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On the show
From 16 epsHosts
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Recent episodes
Episode 155: Barbara Nantais - One Night on the Sand
Jun 25, 2026
57m 33s
Episode 154: Lauren Spierer - Bloomington’s Coldest Mystery
Jun 10, 2026
1h 08m 24s
Episode 156: The Family That Couldn't Sleep - The Venetian Curse
Jun 3, 2026
59m 02s
Episode 155: Michelle von Emster - Swimming into Darkness
May 28, 2026
1h 08m 56s
Episode 153: Mike Mansholt - The Final Solo Ride
May 13, 2026
1h 12m 48s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/25/26 | ![]() Episode 155: Barbara Nantais - One Night on the Sand | In August 1978, 15-year-old Barbara Nantais and her 17-year-old boyfriend Jim Alt were attacked while sleeping in zipped-together sleeping bags on Torrey Pines State Beach in San Diego, California, after a night out with friends who remained in a nearby car. An unknown assailant severely beat Alt on the head with a rock and log from a fire pit, leaving him with life-threatening traumatic brain injuries, permanent metal plates in his skull, amnesia regarding the attack, and lifelong PTSD. Nantais was brutally murdered—she was beaten, strangled, sexually assaulted, had one breast mutilated, and her nude body was posed spread-eagle on the sand with wet sand stuffed in her mouth. The case quickly went cold despite an active investigation, as no murder weapon was recovered, the crowded beach environment hindered evidence collection, and 1970s forensic techniques (limited to basic serology and microscopy with no DNA profiling) offered little identifying power. Similarities in method to the 1984 murder of 14-year-old Claire Hough at the same beach initially raised questions of a possible serial offender, but authorities later concluded the cases were not connected. To this day, the Nantais murder remains an unsolved San Diego Police Department cold case with no identified suspects. Branch of Hope: Caroline’s Rainbow Foundation is a UK-registered charity founded in 2002 by the family of Caroline Ann Stuttle, a young British traveler who tragically lost her life while on a gap year in Australia. For more than twenty years, the organization has focused on promoting safer independent travel for young people and backpackers. It offers free educational resources, safety workshops, school presentations, and practical guides that help gap-year students and first-time adventurers prepare responsibly and stay safe on the road. While the foundation now serves primarily as a lasting information archive, its materials remain freely available and continue to support thousands of young travelers each year. Sources: Barbara Nantais | City of San Diego Official Website. (n.d.). https://www.sandiego.gov/police/news-center/cold-cases/barbara-nantais Schlesinger, R. (2024, July 7). Were the murders of California teens the work of a serial killer? CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-torrey-pines-beach-murders-blood-in-the-sand/ Sullivan, K. (2025, November 10). 2 teenagers were killed on Torrey Pines Beach 6 years apart | A&E. AETV. https://www.aetv.com/articles/2-teenagers-were-murdered-on-torrey-pines-beach-san-diego-6-years-apart Morford, M. (2022, November 17). EPISODE 59 Barbara Nantais — ABJACK Entertainment. AbJack Entertainment. https://www.abjackentertainment.com/the-murder-in-my-family/episode-59-barbara-nantais Join The Dark Oak Discussion: Patreon The Dark Oak Podcast Website Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok Youtube This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep | 57m 33s | ||||||
| 6/10/26 | ![]() Episode 154: Lauren Spierer - Bloomington’s Coldest Mystery✨ | disappearancetrue crime+4 | — | Indiana University | Bloomington, Indiana | Lauren Spiererdisappearance+7 | — | 1h 08m 24s | |
| 6/3/26 | ![]() Episode 156: The Family That Couldn't Sleep - The Venetian Curse✨ | genetic cursesleep disorders+3 | — | Prion AllianceCJD Foundation+1 | Venice | Fatal Familial Insomniasleep+5 | — | 59m 02s | |
| 5/28/26 | ![]() Episode 155: Michelle von Emster - Swimming into Darkness✨ | mysterious deathGreat White Shark Attack+4 | — | Caroline’s Rainbow FoundationJust Us Gals Productions | — | Michelle Von Emstershark attack+5 | — | 1h 08m 56s | |
| 5/13/26 | ![]() Episode 153: Mike Mansholt - The Final Solo Ride✨ | true crimemissing person+3 | — | Caroline’s Rainbow Foundation | MaltaGermany+1 | Mike Mansholtmissing person+5 | — | 1h 12m 48s | |
| 5/6/26 | ![]() Episode 152: Duncan MacPherson – Frozen Betrayal (Part 2 of 2)✨ | true crimedisappearance+4 | — | Crimestoppers of NYJust Us Gals Productions | — | Duncan MacPhersondisappearance+5 | — | 54m 02s | |
