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Irene Gakwa

In 2019, 29-year-old Irene Gakwa made a big move: she flew from her home in Kenya to the United States to start a new life. Irene had always loved helping people, and she was going to turn that love into a career by studying nursing. Fortunately, Irene already had a support system in the states: her two brothers, Chris and Kennedy lived in Boise, Idaho, and she was going to join them. Everything was going according to plan, and Irene even fell in love. But her family alleges that her boyfriend was no Prince Charming. They say that he was controlling and worked to isolate Irene from her family.

On February 24, 2022, Irene had a video call with her parents. She hasn’t been seen since. Did she, as her boyfriend claims, decide to pack up and move once again, or has something much worse happened to Irene?

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Irene Gakwa, or if you've seen a grey or silver Subaru Crosstrek with Idaho license plates that may have been seen trespassing on private property or in rural parts of Campbell County between February 24 and March 20, please contact the Gillette Police Department at 307-682-5155.

Iwapo una habari yoyote kuhusu kutoweka kwa Irene Gakwa, au ikiwa umeona Subaru Crosstrek ya kijivu au ya fedha yenye nambari za leseni za Idaho ambayo inaweza kuwa ilionekana ikiingilia mali ya kibinafsi au katika maeneo ya mashambani ya Kaunti ya Campbell kati ya Februari 24 na Machi 20. , tafadhali wasiliana na Idara ya Polisi ya Gillette kwa 307-682-5155.

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Bonus: Case Updates

Over three seasons of this podcast, we’ve covered over 80 unsolved missing persons cases. Some have had major breakthroughs, like the cases of missing brothers Orrin and Orson West, whose adoptive parents have been arrested for their murder, along with that of missing pregnant woman, Akia Eggleston, whose boyfriend has been arrested for both her murder and the murder of their unborn child. This week, we’re going to check in on those, along with a person of interest in Morgan Nick's 1995 disappearance, and updates from Kristin Smart's murder trial.

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Leah Croucher

It’s the day after Valentine’s Day in 2019, and Leah Croucher is walking to work as usual. But the 19-year-old Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England resident never makes it to the office. At first, it looks as though it may be a stranger abduction, but as police investigate, they find that Leah had been displaying out of character behavior in the days and weeks leading up to her disappearance. Could Leah’s secrets have led to her disappearance? Three years after she was last seen, her family, investigators, and internet sleuths are all trying to figure out if Leah walked away on her own, or if she was betrayed by someone close to her.

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Leah Croucher, please call 101 and ask for Thames Valley Police, quoting reference 43190049929. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their online anonymous form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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Brittany Williams: Part 2

Seven-year-old Brittany Williams was last seen at a doctor’s appointment in Richmond, Virginia on August 18, 2000. The woman who had legal guardianship over her, Kim Parker, ran a foster home for children with special needs or were otherwise medically fragile. When asked where Brittany was, she said that she had given Brittany away to two women who were former volunteers at her home and now lived in California. But she didn’t have a forwarding address; she didn’t have a phone number– and nobody, including these two women, had seen Brittany. It took police nearly three years to get involved in the case of the missing little girl. It took nearly another 20 years before a woman came forward claiming that she was Brittany Williams, and she was alive.

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Brittany Williams, please contact Henrico Police at 804-501-5000. Anonymous tips are welcomed through Crime Stoppers 804-780-1000 or P3tips.com.

Si tiene alguna información sobre la desaparición de Brittany Williams, comuníquese con la policía de Henrico al 804-501-5000. Las sugerencias anónimas son bienvenidas a través de Crime Stoppers 804-780-1000 o P3tips.com.

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Brittany Williams: Part 1

A little girl in Richmond, Virginia is placed into foster care. Everything seems to be going okay for a while, but eventually she stops showing up for school. Then it’s missed doctor’s appointments, followed by a missed paternity test. Then, it’s over two years since anyone has seen her. There have been several similar cases in the news lately: Oakley Carlson, whom we’ve covered here, as well as Harmony Montgomery. But this case goes even further back. Brittany Williams was a seven-year-old girl who was eventually reported missing back in 2003. But she hadn’t been seen by anyone in public since August 18, 2000. While investigators thought that Brittany had likely died, everything changed in 2021 when a woman came forward saying that she had a DNA test that proved she was Brittany Williams.

