subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts for premium episodes, bonus material, and Christina’s private journal entries. Start now with 3-day free access. Episode 1 & 2 AVAILABLE NOW
S9 · E16
May 7 · 37 min
A Lie Borrowed In Someone Else Name : Murder of Anna Mae Florence
In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the heartbreaking 1987 murder of Anna Mae Florence—a case that remained unsolved for decades before modern forensic technology finally uncovered the truth. What began as a brutal attack investigation evolved into a complex story involving unreliable witnesses, false identities, overlooked evidence, and the persistence of investigators who refused to let the case disappear. This case highlights how one piece of evidence—a bloody handprint—ultimately became the key to solving a murder 25 years later. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: a case where the truth remained buried for decades 00:28 – The attack on Anna Mae Florence and the initial police response 01:11 – Anna Mae’s life and background in Columbus, Ohio 02:13 – The violent attack: 14 stab wounds and her final moments 03:32 – Crime scene analysis and evidence of a struggle 04:54 – Discovery of the blood-stained purse and bloody handprint 05:45 – Fingerprint analysis limitations in 1987 06:32 – Witness descriptions and the original suspect sketch 07:48 – Investigators explore theories of robbery and overkill 08:58 – Reports of a frantic woman asking strangers for help 09:54 – Early suspects, including a teenage girl and local residents 11:25 – The tip involving Odell and emerging inconsistencies 12:45 – Odell’s changing stories and sudden disappearance 13:41 – Investigators examine Danita’s alibi and hospital records 14:28 – Discrepancies in records and evidence of deception 15:26 – The plan to use a wire in hopes of gathering more information 16:17 – A major setback when fingerprint evidence fails to match the suspect 17:42 – The case goes cold in 1988 while Anna Mae’s family continues searching for answers 20:01 – The 2012 cold case revival and renewed forensic testing 20:59 – Reinvestigating suspects through modern DNA and fingerprint analysis 26:34 – The shocking identification of Zina Roberson 29:34 – Zina’s arrest, background, and confession 31:09 – Why the bloody handprint became the defining piece of evidence 33:02 – Reflections on trust, vulnerability, and the exploitation of kindness 34:43 – The lasting impact of Anna Mae Florence’s case 35:07 – Closing thoughts, community discussions, and upcoming Murder in the Black projects
May 6 · 2 min
What I Didn’t See: Official Trailer
Christina thought she understood exactly who she was and the life she was supposed to want. But as her wedding approaches, two men force her to confront the parts of herself she has spent years refusing to see. What I Didn’t See is a psychological thriller about love, denial, self-deception, and the truths that circle us long before we are ready to name them. Listen & Subscribe

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