| 4/29/26 | ![]() Episode 151: Duncan MacPherson - Frozen Betrayal (Part 1 of 2)✨ | true crimedisappearance+4 | — | Crimestoppers of NYJust Us Gals Productions | — | Duncan MacPhersondisappearance+4 | — | 52m 21s | |
| 4/22/26 | ![]() Episode 150: The Miyazawa Massacre - Perfect Family, Perfect Crime✨ | Miyazawa Massacretrue crime+4 | — | Crimestoppers of NYInterbrand | Setayata, Japan | Miyazawa MassacreSetagaya murders+4 | — | 1h 06m 07s | |
| 4/15/26 | ![]() Episode 149: The Zaharias Abduction - Stolen Childhood✨ | abductionfamily+4 | — | Crimestoppers of NYUnsolved Mysteries | Mission Viejo, CaliforniaLake Elsinore, California+3 | Zaharias abductionmissing children+5 | — | 1h 11m 59s | |
| 4/8/26 | ![]() Episode 148: Unearthed from the Dark Oak: Where is Paola Miranda Rosa?✨ | missing persontrue crime+4 | — | Osceola County SheriffCrimeline | Wekiva Springs State Park | Paola Miranda Rosamissing person+7 | — | 1h 17m 33s | |
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| 4/1/26 | ![]() Episode 147: Missing: Yolanda Bindics✨ | missing personstrue crime+3 | — | Crimestoppers of NYCrime Stoppers of New York | Jamestown, NY | Yolanda Bindicsmissing person+3 | — | 1h 04m 43s | |
| 3/25/26 | ![]() Episode 146: Kanika Powell - Killer in the Hallway✨ | true crimeunsolved murder+4 | Kanika Powell | Dare for More | Laurel, Maryland | Kanika Powellunsolved murder+7 | — | 1h 10m 12s | |
| 3/18/26 | ![]() Episode 145: Amanda Antoni - The Basement Mystery✨ | murderinvestigation+3 | Amanda Antoni | Branch of HopeDare for More | — | murderAmanda Antoni+5 | — | 1h 11m 33s | |
| 3/11/26 | ![]() Episode 144: The Ice Miracle - Jean Hilliard✨ | survivaltrue crime+3 | — | Dare for More | Lengby, Minnesota | Jean HilliardWally Nelson+5 | — | 55m 53s | |
| 3/4/26 | ![]() Episode 143: The Strange Death of Blair Adams✨ | murderparanoia+3 | — | Dare for More | Knoxville, TN | Blair Adamsmurder+4 | — | 1h 04m 09s | |
| 2/25/26 | ![]() Episode 142: Shannan Gilbert's Disappearance and the Long Island Serial Killer✨ | disappearanceserial killer+4 | — | Suffolk County PoliceLost Girls | — | Shannan GilbertLong Island Serial Killer+7 | Parents of Murdered Children | 1h 01m 18s | |
| 2/18/26 | ![]() Episode 141: The Disappearance of Heidi Allen✨ | disappearanceforcible abduction+3 | — | Just Us Gals Productions | New Haven, New York | Heidi Allendisappearance+5 | — | 1h 24m 04s | |
| 2/12/26 | ![]() Episode 140: Demons on Film and in Real Life - The Exorcist | When Paul Bateson was cast in the 1973 horror classic The Exorcist, there was no way of knowing that just a few years later life for those around him would become even more terrifying than the movie. Paul has been rumored to be a serial killer so heinous that his crimes were featured on 'Mindhunter." In this episode we also talk about the real life "curse" surrounding the movie The Exorcist and the true story that inspired the film. Sources: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070047/trivia/ https://allthatsinteresting.com/roland-doe-the-exorcist-true-story https://www.thedigitalfix.com/the-exorcist/inspiration-boy-identity-revealed-after-50-years https://ew.com/the-exorcist-true-story-explained-8727499 https://allthatsinteresting.com/paul-bateson Join The Dark Oak Discussion: Patreon The Dark Oak Podcast Website Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok Youtube This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep | 1h 01m 56s | ||||||
| 2/4/26 | ![]() Episode 139: Changeling in Real Life: The Disappearance of Walter Collins | In March 1928, 9-year-old Walter Collins disappeared from Los Angeles after going to the movies. His single mother, Christine Collins, reported him missing, triggering a massive LAPD search amid the department's corruption scandal and recent criticism over the brutal Marion Parker murder. Five months later, the LAPD reunited Christine with an impostor boy from Illinois claiming to be Walter to salvage their reputation. Despite obvious physical differences and confirmation from others that he wasn't her son, Captain J.J. Jones coerced her into taking him home and, when she persisted with evidence, had her involuntarily committed to a psychiatric ward for about a week under "Code 12" to silence her. The boy soon confessed to being 12-year-old runaway Arthur Hutchins Jr., securing Christine's release and sparking public outrage. Meanwhile, the case linked to the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders: serial killer Gordon Stewart Northcott, aided by his mother and nephew Sanford Clark, abducted, abused, tortured, and murdered young boys on his farm. Evidence and confessions tied Walter to the victims—he was reportedly killed with an