Episodes
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This week’s story involves the shooting death of a Columbus, Ohio man named VonMason Walker. On October 16, 2015 he was visiting the home of acquaintences. Before the night was over, he would be dead. VonMason Walker was born on December 24, 1990 in Columbus, OH. His parents are Willie Walker and Jennifer Gillman. He had graduated from high school in Muncie Indiana and had received his CDL so that he could become a truck driver. He was found dead in the home of an acquaintance on October 16, 2015.
His father Willie Walker described his relationship with son as close. Willie had become VonMason’s primary caretaker when he was a child. Willie considered his son a good man who was motivated to make his own way. He eventually become a security guard. But after some time on the job, VonMason followed in his father’s footsteps and became a truck driver.
Willie felt that his son had made a great career choice and was on his way to getting set for life. Unfortunately, Willie’s life changed forever when he learned that his beloved son had died from a gunshot wound on October 16, 2015. According to Willie, he was told that VonMason was dancing around with a gun and tripped over a toy and accidentally killed himself.
Willie said this was a deduction made from the Columbus police department because no one in the house corroborated this story. Willie found the explanation ludicrous. He would hire a private investigator who looked into the matter further. Based on the investigator’s findings, VonMason’s death was no accident.
Willie has spent the past several years trying to get the Columbus Police Department to change VonMason’s death from accidental shooting to a homicide. He has been unsuccessful. Willie shared VonMason’s story with me hoping that someone will listen to his pleas for help in getting to the truth of what really happened to his beloved son.
What truly happened to VonMason? Was the shooting accidental or did someone kill him and get away with murder? Willie Walker doesn’t believe the Columbus Police Department will do anything with any tips they might receive. If you have a valuable tip, please contact Willie Walker directly at (614) - 441-6911. He would like to screen out tips and then discuss them with law enforcement personally.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. And if you are a parent, Law enforcement, official friend or relative seeking justice for an unsolved homicide case. Please visit my website and complete the contact form. -
Donna Mullen was the mother of three daughters and lived in Jacksonville, Florida. She worked at the Ritz beach bar and had many local friends. Donna was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on November 29, 1948 and grew up in the Wilmington, Ohio area. Donna often traveled between Jacksonville, Florida and Cincinnati to visit family. She loved her daughters, but she also had her inner demons. She struggled with an addiction to alcohol.
Her daughter Candy Sharp said her mother was a different person when she was intoxicated. When sober, Donna would bring Candy’s two sisters to visit her in Ohio. Candy didn’t live with her mother. She lived in Ohio with her adopted family who raised her. Although Candy wasn’t raised by her mother, the two were close and Donna made sure she kept in touch with Candy.
Donna Mullen disappeared on July 19, 1986. A neighbor saw Donna leave her home on North 2nd Street in Jacksonville Beach. According to Candy, her mother had left home with a gun saying she was going to shoot someone. Donna's daughters believe it’s possible their mother was killed in a drug deal gone bad. Candy and her sister April have continuously sought justice for their mother. Unfortunately, their sister Michelle has since passed away without know ever knowing what happened to Donna.
Donna Mullen was 37 years old at the time, 5 foot 1 inch tall, with brown hair, and blue eyes. The mother of three had affectionately been known as “Duck” due to the way she walked. She had a few distinctive tattoos, including a black panther on her left shoulder and two red hearts with a black “K” on her right wrist. She also had pierced ears and a scar from a hysterectomy on her abdomen. She disappeared nearly 40 years ago. What happened to this missing mother?
Donna’s two surviving daughters have been on a quest to find out what happened to their mother. Can you help Candy and her sister April get answers for their missing mother who is presumed dead?
If you have a valuable tip, you can contact the Jacksonville Beach Police Department at (904)-270-1661. And if you wish to remain anonymous you can report your tip to First Coast Crime Stoppers at (866) 845-TIPS.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. And if you are a parent, Law enforcement, official friend or relative seeking justice for an unsolved homicide case. Please visit my website and complete the contact form. -
Episodes manquant?
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William Balfour Sr. was a retired grandfather. The Muncie, Indiana resident enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. According to his daughters Lashea and Consuela, William was definitely the family patriarch. Lashea, William's youngest daughter spoke to him daily, cooked meals for him and did everything she could to make his life comfortable.
Before 11 p.m. on July 1, 2019, Lashea Facetimed her father. He then changed into his pajamas before getting ready for bed. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t be getting any rest that evening. Consuela said a female friend named had shown up at the house and requested a ride home.
William got out of bed and left with this friend. Family members said the trip to her home shouldn't have taken long. William had given her rides home in the past, so the request wasn't suspicious.
A few hours later, Lashea's son became concerned when his grandfather had not returned home. He had to call the friend because his grandfather had left his phone at home. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to speak to the friend because she didn’t answer her phone. The next morning, the family discovered that William's 2001 Lincoln had been cordoned off by law enforcement. His vehicle had become a crime scene. William, still in his pajamas, was discovered outside his vehicle at Blaine and Centennial. Someone had beaten the elderly grandfather to death. His skull was bashed in and his teeth were knocked out. The beating was violent and fatal.
Family members were stunned by his death. William's family couldn't understand why anyone would want to kill the elderly man. The family also noticed that the family friends wasn’t at the crime scene. Consuela got into her vehicle and searched for the friend. She found the friend walking down along a road. Consuela picked her up and drover her to the Muncie police station. According to Consuela and Lashea, law enforcement let the friend leave without charges.
Consuela began investigating her father's death. She spoke with a witness who lived with the friend. According to him, she came home upset. She allegedly had blood on her clothing and defecated on herself. According to the witness, the friend said she had just murdered someone. She then recanted her statement and said she was kidding. After cleaning herself up, he said she left in a hurry. When she made the statement, he hadn’t known William was deceased. He presented Consuela with an article of bloody clothing belonging to the friend. Law enforcement refused to accept the evidence because they weren't the ones who seized it. I had asked the sisters why law enforcement didn’t arrest her father’s friend. Both said she claimed that she didn't know anything.
