The Family Ties Podcast - True Crime Podcast Series

In this episode of the Family Ties Podcast, we explore the heartbreaking case of 20-month-old Quinton Simon, who went missing from his home in Savannah, Georgia on October 5, 2022. The police found Quinton's remains almost two months after he first went missing, and on November 28, the FBI confirmed that the remains belonged to Quinton. Leilani Simon, Quinton's own mother has been charged with the murder of her missing toddler, among a host of other charges. The case is ongoing, and further updates will be shared as they become available. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the case and the state of children's rights in America.Support the show

After spending a freezing night locked in the garage, 8-year-old, Thomas Valva died of hypothermia on January 17th 0f 2020. Despite being remembered by those at his school as a “tender, loving boy who made tremendous gains” during his time as a student, this sweet child’s life was intentionally ended by the two people meant to take care of him. Help keep his memory alive by learning about Thomas' story and sharing it with a friend.https://www.thefamilytiespodcast.com/the-thomas-valva-case/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_loKu_5Rc04Support the show

In part 2, we  continue to delve into a highly disturbing case suggested by one of our dedicated viewers. Join us as we uncover the horrifying details surrounding the tragic fate of Adrian Jones, a seven-year-old boy subjected to unimaginable torture, abuse, and ultimately, murder. Shockingly, his own father and stepmother resorted to feeding his emaciated body to pigs in a desperate attempt to conceal their heinous crime. Law enforcement officials have labeled this harrowing incident as one of the most devastating cases they have ever encountered. Together, let us honor the memory of young Adrian and explore how we can collectively improve the safety and well-being of children in our society.Support the show

This week, Kelley talks with the incredible woman behind the Child Welfare Monitor blog, Marie Cohen, about how Child Welfare needs to change and put children first. With Marie's wealth of knowledge on the topic of social services and child welfare, they discuss the state of the welfare system in the U.S. and uncover some little-known facts about how the system operates.Support the show

Today's episode was recommended by a viewer and is an extremely upsetting case. In this episode, we discuss the torture, abuse, and murder of seven-year-old, Adrian Jones. After he was killed, his father and stepmother fed his emaciated corpse to pigs as a means of getting rid of the evidence. Law enforcement also referred to this case as the worst case they had ever had to work. Let's remember little Adrian and learn how we can do better for kids going forward.Support the show

In this episode of our true crime podcast, we delve into the heart-wrenching case of Olivia Jansen, a 3-year-old girl whose life ended in a horrifying tragedy. Join us as we uncover the chilling events that unfolded on July 10, 2020, when Olivia's father, Howard Jansen III, and his girlfriend, Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick, reported her as missing. Within a mere 9 hours, Olivia's lifeless body, covered in bruises, was discovered in a shallow grave.We expose the harrowing reality of physical abuse inflicted upon Olivia by the very individuals entrusted with her love and care. This heartrending story serves as a stark reminder of the depths of human cruelty and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives. Join us as we unravel the chilling details surrounding Olivia Jansen's tragic murder and shed light on the urgent need for justice in cases like these.Support the show

The day has finally come for me to cover a case from my home state of Kentucky. On Sunday, February 6th of 2022, Catherine McKinney, mother of 4-year old Serenity McKinney was arrested along with her boyfriend, Dakota Hill in Kansas. No one has physically seen little Serenity since Christmas Eve of 2020. This case is new and fresh details will probably be released after this episode airs, so keep that in mind in case you’ve heard something that differs from today’s telling.Support the show

In this episode, we will discuss the disappearance and murder of 11-month-old baby Mercedes Lain who was reported missing by her father, Kenneth Lain and her mother, Tiffany Coburn in August of 2021. Mercedes’ dead body was found in the depths of the woods in Starke County, Indiana. This case has lots of twists and turns, with more than one victim (we’ll get into that a bit later) and more than one person that can be held responsible for the death of this precious baby.Support the show

This week's episode, The Family Ties covers the murder of Kendrick Lee and the story from his surviving siblings. The news about this case just came to light in late October 2021, and the details are still coming out. Kendrick's 15-year-old brother made a call to police in October to report that he and his siblings had been abandoned and living in an apartment with the corpse of their younger brother since Thanksgiving of last year.Support the show

In today's gripping episode of our True Crime Podcast, we delve into a case that was suggested by one of our astute listeners. This haunting story revolves around the tragic death of 4-year-old Dominick Calhoun, a case that shook the nation and left an indelible mark on our collective conscience.Support the show

In this episode, Kelley is invited by the Jefferson Humanist Group to present on the subject of homeschooling for their organization. Kelley breaks down the history of homeschooling in the U.S. while discussing the pros and cons of this institution. With intent and purpose, she takes them on a journey through the good, the bad, and leaves them with her own hopes for the future of homeschooling.Support the show