axe—though his body was never definitively found. Northcott was hanged in 1930; his mother received life. Christine sued successfully for false imprisonment (though payment was evaded) and helped inspire a 1931 law requiring due process for psychiatric commitments. She never accepted Walter's death, searching until her own in 1964. The story, dramatized in the 2008 film Changeling, exposes police corruption, institutional misogyny, and profound maternal grief. This month's Branch of Hope sponsored charity is: The Parents of Murdered Children. POMC provides ongoing emotional support, education, prevention, advocacy, and awareness for survivors of homicide victims, while working toward a world free of murder. It is the only national self-help organization specifically focused on the aftermath of murder. It emphasizes helping survivors reconstruct a "new life" after acute grief and dealing with the criminal justice system. To find more information go to pomc.org Sources: The Wineville Chicken Coop Murders – Crime Library. (n.d.). https://crimelibrary.org/serial_killers/predators/gordon_stewart_northcott/ Abramowitz, R. (2019, March 1). THE OTHER SON - Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-oct-19-ca-changeling19-story.html Blair, E. (2008, October 24). Behind “Changeling,” a tale too strange for fiction. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2008/10/24/95935010/behind-changeling-a-tale-too-strange-for-fiction The Road Out Of Hell: Sanford Clark and The True Story of the Wineville Murders: Flacco, Anthony, Clark, Jerry, Stone, Michael: 9781402768699: Amazon.com: Books. (n.d.). https://www.amazon.com/Road-Out-Hell-Sanford-Wineville/dp/1402768699 Changeling (2008) ⭐ 7.7 | Biography, crime, drama. (2008, October 31). IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0824747/ Join The Dark Oak Discussion: Patreon The Dark Oak Podcast Website Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok Youtube This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep | 1h 05m 03s | ||||||
| 1/28/26 | ![]() Episode 138: Twins Divided: The Story of Frederick and Cedric Young | Identical twins Frederick and Cedric Young were caught in a wrongful-conviction controversy after a 1993 string of armed robberies, when Frederick was convicted largely on eyewitness identification and guns found in his car, despite alibis, claims of mistaken identity, and later testimony that Cedric was the real perpetrator.The case, featured on Unsolved Mysteries, highlights serious flaws in eyewitness testimony and the difficulty of exoneration when crimes involve identical twins and no definitive DNA evidence. Sources: Kayley Ramsey. (2024, August 27). After 27 years in prison, Frederick Young breaks free of the cycle. Smart Justice. https://smartjustice.org/incarceration/after-27-years-in-prison-frederick-young-breaks-out-of-the-cycle 2025 Archive | Most recent Court of Appeals Summaries | Iowa Judicial Branch. (n.d.). Copyright 2026 Iowa Judicial Branch. All Rights Reserved. https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/court-of-appeals/most-recent-coa-summaries/archive/2025 Which twin do you believe? The case of Frederick and Cedric Young. (n.d.). Criminal. https://vocal.media/criminal/which-twin-do-you-believe-the-case-of-frederick-and-cedric-young FilmRise True Crime. (2017, March 9). Unsolved Mysteries with Dennis Farina - Season 4, Episode 16 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O8Ljh5rS-I This episode supports The Branch of Hope Foundation January 2025 sponsored charity: The Honey & Barry Sherman Legacy Foundation - A charitable organization established in 2020 by their daughter Alex Krawczyk to honor the memory and continue the philanthropic vision of Barry Sherman, the founder of Apotex, and his wife Honey, following their tragic deaths in 2017.Its primary purpose is to support charitable organizations focused on healthcare equity, human rights, scientific education and research, and Jewish community institutions, thereby furthering the couple's unfinished philanthropic aims.The foundation directs grants to initiatives that improve lives, advance medical care and accessibility (such as donations to hospitals and vision care programs), promote scientific discovery, and strengthen community organizations.By building on the Shermans' long-standing commitment to giving it creates a lasting legacy of impactful philanthropy. Join The Dark Oak Discussion: Patreon The Dark Oak Podcast Website Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok Youtube This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep | 49m 51s | ||||||
