Navigating Advocacy

On September 17, 2007, 36-year-old Stephen Spina, a beloved father, postal worker, and longtime Little League umpire, was found stabbed to death in his Mamaroneck, NY apartment. With no signs of forced entry and nothing stolen, investigators believe Stephen knew his killer. He was last seen at 9:30 a.m. and discovered by his girlfriend three hours later.Despite numerous leads, including slashed tires, past relationships, and community tips, no suspect has ever been named. Stephen’s murder devastated his family and shook the close-knit community.His killer remains at large. Learn more about Stephen: https://www.facebook.com/JusticeforStephenSpina

In this episode of the Navigating Advocacy podcast, the story of Megan Piper Trussell, a bright and artistic 17-year-old from Boulder, Colorado, whose mysterious disappearance and death in February 2025 left her family and community searching for answers. Despite Megan’s promising future and close family bonds, her case was quickly ruled a suicide by authorities, even though evidence raised serious questions. The episode highlights the family’s relentless pursuit of justice, the shortcomings of the investigation, and the broader need for improved campus safety and victim advocacy. Listeners are encouraged to support Megan’s family, share her story, and help seek the truth behind her untimely death.**$11,000 REWARD AVAILABLE**Support Megan's Family by donating to her GoFundMe.If you have any information about Megan, please send all tips to trusselltips@vigilante-pr.comSupport the podcast by leaving us a 5 star review on your favorite podcast platform. 

Camille Dains Dodson, born in 1964 in Los Angeles, was a talented and driven woman who faced unexpected life challenges. She married Gary Dodson, the first person exonerated of rape by DNA evidence in the USA, but their relationship turned abusive. After leaving Gary, Camille moved to Las Vegas with her young daughter, Ashley, where she struggled with low-paying jobs and got entangled in dangerous relationships and activities. Camille disappeared on September 3, 1994, after being released from the Clark County Detention Center. Despite multiple theories about her disappearance, including possible ties to the mob and abusive partners, her case remains unsolved. Camille's daughter, Ashley, continues to seek justice and raise awareness about her mother's case. If you have any information, please contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.For more information: findcamille.com#CamilleDardanesDotson #GaryDotson #Nevada #LasVegasNevada 

On this episode of Navigating Advocacy, we speak with Marty, mother of 39-year-old Amber Arnette, who vanished in Lansing, Michigan, in June 2023. Amber was a loyal, nurturing caregiver known for her generosity and devotion to family—especially her niece. Despite her spontaneous nature, her sudden disappearance sparked deep concern. Marty’s relentless efforts to find her daughter have been met with delays, jurisdictional confusion, and an alarming lack of urgency from law enforcement. From the last confirmed sighting at a local Dollar Tree to troubling rumors and ignored leads, Marty and her family have done more than authorities to push the search forward. This is a story about more than a missing person. It’s about a mother’s love, a family left with unanswered questions, and a system that’s fallen short.🚨 Have information? Contact the Lansing Police Department at (517) 483-4600.📢 Follow and share: [Help Us Find Amber Facebook Page]❤️ Support our work: Leave a 5-star review and subscribe.

In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, hosts Melissa and Whitney delve into the tragic story of Stephanie Marie Wasilishin, tragically found shot to death in her Sedona, Arizona home on July 9, 1993. Despite compelling evidence suggesting homicide, the case remains unsolved. Stephanie's daughter Nikki, who has taken to social media and plans to launch her podcast 'Papi Killed Mommy,' continues to fight for justice. The episode uncovers the nuances of Stephanie’s life, her turbulent relationship with Russell Peterson, and the circumstances surrounding her death. With new forensic techniques available today, there’s hope that this cold case may yet find resolution.  If anyone has information or needs help, it is available.Call: 800.799.7233Text: BEGIN to 88788Chat Online. Available on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papi-killed-mommy/id1809655183

