Episodios

  • When Justice Falls Short: The April Holt Case

    When Justice Falls Short: The April Holt Case
    Mar 19 2026

    Discover the heartbreaking case of April Lynn Holt, a young woman whose life was tragically cut short amid emotional manipulation, unanswered questions, and a justice system that left her family fighting for more.

    In this episode of Murder in the Black, we walk through April’s story — from her vibrant life as a beauty entrepreneur and social media influencer to the disturbing details surrounding her death, the evidence that raised red flags, and the legal outcome that continues to spark outrage.

    This is more than a case.

    It’s a conversation about emotional abuse, missed warning signs, and what justice really looks like when the system falls short.


    🎧 In This Episode:

    • The life of April Lynn Holt — her ambitions, business, and growing social media presence

    • Her relationship with Donavan Holt, including on-and-off patterns and signs of emotional manipulation

    • The final moments before her hospitalization, including bruising, petechiae, and conflicting accounts

    • Key evidence uncovered in the case file — including fingerprint analysis and inconsistencies in the scene

    • Denzel’s account of the argument on July 28 and what he witnessed

    • The staged crime scene and Donavan’s confession, claiming her death was accidental

    • The legal aftermath — charges, plea deals, and how prosecution limitations impacted sentencing

    • The emotional toll on April’s mother, Jamie, and her relentless fight for truth and justice

    • A deeper look into emotional abuse and how it can escalate into deadly outcomes

    • Systemic failures in domestic violence cases and what this case reveals

      ⏱️ Timestamps:

      00:00 – Introduction to the case of April Lynn Holt
      00:25 – April’s background, personality, and social media presence
      01:11 – Her dedication to motherhood and entrepreneurship
      02:10 – The emotional connection between beauty professionals and clients
      03:00 – Relationship timeline with Donavan — on-and-off patterns
      05:00 – Social media and the illusion of “perfect” relationships
      09:30 – April’s mental health and decision to leave
      15:00 – Hospitalization, injuries, and conflicting narratives
      16:55 – Evidence of strangulation and staged scene indicators
      20:06 – Medical examiner ruling and Jamie’s refusal to accept suicide
      30:07 – Jamie’s advocacy, TikTok awareness, and gag order
      32:15 – Evidence pointing to foul play — fingerprints and Denzel’s testimony
      34:15 – Donavan’s confession and staged scene details
      37:11 – Legal proceedings, plea deal, and sentencing
      43:15 – Reflection on emotional abuse and systemic failures
      44:23 – Jamie’s resilience and fight for justice
      46:21 – Final thoughts: awareness, advocacy, and accountability


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    49 m
  • The Woods Between Them | Nacole Smith + Betty Brown