| 1/21/26 | ![]() Episode 137: The Indiana Dunes Mystery | On July 2, 1966, three young women went to Indiana Dunes State Park for a day of sunbathing and swimming. Witnesses reported seeing them leave their belongings unattended around noon and enter the water together, but they were later seen boarding a boat with an unknown man. After some time, the women were seen returning to the beach, before getting on a second boat with three unknown males. Unfortunately, they were never seen again. Could there have been a deadly boating accident? An abduction? A botched abortion on the water? Theories have swarmed this case for decades and tragically we still don't know what happened to Renee Bruhl, Ann Miller and Patricia Blough. Sources: What happened to three young sunbathers who disappeared at Indiana Dunes State Park 57 years ago? (2023, February 7). NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/cold-case-spotlight/happened-three-young-sunbathers-disappeared-indiana-dunes-state-park-5-rcna69110 Malik, I. (2025, April 2). The Indiana Dunes Mystery: What happened to the three women who vanished in 1966? | Unsolved Mysteries Iceberg. Factual America Podcast. https://www.factualamerica.com/crime-scene-stories/the-chilling-lake-michigan-mystery-indiana-dunes-triple-disappearance-explained-unsolved-mysteries-iceberg 1966 Three Sunbathers disappear from Beach -. (2019, November 9). https://www.michiganmysteries.com/missing-persons/1966-three-sunbathers-disappear-from-beach/ 656DFIN - Ann Miller. (n.d.). https://www.doenetwork.org/cases/656dfin.html Join The Dark Oak Discussion: Patreon The Dark Oak Podcast Website Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok Youtube This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep | 1h 02m 28s | ||||||
| 1/15/26 | ![]() Episode 136: The Mysterious Deaths of Brittany Murphy & Simon Monjack | Brittany Murphy, the talented actress known for Clueless, Girl, Interrupted, 8 Mile, and Uptown Girls, died at age 32 on December 20, 2009, in her Hollywood Hills home from accidental pneumonia, severe anemia, and prescription drug intoxication. Five months later, her husband Simon Monjack died in the same house from nearly identical causes. Official investigations ruled both deaths accidental and preventable, with no evidence of foul play, illegal drugs, toxic mold, or poisoning. Despite this, speculation continues around toxic mold, heavy metal poisoning (based on a disputed hair test), Sharon Murphy’s possible role (as Brittany’s devoted mother, sole heir, and close companion to Simon after the death), the home’s eerie history (previous owners Madonna and Britney Spears reported unsettling “haunted” experiences), and even far-fetched links to Sean “P Diddy” Combs. As of 2026, experts maintain the deaths were tragic coincidences due to untreated illness and self-medication, with no credible evidence supporting conspiracy theories. This episode supports The Branch of Hope Foundation January 2025 sponsored charity: The Honey & Barry Sherman Legacy Foundation - A charitable organization established in 2020 by their daughter Alex Krawczyk to honor the memory and continue the philanthropic vision of Barry Sherman, the founder of Apotex, and his wife Honey, following their tragic deaths in 2017.Its primary purpose is to support charitable organizations focused on healthcare equity, human rights, scientific education and research, and Jewish community institutions, thereby furthering the couple's unfinished philanthropic aims.The foundation directs grants to initiatives that improve lives, advance medical care and accessibility (such as donations to hospitals and vision care programs), promote scientific discovery, and strengthen community organizations.By building on the Shermans' long-standing commitment to giving it creates a lasting legacy of impactful philanthropy. Sources: Chubb, H., & Krauser, E. (2025, December 20). What Happened to Brittany Murphy's Home After Her Death? Inside the Dark History Behind the Hollywood Hills Mansion. People.com. https://people.com/what-happened-to-brittany-murphy-home-11873759 Sean Combs: The Reckoning - Netflix. (n.d.). https://www.netflix.com/title/81906780 Sager, J., & Rudolph, C. (2025, December 20). Brittany Murphy’s death, 16 years later: revisiting her sudden passing and the questions that still linger. People.com. https://people.com/brittany-murphy-death-everything-to-know-11871547 ABC News. (2010, July 28). Brittany Murphy and husband Simon Monjack died of similar causes. