been recovered—leaving her family trapped between accountability and the absence of true closure.

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 season comes to a close, Steph reflects on the emotional journey of Season 8 and expresses deep gratitude to the Murder in the Black community for their continued support. Select episodes will rebroadcast during the break, with Season 9 returning with new cases and deeper conversations.

Keywords

Murder in the Black, Typhenie Johnson, Taalibah Islam, true crime, missing persons, unresolved case, kidnapping, control, abusive relationships, Season 8 finale

• Typhenie Johnson’s case remains unresolved despite a kidnapping conviction

• Legal accountability does not always bring closure

• Patterns of control and manipulation can escalate into disappearance

• Taalibah Islam’s case mirrors chilling similarities

• Families of the missing live with unanswered questions

• Community awareness and vigilance matter

• Witnesses to abuse play a critical role

• Gratitude and reflection close out Season 8

• Select rebroadcasts will air during the hiatus

• Season 9 promises deeper, more intentional storytelling
Chapters

00:00 – Season 8 Finale Introduction

00:00 – The Disappearance of Typhenie Johnson

00:00 – Parallels to Taalibah Islam 00:00 – Control, Abuse, and Power Dynamics

00:00 – Accountability vs. Closure 00:00 – Season Reflection & Community Thanks

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 the world of pageantry and perfection, unpacking the story of Aria Armstead and her boyfriend Nathan Ortiz—a couple whose lives spiraled into darkness, ultimately leading to the murder of Matthew Collins. Through Matthew’s tragic death, we see how competition, identity, and emotional instability can become combustible when amplified by outside expectations and internal turmoil.

Together, these intertwined narratives raise critical questions about justice, the roots of violence, and the cultural forces that quietly influence young lives long before tragedy strikes.

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Congratulations to our giveaway winners!
🖤 @kamariadowns3926
🖤 @TamTam-z8i-n5x
🖤 @lisaberry8443

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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 jealousy, heartbreak, and long history of turbulent relationships spiral into violence.

As the investigation unfolds, the truth behind Tony and Monique’s relationship comes to light — the red flags, the manipulation, the rage, and the series of choices that ended with Tony’s body found in the trunk of his own car.

This episode also revisits Monique’s 2023 attempted murder charges, nearly 20 years later, showing that some patterns don’t disappear with time.

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🔍 In This Episode

• Tony’s disappearance and the frantic search to find him

• The toxic relationship between Tony and Monique

• Conflicting stories and the evidence that revealed the truth

• Why the jury convicted her of reckless homicide instead of murder

• The disturbing 2023 arrest involving a new boyfriend

• How unhealed trauma can turn dangerous

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  📌 Need Help?

  If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, contact:
  1-800-799-SAFE | thehotline.org

  
  

  🎄 Season 8 Announcements

  • Giveaway winners announced December 11

  • Holiday hiatus with rebroadcasts

  • New episodes for subscribers continue

  • Final episode of the year drops December 19

  • Giveaway winners announced December 11

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 and community, and the tense courtroom battle that followed.

Beyond the headlines, this episode shines a light on something even more heartbreaking: the systemic failures that played a devastating role in Benji’s death. The outdated EMS policy that sent him to a hospital unequipped to save him became a turning point for the city.

We also honor the resilience of his mother, Mary Wilson, whose advocacy helped change Chicago’s trauma response system—and whose strength ensured that Benji’s story would continue to shape futures long after his life was cut short.

Benji’s legacy lives on in Chicago gyms, in the #25 jersey worn proudly by generations of players, and in the policy reforms sparked by his tragedy. This story is a powerful reminder of what gun violence steals from families, communities, and the dreams of young Black men full of promise.

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Keywords

Benji Wilson, Chicago, Simeon High School, basketball, gun violence, emergency response, EMS policy, systemic failure, trial, community grief, Mary Wilson, legacy, youth athletes, Chicago history

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Key Takeaways

• Benji Wilson was a gifted basketball star whose talent and leadership made him a beacon of hope in Chicago.

• His fatal shooting in 1984 sent shockwaves through the city and became one of the most painful chapters in Chicago sports history.

• The trial of Billy Moore and Omar Dixon highlighted two competing narratives—and exposed how emotion and public pressure shaped the courtroom.

• A critical emergency response failure contributed to Benji’s death when he was transported to a non–trauma-equipped hospital.

• Benji’s tragedy directly influenced Chicago’s EMS reforms, ensuring gunshot victims are now taken to trauma centers.

• His mother, Mary Wilson, transformed her grief into advocacy, championing policy reform and youth safety.

• Benji’s legacy continues to inspire Chicago athletes, including NBA stars like Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker.

• His story remains a powerful reminder of the long-lasting impact of gun violence on families, communities, and generational dreams.

• Chicago still honors Benji’s influence on basketball culture—and his life continues to shape conversations about safety, justice, and hope.