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Brittany Williams, please contact Henrico Police at 804-501-5000. Anonymous tips are welcomed through Crime Stoppers 804-780-1000 or P3tips.com.

Si tiene alguna información sobre la desaparición de Brittany Williams, comuníquese con la policía de Henrico al 804-501-5000. Las sugerencias anónimas son bienvenidas a través de Crime Stoppers 804-780-1000 o P3tips.com.

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Alicia “Mandy” Stokes

Having a family member go missing without a trace has to be one of the most heartbreaking experiences that a family can go through. When Alicia “Mandy” Stokes never returned from running errands on November 25, 2007, her loved ones were plunged into a nightmare. They didn’t know if she was safe; if she had harmed herself, or if someone had done something to her. As the days and weeks went on, their fear grew, and their tragedy was compounded when another member of her family emerged as the prime suspect in her disappearance.

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Mandy Stokes, please contact the Oakland Police Department 510-238-3641

Si tiene alguna información sobre la desaparición de Mandy Stokes, comuníquese con el Departamento de Policía de Oakland al 510-238-3641.

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Minisode: Lisa Jameson

On November 4, 1991, 23-year-old Lisa Jameson had a secret. Even though it was a good secret, she was still nervous about it. Lisa had just found out that she was pregnant with her second child. She was thrilled with the idea of expanding her family, but she wasn’t as sure that her husband, Alan, would share her excitement. But we don’t know if Lisa ever had the chance to find out. On that morning, she left work after a night shift, dropped off a co-worker in Chandler, Arizona, and was never seen alive again. Now, 30 years later, the son who was left behind is still searching for answers, and above all, justice for his beloved mother.

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Lisa Jameson, please contact the Gilbert Police at 480-508-6500.

Si tiene alguna información sobre la desaparición de Lisa Jameson, comuníquese con la policía de Gilbert al 480-508-6500.

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Billy Smolinski

When a 31-year-old man who had just broken up with his girlfriend asked a neighbor to watch his dog for a few days, no one immediately worried. But Billy Smolinski never gave his neighbor the keys to his home so he could check on his beloved dog, Harley. Billy’s family immediately knew that all of this behavior was out of character for the quiet homebody.

When they turned to the police for help, they were told the same thing that so many families of missing adults are told: "Just wait; he’ll be back." But Billy Smolinski didn’t come back. August 24, 2022 will mark 18 years since the Waterbury, Connecticut resident was last seen, and despite someone going to prison on a charge related to his disappearance, the Smolinski family is still fighting for answers and justice for Billy.

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of William “Billy” Smolinski please contact the Waterbury Police Department at 203-574-6941 or the New Haven FBI Office at 203-777-6311. You can also email the family directly at info@justice4billy.com

Si tiene alguna información sobre la desaparición de William "Billy" Smolinski, comuníquese con el Departamento de Policía de Waterbury al 203-574-6941 o con la Oficina del FBI de New Haven al 203-777-6311. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a la familia directamente a info@justice4billy.com

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Autumn’s Oddities: Crystal Rogers

This week, we have our friend Autumn bringing us the story of Crystal Rogers. Crystal is a mother of five who vanished on a Kentucky highway in 2015, leaving her car and belongings behind. Did she just pick up and leave, or did something more sinister happen to her?

If you have any information on Crystal Rogers disappearance, please contact the Nelson County Sheriff's Office at 502-348-1840.

Si tiene alguna información sobre la desaparición de Crystal Rogers, comuníquese con la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Nelson al 502-348-1840.

Please listen and subscribe to Autumn's Oddities on your favorite podcast app.

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Oakley Carlson

In November of 2019, Oakley Carlson was just a month shy of her third birthday. But instead of celebrating it with the family who had been taking care of her since she was seven months old, she was instead being returned to her biological parents. Oakley’s foster parents, who had wanted to adopt the little girl whom they thought of as their daughter, begged the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, & Families to reconsider this decision, because they didn’t believe that Oakley would be safe.