    The Woods Between Them | Nacole Smith + Betty Brown
    Mar 12 2026
    In this episode of Murder in the Black, we explore the heartbreaking story of 14-year-old Nacole Smith, a young girl with dreams of becoming a pediatrician who never made it to school on the morning of June 7, 1995.What began as a devastating crime in an Atlanta neighborhood would become a case that stretched across decades. Despite eyewitness descriptions, community efforts to identify a suspect, and early forensic evidence, investigators struggled to identify the man responsible.The case took a critical turn nearly nine years later, when 13-year-old Betty Brown survived a violent assault in East Point, Georgia. Betty’s courage to report the attack and her detailed recollection of the man who assaulted her would ultimately connect the two cases through DNA evidence — revealing that the same offender had been living in the community for years.Through advances in forensic science, including DNA profiling, CODIS, and later genetic genealogy, investigators were eventually able to identify the suspect responsible for both crimes. But the resolution came with its own tragedy when the suspect died before he could face justice.In this episode we also introduce our True Crime in Current News segment, where we highlight cases currently unfolding that listeners have brought to our attention. In this episode we discuss several developing stories, including the disturbing discovery of two young girls found in suitcases in Cleveland, a Bronx double homicide connected to a domestic dispute, and a shocking case involving a former NFL player accused of killing his girlfriend and allegedly using ChatGPT in an attempt to research ways to cover up the crime.The life and dreams of Nacole SmithThe events of June 7, 1995, and the discovery of her murderEarly investigative leads and eyewitness descriptionsCommunity involvement and the circulation of the composite sketchSuspicion surrounding Jamar Hendrix and why resemblance to a sketch alone is not evidenceDNA evidence collected from the crime scene and its entry into CODISWhy CODIS searches sometimes return no matchThe 2002 jailhouse informant tip and why investigators ruled it outThe attack on Betty Brown and how her survival connected two crimesThe role of forensic science and genetic genealogy in solving cold casesThe identification of Kelvin Arnold decades laterThe emotional impact of the suspect dying before he could face justiceThe perseverance of investigators and the importance of survivor testimonyTrue Crime in Current News: listener-submitted cases and developing investigations00:00 – Introduction to Nacole Smith’s case02:25 – Nacole’s life, dreams, and family04:07 – The morning of June 7, 199507:26 – Discovery of the crime scene and evidence recovered09:55 – Witness descriptions and early suspect sketches11:42 – Community efforts and the composite sketch13:06 – Jamar Hendrix investigation and why he was ruled out14:37 – DNA evidence, CODIS, and investigative challenges17:31 – The 2002 jailhouse informant lead19:15 – The attack on Betty Brown in 200421:10 – DNA connection between Betty Brown’s case and Nacole’s murder25:20 – Advances in forensic science and genetic genealogy26:32 – Identification of Kelvin Arnold27:24 – Arnold’s death before arrest in 202128:15 – Reflection on justice, persistence, and investigative tenacity35:02 – True Crime in Current News segment36:08 – Final thoughts and episode closeFollow + Support Murder in the Black📌 Substack: Murder in the Black (Subscriber exclusives + episode conversations)👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://murderintheblack.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠🎥 YouTube: Murder in the Black👉⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@www.youtube.com/@murderintheblack⁠⁠⁠🎵 TikTok: Murder in the Black / Story Time with Steph👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@murderintheblack⁠⁠⁠📘 Facebook: Murder in the Black👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/p/Murder-In-The-Black-Podcast-100088434791438/
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    37 m
  • Closer Than Anyone Knew: Kayadda Patterson