Four years have passed since someone brutally beat William Balfour Sr. to death. Family members believe the friend knows much more about William's death than she's ever revealed. This is the conclusion of a two-part story. If you haven't listened to the first half, please go back and listen. Who killed William Balfour Sr. on July 2, 2019? Someone out there knows. The family is pleading for your help. If you have a valuable tip, you can contact Muncie Crime Stoppers at 765-286-4050.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. And if you are a parent, Law enforcement, official friend or relative seeking justice for an unsolved homicide case. Please visit my website and complete the contact form. -
William Balfour Sr. was a retired grandfather. The Muncie, Indiana resident enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. According to his daughters Lashea and Consuela, William was definitely the family patriarch. Lashea, William's youngest daughter spoke to him daily, cooked meals for him and did everything she could to make his life comfortable.
Before 11 p.m. on July 1, 2019, Lashea Facetimed her father. He then changed into his pajamas before getting ready for bed. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t be getting any rest that evening. Consuela said a female friend named had shown up at the house and requested a ride home.
William got out of bed and left with this friend. Family members said the trip to her home shouldn't have taken long. William had given her rides home in the past, so the request wasn't suspicious.
A few hours later, Lashea's son became concerned when his grandfather had not returned home. He had to call the friend because his grandfather had left his phone at home. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to speak to the friend because she didn’t answer her phone. The next morning, the family discovered that William's 2001 Lincoln had been cordoned off by law enforcement. His vehicle had become a crime scene. William, still in his pajamas, was discovered outside his vehicle at Blaine and Centennial. Someone had beaten the elderly grandfather to death. His skull was bashed in and his teeth were knocked out. The beating was violent and fatal.
Family members were stunned by his death. William's family couldn't understand why anyone would want to kill the elderly man. The family also noticed that the family friends wasn’t at the crime scene. Consuela got into her vehicle and searched for the friend. She found the friend walking down along a road. Consuela picked her up and drover her to the Muncie police station. According to Consuela and Lashea, law enforcement let the friend leave without charges.
Consuela began investigating her father's death. She spoke with a witness who lived with the friend. According to him, she came home upset. She allegedly had blood on her clothing and defecated on herself. According to the witness, the friend said she had just murdered someone. She then recanted her statement and said she was kidding. After cleaning herself up, he said she left in a hurry. When she made the statement, he hadn’t known William was deceased. He presented Consuela with an article of bloody clothing belonging to the friend. Law enforcement refused to accept the evidence because they weren't the ones who seized it. I had asked the sisters why law enforcement didn’t arrest her father’s friend. Both said she claimed that she didn't know anything.
Four years have passed since someone brutally beat William Balfour Sr. to death. Family members believe the friend knows much more about William's death than she's ever revealed. This is the first part of a two-part story. Be sure to listen next week to the conclusion. Who killed William Balfour Sr. on July 2, 2019? Someone out there knows. The family is pleading for your help. If you have a valuable tip, you can contact Muncie Crime Stoppers at 765-286-4050.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. And if you are a parent, Law enforcement, official friend or relative seeking justice for an unsolved homicide case. Please visit my website and complete the contact form. -
(Part 2 of 2) David Akeman affectionately known as “Stringbean” was born on June 17, 1915 to a farm family in Annville, Kentucky. Anneville is a small town in Jackson County, Kentucky. Stringbean’s love for music began at an early age. Before he was 8 years old, he built his first instrument out of a shoebox and thread. He most likely developed his early love for music from his father who was a successful banjo player who often played throughout the community. By the time Stringbean was 12, he bought his own banjo and then began playing at local dances and built a reputation as an excellent musician.
While working construction type work building roads and planting trees, he continued playing his banjo with a goal of making it big in the music business. His career began when he entered a contest being judged by singer-guitarist-musical saw player Asa Martin. After impressing Martin, he soon joined Martin’s band.
During a performance, Martin had forgotten David Akeman’s name. So he just introduced Akeman as “String Beans” The nickname was given to him based on his tall lanky frame. Apparently, the name stuck and David Akeman would become known simply as String Bean.
Not only did Stringbean become known for his musical abilities, he also became known for being a funny guy. Stringbean became known as a comedian musician. He also broadcast on WLAP out of Lexington, Kentucky, and played with different groups during the late 1930s. Strange enough, old country music back in the 30s didn’t include much banjo playing. However, Stringbean was able to keep banjo playing relevant in country music.
Interesting enough, Stringbean was also a decent semi pro baseball player. His baseball playing skills became known to Bill Monroe, who had his own semi pro club. Monroe was so impressed with Stringbean that he added Stringbean to his band. He played in Monroe’s band from 1943 until 1945.
After Stringbean left Monroe in 1945, he was replaced by another popular banjo player named Earl Scruggs, who had a different sound than Stringbean. Stringbean would also go on marry his sweetheart Estelle Stanfill in 1945. The following year he would begin working with another banjo player named Louis Marshall Jones, affectionately known as Grandpa Jones. The two men would both be together doing comedy in the television program Hee Haw. Grandpa Jones was a WWII veteran and would become Stringbean’s closest friend. The men also became neighbors in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
Akeman was one of the Opry's top stars throughout the 1950s. Oddly enough, he didn't begin recording on his own until the early '60s, when he signed to the Starday label. He had hits with "Chewing Gum" and "I Wonder Where Wanda Went," and recorded seven albums between 1961 and 1972.
His first album was titled Old Time Pickin' and Grinnin' with Stringbean which was released in 1961. His music was considered folk stories with a taste of comedy. At the time, Stringbean and his buddy Grandpa Jones became the two biggest old time banjo players of their era.
In 1969, a country style comedy would come to television. The program would be called Hee Haw and was on television from 1969 to 1993. The program lasted for 26 seasons and recorded 655 episodes. Any popular country musician who was anybody appeared on the show.
Unfortunately, Stringbean and his wife Estelle would be tragically murdered on November 10, 1973. After the couple returned home from a performance at the Grand Ole Opry, they walked in on a robbery by two men. Stringbean was shot to death in front of his fireplace and his wife Estelle was shot to death outside their home while trying to flee the robbers.
