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No Tears For Black Girls

True Crime

Tune in every Thursday as host Samantha Paul and acclaimed writer John Reedburg delve into the lesser-known true crime and missing persons cases involving black women. This podcast aims to expose the systemic issues that contribute to these cases being overlooked by the media. Stay informed by subscribing on your preferred podcast platform. Follow and like us on Facebook: @notearsforblackgirls

Location:

United States

Genres:

True Crime

Description:

Tune in every Thursday as host Samantha Paul and acclaimed writer John Reedburg delve into the lesser-known true crime and missing persons cases involving black women. This podcast aims to expose the systemic issues that contribute to these cases being overlooked by the media. Stay informed by subscribing on your preferred podcast platform. Follow and like us on Facebook: @notearsforblackgirls

Language:

English


Episodes
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Revenge Killing? Was Trey Reed Murdered Over Charlie Kirk's Death?

9/18/2025
On September 10th, 2025, the conservative movement was rocked when Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was murdered at Utah Valley University. Tyler Robinson, his killer, claimed he acted because Kirk "spreads too much hate." But Kirk's death may have triggered something far more sinister. Just five days later, on September 15th, 21-year-old Demartravion "Trey" Reed was found hanging from an oak tree at Delta State University in Mississippi. What authorities initially called a suicide has sparked a chilling theory that's dividing the nation. Was Trey Reed's death connected to Charlie Kirk's murder? Are we looking at a white supremacist revenge killing - where extremists, enraged by Kirk's assassination, targeted an innocent Black college student in retaliation? In this episode, we examine the disturbing timeline, the evidence that's emerged, and the questions authorities don't want to answer. From Utah to Mississippi, from political assassination to racial violence - this is the story of two deaths that may be more connected than anyone wants to admit. ⚠️ This episode contains mature themes including discussion of racial violence, murder, and hate crimes. Listener discretion is advised. 🔍 What do you think? Coincidence or conspiracy? Let us know in the comments.

Duration:00:28:33

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Family Feud: When Love Becomes Murder

9/12/2025
In this powerful episode of No Tears For Black Girls, we explore the chilling case of Rebecca "Becky" Bliefnick, whose appearance on Family Feud with her husband became tragically prophetic. When Becky jokingly told Steve Harvey that her biggest mistake was "saying yes to my husband," she had no idea those words would foreshadow her own murder just months later. On February 23rd, 2023, Becky was found shot to death in her Quincy, Illinois home by her estranged husband Timothy Bliefnick - the same man who smiled on national television while claiming "I love my wife." We dive deep into the investigation that revealed Tim's calculated plan to stalk and murder the mother of his three children, and examine how the system failed to protect Becky despite her desperate pleas for help. But this episode goes beyond one tragic case. We also tell the story of Korryn Gaines, a 23-year-old Black mother from Baltimore who was killed by police in 2016 while trying to protect herself from an abusive partner. Despite facing similar domestic violence and systemic failures, Korryn's story received a fraction of the media attention that Becky's case generated. Through these parallel stories, we examine the stark disparity in how our society responds to violence against women - and ask the difficult question: whose tears matter most? Why do some victims become household names while others are forgotten? Join host Samantha Paul as we demand justice for ALL women and challenge the media's selective empathy. Because every woman deserves to have her story told with dignity, compassion, and the demand for justice - regardless of the color of her skin. Featured Music: "No Tears For Black Girls" by Datzhott & Jayda Truth

Duration:00:19:19

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BONUS: God's Hands - Free Book Reading + Song Preview

