Navigating Advocacy

On this episode of Navigating Advocacy, we speak with Marty, mother of 39-year-old Amber Arnette, who vanished in Lansing, Michigan, in June 2023. Amber was a loyal, nurturing caregiver known for her generosity and devotion to family—especially her niece. Despite her spontaneous nature, her sudden disappearance sparked deep concern.
 
Marty’s relentless efforts to find her daughter have been met with delays, jurisdictional confusion, and an alarming lack of urgency from law enforcement. From the last confirmed sighting at a local Dollar Tree to troubling rumors and ignored leads, Marty and her family have done more than authorities to pu...

In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, hosts Melissa and Whitney delve into the tragic story of Stephanie Marie Wash, tragically found shot to death in her Sedona, Arizona home on July 9, 1993. Despite compelling evidence suggesting homicide, the case remains unsolved. Stephanie's daughter Nikki, who has taken to social media and plans to launch her podcast 'Papi Killed Mommy,' continues to fight for justice. The episode uncovers the nuances of Stephanie’s life, her turbulent relationship with Russell Peterson, and the circumstances surrounding her death. With new forensic techniques available today, there’s hope that this cold case may yet find...

Introducing: 

Papi Killed Mommy

“Papi Killed Mommy” is a true crime podcast told from the inside—by the daughter of the woman who was murdered.
In 1993, 10-year-old Nikki was woken by police pulling her from bed. Her mother had been murdered just hours after making plans to leave her abusive boyfriend—the man who fathered Nikki’s little sister. In the back of a squad car, that 3-year-old sister repeated a phrase that would echo through the decades: “Papi killed Mommy.”
Now, more than 30 years later, Nikki is breaking her silence. This podcast dives deep into what...

After a much-needed post-conference break, we’re back with a story that deeply moved us—and reminded us why we do this work. In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, we share the tragic and largely untold story of Wilma June Nissen, a woman who remained a Jane Doe for nearly 30 years after her brutal murder in rural Iowa.

Wilma’s life was marked by profound hardship—abandonment, abuse, and an unforgiving foster care system that failed her at every turn. Yet even in the face of unthinkable trauma, she showed resilience. Her daughter Krissi, who we met at Advocacy...

Danielle Bell was a bright and ambitious 14-year-old who dreamed of becoming a lawyer before she vanished in September 2001. More than two decades later, her sister, Bonnie—continues the relentless fight for answers.

Danielle was full of life, but behind her smile was a troubling connection to a 24-year-old male named Alfredo Sanchez. When Danielle disappeared, law enforcement listed her as a runaway, hindering immediate investigations. 

In the nearly two decades Bonnie has been seeking answers for her sister, unsettling details of Danielle's history, home life, and pregnancy that Danielle had shared with friends and her mot...

Monday, April 8, 2024, between 1:27 pm and 1:30 pm, Cristian Rangel was seen on surveillance cameras at Walmart at 5017 Hwy 290 in Austin, Texas. Footage shows a white GMC Terrain entering the parking lot, a short time after a blue Mustang (or similar) parked nearby.

The Terrain is seen leaving the parking lot at a high speed, with the passenger door opening as the vehicle speeds away. Kamery Wooldridge, the driver of the Terrain, was arrested and charged with tampering and disposal of Cristian’s body. She is currently out on bail.

Cristian’s body was found 11 days later near the...

Over 600,000 people are reported missing annually in the United States.  Melissa and Whitney are joined by fellow co-founder of AdvocacyCon, Eric Carter-Landin, to talk about the upcoming conference and why its inception was needed. 


AdvocacyCon is a crime conference unlike any other. We bring together experts, non-profit organizations, families of the missing and murdered, and individuals passionate about advocating for justice. It aims to create a platform for education, connection, and collaboration in the fight for justice. 


Learn more at: www.advocacycon.com 
Purchase Tickets at: www.givebutter.com/advocacycon



...

