MURDER IN THE BLACK

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Murder In The Black

Steph and M.D.

M.D. and STEPH are sisters who share a passion for true crime. ​They are committed to highlighting stories within the black community that often do not receive the attention they deserve. This has led them to create a platform where these stories can be shared on a weekly basis through their podcast. Drawing on her legal expertise, M.D. provides the legal context of each case, while Steph delves into the details concerning the victims and occasionally the perpetrators. By tuning in weekly, listeners can expect to learn about lesser-known crime cases and gain a deeper understanding of the cases

  1. Who Gets Chosen: The Vivian James Case+ Leah Cline

    4D AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Who Gets Chosen: The Vivian James Case+ Leah Cline

    In this episode, Steph explores the unsettling reality that true crime can happen to anyone, often within close relationships or familiar surroundings. She examines a case from Jacksonville, Florida, where the victim's trusted friend becomes the perpetrator, highlighting the importance of awareness and understanding of these dark realities. Key Topics: The prevalence of true crime occurring during daily routines and within familiar environmentsHow trust and access can lead to devastating outcomes in personal relationshipsThe detailed case of Vivian James' murder, including investigation steps and suspect profilesThe significance of behavioral clues and inconsistencies in suspect interrogationsThe broader implications of violence against women involved in sex workThe importance of awareness, perception, and accountability in preventing harmLessons on how kindness and trust can be exploited for violenceReflection on societal perceptions of danger and personal safety Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: True crime can happen during ordinary activities 00:29 - The case of Vivian James in Jacksonville and initial discovery 03:00 - Scene analysis: strangulation and evidence of robbery 04:42 - Victim background: Vivian as a beloved teacher and community figure 07:07 - Suspect surveillance and evidence collection 08:10 - Zebulon Perkins' involvement and inconsistent stories 09:40 - The significance of stolen property and suspect motives 11:30 - Deeper investigation into Zebulon's connection to Vivian 12:53 - Conflicting accounts and suspicions mount 14:16 - Zebulon's changing stories and evidence tying him to the crime 16:26 - Additional charges and the involvement of Rashad Simmons 20:48 - The case of Leah Klein and subsequent charges against Zebulon 22:01 - Plea deal, sentencing, and insights into the suspect's mindset 24:02 - Reflection on the nature of violence: choice, perception, and safety 25:36 - The importance of awareness and understanding the 'how' behind crimes 27:03 - Closing thoughts: community, advocacy, and ongoing awareness

    29 min

  2. 6D AGO

    She Was 10 Minutes From Home: The Murder of Dawnia DaCosta

    She Was 10 Minutes From Home: The Murder of Dawnia DaCosta Dawnia DaCosta was just minutes away from where she was supposed to be. What started as a routine night—a late prayer vigil, a familiar drive—turned into something far more unsettling. Within a matter of hours, Dawnia would vanish, leaving behind a trail of questions, conflicting witness accounts, and a case that wouldn’t fully come together until years later. In this episode, we walk through the timeline of that night, the investigation that followed, and the evidence that both helped—and delayed—answers. From the gas station sighting to the composite sketch, to the DNA that ultimately pointed to Lucious Boyd, this case reveals how easily critical details can be missed when they aren’t fully connected. And even now, the story doesn’t end with one victim. The night Dawnia attended a prayer vigil alone The gas station encounter and witness descriptions The church van theory and early investigative focus The discovery of Dawnia’s body and forensic findings How DNA evidence led to Lucious Boyd The 2023 breakthrough linking another victim in the same time frame What this case reveals about patterns, missed connections, and delayed justice Why This Case Stays With You Dawnia didn’t step outside of her routine.She was close to home. Close to safety. And somehow—that still wasn’t enough.

