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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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)

This episode explores the heartbreaking and intricate case of Brittany Lorrits, an 18-year-old young woman whose life was tragically cut short when she was discovered murdered in her own home in Salisbury, North Carolina. As investigators delved deeper into the circumstances surrounding her death, they unearthed complicated family dynamics and relationships that painted a broader picture of her life.

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National Sexual Assault Hotline

A 24/7 confidential hotline that offers support for those affected by sexual violence. It connects callers to trained staff who can provide assistance and information about local resources.

Contact Number: 800.656.HOPE (4673)

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Chapters

00:00 The Unusual Murder of Brittany Leritz

03:08 Investigating Brittany's Background and Family Dynamics

05:58 Unraveling Alibis and Suspects

08:21 The Role of Relationships and Past Trauma

11:12 The Shifting Focus on Reggie Weeks

13:40 Building the Case Against Reggie

16:49 The Arrest and Legal Proceedings

19:17 Reflections on the Case and Takeaways

29:43 trueCrime-intro-low-long.wav

In this episode of "Murder in the Black," hosts Steph and MD dive into the heartbreaking case of 10-year-old Breasia Terrell, who vanished under troubling circumstances after a sleepover. The discussion meticulously details the timeline of events leading up to her disappearance, beginning with the joyous moments shared during the sleepover and transitioning to the chilling realization that Breasia was missing. The narrative outlines the initial response by authorities, segregating the key milestones in the investigation that persisted over the following weeks.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Case Announcement

01:21 The Disappearance of Breasia Terrell

05:31 The Investigation Begins

10:41 DL's Testimony and New Evidence

16:16 Building the Case Against Henry

17:24 Discovery of Breasia's Remains

19:55 Trial and Verdict

28:32 Takeaways and Conclusion

31:35 trueCrime-outro-high-long.wav

In this episode of "Murder in the Black," the hosts take a deep dive into the unsettling case of Emma, infamously known as the 'Black Widow.' This gripping narrative centers around the mysterious deaths of her three husbands, particularly focusing on the lives and untimely demises of Ernest Smith and James Raines. Through meticulous storytelling, the episode reveals the intricate web of manipulation and betrayal that characterized Emma's relationships, painting a vivid picture of the dark side of love.

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Chapters

00:00 The Black Widow's Trap: An Introduction

06:11 Emma's Rise and Fall: A Tale of Manipulation

13:25 The Murders: A Pattern of Suspicion

21:08 The Aftermath: Justice and Reflection

23:22 trueCrime-outro-high-long.wav

​In this compelling episode of "Murder in the Black," the intricate and tragic story of Lita McClinton unfolds, spotlighting a prominent woman within Atlanta's Black elite who was murdered under enigmatic circumstances.​

The narrative examines Lita's life in depth, revealing her achievements and relationships, particularly focusing on her marriage. It also contextualizes her existence within the fabric of Atlanta's elite Black community, touching on significant organizations such as Jack and Jill of America, which fosters leadership skills among children from affluent Black families, as well as the critical role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in shaping societal dynamics. Additionally, it delves into the historical significance of the Divine Nine, a collective of nine prominent Black Greek-letter organizations, and their influence on social networks within this community.

The discussion further extends to the investigation into Lita’s death, outlining the challenges faced by law enforcement and the legal system as they navigated through a complex web of social interactions and community ties. The ensuing trial became a focal point not just for the justice sought in Lita's case, but also for broader conversations about accountability and systemic issues within society.

Through this examination, the episode poignantly highlights themes of love and loss, emphasizing the personal impact of Lita's murder on her family and friends. It also critically addresses the nuances of social status in the pursuit of justice, as the narrative makes evident the complexities surrounding race and privilege in America. Overall, it reveals the layers of societal challenges faced by those within the Black elite, prompting a deeper reflection on justice and the intricacies of identity and community.

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Chapters

00:00 The Shocking Murder of Lita McClinton

05:47 Exploring the Black Elite in Atlanta

10:30 The Complexities of Interracial Relationships

14:55 The Downfall of Lita and Jim Sullivan's Marriage

19:20 Lita's Struggles and Quest for Independence

23:39 The Divorce and Its Challenges

36:37 The Pivotal Day: Lita's Last Stand

38:26 Eavesdropping and Suspicions

41:47 The Investigation Begins

43:54 Murder-for-Hire Scheme Uncovered

47:21 The Search for Johnny Furr

54:47 Trial and Dismissal: A Shocking Turn

58:28 A New Lead After Years

01:03:29 The Final Trial and Justice Served

01:07:38 trueCrime-outro-high-long.wav

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OXYGEN EPISODE FEAT. MURDER IN THE BLACK

https://www.oxygen.com/a-plan-to-kill

EPISODE 3: TO HAVE AND TO KILL

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Sources:

The Deadly Delivery that Shook Atlanta (ABC News, 2024-10-25): This article details the circumstances surrounding Lita's murder and the subsequent investigation, highlighting the impact on her community.

Social Disgraces: The Murder of Lita McClinton (Atlanta Magazine, 2004-10-01): This feature examines the societal implications of her murder, racial dynamics, and the character of her husband, Jim Sullivan.

Race, Power, and Privilege (GPB Blog, 2024-08-27): This blog details the background and societal context surrounding Lita's murder, emphasizing the intersection of race and privilege

SULLIVAN v. STATE (2008): This legal case outlines the trials and legal circumstances surrounding Jim Sullivan's conviction for the murder of Lita McClinton.

McClinton v. Sullivan (1994): A case reviewing legal standings tied to Lita's life and the aftermath of her murder.

Summary

This episode delves into the tragic stories of Christine Vu and Wendy Prescott, two women whose lives were cut short by a brutal serial killer. The investigation reveals the complexities of the case, including the challenges faced by law enforcement and the emotional toll on the victims' families. The narrative also highlights the resilience of survivors like Chima Benson, who fought back against their attackers and Adrian Fields. Ultimately, the episode underscores the vulnerabilities women face in society and the importance of addressing issues of safety and justice.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Case

01:06 Christine Vu: A Life Cut Short

09:49 The Investigation Begins

19:41 Wendy Prescott: Another Victim

29:07 Shima Benson: The Survivor's Story

38:43 The Capture of Dale Shannette

43:18 Reflections on the Bathtub Murders

45:45 trueCrime-outro-low.wav

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