Can a high school class crack a serial killer case? In Elizabethton, Tennessee, sociology teacher Alex Campbell and his students did just that. What began as a lesson in victimology became the Redhead Murders project, where students assembled thefirst behavioral profile of the offender who targeted red-haired women along southern highways in the 1980s and ultimately renamed him the “Bible Belt Strangler.”

The class collaborated with FBI profilers, cold case experts, podcasters, and social media. Their groundbreaking work, not only pointed to long haul trucker Jerry Johns, who died in prison in 2015 but also definitively linked six of the victims— whom the class calls the ‘Six Sisters.” Their dedication even led to the identification of Tina farmer, the only victim officially tied to Johns through DNA evidence. The project reshaped how we think about true crime, proving that ‘hive knowledge,’ grassroots efforts, and social media, are valuable tools in solving cold cases.

There’s still a lot of work to be done in the redheadmurders investigation, but the class has since expanded their efforts. With support from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations, the students created JusticeForTracySue.com and established a tip line (1-800-TBI-FIND) for more information about Tracy Sue Walker.

Be sure to listen to Alex’s acclaimed ten-episode podcast series with iHeartRadio: Murder 101

Esteemed forensic anthropologist, Dr. Erin Kimmerle, founder and executive director of the Institute of Forensic Anthropology at the University of South Florida, joins us to discuss her groundbreaking investigations into the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys. Dating back to the early 1900s, the Dozier School, once a juvenile reform institution in Florida; its reputation is now synonymous with the counts of horrific abuse, neglect, and torture suffered by the boys sent there, many of whom were Black and committed only minor offenses like truancy and trespassing. Many never returned home, dying while trying to escape or from forced labor and mistreatment.

When the school was officially shut down in 2011, families and descendants of the boys sought answers about who was buried in its unmarked cemetery. With 81 recorded deaths but half the burial sites missing, Dr. Erin Kimmerle led a four-year investigation that combined archaeological excavation, cemetery exhumation, and criminal inquiry. Using ground-penetrating radar, DNA testing, forensic art, and historical records, she helped uncover one of America’s darkest and most shameful chapters, while drawing attention to the injustices juveniles still face today.

We also explore the broader pursuit of historical justice, connecting the Dozier investigation to similar mass graves—such as those tied to Canada’s Indigenous residential schools and the Tuam Mother and baby home in Ireland. And yes, there’s even time for Amelia Earhart!

Be sure to purchase Dr. Erin Kimmerle's book, We Carry Their Bones: The Search for Justice at the Dozier School for Boys!

In 1989, 22-year-old Yolanda Broussard was shot in her home in Lydia, Louisiana. Decades later her daughter, Seneca, is still searching for answers. In New Iberia—a town of just 30,000—she’s even crossed paths with the man long suspected of her mother’s murder but never charged. Seneca, who was only three-year-old when the murder occurred, opens up about her fragile memories of that period, being raised by her grandparents, and the lasting impact of growing up without answers. Now a mother with daughters of her own, she shares how this case has become both a family legacy of pain and perseverance.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact :

The New Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office (337)-369-3714.

The first rule of FIGHT CLUB is: you don't talk about FIGHT CLUB. But on this minisode, we're breaking some rules to bring you a dose of Louisiana lore you won't want to miss!

Our special guest, Gerald Dupre, is here to share a rich and tangled family history. His grandfather may have fired the opening shots of the last legally sanctioned duel in Louisiana. That's right, we're talking about "I challenge you, sir!" with the slap of a glove and all the drama that entails. This same ancestor wasn't just a duelist; he was also an avid farmer with possible ties to the Cajun Mafia—spooky!

But Gerald, our guest, followed a distinctly different path. He spent over sixty years in the pharmaceutical industry, witnessing incredible changes and blessings throughout his long career.

So, to recap:

• Duels

• Mafia

• Drugs (the pharmaceutical kind, of course!)

• Oh, and the cotton gin!

Most importantly, lots of laughter along the way!

Dr. Jesse Goliath, a forensic anthropologist and Assistant Professor at Mississippi State University, established the Mississippi Repository for Missing and Unidentified Persons in 2023 after discovering the lack of a comprehensive state database. Using technology like ground-penetrating radar, his team identified Felicia Cox's remains, highlighting the need for better resources. The repository, containing over 1,600 missing persons' profiles and 220 unidentified remains, aims to address the underreporting of BIPOC cases, particularly in rural areas and reservations. Dr. Goliath emphasizes the disparity in how these cases are handled, the vulnerability of runaway youth and marginalized groups, and the importance of geospatial mapping to understand contributing factors like infrastructure and mental health access. As he highlights, "There are people dying because this work is not being done." We hope spreading awareness will ultimately help in advocating for increased funding, legislative changes, and further community engagement. Get in-touch with Dr. Jesse Goliath on his website

Donate to the Mississippi Repository for Missing and Unidentified Persons

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UPDATE: the case of Jimmie Jay Lee has been closed. Please keep the friends and family in your thoughts.

With little help from the New Orleans Police Department, parents Scott and Sandy Easterling, hired their own P.I. to investigate what happened to their son, Samuel Easterling, who has been missing for over six months. Samuel (31) whose nickname is "Saint" is a professional photographer who was last seen walking alone in the Bywater area on August 29th, 2024, leaving Po Boys Bar around 4:44 AM. He was reported missing by a close contact on September 2nd. Video footage was not obtained soon enough, so anyone with information is encouraged to come forward. He had sustained an ankle injury and may or may not have been using crutches at the time of his disappearance.

New Orleans Police Department 504-658-6229

MPIA Database Entry # I-01384-24

Are women better at crime-ing? Experts have noted that female serial killers are the least studied and possibly the most prolific.

Joining us is debut author and Louisiana native, Emma C. Wells, here to discuss her novel, This Girl's A Killer, a USA Today bestseller, which follows Cordelia Black, a pharmaceutical rep with an affinity for Louboutin heels and killing the bad men of Baton Rouge. A true "girl's girl," she cares about her friends, she's organized, she has a "workstation" and a curated playlist, and she's been getting away with her crimes rather successfully. There's a lot to unpack here!

*Be sure to purchase your copy of This Girl's A Killer .

Also follow Emma on her website and socials!

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Willard Daspit Jr. has been missing September 10, 2023. His motorcycle was found crashed near his property on Bayou Alexander Highway in the Coteau Homes neighborhood of St. Martinville. His glasses were also found at the scene, which led his wife Lara, joining us today, to believe that her husband was in need of help as he is visually impaired. He is a mechanic who likes to repair things, so it was not uncommon for his bike to malfunction and for him to walk home. He left his phone as well as his truck, validating Lara's belief that her husband did not flee the scene. CCTV footage was released showing Bill walking around town about four miles from the accident, possibly injured.

Bill is 59 years-old, 5'10, 218 pounds with brown hair and peridot green eyes. Anyone with any information can contact the St. Martinville Sherrif's Office at 337-394-3071.

Facebook #helpusfindbilldaspit UPDATE: Following the recording of our episode, possible human remains were discovered on December 29, 2024, in a wooded area not far off Banker Road in St. Martinville. The LSU FACES Lab as of now has not made any ID.