    Closer Than Anyone Knew: Kayadda Patterson
    Mar 5 2026
    In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the heartbreaking murder of Kenyadda Patterson, a 31-year-old mother whose life was taken in Charlotte, North Carolina. When her body was discovered behind a church, investigators were faced with a disturbing crime scene and very few answers.As detectives began piecing together Kenyadda’s final hours, suspicion initially fell on people close to her — including her estranged husband and a man she had recently met. But forensic evidence would ultimately lead investigators in an unexpected direction, revealing that the person responsible for her death had been much closer than anyone realized.This episode explores the investigative process, the role of DNA evidence in identifying the killer, and the unsettling discovery that the suspect had a long history of violent crime. We also reflect on the impact Kenyadda’s death had on her children and community.At the end of the episode, we also highlight the still-unresolved disappearance of Daniel Robinson, a young geologist who vanished in the Arizona desert in 2021, reminding us that while some families receive answers, others are still searching for the truth.TIMELINE00:00 – A crime scene behind a church in Charlotte, North Carolina00:30 – Discovery of Kenyadda Patterson’s body03:00 – Crime scene analysis and evidence collection04:24 – Investigators examine the abandoned vehicle and possible timeline07:04 – Medical examiner findings: strangulation and sexual assault08:02 – Investigators examine Kenyadda’s relationship with her estranged husband09:21 – Interviews with James Patterson and the emergence of another potential suspect12:35 – Johnny Moulton enters the investigation14:36 – Community reaction and the impact on Kenyadda’s children16:58 – Neighbor Thelma Harris contacts investigators with a tip22:38 – Detectives uncover the criminal history of Derrick Harris23:02 – A shocking connection between Derrick Harris and the investigation24:29 – Detectives revisit the neighborhood as suspicion grows25:47 – DNA results identify Derrick Harris as the killer26:31 – Reflection on Kenyadda’s life and the legacy she left behind27:38 – Featured segment: The disappearance of Daniel Robinson31:05 – Why some cases remain unresolved32:36 – Final reflections and call to actionIn the closing segment of this episode, we also discuss the disappearance of Daniel Robinson, a 24-year-old geologist who vanished in the Arizona desert in 2021. Daniel was described by family and friends as intelligent, adventurous, and determined. After weeks of searching, his vehicle was discovered in a remote desert area with many of his personal belongings still inside, but Daniel himself was missing.Human remains later confirmed to belong to Daniel were discovered in the desert, but investigators have been unable to determine the exact cause of death. His father has continued to advocate for answers and further investigation.If you have information related to Daniel Robinson’s disappearance, please contact:Buckeye Police Department Tip Line: 623-349-6411Silent Witness (Anonymous Tips): 480-WITNESS• Information on criminal investigations and forensic evidence• News coverage and case documentation related to Kenyada Patterson• Resources for families of missing persons• Community organizations supporting victims and families affected by violent crimeFollow + Support Murder in the Black📌 Substack: Murder in the Black (Subscriber exclusives + episode conversations)👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://murderintheblack.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠🎥 YouTube: Murder in the Black👉⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@www.youtube.com/@murderintheblack⁠⁠⁠🎵 TikTok: Murder in the Black / Story Time with Steph👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@murderintheblack⁠⁠⁠📘 Facebook: Murder in the Black👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/p/Murder-In-The-Black-Podcast-100088434791438/
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    34 m
  • A Neighborhood Held Hostage | Howell Donaldson III

    A Neighborhood Held Hostage | Howell Donaldson III
    Feb 26 2026

    In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the chilling Seminole Heights serial shootings in Tampa, Florida — a case that left a neighborhood paralyzed by fear and ultimately led to the arrest of Howell Donaldson III.

    Four strangers. No connection. No clear motive. Just proximity.

    We break down the victims’ stories, the psychological layers behind violence without motive, the investigative challenges, and the nearly six-year legal journey before Donaldson’s guilty plea.We also provide updates on the cases of Na’Ziyah Harris and Celeste Rivas Hernandez, exploring the complexities of plea deals, grand jury proceedings, and what justice truly means when families are still waiting for closure.


    Key Topics Covered

    • The Seminole Heights serial murders: timeline, victims, and community impact
    • The psychological question: What drives someone to kill strangers?
    • The comparison to the D.C. Sniper and the terror of unpredictability
    • How fear reshapes neighborhoods and daily routines
    • Evidence that led to Howell Donaldson’s arrest and conviction
    • The six-year legal process and the decision to plead guilty
    • The emotional toll on victims’ families navigating the justice system
    • Update on the Na’Ziyah Harris case: guilty plea, sentencing timeline, and the ongoing search for her remains
    • Celeste Rivas Hernandez case update: grand jury process and investigative patience


    Timestamps

    00:00 – Introduction: When violence has no motive
    00:26 – Seminole Heights and the first shooting
    00:59 – Community fear and escalating tension
    1:29 – Who was Howell Donaldson III?
    3:02 – Victim profiles and the randomness of the attacks
    4:01 – Police response and reward increases
    6:50 – Serial pattern and D.C. Sniper comparison
    9:14 – The final murder and mounting pressure
    12:26 – Arrest, ballistics evidence, and guilty plea
    19:55 – Families navigating six years of legal delays
    20:42 – Reflection: What ultimately drives random violence?
    23:50 – Update: Na’Ziyah Harris case developments
    32:43 – Celeste Rivas Hernandez investigation update
    36:21 – Broader reflection on justice, delay, and closure

    Resources & Links

    • Seminole Heights Serial Murders – Case Background
    • Howell Donaldson III – Court Records & Sentencing
    • Na’Ziyah Harris – Case Update
    • Celeste Rivas Hernandez – Investigation Overview


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    29 m
  • When Proximity Turns Deadly: Sade Robinson & Lamont Adaire Jr.