After a much-needed post-conference break, we’re back with a story that deeply moved us—and reminded us why we do this work. In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, we share the tragic and largely untold story of Wilma June Nissen, a woman who remained a Jane Doe for nearly 30 years after her brutal murder in rural Iowa.Wilma’s life was marked by profound hardship—abandonment, abuse, and an unforgiving foster care system that failed her at every turn. Yet even in the face of unthinkable trauma, she showed resilience. Her daughter Krissi, who we met at Advocacy Con, is now on a mission to uncover the truth and find justice for the mother she never got to know. We walk through Wilma’s early life, her disappearance in 1978, and the decades-long mystery that followed. With powerful insight from Krissi, we explore the barriers to solving this case, including degraded DNA evidence, gaps in the timeline, and a list of suspects still under scrutiny. Wilma deserves justice. Her name deserves to be remembered.➡️ Anonymous Tip Line: If you know anything about Wilma’s case, please call 712-472-8334.➡️ Support Chrissy’s Advocacy Work:Facebook Page Change.org PetitionGoFundMe➡️ Have a case we should know about? Email us at: info@navigatingadvocacy.com

Danielle Bell was a bright and ambitious 14-year-old who dreamed of becoming a lawyer before she vanished in September 2001. More than two decades later, her sister, Bonnie—continues the relentless fight for answers.Danielle was full of life, but behind her smile was a troubling connection to a 24-year-old male named Alfredo Sanchez. When Danielle disappeared, law enforcement listed her as a runaway, hindering immediate investigations. In the nearly two decades Bonnie has been seeking answers for her sister, unsettling details of Danielle's history, home life, and pregnancy that Danielle had shared with friends and her mother have come alight. Bonnie's dedication, mainly through social media, has reignited interest in Danielle’s case, proving that love and persistence can keep a story alive. If you have any information, please contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Danielle deserves to be found. Bonnie deserves answers. Follow Bonnie's journey: https://www.facebook.com/missingdaniellebell#DanielleBell #Florida #NoMatterWhere #NoMatterWho #NavigatingAdvocacy

Monday, April 8, 2024, between 1:27 pm and 1:30 pm, Cristian Rangel was seen on surveillance cameras at Walmart at 5017 Hwy 290 in Austin, Texas. Footage shows a white GMC Terrain entering the parking lot, a short time after a blue Mustang (or similar) parked nearby.The Terrain is seen leaving the parking lot at a high speed, with the passenger door opening as the vehicle speeds away. Kamery Wooldridge, the driver of the Terrain, was arrested and charged with tampering and disposal of Cristian’s body. She is currently out on bail.Cristian’s body was found 11 days later near the 5800 block of Spring Meadow Road in a greenbelt wooded area. April 8th, many people were outdoors at this time, specifically in the Austin area, due to the peak window of the solar eclipse.If you or anyone you know has any information about Cristian, or the blue vehicle please contact Capital Area CrimeStoppers. 512.472.8477 OR AT AUSTINCRIMESTOPPERS.ORGUP TO $10,000 REWARD AVAILABLE*Follow Cristian's story: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1664376744458902*for information leading to the arrest and conviction of all parties responsible for Cristian's murderer

Jason Fallon, a sensitive and creative young man from Providence, Rhode Island, was tragically killed in an alleged hit-and-run on October 30, 2022. Despite the incident occurring in a well-lit area, Jason's case is mired with inconsistencies and insufficient investigation by law enforcement. His sister, Kristin, faces numerous obstacles in seeking justice, with unclear witness statements and missing critical evidence like surveillance footage. The driver that struck Jason has high-level political connections and a criminal history. Could it have affected the outcome of Jason's investigation?Please contact Rhode Island Attorney General at (401) 274-4400Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle here : www.magicmind.com/NAVIGATINGJAN #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

In the late hours of December 13, 2020, Jason was driving home to the Houston area to spend the holidays with family. Jason would never be seen or heard from again. Only hours after Jason was known to be leaving his apartment, a volunteer firefighter found his wrecked and abandoned vehicle off of a dirt road near Luling, Texas. The next morning, the clothing he was last known to be wearing was found 900 feet from his vehicle.Incredible advocacy efforts have been made in the 4 years since his disappearance, but Jason's family is still seeking answers. Where is Jason Landry?Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle here : www.magicmind.com/NAVIGATINGJAN #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