Check out our latest episode, where we discuss the case of Rick Roeber, a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, a "man of God", a recovering alcoholic, and a long-distance runner.In April of 2020, Roeber was accused of physically, emotionally, and sexually abusing his 4 children and was subsequently expelled from the House of Representatives.Learn about the case and other details as we explore this tragic case and give a voice to his 4 children.Support the show

In this true crime podcast episode, we discuss the tragic case of Maxwell Schollenberger who was neglected, tortured, and murdered by his father Scott Schollenberger, and his father's fiancee, Kimberly Mauer."Around noon on May 26, 2020, police in Annville, Pennsylvania discovered the emaciated body of 12-year-old Maxwell Schollenberger in his family’s home at 30 South White Oak Street. Max was found naked and smeared with feces, slumped across a filthy bed in a bedroom with feces caked on every surface. The human waste covering the room was so old, it had begun to grow mold. The bedroom in which he was held captive had no lights, and the shades covering the windows had been secured closed with duct tape. The bedroom door was locked from the outside with three metal hooks, and the windows were secured shut with screws. "Throughout this episode, we discuss the case and advocate for justice, law reform, and awareness to end child abuse and neglect. Sit back, listen, and join the family!Learn more about this case here: https://www.thefamilytiespodcast.com/the-maxwell-schollenberger-case/Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/aMm56YfCFJoSupport the show

This week, we discuss the case of Orson West & Orrin West, two brothers who were reported missing on Monday, December 21 by their adoptive parents, Trezell West & Jaqueline West. Throughout the video, we discuss what we know so far about the case, the mystery surrounding the two boys' disappearance, and information from neighbors and the FBI.Support the show

In this week's true crime episode, we cover the tragic case of Trinity Love Jones, a 9-year old girl, who was brutally murdered and found dead inside a duffel bag with severe injuries head-to-toe.Throughout the episode, we discuss how Trinity Jones was abused, neglected, and subsequently murdered by Taquesta Graham and Emiel Hunt,  who have both been charged with murder and torture by the California Supreme Court.We want to discuss and share this case openly to bring attention to the tragic death of Trinity Love Jones and to all the other children who are the victims of neglect, violence, and crime.Support the show

Join Kelley and Julia on a gripping episode of The Family Ties as they engage in a heartfelt interview with Alicia Davis, the courageous mother of 12-year-old James "Alex" Hurley. Together, they delve into the tragic circumstances surrounding James' torture and murder at the hands of his grandparents, James Sasser, Jr. and Patricia Batts, as well as their 14-year-old son, J.S..In their pursuit of understanding, Kelley and Julia inquireand delve deep into the life of James Hurley, unraveling the series of events that ultimately led to his untimely demise. Moreover, they shed light on the distressing reality that homeschooled children often find themselves subjected to neglect, abuse, and violence, highlighting the urgent need for law enforcement intervention.Prepare yourself for an intense true-crime podcast episode that will leave a lasting impact. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain insight into this harrowing case, as Kelley and Julia honor James' memory by uncovering the truth and advocating for justice.Support the show

 In this week's episode, Julia and Kelley cover the very recent and horrific abuse, torture, and murder of 12-year-old James Alex Hurley. They discuss the events leading up to Alex's death at the hands of his grandma, step-grandpa, uncle, and aunt in Montana, and the status of the ongoing trials related to this case.  Support the show

In this true crime podcast episode, The Family Ties explores the Raylee Jolynn Browning Case. In the first part of this episode, Kelley Richey and Julia Avery discuss Raylee Browning's back story of being a victim of sexual abuse, physical abuse, starvation, and subsequent murder. Next, the two sisters discuss who murdered and abused Raylee and the outcome of the murder trial and case. Finally, the sisters discuss Raylee's Law, a new homeschool law currently going through the Supreme Court in West Virginia, and why it's important for people to take action and urge policy-makers to pass this law.Support the show

This week, Kelley takes on hosting this episode solo, while Julia takes a couple of much needed weeks to recoup from work. Kelley shares her research on where the United States currently stands statistically in regards to child abuse and child mortality. Not only does she discuss the immediate costs of child abuse for society, but the study on the long term results of it on more than just the individual. Support the show

This week Kelley and Julia share their research into Oregon Child Protective Services after covering the tragic case of the Hart family deaths in last week's episode. They try to get to the bottom of why CPS is failing children in Oregon and what the possible solutions could be to fix their long-standing history of ineptitude to protect, while children have been dying or remain in dangerous home situations. Some of the details the sisters unearth are disturbing, shocking, and reveal a system riddled with problems, so tune in to hear how the one system in place to protect our children is failing our most vulnerable.Support the show