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/murphy-monjack-twin-deaths-mystery-mold-coroner/story?id=11259720 Tron, G. (2023, December 26). Three persistent rumors circulating since Brittany Murphy’s mysterious death. Oxygen. https://www.oxygen.com/true-crime-buzz/three-rumors-circulating-since-brittany-murphys-death Inside the theories surrounding Brittany Murphy’s tragic passing, exactly 16 years on. (n.d.). https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/inside-the-theories-surrounding-brittany-murphys-tragic-passing-exactly-16-years-on/ar-AA1SIJOA ABC News. (2010, July 28). Brittany Murphy and husband Simon Monjack died of similar causes. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/murphy-monjack-twin-deaths-mystery-mold-coroner/story?id=11259720 Join The Dark Oak Discussion: Patreon The Dark Oak Podcast Website Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok Youtube This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep | 1h 26m 29s | ||||||
| 1/8/26 | ![]() Episode 135: The Murder of Billionaires Barry and Honey Sherman | When billionaire Barry Sherman and his wife Honey were found dead in their mansion, bodies staged in a bizarre manner, police initially believed the deaths were the result of a murder/suicide. After pushback from the Sherman family Toronto police came to the conclusion that the couple had been brutally murdered. The investigation into their deaths has been extensive but the murders remain unsolved. Despite numerous leads and a $35 million reward offered by their family for information leading to an arrest, no suspects have been charged. Over the years various theories have emerged regarding the motive and potential suspects, ranging from business-related conflicts to family disputes. The couple's wealth and Barry's aggressive business practices may have created enemies, leading to speculation about possible motives for the murders. This episode supports The Branch of Hope Foundation January 2025 sponsored charity: The Honey & Barry Sherman Legacy Foundation - A charitable organization established in 2020 by their daughter Alex Krawczyk to honor the memory and continue the philanthropic vision of Barry Sherman, the founder of Apotex, and his wife Honey, following their tragic deaths in 2017.Its primary purpose is to support charitable organizations focused on healthcare equity, human rights, scientific education and research, and Jewish community institutions, thereby furthering the couple's unfinished philanthropic aims.The foundation directs grants to initiatives that improve lives, advance medical care and accessibility (such as donations to hospitals and vision care programs), promote scientific discovery, and strengthen community organizations.By building on the Shermans' long-standing commitment to giving—evident in their prior support through entities like the Apotex Foundation—it creates a lasting legacy of impactful philanthropy. Sources:Donovan, K. (n.d.). The Billionaire Murders: The Mysterious Deaths of Barry and Honey Sherman. National Geographic Books True Crime And Cocktails. (2023, September 12). Episode 141: Barry and Honey Sherman [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKpsVGrL500 Join The Dark Oak Discussion: Patreon The Dark Oak Podcast Website Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok Youtube This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep | 1h 44m 05s | ||||||
| 12/20/25 | ![]() Episode 134: Where is Patty Vaughn? | On Christmas Day 1996, 32-year-old Patty Inez Brightwell Vaughan, a devoted mother of three from La Vernia, Texas, vanished after a tumultuous separation from her allegedly abusive husband, J.R. Vaughan. Amid mounting evidence of domestic strife, Patty had begun a new relationship and planned a fresh start, but that day turned violent: her estranged husband was the last person to see her, claiming she stormed out upset after arguments. Her abandoned minivan was soon discovered with a deliberately deflated tire, freshly cleaned yet stained with her blood, while her home revealed extensive blood spatter, cleanup attempts with bleach, and luminol-reactive drag marks—clear signs of a struggle. Despite intense suspicion on J.R., who quickly filed for divorce, collected life insurance after having her declared dead, and later changed his name and moved away, no body has been found, and circumstantial evidence has prevented charges in this decades-old no-body homicide case, leaving Patty's family still seeking justice and closure. Sources: Details - Unsolved homicide. (n.d.). https://www.dps.texas.gov/apps/coldCase/Home/Details/284 Sanchez, Y. V. a. P. (2024, December 24). A family’s heartache: Patty Vaughan’s voice silenced by an unsolved Christmas tragedy. KABB. https://foxsanantonio.com/news/yami-investigates/a-familys-heartache-patty-vaughans-voice-silenced-by-an-unsolved-christmas-tragedy Robinwarder. (n.d.). The 1996 Christmas Day Disappearance of Patty Vaughan: Vanishes