Two years later, their worst nightmare would come true. Oakley was reported missing, and no one had seen her for the last year.

Anyone with information on Oakley or her whereabouts is urged to call the Grey’s Harbor County sheriff's office at (360) 533-8765 and ask to speak to a deputy, or call Detective Sgt. Paul Logan at (360) 964-1729. You can also email sodetectives@co.grays-harbor.wa.us. Deputies ask that if you've seen her within the last year to give them a call.

Cualquier persona que tenga información sobre Oakley o su paradero debe llamar a la oficina del alguacil del condado de Grey's Harbor al (360) 533-8765 y pedir hablar con un oficial, o llamar al sargento detective. Paul Logan al (360) 964-1729. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a sodetectives@co.grays-harbor.wa.us. Los agentes le piden que si la ha visto en el último año que los llame.

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Alicia Navarro

“I ran away. I will be back. I swear. I’m sorry.” Jessica Nuñez awoke on the morning of September 15, 2019 and found that note in her daughter Alicia’s room. Alicia Navarro’s 15th birthday was only five days away, but she was gone. Alicia wasn’t the type of kid to run away. She had social anxiety and liked to keep her inner circle closed. So who could have convinced her to leave her Glendale, Arizona home in the middle of the night? Jessica fears that the answers surrounding her daughter’s disappearance may lie in her daughter’s secret online activities.

In this episode, we also talk to our 13-year-old kids about staying safe online and what they think may have happened to Alicia.

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Dylon Clarke

A 17-year-old boy leaves his home in Church Ground, Nevis on Saturday, April 28, 2012. He tells his family he’s going out for a walk. Nothing unusual there: Nevis is a small, yet gorgeous Caribbean Island, and this Saturday afternoon seemed like any other on the surface. But when Dylon didn’t return home, his family immediately knew something was wrong. They called Nevis Police Saturday evening and a search began. But what could have been a simple story of a teenager staying out past curfew actually went much deeper. Could a crime that Dylon had recently witnessed have led to his disappearance?

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Jesús De La Cruz: Part 2

It’s the classic stranger danger tale; every parent’s worst nightmare. On September 28, 1996, Jesus De La Cruz was outside playing with a friend when he was approached by a man who offered him a new bicycle. Jesus, who was only six at the time, went with him. He was never seen again. Despite the fact that police in Jesus’s town of Lynn, Massachusetts was able to quickly identify the man with whom Jesus was allegedly last seen, he remains free to this day, and a family and a community is left wondering if little Jesus De La Cruz will ever get justice.

If you have any information on Jesús De La Cruz's disappearance, please contact the Lynn Police Department at 781-595-2000 or the Massachusetts State Police at 781-396-0100.

Si tiene alguna información sobre la desaparición de Jesús De La Cruz, comuníquese con el Departamento de Policía de Lynn al 781-595-2000 o la Policía del Estado de Massachusetts al 781-396-0100.

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Jesús De La Cruz: Part 1

It’s the classic stranger danger tale; every parent’s worst nightmare. On September 28, 1996, Jesus De La Cruz was outside playing with a friend when he was approached by a man who offered him a new bicycle. Jesus, who was only six at the time, went with him. He was never seen again. Despite the fact that police in Jesus’s town of Lynn, Massachusetts was able to quickly identify the man with whom Jesus was allegedly last seen, he remains free to this day, and a family and a community is left wondering if little Jesus De La Cruz will ever get justice.

If you have any information on Jesús De La Cruz's disappearance, please contact the Lynn Police Department at 781-595-2000 or the Massachusetts State Police at 781-396-0100.

Si tiene alguna información sobre la desaparición de Jesús De La Cruz, comuníquese con el Departamento de Policía de Lynn al 781-595-2000 o la Policía del Estado de Massachusetts al 781-396-0100.