    44 min
  3. Ignored Warnings, Delayed Justice: The Cases of Debbie Woods & Bryan Pata

    MAR 22 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Ignored Warnings, Delayed Justice: The Cases of Debbie Woods & Bryan Pata

    Debbie Woods’ story is one that sits at the intersection of love, control, and obsession—where blurred boundaries turned deadly. In this episode, we unpack Debbie’s life: a woman working to rebuild, pursuing education, and creating stability for herself and her daughter—only to be met with betrayal from someone she trusted. As we walk through her story, we examine the warning signs, the overlooked red flags, and the dangerous reality of relationships that aren’t always what they seem. But this episode doesn’t stop there. We also take a look at the case of Bryan Pata—a story rooted not in warning signs, but in system failure. A promising young athlete whose life was taken far too soon, and whose family was left waiting over two decades for answers. This case highlights what happens when investigative opportunities are missed, and how delayed justice can deepen the wounds of loss. Two different cases. One shared truth: what is ignored—whether warning signs or evidence—can have devastating consequences. 🔍 Key Topics Debbie Woods’ life, resilience, and pursuit of a better future The dangers of blurred boundaries in friendships and relationships Warning signs of control, jealousy, and emotional manipulation The escalation from friendship to fatal obsession Investigation gaps and missed opportunities in Debbie’s case Bryan Pata’s life, legacy, and promising future in football The failures in the Miami-Dade investigation The impact of delayed justice on grieving families How overlooked evidence can stall justice for decades Lessons on awareness, accountability, and advocacy ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & episode overview: when warnings and justice are ignored 🔪 Debbie Woods Case 01:14 – Debbie Woods: a vibrant life cut short 02:08 – Childhood, adoption, and early instability 03:06 – First love, pregnancy, and choosing education 04:01 – Custody decisions and stability for her daughter 05:20 – Debbie’s continued presence in Clarissa’s life 06:35 – Working to support her goals 07:30 – Meeting Bernard Brown and whirlwind romance 08:44 – The risks of moving too fast in love 09:53 – Building a life while balancing responsibilities 11:04 – Relationship tension begins to surface 12:16 – Jealousy, control, and shifting dynamics 13:30 – Recognizing signs of abuse and separation 14:26 – Living arrangements with Lucy and Joe 15:43 – Joe’s role: support turning into obsession 16:29 – Disappearance and search efforts 17:43 – Discovery of Debbie’s body 19:07 – The crime and its brutality 21:07 – Investigation and Joe’s motive 22:12 – Debbie’s final moments and attempts to rebuild 23:32 – Jealousy and control as driving forces 24:31 – Justice for Debbie and lingering questions 26:25 – Takeaways: boundaries, red flags, and awareness 🏈 Bryan Pata Case 29:14 – Introduction to Bryan Pata’s case 30:18 – Bryan’s background, family, and football career 31:27 – The day leading up to his death 32:24 – The night of the murder 33:37 – Crime scene and early evidence 35:21 – Relationships, tensions, and possible motives 36:45 – Prior conflicts and escalating threats 39:14 – Investigative failures and missed leads 42:21 – Years of delay, redacted files, and eventual arrest 45:16 – Trial complexities and legal challenges 47:07 – The impact on Bryan’s family 48:59 – Closing thoughts: justice, accountability, and truth