It would be Grandpa Jones who would find the bodies of his beloved friends the next day. Grandpa Jones had plans to pick Stringbean up the next day for a a planned hunting trip. Grandpa Jones would learn the sad truth when he pulled up to his friend’s cabin at 2308 Baker Road near Ridgetop, Tennessee. According to author Taylor Hagood, Stringbean and Estelle didn’t believe in using banks. Both were alive during the Great Depression when many people who had money in their banks lost it all.
Stringbean was known to keep thousands of dollars in cash laying around his house. Grandpa warned him many times to not keep his money in the house. He told Stringbean that one day, keeping that cash around the house would get him killed. When Grandpa found the bodies of his murdered friends, he knew the day he worried about had finally come. The murders shocked Nashville residents. Author Taylor Hagood would write a book about Strinbean's life and death.
For his book about Stringbean, Hagood interviewed one of the lead investigators in the case, surviving members of Stringbean’s family and fellow musicians who knew Stringbean personally. He then compiled his findings into the book titled Stringbean: The Life and Murder of a Country Legend.
If you enjoy reading. True crime books. then I highly recommend that you purchase a copy of Taylor's book and add it to your collection. The book takes you from String Bean's humble beginnings as a child who loved music to becoming a country music legend. You can get your own copy of Stringbean: The Life and Murder of a Country Legend written by Taylor Hagood on Amazon.com or wherever else you purchase your favorite books. And if you would like to contact Taylor about his book, please visit www.Taylorhagood.com.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. -
David Akeman affectionately known as “Stringbean” was born on June 17, 1915 to a farm family in Annville, Kentucky. Anneville is a small town in Jackson County, Kentucky. Stringbean’s love for music began at an early age. Before he was 8 years old, he built his first instrument out of a shoebox and thread. He most likely developed his early love for music from his father who was a successful banjo player who often played throughout the community. By the time Stringbean was 12, he bought his own banjo and then began playing at local dances and built a reputation as an excellent musician.
While working construction type work building roads and planting trees, he continued playing his banjo with a goal of making it big in the music business. His career began when he entered a contest being judged by singer-guitarist-musical saw player Asa Martin. After impressing Martin, he soon joined Martin’s band.
During a performance, Martin had forgotten David Akeman’s name. So he just introduced Akeman as “String Beans” The nickname was given to him based on his tall lanky frame. Apparently, the name stuck and David Akeman would become known simply as String Bean.
Not only did Stringbean become known for his musical abilities, he also became known for being a funny guy. Stringbean became known as a comedian musician. He also broadcast on WLAP out of Lexington, Kentucky, and played with different groups during the late 1930s. Strange enough, old country music back in the 30s didn’t include much banjo playing. However, Stringbean was able to keep banjo playing relevant in country music.
Interesting enough, Stringbean was also a decent semi pro baseball player. His baseball playing skills became known to Bill Monroe, who had his own semi pro club. Monroe was so impressed with Stringbean that he added Stringbean to his band. He played in Monroe’s band from 1943 until 1945.
After Stringbean left Monroe in 1945, he was replaced by another popular banjo player named Earl Scruggs, who had a different sound than Stringbean. Stringbean would also go on marry his sweetheart Estelle Stanfill in 1945. The following year he would begin working with another banjo player named Louis Marshall Jones, affectionately known as Grandpa Jones. The two men would both be together doing comedy in the television program Hee Haw. Grandpa Jones was a WWII veteran and would become Stringbean’s closest friend. The men also became neighbors in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
Akeman was one of the Opry's top stars throughout the 1950s. Oddly enough, he didn't begin recording on his own until the early '60s, when he signed to the Starday label. He had hits with "Chewing Gum" and "I Wonder Where Wanda Went," and recorded seven albums between 1961 and 1972.
His first album was titled Old Time Pickin' and Grinnin' with Stringbean which was released in 1961. His music was considered folk stories with a taste of comedy. At the time, Stringbean and his buddy Grandpa Jones became the two biggest old time banjo players of their era.
In 1969, a country style comedy would come to television. The program would be called Hee Haw and was on television from 1969 to 1993. The program lasted for 26 seasons and recorded 655 episodes. Any popular country musician who was anybody appeared on the show.
Unfortunately, Stringbean and his wife Estelle would be tragically murdered on November 10, 1973. After the couple returned home from a performance at the Grand Ole Opry, they walked in on a robbery by two men. Stringbean was shot to death in front of his fireplace and his wife Estelle was shot to death outside their home while trying to flee the robbers.
It would be Grandpa Jones who would find the bodies of his beloved friends the next day. Grandpa Jones had plans to pick Stringbean up the next day for a a planned hunting trip. Grandpa Jones would learn the sad truth when he pulled up to his friend’s cabin at 2308 Baker Road near Ridgetop, Tennessee. According to author Taylor Hagood, Stringbean and Estelle didn’t believe in using banks. Both were alive during the Great Depression when many people who had money in their banks lost it all.
Stringbean was known to keep thousands of dollars in cash laying around his house. Grandpa warned him many times to not keep his money in the house. He told Stringbean that one day, keeping that cash around the house would get him killed. When Grandpa found the bodies of his murdered friends, he knew the day he worried about had finally come. The murders shocked Nashville residents. Author Taylor Hagood would write a book about Strinbean's life and death.
For his book about Stringbean, Hagood interviewed one of the lead investigators in the case, surviving members of Stringbean’s family and fellow musicians who knew Stringbean personally. He then compiled his findings into the book titled Stringbean: The Life and Murder of a Country Legend.