Brandy Renee Dyson's story is one of resilience, heartbreak, and the fight for justice. Born on November 1, 1973, Brandy faced immense challenges but remained a loving mother and a kindhearted soul. Tragically, her life was cut short on November 5, 2005, when her body was discovered in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Despite compelling evidence and an initial suspect, her case remains unsolved nearly 20 years later. In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, Melissa and Whitney explore Brandy’s life, the systemic issues surrounding her murder investigation, and the tireless efforts of her family to seek justice.

To help Holly get to AdvocacyCon, consider do...

Jason Fallon, a sensitive and creative young man from Providence, Rhode Island, was tragically killed in an alleged hit-and-run on October 30, 2022. Despite the incident occurring in a well-lit area, Jason's case is mired with inconsistencies and insufficient investigation by law enforcement. His sister, Kristin, faces numerous obstacles in seeking justice, with unclear witness statements and missing critical evidence like surveillance footage. The driver that struck Jason has high-level political connections and a criminal history. Could it have affected the outcome of Jason's investigation?


Please contact Rhode Island Attorney General at (401) 274-4400


Get 45...

In the late hours of December 13, 2020, Jason was driving home to the Houston area to spend the holidays with family.

Jason would never be seen or heard from again. Only hours after Jason was known to be leaving his apartment, a volunteer firefighter found his wrecked and abandoned vehicle off of a dirt road near Luling, Texas. The next morning, the clothing he was last known to be wearing was found 900 feet from his vehicle.

Incredible advocacy efforts have been made in the 4 years since his disappearance, but Jason's family is still seeking answers.

...

Rebekah Barsotti was a compassionate and adventurous young woman whose life was tragically cut short under troubling circumstances. On July 20, 2021, she vanished near the Clark Fork River in Montana, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a family desperate for justice. Months before her disappearance, Rebekah had escaped a turbulent marriage marked by domestic violence, determined to rebuild her life.

Her remains were discovered nearly a year later, but conflicting autopsy findings and mishandled evidence have left her loved ones searching for clarity. Despite troubling details pointing to her estranged husband, David Barsotti, authorities ruled out foul...

On this special holiday bonus episode titled “True Crime Convos,” Melissa has teamed up with two fellow true crime podcasters to converse about our various experiences in the medium. Join me as I chat with Robin with "The Trail Went Cold" and Robert Parmer of “The Broken System Podcast” about such topics as researching cold cases, working with victims’ families, and even some of the more bizarre things we’ve experienced as podcasters.

As a holiday treat, Whitney had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Amanda of Wine & Crime and Javier of PRETEND. In a podcasters on podcasters style convo, the three talk about true crime, podcasting as a whole and their dream team!

Check out Javier and Amanda wherever you get your podcasts!

Javier Leiva - PRETEND, Criminal Conduct, Ponzi Playbook
https://open.spotify.com/show/2vaCjR7UvlN9aTIzW6kNCo

Amanda Jacobson - Wine & Crime 
https://open.spotify.com/show/5OeKXVPomhbejM9v7CDqxJ?si=4451247ce3704a0a

In January of 2022, the Navigating Advocacy podcast played a pivotal role in raising awareness and pushing for action in the search for Brandon Lawson.  During a foot search that nine people were on, including Whitney and myself, clothing items were discovered, which ultimately alerted Texas Rangers to conduct a more thorough search.  Today we are deeply moved to share that human remains were found during that search and through DNA confirmation,  those remains are  Indeed Brandon Lawson's.   We are honored to have been a part of this journey, and we will continue to stand with the Lawson family now and alway...

In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, Whitney and Melissa share the story of Nikki Cheng Saelee-McCain, a devoted mother, sister, and daughter whose life was marked by resilience and compassion despite enduring unimaginable struggles. Born in a refugee camp in Thailand, Nikki’s journey was one of hope and perseverance, yet her marriage to Tyler McCain became a cycle of control, abuse, and violence. 

Nikki was last seen on May 18, 2024, in Shasta County, California. Standing at 5’0” and weighing 100 lbs, Nikki has brown eyes and brownish-red hair.


