Cold and Untold

Journalist and former TV news reporter and anchor Amanda Denise is the creator and host of Cold and Untold, a short-form true crime podcast delivering concise, easy-to-digest episodes that focus on the facts while honoring the lives of the victims. Each episode focuses on an unsolved case in North Carolina, with interviews from victims' family members and friends, law enforcement, and others with firsthand knowledge or research, along with details from requested documents and information made public by law enforcement.

Drawing on her experience as a news reporter, Amanda crafts each story as a compelling narrative while avoiding personal opinions. Her approach is informative, compassionate, and direct—designed to keep cold cases in the public eye, honor victims, and help families share their loved ones’ stories.

Please follow us on social media @coldanduntold

Last refreshed: April 24th, 2026 at 6:29 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

Episode Recap | Final Thoughts & Reflections

As we close out this season, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the stories that moved us, the voices that stayed with us, and the importance of keeping these cold cases alive. This final episode weaves together powerful sound bites from earlier in the season and leaves you with lasting thoughts as we look ahead to what’s next.Thank you all for listening to this podcast. Telling the Stories of Those Missing & The Trails Turned Cold in NC A sincere thank you to law enforcement, but most impo...

Jul 08, 2025•6 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Ep. 6: Greensboro Restaurant Owner Killed on Election Night | Mark Freedman

On the night America chose its next president, a beloved restaurant owner in Greensboro, NC was found in the parking lot of his own business with a fatal gunshot wound. Mark Freedman was known for his love of food, people, and community. He was murdered on Election Night 2020. Years later, his case remains unsolved, despite a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. In this episode, you'll hear from Mark's sister, Robin, who has remained a steady and determined advocat...

May 22, 2025•10 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Ep. 5: Laurinburg Woman Found Buried | Christy Russell

On October 26, 2010, Christy Lynn Russell was found buried under a mound of dirt in Laurinburg, NC. She was unhoused and battled substance use disorder but never failed to make contact with her family. In this episode, you'll hear from the law enforcement about the chilling discovery of Christy's body and from Christy’s sister, Holly, who despite giving up hope, knows Christy's story needs to be told! Any names mentioned in this episode, including those who may have been considered persons of in...

Mar 27, 2025•14 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Bonus Ep.: One of Raleigh’s Oldest Cold Cases | Beth-Ellen Vinson

In this bonus episode of the "Cold and Untold" podcast, we sit down with private investigator Matt Duff to discuss one of Raleigh, North Carolina’s oldest unsolved murder cases. In August 1994, a 17-year-old girl left her apartment to meet with an escort-service client. She was found murdered, and for decades, her family, friends, and the community are still searching for answers. Matt Duff brings his investigative expertise to this case, shedding light on the kind of person Beth-Ellen was and w...

Mar 16, 2025•1 hr 4 min

Ep. 4: Elizabeth City’s Dorm Room Murder | Sharon Jones

This year marks 41 years since the tragic death of 21-year-old Sharon Beatrice Jones, a college student with a promising future ahead. Sharon was preparing to graduate when her life was cut short. In this episode, Australian true crime writer Greg Fox shares his extensive research on the case, shedding light on the mystery that still remains unsolved. Join us as we revisit Sharon’s story. Sources referenced: The Virginian-Pilot: 6 March 1984 & The Daily Advance: 9 March 1984 Telling the Stor...

Feb 18, 2025•14 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Ep. 3: Brutal Winter Murder in Kinston | Cathy Dawson

In the early hours of a cold winter morning in Kinston, NC, a woman is found brutally murdered—stabbed multiple times in what authorities suspect was a targeted attack. Law enforcement is urging the community to come forward with any information that could help solve the case. Any names mentioned in this episode, including those who may have been considered persons of interest, have not been charged by law enforcement nor convicted in the court of law. Telling the Stories of Those Missing & ...

Jan 07, 2025•7 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Ep. 2: Greensboro Student Shot Off-Campus | Dennis Hayle

A college student is shot dead in the breezeway of his off campus apartment in Greensboro, NC. Despite tireless efforts, his family and detectives are still searching for answers. You’ll hear from his mother, Stephanie Hayle, his sister, Julie, and the cold case detective now assigned to the case. They all believe someone out there holds the key to solving his murder.Thank you all for listening to this podcast. Telling the Stories of Those Missing & The Trails Turned Cold in NC A sincere tha...

Nov 27, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Ep. 1: The Havelock Pawn Shop Murder | James Smith, IV & John Mattmiller

A double murder remains unsolved for nearly 27 years. Two men ending their shift at a pawn shop in Havelock, NC are found bludgeoned to death. Today, with the advancement in DNA technology, there’s hope this case will soon be solved. Michelle Pitman, the sister of James Smith and investigators hope so too. Telling the Stories of Those Missing & The Trails Turned Cold in NC A sincere thank you to law enforcement, but most importantly to the families who trust me to tell their loved one's stor...

Nov 13, 2024•10 min•Season 1Ep. 1

TRAILER - Welcome to the Cold & Untold Community

Welcome to Cold and Untold, the podcast that shines a light on cold cases in my home state, North Carolina. I’m your host, Amanda Denise. With your help, we can bring attention to these missing persons and unsolved murder cold cases. Telling the Stories of Those Missing & The Trails Turned Cold in NC A sincere thank you to law enforcement, but most importantly to the families who trust me to tell their loved one's story. Cold and Untold® is written and hosted by journalist, Amanda Denise, an...

Oct 14, 2024•3 min

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