    50 min

  4. MAR 19

    When Justice Falls Short: The April Holt Case

    Discover the heartbreaking case of April Lynn Holt, a young woman whose life was tragically cut short amid emotional manipulation, unanswered questions, and a justice system that left her family fighting for more. In this episode of Murder in the Black, we walk through April’s story — from her vibrant life as a beauty entrepreneur and social media influencer to the disturbing details surrounding her death, the evidence that raised red flags, and the legal outcome that continues to spark outrage. This is more than a case. It’s a conversation about emotional abuse, missed warning signs, and what justice really looks like when the system falls short. 🎧 In This Episode: The life of April Lynn Holt — her ambitions, business, and growing social media presence Her relationship with Donavan Holt, including on-and-off patterns and signs of emotional manipulation The final moments before her hospitalization, including bruising, petechiae, and conflicting accounts Key evidence uncovered in the case file — including fingerprint analysis and inconsistencies in the scene Denzel’s account of the argument on July 28 and what he witnessed The staged crime scene and Donavan’s confession, claiming her death was accidental The legal aftermath — charges, plea deals, and how prosecution limitations impacted sentencing The emotional toll on April’s mother, Jamie, and her relentless fight for truth and justice A deeper look into emotional abuse and how it can escalate into deadly outcomes Systemic failures in domestic violence cases and what this case reveals ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the case of April Lynn Holt00:25 – April’s background, personality, and social media presence01:11 – Her dedication to motherhood and entrepreneurship02:10 – The emotional connection between beauty professionals and clients03:00 – Relationship timeline with Donavan — on-and-off patterns05:00 – Social media and the illusion of “perfect” relationships09:30 – April’s mental health and decision to leave15:00 – Hospitalization, injuries, and conflicting narratives16:55 – Evidence of strangulation and staged scene indicators20:06 – Medical examiner ruling and Jamie’s refusal to accept suicide30:07 – Jamie’s advocacy, TikTok awareness, and gag order32:15 – Evidence pointing to foul play — fingerprints and Denzel’s testimony34:15 – Donavan’s confession and staged scene details37:11 – Legal proceedings, plea deal, and sentencing43:15 – Reflection on emotional abuse and systemic failures44:23 – Jamie’s resilience and fight for justice46:21 – Final thoughts: awareness, advocacy, and accountability Follow + Support Murder in the Black 📌 Substack: Murder in the Black (Subscriber exclusives + episode conversations)👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://murderintheblack.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎥 YouTube: Murder in the Black👉⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@www.youtube.com/@murderintheblack⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 TikTok: Murder in the Black / Story Time with Steph👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@murderintheblack⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📘 Facebook: Murder in the Black👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/p/Murder-In-The-Black-Podcast-100088434791438/

    49 min

  5. MAR 12

    The Woods Between Them | Nacole Smith + Betty Brown

    In this episode of Murder in the Black, we explore the heartbreaking story of 14-year-old Nacole Smith, a young girl with dreams of becoming a pediatrician who never made it to school on the morning of June 7, 1995. What began as a devastating crime in an Atlanta neighborhood would become a case that stretched across decades. Despite eyewitness descriptions, community efforts to identify a suspect, and early forensic evidence, investigators struggled to identify the man responsible. The case took a critical turn nearly nine years later, when 13-year-old Betty Brown survived a violent assault in East Point, Georgia. Betty’s courage to report the attack and her detailed recollection of the man who assaulted her would ultimately connect the two cases through DNA evidence — revealing that the same offender had been living in the community for years. Through advances in forensic science, including DNA profiling, CODIS, and later genetic genealogy, investigators were eventually able to identify the suspect responsible for both crimes. But the resolution came with its own tragedy when the suspect died before he could face justice. In this episode we also introduce our True Crime in Current News segment, where we highlight cases currently unfolding that listeners have brought to our attention. In this episode we discuss several developing stories, including the disturbing discovery of two young girls found in suitcases in Cleveland, a Bronx double homicide connected to a domestic dispute, and a shocking case involving a former NFL player accused of killing his girlfriend and allegedly using ChatGPT in an attempt to research ways to cover up the crime. The life and dreams of Nacole Smith The events of June 7, 1995, and the discovery of her murder Early investigative leads and eyewitness descriptions Community involvement and the circulation of the composite sketch Suspicion surrounding Jamar Hendrix and why resemblance to a sketch alone is not evidence DNA evidence collected from the crime scene and its entry into CODIS Why CODIS searches sometimes return no match The 2002 jailhouse informant tip and why investigators ruled it out The attack on Betty Brown and how her survival connected two crimes The role of forensic science and genetic genealogy in solving cold cases The identification of Kelvin Arnold decades later The emotional impact of the suspect dying before he could face justice The perseverance of investigators and the importance of survivor testimony True Crime in Current News: listener-submitted cases and developing investigations 00:00 – Introduction to Nacole Smith’s case02:25 – Nacole’s life, dreams, and family04:07 – The morning of June 7, 199507:26 – Discovery of the crime scene and evidence recovered09:55 – Witness descriptions and early suspect sketches11:42 – Community efforts and the composite sketch13:06 – Jamar Hendrix investigation and why he was ruled out14:37 – DNA evidence, CODIS, and investigative challenges17:31 – The 2002 jailhouse informant lead19:15 – The attack on Betty Brown in 200421:10 – DNA connection between Betty Brown’s case and Nacole’s murder25:20 – Advances in forensic science and genetic genealogy26:32 – Identification of Kelvin Arnold27:24 – Arnold’s death before arrest in 202128:15 – Reflection on justice, persistence, and investigative tenacity35:02 – True Crime in Current News segment36:08 – Final thoughts and episode close Follow + Support Murder in the Black 📌 Substack: Murder in the Black (Subscriber exclusives + episode conversations)👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://murderintheblack.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠ 🎥 YouTube: Murder in the Black👉⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@www.youtube.com/@murderintheblack⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 TikTok: Murder in the Black / Story Time with Steph👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@murderintheblack⁠⁠⁠ 📘 Facebook: Murder in the Black👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/p/Murder-In-The-Black-Podcast-100088434791438/