If you enjoy reading. True crime books. then I highly recommend that you purchase a copy of Taylor's book and add it to your collection. The book takes you from String Bean's humble beginnings as a child who loved music to becoming a country music legend. You can get your own copy of Stringbean: The Life and Murder of a Country Legend written by Taylor Hagood on Amazon.com or wherever else you purchase your favorite books. And if you would like to contact Taylor about his book, please visit www.Taylorhagood.com.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. -
Cory Schroeder, also affectionately known as Stretch was a Bauxite, Arkansas man who vanished on Friday May 21st 2019, just a day short of his 45th birthday. Cory was born on May 22, 1974 in Mauston, Wisconsin. He has a younger sister named Charish Schroeder. Although Cory had a great home life, he would begin hanging out with a bad crowd. Cory then engaged in criminal behavior which led him to a prison sentence from 1995 to 2003. His sister said while in prison, Cory stayed out of trouble and never lost any privileges.
He received his commissary and was able to visit with his family without any disruptions. After leaving prison, Cory struggled with finding work since it can be difficult to find a job with a felony. But he remained positive and didn’t want to return to prison. He focused on working and spending time with his handicapped daughter. Charish said he loved his daughter and committed his life to being a supportive father.
According to Charish, Cory had asked a friend to take him to the store on May 21st, 2019. The friend said he wore a sweatshirt with a hood and a black and red backpack. This was the last time Cory was officially last seen. After Cory didn’t show up to celebrate his birthday with his family, they became concerned. They knew he would have shown up to celebrate his birthday. Charish began reaching out to Cory’s acquaintances looking for him. His disappearance was also reported to law enforcement.
Today, Charish has spent time speaking to people who knew her brother and taken to social media to try to locate her brother’s body. She is convinced he’s been murdered because she knows he would never walk away from his daughter or family members. For now, she just wants to recover his body so he can receive a proper burial and the family can grieve over the loss.
If you have any information about Cory’s whereabouts, please contact the Saline Sheriff’s Department at 501-303-5647 or 501-303-5648. And if you would like to make an anonymous call, please call 501-303-5744. And if you would like additional information about this case, please visit the Cory Schroeder.....Have you seen me? FB page.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. -
(Part 2 of 2) Michael Smith was a 38-year-old Little Rock, Arkansas man who was the youngest of three sons. He was also a father of four. Michael’s parents are Scherry Smith Riggins and the late Eddie Smith who died when Michael was a teenager. Michael would last be seen on June 7, 2022 at 10:15 a.m. He had just lost his job at the Whole Hog Cafe on Cantrell Rd. After leaving his job, he had visited his mother at her banking job on Rebsamen Park Road to tell her. Michael was close to his mother and kept in regular contact with her. No one has seen Michael since.
Scherry had described her son as a good son. Michael and his dad Eddie were both huge NBA fans and share a love for basketball. Eddie had worked with his son on improving his game so that he could possibly play professional basketball in the future. Michael spent much of his youth playing in high school and junior college.
Unfortunately, Michael would give up on his dream of playing professional basketball and leave college without earning a degree. His mother said he would just take a series of different jobs and focus more on financially supporting his kids and looking out for his mother. Michael’s case is controversial. According to his mother, law enforcement claims Michael was last seen riding on a bicycle and then possibly committing suicide by jumping into a river. There were witnesses who saw an unidentified man jumping into a local river.
Scherry has said she has been told by law enforcement they believe Michael has committed suicide. Sherry disputes this. She said she has seen a blown-up photo of the man on the bike. She said he was a darker-skinned man and wasn’t her son as police claim. She also said there is no confirmation that the man who allegedly jumped into the river was her son. Another source of contention between law enforcement and Michael’s family is that a neighbor told Michael’s family that she saw Michael checking his mailbox sometime between 4:20 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. on the day he disappeared. Scherry has said law enforcement has never spoken to this neighbor.
I asked Scherry if Michael had any enemies. She said that he was concerned for his life. He told his mother that if anything ever happened to him then law enforcement needed to look at someone he named. Scherry has given this name to law enforcement and doesn’t believe they have considered this person as a suspect in Michael’s disappearance. Today, Scherry and her son Cedric spend many hours looking in abandoned houses and speaking to people trying to figure out what happened to Michael.
Have you seen Michael Smith? He is described as being 5’10” and weighing around 130 lbs. His family is searching for him and believe he is deceased. They want to locate him so he can receive a proper burial and they can stop searching for him. If you know anything about Michael’s disappearance, please contact Little Rock Police Department at (501) 371-4605. There is also a reward for any information leading to Michael’s whereabouts.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. -
Michael Smith was a 38-year-old Little Rock, Arkansas man who was the youngest of three sons. He was also a father of four. Michael’s parents are Scherry Smith Riggins and the late Eddie Smith who died when Michael was a teenager. Michael would last be seen on June 7, 2022 at 10:15 a.m. He had just lost his job at the Whole Hog Cafe on Cantrell Rd. After leaving his job, he had visited his mother at her banking job on Rebsamen Park Road to tell her. Michael was close to his mother and kept in regular contact with her. No one has seen Michael since.
Scherry had described her son as a good son. Michael and his dad Eddie were both huge NBA fans and share a love for basketball. Eddie had worked with his son on improving his game so that he could possibly play professional basketball in the future. Michael spent much of his youth playing in high school and junior college.
Unfortunately, Michael would give up on his dream of playing professional basketball and leave college without earning a degree. His mother said he would just take a series of different jobs and focus more on financially supporting his kids and looking out for his mother. Michael’s case is controversial. According to his mother, law enforcement claims Michael was last seen riding on a bicycle and then possibly committing suicide by jumping into a river. There were witnesses who saw an unidentified man jumping into a local river.
Scherry has said she has been told by law enforcement they believe Michael has committed suicide. Sherry disputes this. She said she has seen a blown-up photo of the man on the bike. She said he was a darker-skinned man and wasn’t her son as police claim. She also said there is no confirmation that the man who allegedly jumped into the river was her son. Another source of contention between law enforcement and Michael’s family is that a neighbor told Michael’s family that she saw Michael checking his mailbox sometime between 4:20 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. on the day he disappeared. Scherry has said law enforcement has never spoken to this neighbor.