Rebekah Barsotti was a compassionate and adventurous young woman whose life was tragically cut short under troubling circumstances. On July 20, 2021, she vanished near the Clark Fork River in Montana, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a family desperate for justice. Months before her disappearance, Rebekah had escaped a turbulent marriage marked by domestic violence, determined to rebuild her life.Her remains were discovered nearly a year later, but conflicting autopsy findings and mishandled evidence have left her loved ones searching for clarity. Despite troubling details pointing to her estranged husband, David Barsotti, authorities ruled out foul play, leaving Rebekah’s family to navigate an uphill battle for accountability and answers. Rebekah’s story is a stark reminder of the challenges survivors of domestic violence face, even after they seek safety. Her family’s relentless pursuit of justice highlights the urgent need for reform in how these cases are handled.Help keep Rebekah’s memory alive by sharing her story, raising awareness about domestic violence, and demanding justice for Rebekah and other victims. If you have any information, contact the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office or CrimeStoppers. Together, we can ensure Rebekah’s legacy inspires change. Mineral County Sheriff's Office at 406-822-3555 or CrimeStoppers at 406-721-4444Follow Rebekah's Legacy: https://rebekahslegacy.com/https://www.facebook.com/RebekahsLegacyJusticeForRebekah/about

On this special holiday bonus episode titled “True Crime Convos,” Melissa has teamed up with two fellow true crime podcasters to converse about our various experiences in the medium. Join me as I chat with Robin with "The Trail Went Cold" and Robert Parmer of “The Broken System Podcast” about such topics as researching cold cases, working with victims’ families, and even some of the more bizarre things we’ve experienced as podcasters.

In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, Whitney and Melissa share the story of Nikki Cheng Saelee-McCain, a devoted mother, sister, and daughter whose life was marked by resilience and compassion despite enduring unimaginable struggles. Born in a refugee camp in Thailand, Nikki’s journey was one of hope and perseverance, yet her marriage to Tyler McCain became a cycle of control, abuse, and violence. Nikki was last seen on May 18, 2024, in Shasta County, California. Standing at 5’0” and weighing 100 lbs, Nikki has brown eyes and brownish-red hair.𝑼𝒑 𝒕𝒐 $𝟑𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝑹𝒆𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑵𝒊𝒌𝒌𝒊 𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒂𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒆-𝑴𝒄𝑪𝒂𝒊𝒏If you have any information, contact:𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨:- Website: scsecretwitness.com/submit-a-tip𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙛'𝙨 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚:Case Number: SCSO24-002069- Call: (530) 245-6135- Email: mcu@shastacounty.gov𝙍𝙚𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙍𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝙉𝙤𝙧-𝘾𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜:- Call: (530) 638-3855- Website: nor-calallianceforthemissing.org𝙉𝙤𝙧-𝘾𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙣𝙮𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙞𝙥𝙨:- Call: (530) 378-4491- Anonymous tip link:- https://forms.office.com/r/HsqN3dBCv0?origin=lprLink𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙘 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙥:- Call: (786) 509-7135- Email: Tips@therealkingsman.org(See the $10,000 reward terms by Kingsman Philanthropic Corp) https://uspasecurity.com/rewards#MissingPerson #FindNikki #HelpFindNikki #ReddingCA #AndersonCA #BringNikkiHome #NorCalAllianceForTheMissing

Eric Nelams was a loving son, brother, father, and veteran whose life was tragically cut short in an unsolved 2003 homicide. Born on June 10, 1971, in Columbus, Georgia, Eric was raised in a large, tight-knit family, the son of Annie Nelams and Ernest Hodges, with eight sisters and six brothers. Known for his compassion and generosity, Eric was described by his family as selfless, kind-hearted, and always ready to help those in need.Eric’s jovial personality and love for life were evident in his everyday actions. A devoted father, Eric shared a deep bond with his son and embraced the role of stepfather to two children, loving them all as his own. Eric transitioned to civilian life after serving honorably in the U.S. Army and earning multiple awards and medals. He was known for his extraordinary work ethic and ability to excel in any role he undertook.Eric’s murder remains unsolved, and his family continues to fight for justice. If you have any information about Eric Nelams’ case, please contact Crime Stoppers of Central Alabama at 334-215-STOP (7867).Every tip can remain anonymous, and a $10,000 reward is still available.Sign the Petition: https://chng.it/K4ZzYmSkrd and don't forget to share! Join Eric's family's pursuit of justice: https://linktr.ee/justiceforericnelams

