In our final episode of the season, we continue the story of Calvin Willie Martinez. Mothers Day 2019 was the last time Calvin Willie Martinez’s family heard from him. After suffering an immense loss in 2014, Calvin had struggled with depression and alcohol dependence. But he always stayed in contact with his loved ones—so when he called them from a truck stop in Albuquerque, NM, and promised he was heading home, they believed him. But Calvin never arrived. Ever since, his sister Becky Martinez ...
Sep 18, 2024•44 min•Season 19Ep. 6
Mothers Day 2019 was the last time Calvin Willie Martinez’s family heard from him. After suffering an immense loss in 2014, Calvin had struggled with depression and alcohol dependence. But he always stayed in contact with his loved ones—so when he called them from a truck stop in Albuquerque, NM, and promised he was heading home, they believed him. But Calvin never arrived. Ever since, his sister Becky Martinez has been advocating for her brother. And as she discovered in late 2023, that persist...
Sep 11, 2024•43 min•Season 19Ep. 5
Listen to Generation Why on the Wondery app, or wherever you listen: Wondery.fm/GW_TFL
Sep 09, 2024•5 min
We continue our coverage of the disappearance of Melissa Ann Montoya. On St. Patrick’s Day 2001, 42-year-old Melissa Montoya joined her loved ones at the Apache House of Liquor in Dulce, New Mexico—a town located in the Jicarilla Apache Nation Reservation. It was the last time that her friends and family ever saw her. Since then, lawyer and advocate Darlene Gomez has been fighting alongside her family for justice for Melissa--and for resolution in her case. Season 19 focuses on New Mexico and on...
Sep 04, 2024•41 min•Season 19Ep. 4
On St. Patrick’s Day 2001, 42-year-old Melissa Ann Montoya joined her loved ones at the Apache House of Liquor in Dulce, New Mexico—a town located in the Jicarilla Apache Nation Reservation. It was the last time that her friends and family ever saw her. Since then, lawyer and advocate Darlene Gomez has been fighting alongside her family for justice for Melissa--and for resolution in her case. Season 19 focuses on New Mexico and on the cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons/Missing/ Mis...
Aug 28, 2024•35 min•Season 19Ep. 3
Part two of our coverage of the unsolved murder of Zachariah Juwaun Shorty. Zach, a 23-year-old beloved father, son, and brother was murdered on July 21st, 2020. His body was discovered on July 25th, in a remote field on the Navajo Nation reservation. His mother, Vangie Randall Shorty, had been desperately searching the area for him for those four, long days—and she’s been demanding answers ever since. Season 19 focuses on New Mexico and on the cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons/Mi...
Aug 21, 2024•52 min•Season 19Ep. 2
Laurah was recovering from an illness during the recording of this episode. Zachariach Juwaun Shorty, a 23-year-old beloved father, son, and brother was murdered on July 21st, 2020. His body was discovered on July 25th, in a remote field on the Navajo Nation reservation. His mother, Vangie Randall Shorty, had been desperately searching the area for him for those four, long days—and she’s been demanding answers ever since. Season 19 focuses on New Mexico and on the cases of Missing and Murdered I...
Aug 14, 2024•45 min•Season 19Ep. 1
Two years ago, Eric Carter-Landin joined us to talk about the cold case of his baby brother Jacob, his hopes for progress in Jacob’s case, and his work on behalf of other families in New Mexico. Now, in advance of our New Mexico season, we speak again to bring you major updates in Eric’s fight for Justice for Jacob. We also cover Eric’s new nonprofit, Angels’ Voices Silenced No More, and the conference he’s co-founded and planned for 2025, AdvocacyCon. Follow The Youth Development Center on Appl...
Jul 10, 2024•39 min
A re-release of our April 2022 episode featuring Eric Carter-Landin to refresh listeners before our midseason episode—which premieres tomorrow, July 10th—to provide updates in the case. Eric Carter-Landin didn’t set out to be an advocate; but as the family member of a murder victim whose case was closed, he watched other disturbing cases unfold in his home state of New Mexico, and he felt called to do something about it: to help families, to shine a light on the failings in the system, and, even...
Jul 09, 2024•55 min
In October of 1988, the remains of a homicide victim were found in a rural area of Grays Harbor County, just outside Elma, Washington. A dedicated detective worked her case for years—first in his role with the sheriff's office, and then as coroner. Even now, in his retirement, he’s followed the case. Despite thousands of hours of investigation, her identity remained elusive; but then, in 2018, forensic investigative genetic genealogy became a possibility, and The DNA Doe Project took on the case...