    37 min
  6. A Bag in the Merrimack: The Murder of Mary Stetson + EXCITING UPDATE

    MAR 8 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    A Bag in the Merrimack: The Murder of Mary Stetson + EXCITING UPDATE

    In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the disturbing murder of Mary Stetson, a case that began with a shocking discovery in the Merrimack River and unfolded into a meticulous investigation involving forensic evidence, witness accounts, and a suspect whose violent history raised serious questions. What started as a mysterious bag floating in the river quickly became a homicide investigation after authorities discovered Mary’s dismembered torso, launching detectives into a race to reconstruct her final hours. Through forensic analysis, timeline reconstruction, and witness testimony, investigators eventually uncovered the truth behind what happened inside an apartment on Orange Street—a crime scene that revealed chilling details of violence and concealment. This episode explores how investigators pieced together Mary’s last known movements, how a seemingly small witness observation became critical, and how forensic evidence ultimately exposed the man responsible. We also reflect on the emotional weight cases like this carry for families who must grieve not only a loss—but the brutal circumstances surrounding it. Plus — at the end of the episode, I share an update about my upcoming original true-crime storytelling series, What I Didn’t See. If you’re a longtime member of the MIB family, you might remember I teased this project years ago. The teaser included in this episode gives listeners a first look at the story and what to expect as I begin releasing this long-awaited series. Episode Timeline 00:00 – Introduction: a bag floating in the Merrimack River 00:29 – The disturbing discovery and early investigation 01:01 – Blood evidence inside the Orange Street apartment 01:14 – The discovery that turns the case into a homicide 02:25 – Identifying the victim through forensic evidence 03:20 – Who Mary Stetson was and the life she lived 04:32 – The emotional impact on her loved ones 05:02 – Reconstructing Mary’s final day 05:57 – Medical examiner findings and dismemberment analysis 06:26 – Investigators build a timeline of events 07:12 – Mary’s planned meeting and early suspect reviews 08:13 – Witness sightings and the teddy bear purchase 09:01 – A confrontation at a local market 10:16 – Alibis begin to be tested 11:09 – The significance of overlooked details 12:32 – Witnesses describe the man last seen with Mary 13:00 – A crucial sighting that shifts the investigation 14:09 – Early suspect theories and investigative leads 15:54 – The breakthrough that points investigators to Vaclav Plick 16:30 – Plick’s history and suspicious behavior 17:47 – Search of the apartment reveals the true crime scene 18:46 – Evidence of attempted cleanup and dismemberment 19:14 – Arrest in Texas and extradition 20:38 – Recovery of Mary’s remains and family grief 21:06 – Trial, conviction, and life sentence 21:33 – The lasting impact of the case 22:00 – Closing reflections + teaser for my original true-crime series What I Didn’t See