9/7/2025
In this exclusive bonus episode, we're stepping away from our usual true crime format to bring you something extraordinary - a complete reading of Chapter 1 from our creator J.C. Reedburg's powerful new novelette "God's Hands: A No TearsFor Black Girls Story." Follow Jasmine, a young Black woman surviving on the streets of Oakland, as she faces a life-or-death moment that will change everything. When a desperate robbery goes wrong, divine intervention appears in the most unexpected form - proving that sometimes God's hands work through the most unlikely people. This raw, authentic street fiction explores themes of survival, mercy, and transformation that align perfectly with our podcast's mission of celebrating Black women's resilience. Host Samantha Paul delivers a gripping narration that will leaveyou breathless. BONUS: Stay until the end for an exclusive preview of "God's Hands" by Datzhott featuring Jayda Truth - the song inspired by this powerful story. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get"God's Hands: A No Tears For Black Girls Story" absolutely free on Amazon Kindle until September 10th, then free with Kindle Unlimited. Links in bio. Content Warning: This episode contains mature themes including street violence, survival situations, and strong language. #NoTearsForBlackGirls #StreetFiction #BlackWomenStories #FreeBook #Oakland #DivineIntervention

Duration:00:24:50

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Neon Lights, Dark Truth: Bridget Sheil

8/15/2025
A 19-year-old chasing a modeling dream in Atlanta is found at dawn in Oakland City Park—shot with specialty ammo and left to send a message. We trace her final hours from a Memorial Drive Shell station to a car abandoned near Stone Mountain, and unpack the larger system around her: LA-origin crews embedded in Atlanta’s nightlife, the blurred lines between “security” and control, and why leaving can be treated like treason. Featuring timeline breakdowns, forensics (the Sprite bottle DNA), and voices from advocates and family. Say her name. See the pattern. Content note: violence, exploitation.Resources for help and exit support are listed in the show notes.

Duration:00:31:11

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Pink Houses, Red Blood: The Shatavia Walls Story

8/13/2025
In Brooklyn's notorious Pink Houses, survival means playingby unwritten rules that can change without warning. Shatavia Walls mastered the game - navigating rival gang territories, dodging bullets, and staying alive in one of NYC's most dangerous projects. But when two gunshot wounds and a drug charge put her backagainst the wall, she made a decision that would seal her fate. Was she a snitch who broke the street code, or just another young woman trying to survivein an impossible situation? This episode dives deep into the complex world of the PinkHouses, where loyalty and betrayal walk a razor's edge, and one wrong move can be your last. We explore the circumstances that led to Shatavia's tragic endand ask the hard questions: In a world where the streets are judge and jury, is there really a difference between survival and betrayal?

Duration:00:13:05

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DARK LIGHTS: The Vanishing Women of Chicago

8/7/2025
For nearly three decades, dozens of Black women have disappeared from Chicago’s streets—strangled, discarded, and too often forgotten. In this haunting premiere episode, we follow the stories of Nancie Walker, Diamond Turner, and others whose lives were cut short and whose cases remain unsolved. Through the voices of grieving families, determined activists, and a city haunted by secrets, we uncover the patterns the world refuses to see. This is the story of a community’s fight for justice, the silence of the system, and the shadows that still linger in Chicago’s alleys.

Duration:00:05:53

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Forbidden Loyalty: How Jobina Brown's Murder Exposed Hip-Hop's Deadly Secrets and Betrayals!

8/5/2025
In the unforgiving streets of Detroit, loyalty isn’t just a virtue—it’s a matter of life and death. But what happens when that loyalty crosses the line? This is the explosive story of Jobina “JB” Brown, the woman behind Tee Grizzley’s rise, whose shocking murder unleashed a storm of rumors about forbidden love, secret pregnancies, and betrayal at the highest levels of hip-hop. Was this a tragic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or was JB silenced to protect secrets that could destroy a rap empire? The truth is darker—and more scandalous—than anyone imagined. Tap in for the story that has the streets, and the industry, talking.

Duration:00:35:11

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Diddy Exposed: The Shocking Truth Hollywood Tried to Bury About Black Women’s Pain

7/28/2025
We unveil the explosive federal case against Sean “Diddy”Combs, exposing decades of alleged abuse, industry silence, and the Black women who refused to stay silent. From Cassie Ventura’s leaked video to secret celebrity parties, discover how power and profit let predators thrive—and why this verdict changes everything.