Brandy Lynn Myers was 13 years old when she disappeared in 1992 after going door-to-door fundraising for a read-a-thon.  Her older sister, Kristin, has dedicated over 30 years to advocating for her younger sister. Despite strong suspicions towards two persons of interest, the case remains unresolved with insufficient evidence. Kristin, who tragically passed away in October 2024, tirelessly worked to keep Brandy's memory alive.We are sharing Brandy's story to help keep Kristin's legacy going.If you are interested in donating towards Kristin's go fund me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-lay-kristin-dennis-to-rest

Jennifer Kay Wix and her 2-year-old daughter, Adrianna Nikol Wix, disappeared over 20 years ago from Cross Plains, Tennessee.Jennifer was a strong-willed, loving young mother with dreams of working in equestrian therapy. Adrianna, her bright blue-eyed little girl, adored animals and brought joy to everyone she met. Their disappearance in March 2004 shattered their family and has left a void in the community ever since.Jennifer’s sister, Casey, and her mother, Kathy, continue the fight to bring Jennifer and Adrianna home — and they need our help.Donate: Contributions go toward funding Casey and Kathy’s attendance at AdvocacyCon.www.givebutter.com/advocacyfoundationFollow: https://www.facebook.com/@jenniferandadriannaListen: Missing in Hushtown

Emma Compton Layne, a beloved community figure and devoted caregiver, disappeared in 2017 under suspicious circumstances. Months later, her remains were discovered, revealing a devastating story of domestic violence and unanswered questions. In this episode, we honor Emma’s legacy, uncover the chilling details of her case, and discuss the importance of advocacy for victims of abuse. Join us as we demand justice, share her family’s fight for answers, and launch a letter-writing campaign to bring attention to her case. Emma’s light still shines, and together, we can ensure her story is never forgotten.

Princella Yolanda Eppes, lovingly known as“Lady Bird,” was a vibrant, creative, and deeply spiritual young woman whose life was tragically cut short in 1990. Raised in a close-knit family, her sisters Kim and Ebonyrecall her as a protector, artist, and jokester with a passion for baking, poetry, and faith. In July 1990, Princella was found murdered in her Atlanta apartment. Her family, led by her sister Kim, has never stopped fighting for justice.Witnesses last saw Princella with a man the night of her murder, but the investigation stagnated for decades leaving the family without closure or justice for Princella. The family‘s determination, along with community support, keeps the fight for answers alive as they work to ensure Princella is never forgotten.If you have any information about Princella’s murder, please contact Crimestoppers of Greater Atlanta 404.577.8477. *$10,000 Reward available for tip that leads to an arrest and conviction*

Kiplyn Davis was a 15-year-old high school sophomore who disappeared in the middle of the day. Kiplyn’s bubbly personality, love of theater, and close-knit family made her disappearance even more devastating for those who knew her. Her case, although cold, remains one of deep heartache for her family as they continue to search for answers nearly three decades later. In this episode, we’ll take you through the timeline of Kiplyn’s life before her disappearance, the frantic search efforts by her family, and the eventual arrests of individuals connected to her case. As always, we’ll aim to bring awareness to her story and encourage our listeners to continue advocating for those whose voices have been silenced. Stay tuned as we unravel the details, share the emotional journey of the Davis family, and discuss the latest developments in their ongoing fight for justice.Follow Kiplyn's story at Find Kiplyn Davis.Purchase Richard's book at kiplyndavis.comSupport the show! Head to our website for more info! Support us for FREE by leaving us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform. Then, submit this form to get free stickies!

JC McGhee lived a life full of contradictions—once a drug dealer turned confidential informant, he was also a bar owner, a father, and a man trying to leave his troubled past behind. But in July 2002, his life was brutally cut short in an execution-style killing that remains unsolved to this day. Despite a series of shocking events leading up to his death and a deeply flawed investigation, justice has yet to be served. Join us on Navigating Advocacy as we unravel the complex story of JC McGhee, uncover the truths his daughter Madison has fought to bring to light, and explore the dark secrets, lies, and corruption that continue throughout this case.Listen to Ice Cold CaseFollow Ice Cold CaseSupport the show!Support us for FREE by leaving us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform. Then, submit this form to get free stickies!