I asked Scherry if Michael had any enemies. She said that he was concerned for his life. He told his mother that if anything ever happened to him then law enforcement needed to look at someone he named. Scherry has given this name to law enforcement and doesn’t believe they have considered this person as a suspect in Michael’s disappearance. Today, Scherry and her son Cedric spend many hours looking in abandoned houses and speaking to people trying to figure out what happened to Michael.
Have you seen Michael Smith? He is described as being 5’10” and weighing around 130 lbs. His family is searching for him and believe he is deceased. They want to locate him so he can receive a proper burial and they can stop searching for him. If you know anything about Michael’s disappearance, please contact Little Rock Police Department at (501) 371-4605. There is also a reward for any information leading to Michael’s whereabouts.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. -
This week's story is the conclusion of a two-part story involving a 29-year-old Utah man named Cornelis “Casey” Bokslag, who was born in the city of Tilburg in the Netherlands and immigrated to America in 2001 with his family. Casey’s parents are Robert and Els Schuts Bokslag. Casey was also the oldest of three children. In 2007, the family settled in Sandy, Utah.
For this story, I will refer to Cornelis as Casey, which was his nickname. Casey would adapt to American culture and the English language after arriving in the country. On June 6, 2022, he was last seen at a Wells Fargo ATM in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Casey enjoyed being outdoors and was a frequent skier. His father Robert said Casey was an active and adventurous young man who decided to find adventure in the United States Marine Corps. After he left the Marines with an honorable discharge, Casey secured a job as a ranger working at the Watershed for Salt Lake City Public Utilities. It was the agency in charge of providing drinking water. Robert last saw his son on Saturday, June 4, 2022, and everything seemed normal. He had visited his parents and had dinner with them. Robert said the visit seemed normal.
On June 5, Robert said Casey was playing an online game with one of his younger brothers. He told his brother he had to go because his rice was done. Casey also bought a gun that same day. His father didn’t seem concerned because Casey enjoyed shooting. Besides, he was a Marine Corps veteran trained in firing weapons.
According to Robert, Casey was captured on a security before noon on Monday June 6th. He left his apartment alone in South Salt Lake. He had his backpack on and was likely headed to his job for his online training scheduled for noon.
He was also seen withdrawing $100 from a Wells Fargo ATM in Salt City which was near his job. He never made it to work. After leaving the ATM machine, he has never been seen again. Robert says law enforcement checked Casey’s cell phone records. And according to phone records, his phone was last active in the area of the ATM machine.
On June 8th, Casey's boss became concerned when he didn’t show up for work. His boss contacted Robert to share his concerns. It definitely wasn’t like Casey to not show up for work. He was reliable and would never not show up for work without a good reason. After launching a massive search, law enforcement found no trace of Casey. He’s been missing for just over a year. His family is desperately trying to find him.
Casey is 6’2” tall, weighs 140 lbs., has blond hair and gray eyes, with a goatee. He typically wears long green Wrangler cargo pants, a T-shirt, military boots or sneakers, and a cap. Anyone with information about Casey’s whereabouts is asked to contact the South Salt Lake Police Department at (801) 940-6179 or contact Valley Emergency Communication’s Center at (801) 840-4000 and reference case number LK2022-18693.
Additionally, the family has set up a website and Facebook page dedicated to finding Casey. The website is titled Casey Missing (https://caseymissing.bokslag-usa.com/). And the FB is titled Cornelis “Casey” Bokslag Missing. There is also a $50,000 reward for anyone who can provide useful information leading to finding Casey.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. -
This week’s story involves a 29-year-old Utah man named Cornelis “Casey” Bokslag, who was born in the city of Tilburg in the Netherlands and immigrated to America in 2001 with his family. Casey’s parents are Robert and Els Schuts Bokslag. Casey was also the oldest of three children. In 2007, the family settled in Sandy, Utah.
For this story, I will refer to Cornelis as Casey, which was his nickname. Casey would adapt to American culture and the English language after arriving in the country. On June 6, 2022, he was last seen at a Wells Fargo ATM in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Casey enjoyed being outdoors and was a frequent skier. His father Robert said Casey was an active and adventurous young man who decided to find adventure in the United States Marine Corps. After he left the Marines with an honorable discharge, Casey secured a job as a ranger working at the Watershed for Salt Lake City Public Utilities. It was the agency in charge of providing drinking water. Robert last saw his son on Saturday, June 4, 2022, and everything seemed normal. He had visited his parents and had dinner with them. Robert said the visit seemed normal.
On June 5, Robert said Casey was playing an online game with one of his younger brothers. He told his brother he had to go because his rice was done. Casey also bought a gun that same day. His father didn’t seem concerned because Casey enjoyed shooting. Besides, he was a Marine Corps veteran trained in firing weapons.
According to Robert, Casey was captured on a security before noon on Monday June 6th. He left his apartment alone in South Salt Lake. He had his backpack on and was likely headed to his job for his online training scheduled for noon.
He was also seen withdrawing $100 from a Wells Fargo ATM in Salt City which was near his job. He never made it to work. After leaving the ATM machine, he has never been seen again. Robert says law enforcement checked Casey’s cell phone records. And according to phone records, his phone was last active in the area of the ATM machine.
On June 8th, Casey's boss became concerned when he didn’t show up for work. His boss contacted Robert to share his concerns. It definitely wasn’t like Casey to not show up for work. He was reliable and would never not show up for work without a good reason. After launching a massive search, law enforcement found no trace of Casey. He’s been missing for just over a year. His family is desperately trying to find him.
Casey is 6’2” tall, weighs 140 lbs., has blond hair and gray eyes, with a goatee. He typically wears long green Wrangler cargo pants, a T-shirt, military boots or sneakers, and a cap. Anyone with information about Casey’s whereabouts is asked to contact the South Salt Lake Police Department at (801) 940-6179 or contact Valley Emergency Communication’s Center at (801) 840-4000 and reference case number LK2022-18693.