Duration:00:34:23

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Shadows Over Nine Mile: The Jennifer Harris Story

7/21/2025
In this gripping episode of No Tears For Black Girls, we journey to Eastpointe, Michigan—a community where hope and hardship walk hand in hand. Through the lens of one devastating morning, host Samantha Paul peels back the layers of ordinary life to reveal the extraordinary resilience required to survive in a world that seldom offers second chances. We meet Jennifer Harris—known as “Jamma” to friends and family—a devoted mother of six and the unbreakable backbone of her community, who worked tirelessly at a local McDonald’s for over fifteen years. On what started as another routine day, tragedy shatters the calm, when a confrontation erupts between Jennifer and a troubled coworker, Afeni Muhammad. The shocking violence that ensues leaves a family destroyed, a community in mourning, and difficult questions echoing far beyond Eastpointe’s tree-lined streets. Samantha explores the powerful, often invisible pressures facing Black women in America’s working class, the overlooked warning signs of workplace violence, and the urgent need to address mental health in communities that have long been told to “push through.” With deep empathy and unflinching honesty, this episode unpacks the systemic failures and silent struggles that allowed heartbreak to spill over on that fateful July morning. Listen as we honor Jennifer’s legacy, investigate the complexities of Afeni’s pain, and spotlight the everyday heroes who rise from tragedy. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a community endure—and what it costs when those burdens go unchecked—this is an episode you can’t afford to miss. Featuring “Queen’s Crown” by the Crown & Soul Collective from the soundtrack of Price of Silence by J.C. Reedburg. Stay loved. Stay blessed. Stay safe.

Duration:00:13:10

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He Said He Loved Her—But Buried Her in the Backyard: The Essence Peters Story

7/8/2025
Essence Peters believed in love, even when it hurt. But when her boyfriend’s devotion turned deadly, her family was left searching for answers—and justice. In this episode, Samantha Paul unravels the haunting story of a young woman whose light was extinguished by the very person who claimed to love her. Discover the chilling truth behind the backyard burial that shocked New Orleans, and the urgent lessons her story leaves behind.

Duration:00:09:49

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Roses and Betrayal: Unraveling Atlanta’s Most Chilling Murder-for-Hire—The Lita McClinton Sullivan Case

7/7/2025
On this riveting episode of No Tears For Black Girls, we delve into the haunting case that shocked Atlanta’s elite and exposed a labyrinthine web of privilege, race, and cold-blooded murder. Lita McClinton Sullivan—vibrant, ambitious, beloved—was gunned down at her own front door, moments before a legal showdown with her wealthy estranged husband. What unfolded was a nearly twenty-year odyssey for justice: a story of deep family betrayal, relentless detective work, globe-trotting fugitives, and a community forever changed. Follow the dramatic twists: a wealthy suitor with dark secrets, a murder-for-hire plot that spanned continents, and a courageous family determined to unmask the truth—no matter the odds. Featuring exclusive commentary on the legacy of Lita’s pioneering family and reflecting on the racial and social undercurrents that shaped the investigation, this episode is a must-listen for true crime fans and anyone touched by the fight for justice. Plus: Get a sneak preview of “Bouquet At The Door” from the soundtrack of J.C. Reedburg’s upcoming novel, Dead Mic, only on No Tears For Black Girls. If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Don’t miss this unforgettable true crime saga—hit play now!

Duration:00:16:25

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Frozen Silence: The Kenneka Jenkins Story

6/29/2025
On a September night in 2017, 19-year-old Kenneka Jenkins vanished from a hotel party outside Chicago. Nearly 20 hours later, she was found in a walk-in freezer—sparking national outrage, unanswered questions, and a mother’s fight for justice. In this episode, we unravel the mystery, the digital clues, and the legacy of a case that still haunts a community. #NoTearsForBlackGirls

Duration:00:12:11

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Vanished in Atlanta: The Stories the City Tried to Bury

6/22/2025
When Black women and girls go missing in Atlanta, their stories too often vanish with them. In this gripping episode of No Tears For Black Girls, we uncover the haunting cases of Destiney Gunnison, Bridget Shiel, and Jokisha Brown—three lives lost or missing in the city’s shadows. Through family voices, chilling details, and hard truths about systemic neglect, we reveal why so many cases remain unsolved and unheard. Join us as we demand justice, remembrance, and a future where silence never wins.