Jun 12, 2024•54 min•Season 18Ep. 6
For almost thirty years, Susan Minard Lund’s children believed she’d run away and abandoned them; after she disappeared on Christmas Eve of 1992 in Clarksville TN, a search was launched, but late the next year, her missing-persons report was closed. That’s because a woman in Alabama claimed to be Sue, and authorities accepted the claim. Her siblings and parents never believed it, though, and they were proven right. Her story, and the story of Ina Jane Doe, are the throughline of Laurah Norton’s ...
Jun 05, 2024•50 min•Season 18Ep. 5
The second episode in our coverage of the case of Lisa Lewis: in January of 1999, 27-year-old college senior and expectant mother Velecia “Lisa” Lewis was living in a South Memphis apartment with her mother, Bea; she was looking forward to spring because she’d be graduating, and her daughter was due to be born. But just after New Year’s, Lisa’s mother arrived home from work and discovered Lisa had been murdered. And now, Lisa’s cousin—who worked in law enforcement departments for years—is trying...
May 29, 2024•39 min•Season 18Ep. 4
In January of 1999, 27-year-old college senior and expectant mother Velecia “Lisa” Lewis was living in a South Memphis apartment with her mother, Bea; she was looking forward to spring because she’d be graduating, and her daughter was due to be born. But just after New Year's, Lisa’s mother arrived home from work and discovered Lisa had been murdered. And now, Lisa’s cousin—who worked in law enforcement departments for years—is trying to solve her cold homicide case. Season 18 covers four unsolv...
May 22, 2024•38 min•Season 18Ep. 3
Our second episode of two covering the unsolved death of Iman Cannon: on May 13th, 2008, the body of 21-year-old Tennessee native Iman Cannon was discovered behind the Atlanta business complex that housed Club Crucial, a night spot founded by rapper TI. Iman, an aspiring rapper, had moved to Georgia for a fresh start. But less than a year after his relocation, he was murdered by unknown assailants, and his mother Sheila, still has no answers. Season 18 covers four unsolved homicides in four stat...
May 15, 2024•40 min•Season 18Ep. 2
On May 13th, 2008, the body of 21-year-old Tennessee native Iman Cannon was discovered behind the Atlanta business complex that housed Club Crucial, a night spot founded by rapper TI. Iman, an aspiring rapper, had moved to Georgia for a fresh start. But less than a year after his relocation, he was murdered by unknown assailants, and his mother Sheila, still has no answers. Season 18 covers four unsolved homicides in four states and across three decades: all are in need of local and national att...
May 08, 2024•42 min•Season 18Ep. 1
In 2021, we brought you a then little-known story: the unsolved case of Leon Laureles, a beloved brother and uncle who was murdered on the side of a rural Texas highway. Since then, his case has become a focus for cold-case advocates—especially his own niece, Arlene. At every turn, Arlene has been frustrated in her search for answers, but that hasn’t stopped her. And in the past year, surprising new information has come to light. Download Two Dots now for free on Android and iOS! JUSTICE FOR LEO...
Apr 10, 2024•41 min
In our season finale, we speak with advocates from Light the Way about their work on cases of missing persons like Patty Otto, Maura Murray, Theresa Corley, and many more, plus discuss best ways to help with the cases you care about—and the possible pitfalls of advocacy. Season 17, Missing Mothers, covers the stories of two daughters, their missing mothers, and cases—and people—who have intersected with their searches. Head to factormeals.com/fall50 and use code fall50 to get 50% off! Follow Lig...
Mar 13, 2024•54 min•Season 17Ep. 6
Our final episode exploring Patricia Otto’s 1976 disappearance, local law enforcement’s suspicions regarding her husband, and the possible intersection with another case: a Jane Doe homicide victim discovered just two hours away. Season 17, Missing Mothers, covers the stories of two daughters, their missing mothers, and cases—and people—who have intersected with their searches. Go to DailyHarvest.com/FALL to get up to $30 off your first box + free shipping, for a limited time only. Follow Light ...
Mar 06, 2024•52 min•Season 17Ep. 5
We continue our coverage of Patricia Otto’s 1976 disappearance, local law enforcement’s suspicions regarding her husband, and the possible intersection with another case: a Jane Doe homicide victim discovered just two hours away. Season 17, Missing Mothers, covers the stories of two daughters, their missing mothers, and cases—and people—who have intersected with their searches. Go to DailyHarvest.com/FALL to get up to $30 off your first box + free shipping, for a limited time only. Head to facto...
Feb 28, 2024•53 min•Season 17Ep. 4
After her mother’s mysterious, late-night disappearance one August night in 1976, an Idaho-born woman must unpack her early childhood memories, local law enforcement’s suspicions regarding her own father, and the possible intersection with another case: a Jane Doe homicide victim discovered just two hours away. Season 17, Missing Mothers, covers the stories of two daughters, their missing mothers, and cases—and people—who have intersected with their searches. Go to DailyHarvest.com/FALL to get u...