𝑼𝒑 𝒕𝒐 $𝟑𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝑹𝒆𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑵𝒊𝒌𝒌𝒊 𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒂𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒆-𝑴𝒄𝑪𝒂𝒊𝒏



If you have any information, contact:
𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨:
- Website: scsecretwitness.com/submit-a-tip
𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙛'𝙨 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚:
Case Number: SCSO24-002069
- Call: (530) 245-6135
- Email...

Eric Nelams was a loving son, brother, father, and veteran whose life was tragically cut short in an unsolved 2003 homicide. Born on June 10, 1971, in Columbus, Georgia, Eric was raised in a large, tight-knit family, the son of Annie Nelams and Ernest Hodges, with eight sisters and six brothers. Known for his compassion and generosity, Eric was described by his family as selfless, kind-hearted, and always ready to help those in need.Eric’s jovial personality and love for life were evident in his everyday actions. A devoted father, Eric shared a deep bond with his son and embraced the role of...

Melissa and Whitney had the opportunity to join Kristen Seavey and Eric Carter-Landin at the Berkshire Podcast Festival in October.

Brandy Lynn Myers was 13 years old when she disappeared in 1992 after going door-to-door fundraising for a read-a-thon.  Her older sister, Kristin, has dedicated over 30 years to advocating for her younger sister. Despite strong suspicions towards two persons of interest, the case remains unresolved with insufficient evidence. Kristin, who tragically passed away in October 2024, tirelessly worked to keep Brandy's memory alive.

We are sharing Brandy's story to help keep Kristin's legacy going.

If you are interested in donating towards Kristin's go fund me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-lay-kristin-dennis-to-rest

Jennifer Kay Wix and her 2-year-old daughter, Adrianna Nikol Wix, disappeared over 20 years ago from Cross Plains, Tennessee.

Jennifer was a strong-willed, loving young mother with dreams of working in equestrian therapy. Adrianna, her bright blue-eyed little girl, adored animals and brought joy to everyone she met. Their disappearance in March 2004 shattered their family and has left a void in the community ever since.

Jennifer’s sister, Casey, and her mother, Kathy, continue the fight to bring Jennifer and Adrianna home — and they need our help.

Donate: Contributions go toward funding Casey and Kathy’s atte...

Emma Compton Layne, a beloved community figure and devoted caregiver, disappeared in 2017 under suspicious circumstances. Months later, her remains were discovered, revealing a devastating story of domestic violence and unanswered questions. In this episode, we honor Emma’s legacy, uncover the chilling details of her case, and discuss the importance of advocacy for victims of abuse. Join us as we demand justice, share her family’s fight for answers, and launch a letter-writing campaign to bring attention to her case. Emma’s light still shines, and together, we can ensure her story is never forgotten.

Princella Yolanda Eppes, lovingly known as“Lady Bird,” was a vibrant, creative, and deeply spiritual young woman whose life was tragically cut short in 1990. Raised in a close-knit family, her sisters Kim and Ebonyrecall her as a protector, artist, and jokester with a passion for baking, poetry, and faith. In July 1990, Princella was found murdered in her Atlanta apartment. Her family, led by her sister Kim, has never stopped fighting for justice.

Witnesses last saw Princella with a man the night of her murder, but the investigation stagnated for decades leaving the family without closure or justice for Prin...

Bryan "Vladek" Hasel was last seen near The Place at Alafaya apt in East Orlando, FL on 11/15/21 and hasn't been in touch with family since 11/6/21, when his father, with whom he was residing, went out of town. He didn't have a vehicle and left his cell phone and his belongings. His family is concerned about his safety and well-being.

Call OCSO with any information 407-254-7000. Reference Case #21-83864
FindVladekHasel@gmail.com


NamUs Account Number for Vladek’s case #MP88167


Twitter/Instagram/TikTok: @FindVladekHasel
Reddit: r/FindVladekHasel
Facebook: Facebook.com...

Kiplyn Davis was a 15-year-old high school sophomore who disappeared in the middle of the day. Kiplyn’s bubbly personality, love of theater, and close-knit family made her disappearance even more devastating for those who knew her. Her case, although cold, remains one of deep heartache for her family as they continue to search for answers nearly three decades later.