Additionally, the family has set up a website and Facebook page dedicated to finding Casey. The website is titled Casey Missing (https://caseymissing.bokslag-usa.com/). And the FB is titled Cornelis “Casey” Bokslag Missing. There is also a $50,000 reward for anyone who can provide useful information leading to finding Casey. This is the first part of a two part episode. Be sure to listen to the conclusion next week.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. -
Theresa Lynn Morris was a Phenix City, Alabama mother of four who was found deceased behind a Piggly Wiggly in Ladonia, Alabama on April 28, 1994. There wasn’t much left of her. Her head was missing and it appeared the remains were likely scattered by animals. She had been missing since April 2nd before she was found deceased. She was only 21 years old when she died, but her entire life had been troubled. According to her daughter Danica Hovey, she had her first child at 15 and was sexually abused as child.
Theresa was born in California on October 18th, 1972. Her mother parents were Diane Pulaski and William Morris. Theresa was the middle child of three. She has an older brother named Kenneth and a younger sister named Melissa who recently passed away.
Unfortunately, other than a tiny newspaper article in an Alabama newspaper article there is no information about Theresa. Theresa’s story deserves to receive as much media coverage as anyone else’s. And since her case has been mostly forgotten, it reduces the chances her killer will ever be arrested.
Theresa was the mother of four children who lost their mother when they were young. So, none of them have any memories of spending Mother’s Day with her or even celebrating birthdays, holidays or even sitting around the family dinner table having a nice dinner together. Unfortunately, someone took her life and has denied her children of creating any memories with her.
For Theresa’s story, I spoke to her daughter Danica Hovey. This is the conclusion of a two-part story. If you have any information about this unsolved homicide, please contact the Russell County Sheriff’s department in Phenix City, Alabama at 334-298-6535.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. -
Theresa Lynn Morris was a Phenix City, Alabama mother of four who was found deceased behind a Piggly Wiggly in Ladonia, Alabama on April 28, 1994. There wasn’t much left of her. Her head was missing and it appeared the remains were likely scattered by animals. She had been missing since April 2nd before she was found deceased. She was only 21 years old when she died, but her entire life had been troubled. According to her daughter Danica Hovey, she had her first child at 15 and was sexually abused as child.
Theresa was born in California on October 18th, 1972. Her mother parents were Diane Pulaski and William Morris. Theresa was the middle child of three. She has an older brother named Kenneth and a younger sister named Melissa who recently passed away.
Unfortunately, other than a tiny newspaper article in an Alabama newspaper article there is no information about Theresa. Theresa’s story deserves to receive as much media coverage as anyone else’s. And since her case has been mostly forgotten, it reduces the chances her killer will ever be arrested.
Theresa was the mother of four children who lost their mother when they were young. So, none of them have any memories of spending Mother’s Day with her or even celebrating birthdays, holidays or even sitting around the family dinner table having a nice dinner together. Unfortunately, someone took her life and has denied her children of creating any memories with her.
For Theresa’s story, I spoke to her daughter Danica Hovey. This is the first half of a two-part story. Please be sure to listen to the conclusion next week. If you have any information about this unsolved homicide, please contact the Russell County Sheriff’s department in Phenix City, Alabama at 334-298-6535.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. -
Montana Lopez was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 6, 1998. He was a Freshman at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Although Montana grew up in foster care, he didn’t let that stop him from pursuing his dream of earning his college degree and finding a career. He was also especially close to his 3 siblings. He had a twin sister named Juanita, a brother named Nick and his oldest sister Santeanna. Although the siblings didn’t all live together under one roof, they tried to keep in touch with each other.
Friends and family who knew Montana described him as a kind and considerate young man. He was athletic and loved going to the gym and listening to music. He had made a lot of friends while in college and had lived in a nice home with roommates just outside the Ball State campus.
On Friday June 18, 2021, Montana hosted a party at his home located at the 1300 block of West Abbott Street in Muncie. The party got loud and police were called to the scene. Montana was told to keep the noise down. Law enforcement left the home without making any arrests or shutting down the party. This wouldn’t be the last time law enforcement would visit. They would return to the residence on June 19, 2021, just after 2 a.m.
Law enforcement had received a call that someone had been shot at the residence. Montana died after being shot in the neck. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A 15-year-old teenager would be taken into custody for being involved in the shooting. However, he has since been released and faced no punishment.
According to Montana’s sister Santeanna, several people at the party had taken photos and recorded video of the carnage. Several witnesses at the party told Santeanna that they saw the 15-year-old teenager shoot Montana to death. She has had conversations with law enforcement and asked why the 15-year-old boy isn’t in custody. She said law enforcement knows the teen shot her brother, but they haven’t charged him with the killing.
If you have any information about this unsolved homicide, please contact the Muncie Police Department's criminal investigation division at 765-747-4867; Muncie Crime Stoppers at 765-286-4050, or city police dispatchers at 765-747-4838. And if you would like to view Montana’s thoughts on foster care, please visit https://fostersuccess.org/montana-lopez-the-one-thing-they-cant-take-is-my-name/
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. -
Tiffany Whitton was born on January 30,1987 in Kennesaw, Georgia. As Tiffany got older, her life began to spiral out of control. She stole from her family and friends and became a habitual liar. Tiffany’s teenage years were a struggle. She became rebellious and quit high school during her sophomore year of high school.
Tiffany began heavily using drugs like OxyContin and worked at different waitress jobs. She also began shoplifting at Walmart regularly. In March of 2011, while living in Dalton, Georgia, Tiffany, was arrested and charged for a home invasion. Tiffany received a prison sentence in 2012. By this time, tension had grown so intense between Tiffany and her mother that Lisa had to practice tough love. She told Tiffany she was done with her daughter until she gave up drugs and her criminal activities. Lisa had hoped this would be the wakeup call Tiffany needed to overcome her troubles and become a responsible mother.
After Tiffany’s release, she would meet and begin dating a single father named Ashley “Red” Caudle. The couple began using crystal meth and other drugs. Friends of the couple described the relationship as toxic and troubled. The two fought regularly.