Feb 21, 2024•38 min•Season 17Ep. 3
The second in a two-part series covering one daughter’s search for her mother, how she became an advocate for missing persons in unhoused communities, and the intertwined stories of their childhoods; with all she knows about her mother, Cloudia Leslie Wells, Robin believes that she could truly be anywhere. After all—she’s gotten proof once. Season 17, Missing Mothers, covers the stories of two daughters, their missing mothers, and cases—and people—who have intersected with their searches. Head t...
Feb 14, 2024•36 min•Season 17Ep. 2
The first in a two-part series covering one daughter’s search for her mother, how she became an advocate for missing persons in unhoused communities, and the intertwined stories of their childhoods; with all she knows about her mother, Cloudia Leslie Wells, Robin believes that she could truly be anywhere. After all—she’s gotten proof once. Season 17, Missing Mothers, covers the stories of two daughters, their missing mothers, and cases—and people—who have intersected with their searches. Go to D...
Feb 07, 2024•34 min•Season 17Ep. 1
Listeners: We're excited to share news about a new show that we think you'll love. Media Pressure Season One: The Untold Story of Maura Murray premieres on Monday, February 5th, 2024. Follow now in your favorite podcast player to be the first to hear new episodes: https://link.chtbl.com/RtW5rK0P For more information about the show and the case of Maura Murray, visit MediaPressure.com or MauraMurrayMissing.org ....
Jan 27, 2024•2 min
In our midseason episode, we update you on the case of Leona LeClair Kinsey, and feature new information from her daughter, Carolyn DeFord—who believes it is vital that these facts reach the widest audience possible. You’ll also meet several key players in our upcoming season, Missing Mothers, which begins February 7th. Go to DailyHarvest.com/FALL to get up to $65 off your first box + free shipping, for a limited time only. Our previous, three-part series with Carolyn: Part 1: https://directory....
Jan 10, 2024•34 min
Laurah is sick; apologies for hoarseness. The last five episodes have presented more than 20 cold cases in desperate need of resolution. For many, the only chance will come through FIGG—DNA testing and forensic investigative genetic genealogy. This episode, we move beyond our Nashville Does coverage to speak with Redgrave Research about how some of the most difficult cases are solved, and about their successful work resolving a case with Laurah—one tied to both Tennessee and Illinois. Flyers for...
Dec 13, 2023•41 min•Season 16Ep. 6
Laurah is sick; apologies for hoarseness. Episode 5 presents the most difficult cases in MNPD’s files: cases limited to a single element, or bone, dead-ended by clues that led nowhere, or, in the case of the River Road John Doe, where the decedent’s remains are no longer available—that’s why we need your help to try and match him with a missing person, based on the clues we have, and the ones we have uncovered. Season 16 of The Fall Line takes on our most in-depth John and Jane Doe coverage yet:...
Dec 06, 2023•43 min•Season 16Ep. 5
Laurah is sick; apologies for any hoarseness this episode. Episode Four covers the cases of four John and Jane Doe victims who, despite being discovered minutes or hours after death—and while still recognizable—have remained unidentified. In two of those cases, we reached out to forensic artist Carl Koppelman to try and help improve the chances of reconnecting the victims with their identities. Season 16 of The Fall Line takes on our most in-depth John and Jane Doe coverage yet: 22 files from MN...
Nov 29, 2023•39 min•Season 16Ep. 4
In Episode Three, we cover three of the rarest kinds of Doe cases: killers are known, but their victims remain unidentified. In episode three, two Jane Does are the victims of one killer—and another confession comes from the unlikeliest place-- a nursing home. Season 16 of The Fall Line takes on our most in-depth John and Jane Doe coverage yet: 22 files from MNPD’s cold-case unit, all covering the metro area’s unidentified decedents. More than ever, your help is needed to spread the word about e...
Nov 22, 2023•45 min•Season 16Ep. 3
Season 16 of The Fall Line takes on our most in-depth John and Jane Doe coverage yet: 22 files from MNPD’s cold-case unit, all covering the metro area’s unidentified decedents. More than ever, your help is needed to spread the word about each of the cases featured this season, and if you have any information—please, contact MNPD at 615-862-7803. Episode Two covers the cases of eight John Does, many of whom are believed to have been unhoused at the times of their deaths; at least two of these uni...
Nov 15, 2023•47 min•Season 16Ep. 2
Season 16 of The Fall Line takes on our most in-depth John and Jane Doe coverage yet: 22 files from MNPD’s cold-case unit, all covering the metro area’s unidentified decedents. More than ever, your help is needed to spread the word about each of the cases featured this season, and if you have any information—please, contact MNPD at 615-862-7803. Episode one covers the cases of two young Jane Does found at opposite ends of town, just a few years apart; what ties them together is that in each case...
Nov 08, 2023•39 min•Season 16Ep. 1
