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In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, hosts Melissa and Whitney explore the heartbreaking story of Deanna Merryfield, who vanished at age 13 from Killeen, Texas, in 1990. Deanna's troubled family background, including her mother's alcoholism and her stepfather's sexual abuse, is discussed in detail. The case, filled with investigative missteps and lack of attention, saw no progress for years until her sister Missie took charge, advocating relentlessly for answers. A renewed search effort and public advocacy continue as her family seeks closure. Listeners are urged to share Deanna's story and help in the search for answers. Follow Deanna’s Story: findingdeanna.com Social media: @findingdeanna Team Texas K9s:  https://teamtexashrdtrackingk9s.org/

April Kelly Reed disappeared from Del City, Oklahoma in 2001 under mysterious circumstances. Raised amidst familial instability and trauma, April endured significant hardships, including being traded for a vehicle as a child and navigating life with schizophrenia. Her sister Kelsey, who uncovered April’s disappearance later in life through a Facebook post, is tirelessly seeking answers. Kelsey's search has revealed conflicting reports, family secrets, and possible foul play. Despite a prolonged lack of evidence and official missteps, recent developments, including DNA contributions, give hope for breakthroughs in the case. If you have any information, please get in touch with the Dell City Police Department at 405.677.2443.

On September 17, 2007, 36-year-old Stephen Spina, a beloved father, postal worker, and longtime Little League umpire, was found stabbed to death in his Mamaroneck, NY apartment. With no signs of forced entry and nothing stolen, investigators believe Stephen knew his killer. He was last seen at 9:30 a.m. and discovered by his girlfriend three hours later. Despite numerous leads, including slashed tires, past relationships, and community tips, no suspect has ever been named. Stephen’s murder devastated his family and shook the close-knit community. His killer remains at large.  Learn more about Stephen: https://www.facebook.com/JusticeforStephenSpina

In this episode of the Navigating Advocacy podcast, the story of Megan Piper Trussell, a bright and artistic 17-year-old from Boulder, Colorado, whose mysterious disappearance and death in February 2025 left her family and community searching for answers. Despite Megan’s promising future and close family bonds, her case was quickly ruled a suicide by authorities, even though evidence raised serious questions. The episode highlights the family’s relentless pursuit of justice, the shortcomings of the investigation, and the broader need for improved campus safety and victim advocacy. Listeners are encouraged to support Megan’s family, share her story, and help seek the truth behind her untimely death. **$11,000 REWARD AVAILABLE** Support Megan's Family by donating to her GoFundMe. If you have any information about Megan, please send all tips to [email protected] Support the podcast by leaving us a 5 star review on your favorite podcast platform. 

Camille Dains Dodson, born in 1964 in Los Angeles, was a talented and driven woman who faced unexpected life challenges. She married Gary Dodson, the first person exonerated of rape by DNA evidence in the USA, but their relationship turned abusive. After leaving Gary, Camille moved to Las Vegas with her young daughter, Ashley, where she struggled with low-paying jobs and got entangled in dangerous relationships and activities. Camille disappeared on September 3, 1994, after being released from the Clark County Detention Center. Despite multiple theories about her disappearance, including possible ties to the mob and abusive partners, her case remains unsolved. Camille's daughter, Ashley, continues to seek justice and raise awareness about her mother's case. If you have any information, please contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. For more information: findcamille.com #CamilleDardanesDotson #GaryDotson #Nevada #LasVegasNevada 

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 push the search forward.   This is a story about more than a missing person. It’s about a mother’s love, a family left with unanswered questions, and a system that’s fallen short. 🚨 Have information? Contact the Lansing Police Department at (517) 483-4600. 📢 Follow and share: [Help Us Find Amber Facebook Page] ❤️ Support our work: Leave a 5-star review and subscribe.

In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, hosts Melissa and Whitney delve into the tragic story of Stephanie Marie Wasilishin, 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 resolution.   If anyone has information or needs help, it is available. Call: 800.799.7233 Text: BEGIN to 88788 Chat Online.  Available on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papi-killed-mommy/id1809655183

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 happened that night, the red flags that were missed, and the justice system that failed them. Raw, personal, and investigative—“Papi Killed Mommy” isn’t just about the crime. It’s about what was never done. Available on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papi-killed-mommy/id1809655183

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 Con, is now on a mission to uncover the truth and find justice for the mother she never got to know.   We walk through Wilma’s early life, her disappearance in 1978, and the decades-long mystery that followed. With powerful insight from Krissi, we explore the barriers to solving this case, including degraded DNA evidence, gaps in the timeline, and a list of suspects still under scrutiny.   Wilma deserves justice. Her name deserves to be remembered. ➡️ Anonymous Tip Line: If you know anything about Wilma’s case, please call 712-472-8334. ➡️ Support Chrissy’s Advocacy Work: Facebook Page Change.org PetitionGoFundMe ➡️ Have a case we should know about? Email us at: [email protected]

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 mother have come alight.  Bonnie's dedication, mainly through social media, has reignited interest in Danielle’s case, proving that love and persistence can keep a story alive.  If you have any information, please contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Danielle deserves to be found. Bonnie deserves answers.  Follow Bonnie's journey: https://www.facebook.com/missingdaniellebell #DanielleBell #Florida #NoMatterWhere #NoMatterWho #NavigatingAdvocacy

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 5800 block of Spring Meadow Road in a greenbelt wooded area. April 8th, many people were outdoors at this time, specifically in the Austin area, due to the peak window of the solar eclipse. If you or anyone you know has any information about Cristian, or the blue vehicle please contact Capital Area CrimeStoppers. 512.472.8477 OR AT AUSTINCRIMESTOPPERS.ORG UP TO $10,000 REWARD AVAILABLE* Follow Cristian's story: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1664376744458902 *for information leading to the arrest and conviction of all parties responsible for Cristian's murderer

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 #advocacycon #nationalmissingpersonsday #ignitethespark

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 #advocacycon #nationalmissingpersonsday #ignitethespark

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 donating here: https://givebutter.com/EVoTI0 Follow Justice for Brandy Dyson on Facebook Get 45% off Magic Mind here: https://www.magicmind.com/navigatingjan 

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 donating here: https://givebutter.com/EVoTI0 Follow Justice for Brandy Dyson on Facebook