    When Proximity Turns Deadly: Sade Robinson & Lamont Adaire Jr.
    Feb 19 2026

    In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine two intentional homicide cases connected by a deeper pattern of proximity, access, and life transition.

    In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 19-year-old Sade Robinson disappeared after a first date. Her dismembered remains were later discovered near Lake Michigan. Investigators arrested Maxwell Anderson, who now faces charges including first-degree intentional homicide, dismemberment of a corpse, and arson.

    In Seat Pleasant, Maryland, 24-year-old Lamont Adaire Jr. — a father and athlete preparing to play professional basketball in China — was shot 12 times in a coordinated attack. Franklin Scott later pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 50 years.

    Two cities.
    Two lives in motion.
    Two acts of deliberate violence.

    Cases & Locations ReferencedTopics

    This episode explores dating violence, digital evidence, jealousy, entitlement, masculinity, and the vulnerability that can accompany major life transitions. We examine how access and emotional immaturity intersect — and how opportunity can become perceived threat.

    • Sade Robinson – Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2024)
    • Milwaukee Area Technical College
    • Life360 location-sharing app
    • The Twisted Fisherman restaurant (Milwaukee)
    • Maxwell Anderson – arrest and pending court proceedings

    • Lamont Adaire Jr. – Seat Pleasant, Maryland (2018)
    • Franklin Scott – court records and sentencing details

    • Critical missing person alerts
    • Digital tracking and safety limitations
    • Surveillance and forensic timelines
    • Jealousy, retaliation, and emotional regulation
    • Cultural narratives around possession and entitlement
    • The ripple effect of violence on families

    Covered Resources & Links

    Life360
    Milwaukee Area Technical College
    The Twisted Fisherman (Milwaukee)
    Maxwell Anderson – Mugshot & Court Records
    Franklin Scott – Court Records & Sentencing Details

    If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse:

    National Domestic Violence Hotline
    1-800-799-7233
    thehotline.org


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    36 m
  • When the Voice Sounds Real: A.I., Fear, and the Cost of Believing Too Fast

    When the Voice Sounds Real: A.I., Fear, and the Cost of Believing Too Fast
    Feb 12 2026

    In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the devastating loss of LoLetha Hall — a woman simply doing her job who became entangled in a deadly situation fueled by fear, misinformation, and an AI-driven scam.

    As technology evolves, so do the dangers surrounding it. Steph and Maia unpack how impersonation scams are changing the landscape of crime, the legal complexities of self-defense in Ohio, and the difficult questions surrounding “reasonable fear,” implicit bias, and accountability.

    This conversation goes beyond one case. It asks how we protect our communities, our elders, and ourselves in a world where voices can be fabricated — and fear can be engineered.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    🔎 Key Topics Covered

    • The rise of AI-powered scam calls and impersonation tactics

    • How vulnerable populations — especially seniors — are targeted

    • The timeline leading to the fatal encounter between LoLetha Hall and William Brock

    • Ohio self-defense law and the question of proportional force

    • The difference between genuine fear and legally “reasonable” fear

    • How implicit bias can shape perceptions of danger

    • Public awareness, digital literacy, and family safety planning

    • Practical strategies for preventing scam-related harm

      • AI Impersonation Scam Resources


    Time Stamps

    00:00 — Why this case highlights the dangers of AI scams
    00:29 — Who LoLetha Hall and William Brock were
    01:48 — Inside the scam: impersonation and escalation
    02:38 — The confrontation and fatal shooting
    03:51 — Dashcam footage and police response
    04:21 — Fear, perception, and Brock’s mindset
    08:38 — AI’s growing role in modern scams
    09:07 — Elder vulnerability and education gaps
    11:37 — Breaking down Ohio self-defense law
    16:24 — Fear, bias, and legal interpretation
    19:07 — The impact on LoLetha’s family
    20:50 — Community responsibility and awareness
    23:18 — Practical scam-prevention tools
    25:03 — Final reflections on bias, fear, and accountability


