In this episode of Murder in the Black, host Steph delves into the tragic case of Kelly Jean Harris, who disappeared in 1984. The episode explores Kelly's vibrant life, the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, and the subsequent investigation that revealed troubling details about her stepfather, Leonard Hugo. As the narrative unfolds, listeners are confronted with the harsh realities of child abduction, the psychological effects on victims, and the importance of community vigilance in protecting children. The episode concludes with reflections on Kelly's legacy and a call to action for greater awareness and advocacy for child safety.

Takeaways

Kelly Jean Harris was a vibrant girl with a promising future.

Her disappearance on August 11, 1984, remains a haunting mystery.

Initial investigations suggested she may have run away.

Leonard Hugo's troubling past raised suspicions during the investigation.

The psychological effects of kidnapping on children are profound and lasting.

Community awareness is crucial in preventing child abduction.

Victims of kidnapping often face long-term trauma and challenges.

The importance of believing and supporting children in distress cannot be overstated.

Kelly's story highlights the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable youth.

We must continue to tell these stories to honor victims and advocate for change.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Season Eight

01:29 Introducing Kelly Jean Harris

04:10 The Day of Disappearance

07:18 Initial Investigations and Suspicions

10:57 The Troubling Past of Leonard Hugo

18:02 The Confession and Aftermath

19:48 Reflections on Kelly's Life and Legacy

20:37 Takeaways and Community Responsibility

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Source Materials:

"Kelly Harris, 13: Missing Girl's Stepfather Confesses To 1984 Murder 22 Years Later." Our Black Girls, 27 Mar. 2022. www.ourblackgirls.com/2022/03/27/kelly-harris-murder-missing/.

Perez, Mabel. "Killer Agrees to Lead Police to Body." Ocala Star-Banner, 9 Oct. 2007. www.gainesville.com/story/news/2007/10/09/killer-agrees-to-lead-police-to-body/31538998007/.

"Full text of 'Escanaba Daily Press (1969-11-20)'." Internet Archive, 23 Oct. 2016. archive.org/stream/escanaba-daily-press-1969-11-20/escanaba-daily-press-1969-11-20_djvu.txt.

"Remembering Kelly Jean: Woman's 13-Year-Old Daughter Was Killed 25 Years Ago Today in Jackson." MLive, 11 Aug. 2009. www.mlive.com/news/jackson/2009/08/remembering_kelly_jean_womans.html.

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Resources for help for children:

1.National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)

Hotline: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) – A national hotline for reporting missing children.

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This episode explores the poignant life and untimely demise of Yolanda Lala Brown, a gifted singer hailing from Milwaukee, who harbored dreams of stardom in the competitive music industry. Lala's journey commenced with an earnest passion for music, which she nurtured from a young age, demonstrating exceptional talent and dedication. With aspirations of reaching a wider audience, she eventually relocated to Atlanta, where she had the fortune of crossing paths with renowned artist Life Jennings. Their meeting marked a significant turning point in her career, showcasing her steadfast determination and resilience as she sought to establish herself in a field rife with challenges.

​Tragically, Lala's inspiring journey came to an abrupt end when she was discovered murdered alongside her partner, Kool-Aid.​ Their brutal killings not only shocked friends and family but also sent ripples of sorrow throughout the music community that had begun to take notice of her talent. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain cloaked in mystery, as the investigation has yet to provide any conclusive answers or bring closure to their loved ones. With every unanswered question, the narrative of her life serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of dreams and the harsh realities faced by many aspiring artists.

The legacy of Yolanda Lala Brown is ultimately one marked by unfulfilled potential and the haunting question of "what could have been." Her story resonates as a testament to the struggles and aspirations of countless individuals seeking to carve out a niche in the arts, yet it is also a call to action for more attention to be paid to the unresolved cases of violence that affect artists and communities. As this episode delves deeper into her life, it invites listeners to reflect on the true cost of ambition amidst a backdrop of tragedy and loss.

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IG:@MURDERINTHEBLACK

FACEBOOK:MURDER IN THE BLACK THE PODCAST

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Yolanda Lala Brown

03:30 Yolanda's Early Life and Musical Aspirations

06:25 The Move to Atlanta and Meeting Life Jennings

09:21 Life Jennings and the Apollo Theater

12:41 Lala's Rise in the Music Industry

15:29 The Tragic Turn: Lala's Murder

22:34 Unsolved Mystery and Legacy of Lala Brown

32:44 New Chapter

32:49 trueCrime-outro-high-long.wav

This episode delves into the tragic case of Tamela Horsford, a suburban mother who died under mysterious circumstances after attending a party. The hosts discuss the community dynamics, the events leading up to her death, the investigation that followed, and the various theories surrounding her demise. They emphasize the importance of community awareness and the need for thorough investigations in cases of suspicious deaths.

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Source Material :Tamla Horsford's Family Releases Full Independent Autopsy Report (11Alive, May 13, 2022)

Death of Tamla Horsford - Wikipedia (Wikipedia, June 19, 2020):

New Docs Detail Cops' Bungling Response in Tamla Horsford Death (Rolling Stone, September 29, 2021)

Inside the Case File of the Tamla Horsford Death Investigation (11Alive, February 22, 2019)