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Update: Orrin and Orson West

4-year-old Orrin and 3-year-old Orson West were reported missing on December 21, 2020 by their adoptive parents, Trezell and Jacqueline West. Trezell told police that the boys wandered out of their California City, California backyard while he was gathering firewood. Multiple searches were performed, but no trace of the boys were found. As authorities dug deeper, questions began to arise as to whether or not the boys had ever even set foot in California City at all. Now, over a year after they were last seen, Trezell and Jacqueline have been arrested for their murders.

In this episode, we talk about the arrest, go over the indictment and discuss what we've learned so far. After the update, you can listen to our original episode on Orrin and Orson's disappearance to get the full story and timeline.

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CAL CITY BOYS: Both adoptive parents charged and in custody

DA prosecutes Orrin, Orson West's adoptive parents, no bodies

Adoptive parents killed California brothers Orrin and Orson West months before reporting them missing, DA says

Adoptive parents charged with killing two California boys before reporting them missing, DA says

Father of Cal City missing boys files lawsuit against Kern County, state of California | KBAK

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LUCY MEADOWS: PART 2

Yong Meadows was terrified. She had lost her 3-year-old daughter, Lucy, in a mall parking lot. She ran around calling her name and asking every person she came across if they had seen her daughter. No one had– not even the security cameras. Lucy’s case was treated as a stranger abduction, but with no physical evidence, the police had very little to go on.

But as time went on and Yong’s story shifted, and new witnesses came forward, people stopped asking "what happened to Lucy Meadows," and started asking, "what really happened to Lucy Meadows?"

Anyone with information on Lucy Meadows disappearance is asked to call the Goodlettsville Police Department at 615-859-3405.

Lucy Meadows 실종에 대한 정보가 있는 사람은 Goodlettsville 경찰서 615-859-3405로 전화해 주십시오.

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LUCY MEADOWS: PART 1

In the summer of 1996, parents around Clarksville, Tennessee were terrified. Three young girls had been abducted from the area within a month. While two of their bodies would eventually be found, the third, a 3-year-old named Lucy Meadows was never seen after July 25, 1996.

Was Lucy abducted by a stranger as her mother claimed, or was Lucy harmed by someone close to her? It’s been over 25 years, and police still haven’t been able to answer the question, “what happened to Lucy Meadows?”

Anyone with information on Lucy Meadows disappearance is asked to call the Goodlettsville Police Department at 615-859-3405.

Lucy Meadows 실종에 대한 정보가 있는 사람은 Goodlettsville 경찰서 615-859-3405로 전화해 주십시오.

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Jennifer Kesse

Jennifer Kesse was in love. She and her boyfriend, Rob Allen had been together for over a year, and even though it was long-distance, they were making it work. They had just come back from a weekend getaway in St. Croix, and Jennifer was returning to a home in Orlando, Florida that she had just bought for herself and a job that she loved. But on Tuesday, January 24, 2006, Jennifer didn’t show up for work. Though her car was later found, the 24-year-old woman has yet to be found. But now, 16 years later, her parents, who have been searching for her relentlessly, believe they’re closer than ever to getting answers.

GoFundMe for the Kesse Family

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Kierra Coles

Everything was going Kierra Coles’s way. She had a good-paying job with the United States Postal Service, she had just bought a car, and she had gotten her own apartment that she was sharing with her boyfriend. They had even decided to start a family. In October of 2018, Kierra was three months pregnant and loving life. But one day, Kierra disappeared. What followed was an investigation that offered up more questions than answers, including a last sighting that may not have been the last time she was seen at all. Kierra’s family is still searching for their daughter and her unborn child, and we're hoping that you can help get them justice.

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Update: Akia Eggleston

We have huge news in the Akia Eggleston case. Akia was a 22-year-old pregnant woman who went missing from Baltimore, Maryland on May 3, 2017. While there was a clear suspect, no arrests were made, and her case went cold. Akia's story started gaining more notoriety toward the end of 2021, and on February 3, 2022, Michael Robertson was arrested for the murders of Akia and her unborn child.

In this episode, we break down this news, go over the probable cause affidavit, and talk about theories. This is followed by a re-release of our original episode on Akia's case from September of 2021.

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