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 life full of adventure, discipline, and exploration — from her childhood in Australia to her graduate studies at Johns Hopkins. Brittany, once a standout soccer star with a promising future, quietly battled an impulse she never confronted: a cycle of compulsive stealing that grew more dangerous over time.On March 12, 2011, those two paths collided inside a Lululemon store in Bethesda, Maryland.Listeners will hear:Jayna’s international upbringing, athletic excellence, academic brilliance, and deep devotion to her familyBrittany’s competitive childhood, collegiate soccer career, and the long-standing pattern of theft that followed her into adulthoodA detailed breakdown of the crime scene and Brittany’s initial account of the attackThe investigation’s early focus on an unrelated suspect, Keith Lockett, and how detectives ultimately cleared himThe disturbing inconsistencies that led police to re-examine Brittany’s storyThe emotional second interview, including the pivotal moment Brittany’s brother confronted herThe psychological insight behind kleptomania—why the urge to steal can become an addictionThe truth about the altercation between Jayna and Brittany that nightHow Brittany staged the scene, lied, and ultimately confessedThe heartbreaking details of Jayna’s injuries and the trial that followedThis episode explores:How compulsive behaviors, when left untreated, can escalate into tragedyThe consequences of avoidance, secrecy, and escalating bad choicesThe systemic failure of Lululemon to address repeated employee misconductHow confrontation — especially over conduct long hidden — can trigger catastrophic outcomesThe bravery of Jayna Murray and the life she deserved to continue livingSteph closes the episode with a powerful discussion on how we often trivialize stealing as harmless or childish — when in reality, it can become its own addiction cycle. Brittany’s reluctance to get help or face consequences created a storm she could no longer outrun, and Jayna lost her life because of it. This tragedy stands as a reminder that ignoring patterns doesn’t erase them… it allows them to grow.-----------------------------------------------------------------Giveaway Instructions Subscribe to the Murder in the Black YouTube channel.Choose any video on our channel and leave a comment.That’s it — you’re entered!The giveaway closes November 30th, so don’t wait — jump in now!LINK BELOW⁠https://youtube.com/@murderintheblack?si=cr03m4ITJTzz01qX⁠Sources for This Episode:The Washington Post – In-depth reporting on the Lululemon murder, trial transcripts, and investigative findings.ABC News – Coverage of Brittany Norwood’s arrest, trial, and details surrounding theft allegations and motive.NBC Washington – Local reporting from 2011 including interviews, community statements, and crime-scene updates.The Baltimore Sun – Reporting on Brittany Norwood’s confession, trial proceedings, and sentencing.Montgomery County Court Records – Trial filings, witness statements, and verdict documentation from State of Maryland v. Brittany Norwood

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 of the victims.

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• 00:00:00 Introduction to the Case
• 00:00:00 Background of Marlin Barnes
• 00:00:00 The Night of the Murders
• 00:00:00 Investigation and Suspects
• 00:00:00 Trial and Conviction
• 00:00:00 Legacy and Impact

Giveaway : YouTube : ⁠https://youtube.com/@murderintheblack?si=fY2u5R62-FQkMeIs⁠

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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 woman who fought for her life and the life of her unborn child. The episode also highlights the broader issues of violence and reproductive coercion faced by Black women, urging listeners to advocate for change and justice.

Takeaways

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Cherica Adams was a vibrant young woman with dreams.

Rae Carruth's actions led to a tragic outcome.

The importance of telling stories with intention.

Cherica's legacy is one of courage and resilience.

violence disproportionately affects Black women.

Reproductive coercion is a form of violence.

Cherica's 911 call was crucial evidence.

The investigation revealed a conspiracy to commit murder.

Cherica's story highlights the need for advocacy.

Sandra Adams continues to honor her daughter's memory.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of the Case

01:39 The Life of Sherika Adams

05:33 The Relationship with Ray Carruth

10:05 The Night of the Shooting

13:29 The Aftermath and Investigation

14:50 Beginning of Investigation

18:18 The Arrest and Trial of Ray Carruth

22:32 The Sentencing and Legacy

24:25 Chancellor Adams and Sandra's Advocacy

25:49 Reflections

27:30 trueCrime-outro-high-long.wav

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Giveaway : YouTube : https://youtube.com/@murderintheblack?si=fY2u5R62-FQkMeIs

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Black and Missing Foundation:

https://youtu.be/2Tok8hBJu24?si=E85BTwnpgSkWhlxG

Keywords

Cherica Adams, Rae Carruth, true crime, domestic violence, advocacy, Black women, reproductive coercion, legacy, justice, community engagement

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 her disappearance. The discussion highlights the vulnerability of children in unstable housing situations and the importance of community involvement in solving missing persons cases.

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PART 1: The Vanishing of Relisha Rudd: A Cold Case Reexamined — Part One

https://youtu.be/2Tok8hBJu24?si=8zf3TGzYrDMkFr_p

The Vanishing of Relisha Rudd: A Cold Case Reexamined — Part Two

https://youtu.be/uP5eQJDup5k?si=700TnmvO9Uj5NxSe

• Instagram: @blackandmissingfdn Instagram+1
• Facebook: @bamfiorg Facebook
• YouTube: @bamfiorg blackandmissinginc.com
• BlueSky: @blackandmissingfdn.bsky.social Instagram

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Relisha Rudd, missing children, Black and Missing Foundation, systemic failures, community involvement

• Relisha Rudd disappeared from a homeless shelter in DC.
• Her disappearance went unnoticed for 18 days.
• Khalil Malik Tatum was involved in her disappearance.
• The case highlights systemic failures in protecting vulnerable children.
• Community involvement is crucial in solving such cases.
• The Black and Missing Foundation plays a key role in raising awareness.
• Relisha's family continues to search for her.
• The case remains open and unsolved.
• The episode features raw emotional interviews with family members.
• The documentary aims to keep Relisha's story alive.

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