On September 12, 2013, the couple went to a friend’s home to do drugs. After leaving the friend’s home around midnight, the two arrived at a Marietta, Georgia Walmart at 1 a.m. After an hour, loss prevention employees became suspicious of Tiffany and watched her closely on security cameras.
The couple went to pay for some items at 2 a.m. Although Caudle paid for his items, Tiffany had attempted to steal $20 worth of merchandise.
Loss prevention employees approached and attempted to apprehend Tiffany. One of the employees grabbed Tiffany’s bag. She slid her arm out of the bag, kicked off her flip flops and ran away.
The loss prevention employees didn’t attempt to pursue her. Security cameras captured Tiffany running away from the store. She has never been seen again. The entire incident was capture on video and can be seen online. Tiffany has never been seen again.
If know anything about this case, please contact the Marietta Police Anonymous Tip Line at 770-794-6990. And if you would like to know more about this case, you can also visit the Find Tiffany Whitton Facebook page.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. -
Tiffany Whitton was born on January 30,1987 in Kennesaw, Georgia. As Tiffany got older, her life began to spiral out of control. She stole from her family and friends and became a habitual liar. Tiffany’s teenage years were a struggle. She became rebellious and quit high school during her sophomore year of high school.
Tiffany began heavily using drugs like OxyContin and worked at different waitress jobs. She also began shoplifting at Walmart regularly. In March of 2011, while living in Dalton, Georgia, Tiffany, was arrested and charged for a home invasion. Tiffany received a prison sentence in 2012. By this time, tension had grown so intense between Tiffany and her mother that Lisa had to practice tough love. She told Tiffany she was done with her daughter until she gave up drugs and her criminal activities. Lisa had hoped this would be the wakeup call Tiffany needed to overcome her troubles and become a responsible mother.
After Tiffany’s release, she would meet and begin dating a single father named Ashley “Red” Caudle. The couple began using crystal meth and other drugs. Friends of the couple described the relationship as toxic and troubled. The two fought regularly.
On September 12, 2013, the couple went to a friend’s home to do drugs. After leaving the friend’s home around midnight, the two arrived at a Marietta, Georgia Walmart at 1 a.m. After an hour, loss prevention employees became suspicious of Tiffany and watched her closely on security cameras.
The couple went to pay for some items at 2 a.m. Although Caudle paid for his items, Tiffany had attempted to steal $20 worth of merchandise.
Loss prevention employees approached and attempted to apprehend Tiffany. One of the employees grabbed Tiffany’s bag. She slid her arm out of the bag, kicked off her flip flops and ran away.
The loss prevention employees didn’t attempt to pursue her. Security cameras captured Tiffany running away from the store. She has never been seen again. The entire incident was capture on video and can be seen online. Tiffany has never been seen again.
If know anything about this case, please contact the Marietta Police Anonymous Tip Line at 770-794-6990. And if you would like to know more about this case, you can also visit the Find Tiffany Whitton Facebook page.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. -
Trevor Michael Nichols was a young man from Tremont City, Ohio who was 24 when he vanished in 2017. He had come from a military family and wanted to follow in his other family members footsteps and join the U.S. Army after high school. Before he disappeared, Trevor got married and had a son who he loved dearly. Unfortunately, his marriage wouldn’t last. His mother Erin said her daughter in law had a difficult time adjusting to being a soldier’s wife and handling Trevor’s deployments. He was a cook in the Army and served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
His mother told said Trevor had a passion for cooking and could cook a great meal with just a few ingredients. He also enjoyed going for long walks, which is something he had always done.
She also said he loved his son more than anything else and was bothered that he would be moving farther away from his son once he transferred to Fort Riley. But his mother said he welcomed the challenge of having a fresh start in a new location.
Unfortunately, Trevor would never make it to his new duty station in Fort Riley, Kansas. Erin has said she last spoke to her son on November 14, 2017. However, it’s unknown when he was actually last seen. The last person to be seen with Trevor was supposedly a friend who was also in the Army.
The friend said he dropped Trevor off at an Amtrak station in Syracuse, NY. Erin believes the date to be November 17, 2017. However, she doesn’t know if her son ever made it to the train station because there is no proof. Only the word of Trevor’s friend. Erin also said that Trevor left behind his driver’s license, U.S. Military Identification Card and his cell phone. If he was leaving town, why would he not take his phone and identification information?
What really happened to Trevor Nichols? He’s been missing for over five years. No one has seen or heard from him.
His family is heartbroken over Trevor’s disappearance and will continue in their search for him. Someone out there knows what happened to him. Do you know what happened to Trevor? Are you the person with the key to solving this stranger mystery? If know anything about this case, please contact the Tremont City Police Department in Ohio at 937-328-2560.
And if you would like to know more about this case, you can also visit the Missing: Trevor Nichols Facebook page.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. -
(Part 2 of 2) Erik Stirling Cross was born on September 25 of 1966. Erik lived in Vicksburg, Michigan which is in Kalamazoo County with his parents and his younger sister Jackie Mitchell. According to Jackie, Eric was a great big brother. The two shared a love of music and both loved Led Zeppelin. Eric loved to hunt, fish and spend his time outdoors as many teenagers did in the 1980s. Jackie said her and Erik had a great childhood. They were loved by their parents and had a strong family unit. But life would change after Erik was viciously murdered in 1983.
On the June 25, 1983, Erik had plans to stay over with his friend Bill Cook. Erik’s dad planned on picking up the boys the next day and spending the Sunday at a boat show. It was something Erik looked forward to. However, unknown to Erik’s family, he was planning on attending a graduation party on that evening. There would also be alcohol at the party. Erik and Bill would both make it to the party. And the events at this party would lead to Erik’s brutal killing.
However, instead of staying overnight with Bill, Eric would become intoxicated and walking home alone. According to Erik’s sister, Erik didn’t stay with his friend Bill because he decided to spend time with his girlfriend and other people who would be involved in Erik’s death. Erik’s sister said that her brother’s friend abandoned him and left him alone.