    • Understanding Deepfake Technology

    • Scam Awareness Tips (AARP)

    • Ohio Self-Defense Law Overview

    • Social Media & Digital Safety Tips

    • Resources & Education

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    27 m
  • The People’s Barber | Jermaine Ross

    The People’s Barber | Jermaine Ross
    Feb 5 2026

    When Jermaine Ross stopped answering his phone and missed his barber appointments, concern quickly turned into something far more disturbing. On October 3, 2018, Jermaine was found dead inside his home on Elm Street in Cahokia, Illinois. At first, investigators believed his death may have been natural. But forensic findings, an autopsy, and unsettling details inside the home revealed the truth—Jermaine Ross had been murdered.

    In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the homicide investigation from the inside out: the timeline shaped by decomposition evidence, rumors surrounding a recent insurance payout, shifting witness statements, and the chilling attempt to alter the crime scene after Jermaine’s death. As investigators worked to separate fact from fear in a close-knit community, the case exposed how desperation, access, and money can turn trust into a fatal vulnerability.

    This is the story of a man known as “the people’s barber”—and how the people closest to him became central to solving his murder.

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    29 m
  • When Truth Is Treated Like a Threat: The Murder of Kim Groves

    When Truth Is Treated Like a Threat: The Murder of Kim Groves
    Jan 29 2026

    In this episode of Murder in the Black, we unpack the heartbreaking story of Kim Groves—a Black woman, community advocate, and mother whose decision to report police misconduct in 1994 set off a chain of events that would change everything.

    What began as one woman speaking up against abuse of power quickly revealed something much bigger: a deeply corrupted system inside the New Orleans Police Department, and a city already battling violence, fear, and broken trust.

    Kim’s story forces us to confront the cost of courage, the danger Black communities face when they challenge authority, and the uncomfortable truth that corruption doesn’t always look like a stranger—it can wear a badge.

    • The violent reality of New Orleans in the 1990s and the systemic failures that shaped it

    • Corruption inside the NOPD, including the actions of Officer Len Davis

    • Kim Groves’ courage—and what happens when a Black woman refuses to stay silent

    • The long history of mistrust between Black communities and law enforcement in America

    • How race, power, and internal systems of oppression complicate “protection” and “justice”

    • The investigation, cooperation deals, and what accountability looks like in a corrupt system

    • Why police reform is still an urgent conversation—and why stories like Kim’s must be remembered

    Timestamps


    00:00 — Introduction + case overview
    00:35 — New Orleans in the 1990s: context + tension
    01:02 — Crime statistics + community impact
    02:24 — Len Davis + Kim Groves background
    03:42 — Misconduct culture inside the NOPD
    05:59 — Operation Shattered Shield begins
    08:11 — Kim files a misconduct complaint
    09:33 — The danger of speaking out
    11:05 — The legacy of racial oppression + policing
    13:09 — Kim Groves’ murder + surveillance footage
    14:57 — Trial tactics: discrediting the victim
    16:37 — Witness testimony + plea deals
    20:03 — Victim-blaming + “perfect victim” expectations
    21:41 — Sentencing + why plea agreements matter
    24:50 — Len Davis’ death + the lasting damage
    25:45 — Corruption and community trauma
    27:08 — Remembering Kim’s humanity
    28:20 — Corruption involving Black officers
    30:05 — Accountability: personal + systemic
    31:26 — Closing reflection: race, policing, reform


    Resources & Links

    • FBI: Operation Shattered Shield

    • Kim Groves case coverage + justice reporting


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    34 m