Episodes

  • Texas : Deanna Merryfield

    Texas : Deanna Merryfield
    Nov 17 2025
    In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, hosts Melissa and Whitney explore the heartbreaking story of Deanna Maryfield, who vanished at age 13 from Killeen, Texas, in 1990. Deanna's troubled family background, including her mother's alcoholism and her stepfather's sexual abuse, is discussed in detail. The case, filled with investigative missteps and lack of attention, saw no progress for years until her sister Missie took charge, advocating relentlessly for answers. A renewed search effort and public advocacy continue as her family seeks closure. Listeners are urged to share Deanna's story and help in the search for answers.


    Follow Deanna’s Story: findingdeanna.com
    Social media: @findingdeanna

    Team Texas K9s:
    https://teamtexashrdtrackingk9s.org/
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    35 mins
  • Oklahoma : April Kelly Reed

    Oklahoma : April Kelly Reed
    Oct 27 2025
    April Kelly Reed disappeared from Del City, Oklahoma in 2001 under mysterious circumstances. Raised amidst familial instability and trauma, April endured significant hardships, including being traded for a vehicle as a child and navigating life with schizophrenia. Her sister Kelsey, who uncovered April’s disappearance later in life through a Facebook post, is tirelessly seeking answers.

    Kelsey's search has revealed conflicting reports, family secrets, and possible foul play. Despite a prolonged lack of evidence and official missteps, recent developments, including DNA contributions, give hope for breakthroughs in the case.

    If you have any information, please get in touch with the Dell City Police Department at 405.677.2443.
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    25 mins
  • New York : Stephen Spina

    New York : Stephen Spina
    Sep 17 2025
    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
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    37 mins
  • Colorado : Megan Trussell

    Colorado : Megan Trussell
    Aug 13 2025
    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.

    Support Megan's Family by donating to her GoFundMe.

    If you have any information about Megan, please send all tips to trusselltips@vigilante-pr.com

    Support the podcast by leaving us a 5 star review on your favorite podcast platform.


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    42 mins
  • Nevada : Camille Dardanes Dodson

    Nevada : Camille Dardanes Dodson
    Jul 21 2025
    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
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    25 mins
  • Michigan : Amber Arnett

    Michigan : Amber Arnett
    Jul 1 2025
    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.
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    38 mins
  • Arizona : Stephanie Wasilishin

    Arizona : Stephanie Wasilishin
    Jun 16 2025
    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: 800.799.7233
    Text: BEGIN to 88788
    Chat Online.

    Available on Apple Podcasts:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papi-killed-mommy/id1809655183
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    24 mins
  • Introducing: Papi Killed Mommy

    Introducing: Papi Killed Mommy
    Jun 10 2025
    Introducing:

    Papi Killed Mommy

    “Papi Killed Mommy” is a true crime podcast told from the inside—by the daughter of the woman who was murdered.
    In 1993, 10-year-old Nikki was woken by police pulling her from bed. Her mother had been murdered just hours after making plans to leave her abusive boyfriend—the man who fathered Nikki’s little sister. In the back of a squad car, that 3-year-old sister repeated a phrase that would echo through the decades: “Papi killed Mommy.”
    Now, more than 30 years later, Nikki is breaking her silence. This podcast dives deep into what happened that night, the red flags that were missed, and the justice system that failed them.
    Raw, personal, and investigative—“Papi Killed Mommy” isn’t just about the crime.
    It’s about what was never done.

    Available on Apple Podcasts:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papi-killed-mommy/id1809655183
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    2 mins