After an Argument with Her Estranged Husband : r/UnresolvedMysteries. https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/a5hkyt/the_1996_christmas_day_disappearance_of_patty/ Family of Patty Vaughan hopes for answers 23 years after she vanished from Texas home on Christmas Day 1996. (2019, December 21). NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/family-patty-vaughan-hopes-answers-23-years-after-she-vanished-n1106151 Day, J. (2022, February 3). Missing in Texas: The case of Patty Vaughn. Lost Souls of America. https://lostsoulsofamerica.wordpress.com/2021/12/22/missing-in-texas-the-case-of-patty-vaughn/ Darrah, N. (2021, December 26). Seven mysteries in case of missing mom-of-three Patty Vaughan who disappeared on Christmas 25 years ago. . . The US Sun. https://www.the-sun.com/news/4341500/christmas-missing-mom-patty-vaughan-disappeared/ Join The Dark Oak Discussion: Patreon The Dark Oak Podcast Website Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok Youtube This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep | 1h 05m 50s | ||||||
| 12/12/25 | ![]() Episode 133: The Death of Asia and Ashton Brown | In February 2015, 22-year-old Asia LaRose Brown, a dedicated single mother and security guard from Greensboro, North Carolina, and her 2-year-old son Ashton were brutally murdered in a case that remains unsolved more than a decade later. On February 20, Asia bought a used 2005 Buick LaCrosse in High Point, registered it at the DMV alone, and later stopped at an AutoZone in Greensboro around 3:20 p.m. to buy car accessories; this was the last time she was seen alive on surveillance footage, appearing calm and unhurried. She and Ashton vanished that afternoon, and when she missed work shifts over the weekend, a welfare check was requested. Exactly 72 hours later, on February 23, her burned-out car was discovered in a wooded area near Thurston Avenue, less than two miles from her home. Inside the trunk, covered by a blue plastic tarp, police found the charred bodies of Asia and Ashton; the fire had been deliberately set with gasoline after they were killed. Autopsies revealed both died from multiple gunshot wounds from a .40-caliber handgun—Asia in the head and torso, and Ashton at close range—with the murders likely occurring within hours of Asia leaving the AutoZone. The car’s seller, Ashton’s father, and other persons of interest were cleared, and no evidence linked Asia to drugs or crime despite Greensboro’s opioid crisis at the time. The blue tarp, purchased at a nearby Walmart, and the removal of the license plates suggest premeditation, yet the case has yielded few solid leads despite extensive investigation involving dozens of officers, FBI profilers, and forensic experts. As of December 2025, the double homicide remains active but cold, with Asia’s family continuing to hold vigils and advocate for justice, especially for Black mothers affected by violence. A $15,000 reward is still offered for information leading to an arrest, and anyone with tips is urged to contact Greensboro Police or Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000. Sources: Chris Venzon (WFMY News2). (2020, March 10). Who killed 2-year-old Ashton and his mother Asia? Five years later, the Greensboro case remains unsolved. wfmynews2.com. https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/crime/asia-brown-ashton-brown/83-31aea1d9-92fc-4277-97cc-2f24c3b019c5 Megan Allman (WFMY News 2 Digital). (2022, February 23). Who killed a Greensboro mom and her 2-year-old son? $15K reward in the 2015 cold case. wfmynews2.com. https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/crime/greensboro-mom-asia-brown-and-son-ashton-found-dead-in-trunk-of-burned-buick-lacrosse/83-4705c25b-db8c-433e-aec0-41d7bbba35e4 Sarah Newell Williamson sarah.williamson@greensboro.com. (2016, February 27). District Attorney Jim O’Neill talks about stabbing at North Forsyth High School [Video]. Greensboro News and Record. https://greensboro.com/news/crime/police-still-seeking-clues-in-year-old-killing-of-asia/article_64ad7df0-9c60-5d0e-a2af-85a2eeb6c069.html NANCY McLAUGHLIN nancy.mclaughlin@greensboro.com. (2022, February 28). District Attorney Jim O’Neill talks about stabbing at North Forsyth High School [Video]. Greensboro News and Record. https://greensboro.com/news/who-killed-asia-and-ashton-and-why-seven-years-later-there-are-no-answers/article_9e2e3e98-9812-11ec-a7b3-dfdd999af705.html Join The Dark Oak Discussion: Patreon The Dark Oak Podcast Website Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok Youtube This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep | 1h 06m 59s | ||||||
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