Duration:00:18:50

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Murder Plots & Music Notes: The R. Kelly Prison Conspiracy

6/11/2025
When the headlines broke about a murder-for-hire plot against R. Kelly in prison, the world gasped—but Black women saw the pattern. In this explosive episode of No Tears For Black Girls, we go beyond the scandal to unpack the latest news, the wildest rumors, and the deeper truths the system wants to keep hidden. Is R. Kelly being silenced for what he knows? What does this case reveal about the music industry, justice, and the way Black women’s pain is treated as spectacle? We break it all down—mixing true crime, celebrity gossip, and hard-hitting commentary, straight from the salon to your speakers. Plus, get an exclusive preview of our upcoming novel, The Price of Silence, and the original soundtrack that’s already making waves. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation—because justice isn’t just about headlines. It’s about changing the story.

Duration:00:11:59

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Invisible Woman: The Vanishing of Kierra Coles

5/31/2025
"In this episode of No Tears For Black Girls, host Samantha Paul confronts the stark reality of how missing Black women are often overlooked in America’s media and criminal justice systems. Marking the debut of the new song “Invisible Woman” from the upcoming novella The Price of Silence by J.C. Reedburg, we revisit the 2018 disappearance of 26-year-old postal worker Kierra Coles. Three months pregnant and last seen on surveillance tape leaving her Chicago apartment, Kierra vanished without a trace, her personal belongings left behind and her case languishing for years. Through conversations with Kierra’s mother, Karen Phillips, and analysis of law enforcement practices, we explore the systemic failures that led the Chicago Police Department to classify her case as low-risk and suspend active investigation after only one year. We examine the phenomenon known as “missing white woman syndrome,” supported by studies showing far greater media attention for white victims, and discuss the impact of this bias on families and communities. In October 2022, the FBI finally announced a $45,000 reward following relentless advocacy, but the question remains: why did it take four years of public pressure for this milestone to occur? “Invisible Woman” by The Crown & Soul Collective—and the companion novella releasing this Juneteenth—shines a light on those whose disappearances are met with indifference. We encourage listeners to keep Kierra’s story alive by sharing her likeness, following “Find Kierra Coles” on social media, and contacting Chicago officials for case updates. Join us as we refuse to let another Black woman slip into silence."

Duration:00:08:01

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Unanswered Calls, Unresolved Justice: The Kenyona Griffin Story

5/25/2025
In this episode of “No Tears For Black Girls,” we take you to 553 Sheldon Avenue SE in Grand Rapids, Michigan—a mustard-yellow house built in 1903 whose creaking floors and weathered walls have borne witness to generations of family stories. Nestled in the city’s South East Community, an area marked by both steadfast home ownership and stubbornly high crime rates, the house seems to stand apart from the bustle of downtown life, its somber presence a silent sentinel on cloudy Michigan days. On a cold Wednesday morning in March 2019, 25-year-old Keyona Griffin made a final, desperate call to 911 from inside that very home. “I need help,” she whispered, her voice trembling so faintly that the crucial words—“He already killed my auntie”—were never properly understood by the dispatcher. What followed was a tragic cascade of missed signals and lost opportunities, and a case that would come to define the Grand Rapids Police Department’s worst fears: a vibrant young woman and her beloved aunt murdered in their own home, and the alleged perpetrator slipping through every net, only to end up on the U.S. Marshals’ 15 Most Wanted list. But this is more than a tale of procedural breakdowns and unanswered calls. It is the story of Keyona Griffin—a “bubbly and big-hearted” woman whose radiant optimism made her loss all the more heartrending—and Cherletta Baber-Bey, the gentle, nurturing aunt who saw only the best in the man she trusted. Through interviews with family members, law enforcement officials, and community advocates, we piece together the human lives behind the headlines and ask how a case so full of potential turning points could still remain unresolved. Join us as we sift through the fragments of evidence, revisit heart-wrenching 911 recordings, and confront the lingering questions of accountability and justice. In “Shadows on Sheldon,” we don’t just recount a crime—we explore the people caught in its crossfire, the flaws in our emergency response systems, and the enduring hope that one day, those who love Keyona and Cherletta will finally find the answers they deserve. Tune in and walk the creaking floors with us—if you dare.

