Domino Effect of Murder

This episode is the finale for the broadcast. After six seasons and 144 episodes it is bidding adeau. It's not because the need has been addressed. It's not because I've lost heart. It is because of the progressive hearing loss I've been trying to find work-arounds for but realized it has meant repeated replays, editing issues and so forth. So, this episode will provide an overview of the mission and some of the guests who helped bring that to fruition. To all of you who have supported this effort, who have listened, commented and shared. Thank you . And don't forget I'm working on a national homicide survivor conference slated for September 11 - 13 in 2026 in Gig Harbor, Washington. If you would like to be on the mailing list, please contact me as aftermath.of.homicide@gmail.com And, don't forget I'm active on Tik Tok and keep a blog up to date on my website: jancantyphd@gmail.com

Sheila Lowe and her daughter had a complicated relationship. It could have been the result of her daughter's head injury as a toddler, complicated by a divorce. Perhaps a choice of friends played a role also. Whatever caused their ups and downs, Sheila never stopped loving her daughter. She had imagined her daughter inviting risk into her life, the kind of risk that leaves one arrested or hospitalized or deceased. Still, there is not preparation for the tragic news of a homicide when it arrives.

When Dr. Fowler 's only child when missing in NYC, it became apparant the police were not going to be looking for him. They repeatedly told her "He'll be back." His poster was removed from the bulletin board after only a few weeks and Dr. Fowler never received a call from the detective assigned to LaMont's case. Years went by. Much to her surprise, the detective on the other end of her regular phone calls suddenly changed his stance. "Why, yes. You should come in." It was then she heard the hard truth. Not only had LaMont washed up on the banks of the East River eight days after he went missing, but he was identified. But that was the end of the investigation. No one made an attempt to reach out to his family. This episode shines a light on situations like LaMont's as well as offers five strategies of what to do about it.

Safety is important. Although we know that, we often forget about it in the depths of our grief. There is good reason to be vigilant.

Cyndee Garrett is a remarkable woman who has sustained all that life has thrown at her. Despite the tragic murder of her twenty-year-old daughter, Alexandria, Cyndee makes it her mission to attend to her other children, function as a caregiver for her spouse and keep her spirits as a guiding light. This interview invites you into her heartache as well as her wisdom. Please join us.

In court there is the defense and the prosecution. The defense attorney is representing the defendant while the Prosecutor is representing the State. So, who is looking out for our best interest? No one. Until now. Rachel Robinson is a part of a small but growing number of attorneys specializing in Crime Victims Rights Law to ensure all the rights afforded us are being honored. Listen in to better understand our day in court.

When trauma hits we face the choice: sink or swim.

Terrie Nobel never had the wind at her back. From an early age she was confronted with one obstacle after another and never knew a permanent home in her formative years. But, as rough as she had it growing up, nothing could have prepared her for the senseless murder of her beloved son, Levi. He was a young man with a bright future, gentle demeanor and quiet determination. Please join us as we hear how Terrie persisted in using her tragedies to advocate for others.

Many of us think about AI as assisting with schoolwork, reports, improving writing or finding obscure information on the world wide web quickly. But did you know it has applications in homicide investigations as well? Indeed it does! Listen in to find out the pros and cons as wel as the hurdles and successes this new technolog is bringing to murder investigations.

Nakesa Sineath wasn't even an adult, by legal standards when she faced the ugliest act imaginable - the deliberate taking of her child's life by the very person charged with caring for him - his biological father. He robbed their son, Amari, of a future. He robbed Nakesa of peace of mind. To compound this tragedy Nakesa had few resources and had just given birth to her daughter. Join us on an episode that explores "filicide" - one of the ugliest words in the English language. Learn how this admirable young woman succeeded despite all odds in terms of her spirit, mothering, and her support of others.

Sgt. Patrick O'Donnell (ret.) was a 25 year veteran of the mean streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has delivered his fair share of death notifications. His specialty was officer-involved shootings. In this episode we learn about the law enforcement side of homicide and what motivates some to risk their lives to keep the rest of us safe. Sgt. 0'Donnell is an author of several crime-related novels inspired by his work and is the host of the podcast Cops and Writers. He interviews guests as well as serves as a consultant to the screenwriters and film industry in getting the law enforcement details accurate.

Seargeant O'Donnell is a veteran of 25 years experience with the roughest sections of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has seen and helped solve his fair share of homicides, both caused by street thugs and police shootings of civilians in the line of duty. His easy-going manner belies the dogged determination and love of his profession. Since retiring he has hosted an award-winning podcast called Cops and Writers and has worked as a technical consultant for crime and police procedre authors and screenwriters. His latest book is called The Good Collar.

Detective Jason Moran is a relentless detective best known for his dedication to establishing the names of all victims of John Wayne Gacey - the so-called "Killer Clown." Detective Moran is so dedicated to his mission that he has even personally delivered the cremated remains to families who wait. In this episode, we will learn more about the workings of unsolved homicide investigations and a great idea for what families and communities can do to breathe new life into an old case.

Tessie Mandeville, from the low country of South Carolina, was just coming into her own when her beloved younger brother was senselessly murdered by so-called "friends." He was within days of moving west to join Tessie in San Francisco, but their dream of reuniting was stolen. They were both in their twenties. The loss of a sibling, represents the loss of the person who shares the most DNA with us on the planet. It leaves a scar that is forever visible.

Rhonda adopted D'Angelo Antwon Toney as a teenager. It was an open adoption and things went well. D'Angelo graduated high school and went straight to work after graduation. Little did he know he would pay with his life.

The gunshot death of Lori Ann Johnson, age 34, in Tacoma, Washington on September 12, 1994 has sat idle for over three decades. I have come to know her family well. The mother of the homicide victim is elderly now. It is her fondest wish to know who killed her child. Lori's lifeless body was found in the 1200 Block of South 11th St. in Tacoma (the Hilltop area) in the morning by a physician on his way into his office. No witnesses came forward. There was no CCTV camera footage, no useful prints, or DNA evidence. While three suspects were named in her file, there did not appear to be any follow-up. There have been no updates. - not one in 30 long years. Mrs. Johnson feels forgotten. The victim's daughters have grown up without answers too. I accompanied Mrs. Johnson to the Tacoma P.D. several years ago. One officer met us in the noisy lobby and refused to say anything except "It's an open investigation. I can't speak with you." He was abrupt and dismissive. Can you help? If you are a journalist - can you breathe life into this old case? If you are in law enforcement can you see why nothing has come of this homicide (not even an annual phone call to Lori's family)? Could you be a witness or know someone who is? If so, please contact me.

This episode reviews three matters. First, it reviews how the podcast originated. Second, it will cover the gains and losses for homicide survivors this year (as I see it). Last, it will convey the surprise twist that the episodes have taken recently pertaining to after death communication. Please join us, won't you?

Homicide survivors know that "closure" is a myth. (Closure literally means "to conclude.") Lack of closure is demonstrated in many ways, like attending the parole hearing. Here we will learn from Jeanne Dotts Brykalski as she describes her fight to keep the offender who killed her parents behind bars. Each time she participates she knows it will open old wounds. This episode sheds light on the experience of facing a parole board, offers tips, and extends an invitation to read and sign a petition to keep the offender locked up. (You needn't know Jeanne nor live in Tennessee to do so.) Please join us, won't you?

This multifaceted, energetic still-young woman has worn many hats since the day her brother was murdered. She was only 16. The assailant was a life-long friend and only 21. Her search to find where she belongs, and what her true calling is, has taken her around the world for years. Her two loves have always been being near (or on) the water, and music. Please join this uplifting and articulate discussion about life after the murder of a sibling.