Erik had left the party and was inebriated. Sometime before 2 a.m. Erik was seen walking past a gas station. There were also two carloads of teenagers from the party seen near Erik. Early that Sunday morning, Erik’s father went outside to get the newspaper. He would be shocked by what he found. Erik’s lifeless body was in the driveway.
He must have been confused. Why would Erik be dead in the driveway when he was supposed to be with his friend Bill waiting on a ride to the boat show?
According to Jackie Mitchell, everyone in town knew who killed her brother. She said it was no secret. She said that in late 2017, law enforcement issued a request to arrest five people and charge them with killing Erik. The five people named as being responsible for killing Erik are Amber Thomas Macik (Hull), Bill Cook, Tim Martin, Brian Spaulding Sr. and Brent Spaulding. Although law enforcement was prepared to arrest the five, they would receive some devastating news. The prosecutor’s office has since refused to prosecute the alleged killers. This is the conclusion of a 2-part story.
If you have listened to this story and would like to assist law enforcement or Jackie Mitchell, get justice for Erik, please contact the Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100, or the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office at (269) 383-8748. All information submitted will remain confidential. And if you would like to know more about this case, you can also visit the Justice for Erik Stirling Cross Facebook page.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. -
(Part 1 of 2) Erik Stirling Cross was born on September 25 of 1966. Erik lived in Vicksburg, Michigan which is in Kalamazoo County with his parents and his younger sister Jackie Mitchell. According to Jackie, Eric was a great big brother. The two shared a love of music and both loved Led Zeppelin. Eric loved to hunt, fish and spend his time outdoors as many teenagers did in the 1980s. Jackie said her and Erik had a great childhood. They were loved by their parents and had a strong family unit. But life would change after Erik was viciously murdered in 1983.
On the June 25, 1983, Erik had plans to stay over with his friend Bill Cook. Erik’s dad planned on picking up the boys the next day and spending the Sunday at a boat show. It was something Erik looked forward to. However, unknown to Erik’s family, he was planning on attending a graduation party on that evening. There would also be alcohol at the party. Erik and Bill would both make it to the party. And the events at this party would lead to Erik’s brutal killing.
However, instead of staying overnight with Bill, Eric would become intoxicated and walking home alone. According to Erik’s sister, Erik didn’t stay with his friend Bill because he decided to spend time with his girlfriend and other people who would be involved in Erik’s death. Erik’s sister said that her brother’s friend abandoned him and left him alone.
Erik had left the party and was inebriated. Sometime before 2 a.m. Erik was seen walking past a gas station. There were also two carloads of teenagers from the party seen near Erik. Early that Sunday morning, Erik’s father went outside to get the newspaper. He would be shocked by what he found. Erik’s lifeless body was in the driveway.
He must have been confused. Why would Erik be dead in the driveway when he was supposed to be with his friend Bill waiting on a ride to the boat show?
According to Jackie Mitchell, everyone in town knew who killed her brother. She said it was no secret. She said that in late 2017, law enforcement issued a request to arrest five people and charge them with killing Erik. The five people named as being responsible for killing Erik are Amber Thomas Macik (Hull), Bill Cook, Tim Martin, Brian Spaulding Sr. and Brent Spaulding. Although law enforcement was prepared to arrest the five, they would receive some devastating news. The prosecutor’s office has since refused to prosecute the alleged killers. This is the first part of a 2-part story.
If you have listened to this story and would like to assist law enforcement or Jackie Mitchell, get justice for Erik, please contact the Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100, or the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office at (269) 383-8748. All information submitted will remain confidential. And if you would like to know more about this case, you can also visit the Justice for Erik Stirling Cross Facebook page.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. -
Angie Mantlo had a close relationship with Tyler Howell, 21, who was her oldest son. Tyler and his family lived in Milton, Florida. Angie said Tyler was a young man who had maintained many of his childhood friendships and he never got out of his terrible twos. She described him as rambunctious and goofy, but he had a heart of gold.
According to media reports, Tyler’s death unfolded on October 21, 2018. Tyler and his cousin went to local gas station for cigarettes late that Sunday night. They climbed into his cousin’s blue Chevy Cruz. After buying cigarettes, Tyler and his cousin returned home from the store. On their way back from the gas station the cousins were followed to Tyler’s John Hamm Road residence by several Black males driving in Silver Kia Optima.
Tyler then exited his cousin’s car and got into the Kia with the men. Afterward, one of the men left the Kia and pointed a gun at Tyler’s cousin and ordered her to get out of the car. After she left her vehicle, the unknown man drove away with her car as the Kia also drove off with Tyler inside.
Moments later, Tyler was shot to death and left alongside the road. The Kia and the Blue Chevy Cruz have both been recovered.
The Kia is owned by a man named Keyairis Hawkins, who is currently incarcerated on unrelated charges. The Chevy Cruz has also been traced to a shooting in Pensacola.
Tyler’s mother thinks it’s possible her son knew one of his killers. She thinks it’s a possibility that he may have tried to sell marijuana to the men but she doesn’t know for sure. Today, all the family has left of Tyler are his memories and a roadside memorial in his honor. Tyler was laid to rest at Hickory Hammock Church Cemetery.
For this story, I spoke to Angie Mantlo, who is Tyler’s mother. She told me the grief she feels is unbearable and the holidays and birthdays are the worst. I had read that Angie visited her son’s grave daily just to speak to him. I asked her if that was true. She said it was true and that she also drives past the site of Tyler’s homicide regularly. The Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office is hopeful they are able to uncover DNA that could lead to Tyler’s killer.
Angie Mantlo has said she hope that someone will step up and do what’s right for Tyler and break their code of silence. She knows there are several people out there who have the answers the family need to see justice for Tyler. If you have any information about this case, please contact the Santa Rosa County Crime Stoppers number at 850-437-STOP.
Please also visit my website for more information about my true crime and paranormal newspaper columns at www.themarcabe.com. You can also help support my podcast by purchasing a cup of $5 coffee every month. To help support the podcast, please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/catchmykiller. If you would like to contact me about this podcast, please visit my websites www.catchmykiller.com or www.themarcabe.com where you can submit a case. - Montre plus