In this episode, we’ll take you through the timeline of Kiplyn’s life before her disappearance, the frantic search efforts by her family, and the eventual arrests of individuals connected to her case. As always, we’ll aim to b...

JC McGhee lived a life full of contradictions—once a drug dealer turned confidential informant, he was also a bar owner, a father, and a man trying to leave his troubled past behind. But in July 2002, his life was brutally cut short in an execution-style killing that remains unsolved to this day. Despite a series of shocking events leading up to his death and a deeply flawed investigation, justice has yet to be served. Join us on Navigating Advocacy as we unravel the complex story of JC McGhee, uncover the truths his daughter Madison has fought to bring to light, an...

JC McGhee lived a life full of contradictions—once a drug dealer turned confidential informant, he was also a bar owner, a father, and a man trying to leave his troubled past behind. But in July 2002, his life was brutally cut short in an execution-style killing that remains unsolved to this day. Despite a series of shocking events leading up to his death and a deeply flawed investigation, justice has yet to be served. I’m Melissa. And I’m Whitney. Join us on 'Navigating Advocacy' as we unravel the complex story of JC McGhee, uncover the truths his daughter Madiso...

Daniel Dewaye Moser, known to many as Danny, was born on December 18, 1973, and raised in Casper, Wyoming. A friendly and outgoing man, Danny had a passion for animals, leading him to become a master groomer. He married Chasity, becoming a loving stepfather to her son, Johnathan, and, later, a father to their daughter, Lauren. Although his marriage to Chasity ended in divorce, Danny’s devotion to Lauren remained unwavering. On October 25, 2001, Danny's life was tragically cut short when he was found severely beaten and fatally injured in a parking lot in Mills, Wyoming. Despite extensive investigations, including surveillance footage of tw...

Today, we explore the tragic disappearances of Arrilla Webb-Vaul and Dodie Gay, two young women who vanished just months apart from the same shopping mall in 1979. Arrilla, a 23-year-old housewife, and Dodie, a 17-year-old high school student, were full of life and promise. Their cases are chillingly similar, with too many coincidences to ignore.

Arrilla’s car was found abandoned near the Jimmie Davis Bridge in Shreveport, Louisiana, with a punctured tire. Witnesses saw a man approach her car, but Arrilla was never seen again. Dodie disappeared from the same shopping mall just a month later. Her car, al...

Rose Marie Bly vanished after telling her husband she was meeting a cousin, but her car was found abandoned 14 miles away. Despite extensive searches and leads, Rose remains missing. Rose's family was hit with further tragedy when her niece, Summer Moon Wells also disappeared.

Learn more about the Impact Advocacy Foundation at www.impactadvocacyfoundation.org and follow our social media @impactadvocacyfoundation.

Donate here: https://givebutter.com/advocacyfoundation

Brenda Lambert's life was marked by resilience and complexity. She was known for her lively, mischievous spirit, a girl who loved both climbing trees and experimenting with makeup. Grew up quickly and became a mother at a young age, where she thrived. Brenda's life took a mysterious and heartbreaking turn when she disappeared on July 26, 1992, shortly after her youngest child's birthday party. Her disappearance, coupled with the later disappearance of her friend Mark Cook, raised suspicions. Decades later, Brenda's family continues to seek justice and closure, hoping to one day bring her home and lay her to rest alongside her...

In April 2009, then 21-year-old mother, Alyssa McLemore, disappeared. A chilling 911 call came in the day she was last seen and was later traced to Alyssa's Blackberry. Her phone did not have GPS capabilities and the call was short, no names were given and it was just of a woman asking for help. What happened to Alyssa McLemore?

To follow Alyssa's story please like her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/87Zr8Tuu7Uxhjyex/

To listen to Charlie's episode on Crimelines: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crimelines-true-crime/id1112004494?i=1000473925987

Thank you Charlie...