Duration:00:20:43

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Silent Warnings: The Deadly Cost of Domestic Violence

5/16/2025
In this episode, we revisit the harrowing January 2025 disappearance of 29-year-old Alexis Schuler, a devoted mother of three whose life was cut tragically short. Known for her radiant smile and unwavering love for her children, Alexis vanished after getting into a truck with Devontae Gray, the father of one of her children. What began as a missing person case quickly escalated into one of the most chilling domestic violence tragedies the Capitol Heights community had ever seen. When officers finally executed a search warrant at Gray’s duplex, they uncovered Alexis’s body concealed behind a newly built wall—entombed in concrete, soil, and hay—a discovery that would shock investigators and expose glaring lapses in the system’s response to domestic abuse warnings.

Duration:00:07:43

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Underage & Expecting: Predators Hiding in Plain Sight

5/13/2025
In this compelling episode of No Tears For Black Girls, host Samantha Paul invites listeners to engage with the transformative journey of Ashley, a remarkable survivor whose experiences illustrate both the personal and systemic challenges faced by many in our society. From a profoundly unsettling childhood marked by betrayal and silence to a powerful emergence as an advocate for change, Ashley's story is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of justice. At a tender age of six, Ashley's world was turned upside down when someone she trusted shattered her sense of safety. Instead of receiving the support she desperately needed, she encountered skepticism and dismissal from those around her. As she navigated the complexities of her youth, Ashley faced mounting obstacles that would haunt her for years. With the intervention of a compassionate teacher at age twelve, what seemed to be a pivotal moment turned into another instance of lost opportunity, underscoring the systemic failures that often go unnoticed in our communities. Over the course of three decades, Ashley's journey was fraught with familial struggles, societal stigma, and the frustrating delays of institutional responses. However, her indomitable spirit never wavered. It was on her thirtieth birthday that Ashley found renewed purpose, as long-buried truths came to light, reshaping her understanding of justice and healing. Driven by a desire to protect her child and uplift others who have experienced similar trauma, Ashley's advocacy work became a beacon of hope and empowerment. Join us in this enlightening episode as we unpack the complexities of Ashley's experiences, exploring the profound impact of systemic gaps on individual lives, the power of community support, and the journey of reclaiming one's voice. Her story serves not only as a source of inspiration but also as a call to action for those seeking to understand and dismantle the barriers that perpetuate suffering. Tune in to hear how Ashley's courage and determination can inspire systemic change and foster a culture of accountability and support.

Duration:00:26:11

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26-Year-Old Sacramento Woman Dies Protecting Sister

5/7/2025
Tiera Rivers, 26, was remembered by her family as a devoted sister. Her life was cut short when she intervened in a confrontation between her older sister Amber and Amber's ex-boyfriend at an apartment complex in Sacramento, California, around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

Duration:00:07:42

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Nursing Student Killed Days Before Graduation in Alleged Cat Dispute

5/5/2025
Tamilore Odunsi, a nursing student, was found deceased in her Houston apartment on April 26, just days prior to her graduation. She sustained multiple stab wounds, and law enforcement officials have accused her roommate, Chester Lamar Grant, of being responsible for her death. Reports suggest that he attempted to take his own life following the incident. Authorities have indicated that the two had engaged in disputes regarding their cats in the days leading up to the tragedy. Odunsi had moved from the United Kingdom to pursue her nursing degree and had been residing with Grant for approximately two months before her untimely death.

Duration:00:04:38