Sage Smith, a 19-year-old transgender woman, was living her authentic life and pursuing her dreams when she vanished on November 20th, 2012, just 11 days after publicly coming out as female. Sage was the first in her family to graduate high school and had recently moved into her own apartment while studying to become a cosmetologist. Her disappearance remains a chilling mystery, with suspicions swirling around her last known contact, Erik McFadden, who has since gone missing as well. Despite extensive investigations and a $20,000 reward, Sage’s case remains unsolved, leaving her family desperately seeking answers and justice.

If you ha...

This week we share the story of Dean Webster, a well-liked Vermont outdoorsman who was tragically murdered outside his rural home in 2001. Despite a thorough investigation, all leads have run dry. Law enforcement uncovered DNA evidence, but questions still remain.

Who killed Dean Webster?

Jack Jason Simmons, known as "Red" due to his striking red hair, has been a figure of mystery and sorrow since his disappearance. Born on November 5, 1969, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Jason, affectionately called "Jason" by his family, vanished in 1994 under strange circumstances. Jason struggled with drug dependence and had a severe head injury that left him unable to remember right before he disappeared. If you have any information about Jack Jason Simmons, don't hesitate to contact the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office at 801-743-7000.

Bianca Zannette Carrasco vanished on May 1, 2016. The 29-year-old nurse was last seen after an argument with her husband, Daniel, in San Antonio, Texas. Bianca was a devoted mother who would never abandon her three children or leave a career she loved.

Where is Bianca Carrasco?



Follow Help Us Find Answers For Bianca Carrasco


Research by: Haley Gray Research

On December 8, 2000, 10-year-old Joshua Lee Walden, a cheerful and helpful fourth-grader known for his friendly nature and love of outdoor adventures, vanished. Joshua had been last seen riding his newly painted red bike around the neighborhood like he always did. Despite a thorough search by family, friends, and law enforcement, his whereabouts remained a mystery until two days later, when his body was discovered under leaves near a local park. The case, initially perplexing and filled with unanswered questions, went cold, leaving the community reeling and the Walden family in search of justice. In 2020, advancements in forensic technology revived hope...

Introducing: Gone Cold - Texas True Crime available wherever you get your podcasts. 

Gone Cold - Texas True Crime features unsolved homicides, missing persons, & other mysteries from throughout the Lone Star State. 

Learn more: https://www.gonecold.com/

Serenity Dennard was a nine-year-old girl who vanished from the Black Hills Children's Home in Rockerville, South Dakota. In February 2019, Serenity ran away from the facility, sparking an exhaustive and ultimately fruitless search impacted by severe weather. Despite extensive search efforts involving numerous agencies, Serenity was never found, leaving authorities and her family without answers.

This week, we highlight the tragic case of three missing victims: Linda McCord, Sarah Boyd, and her daughter Kimberly Boyd. On April 3, 1987, they vanished after attending a gospel concert in Waterloo, South Carolina. Linda's blue Lincoln broke down, leading to their disappearance. Despite efforts, including a suspicious vehicle move by Linda’s husband, John, no trace has been found. In 2020, a tip about bodies under concrete in Santee was investigated but led to no discoveries. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office at (843) 832-0300.

Born in 1981 near San Diego, Roy moved to Newport, Rhode Island. His troubled childhood, marked by his father's departure and substance abuse, led to multiple runaway incidents and a state group home placement.

As a teen, Roy turned to sex work to fund his drug habit. He frequented adult video stores in downtown Providence and befriended Rich Holcomb, who shared a similar lifestyle. Despite legal troubles, Roy's situation worsened.

On December 25, 2003, Roy's body was found near Johnson & Wales University, shot in the head. Despite investigation, his murderer remains unidentified.

In Roy's memory, Rich Holcomb...

Alicia Bernice Markovich was born on February 20, 1972, to John and Marcy Markovich in Pennsylvania. Raised by a young mother, Alicia grew up loved and active. On April 26, 1987, at 15, she vanished after an argument with her father in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. Despite extensive searches and an enigmatic letter, her fate remains unknown.

Friends and family continue to seek justice for Alicia, maintaining awareness campaigns and urging anyone with information to contact Pennsylvania State Police at 724-832-3288 or 724-357-1978. Alicia was 5'2", 120 lbs, with brown hair and blue eyes.