    28 min

  7. MAR 5

    Closer Than Anyone Knew: Kayadda Patterson

    In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the heartbreaking murder of Kenyadda Patterson, a 31-year-old mother whose life was taken in Charlotte, North Carolina. When her body was discovered behind a church, investigators were faced with a disturbing crime scene and very few answers. As detectives began piecing together Kenyadda’s final hours, suspicion initially fell on people close to her — including her estranged husband and a man she had recently met. But forensic evidence would ultimately lead investigators in an unexpected direction, revealing that the person responsible for her death had been much closer than anyone realized. This episode explores the investigative process, the role of DNA evidence in identifying the killer, and the unsettling discovery that the suspect had a long history of violent crime. We also reflect on the impact Kenyadda’s death had on her children and community. At the end of the episode, we also highlight the still-unresolved disappearance of Daniel Robinson, a young geologist who vanished in the Arizona desert in 2021, reminding us that while some families receive answers, others are still searching for the truth. TIMELINE 00:00 – A crime scene behind a church in Charlotte, North Carolina00:30 – Discovery of Kenyadda Patterson’s body03:00 – Crime scene analysis and evidence collection04:24 – Investigators examine the abandoned vehicle and possible timeline07:04 – Medical examiner findings: strangulation and sexual assault08:02 – Investigators examine Kenyadda’s relationship with her estranged husband09:21 – Interviews with James Patterson and the emergence of another potential suspect12:35 – Johnny Moulton enters the investigation14:36 – Community reaction and the impact on Kenyadda’s children16:58 – Neighbor Thelma Harris contacts investigators with a tip22:38 – Detectives uncover the criminal history of Derrick Harris23:02 – A shocking connection between Derrick Harris and the investigation24:29 – Detectives revisit the neighborhood as suspicion grows25:47 – DNA results identify Derrick Harris as the killer26:31 – Reflection on Kenyadda’s life and the legacy she left behind27:38 – Featured segment: The disappearance of Daniel Robinson31:05 – Why some cases remain unresolved32:36 – Final reflections and call to action In the closing segment of this episode, we also discuss the disappearance of Daniel Robinson, a 24-year-old geologist who vanished in the Arizona desert in 2021. Daniel was described by family and friends as intelligent, adventurous, and determined. After weeks of searching, his vehicle was discovered in a remote desert area with many of his personal belongings still inside, but Daniel himself was missing. Human remains later confirmed to belong to Daniel were discovered in the desert, but investigators have been unable to determine the exact cause of death. His father has continued to advocate for answers and further investigation. If you have information related to Daniel Robinson’s disappearance, please contact: Buckeye Police Department Tip Line: 623-349-6411Silent Witness (Anonymous Tips): 480-WITNESS • Information on criminal investigations and forensic evidence• News coverage and case documentation related to Kenyada Patterson• Resources for families of missing persons• Community organizations supporting victims and families affected by violent crime Follow + Support Murder in the Black 📌 Substack: Murder in the Black (Subscriber exclusives + episode conversations)👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://murderintheblack.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠ 🎥 YouTube: Murder in the Black👉⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@www.youtube.com/@murderintheblack⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 TikTok: Murder in the Black / Story Time with Steph👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@murderintheblack⁠⁠⁠ 📘 Facebook: Murder in the Black👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/p/Murder-In-The-Black-Podcast-100088434791438/

    34 min
  8. Unseen Predators: Inside the Mind of Serial Killers and the Systems That Enable Them

    MAR 1 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Unseen Predators: Inside the Mind of Serial Killers and the Systems That Enable Them

    In this episode, we explore chilling cases of serial killers operating in plain sight—how they blend into everyday life, the patterns behind their crimes, and the societal biases that influence our perception and response. From groundbreaking investigations to systemic issues surrounding race and media coverage, this discussion uncovers the complex layers behind these heinous acts. Key Topics: The detailed patterns and methodologies behind the Alton Coleman and Cleophas Prince Jr. case. How serial offenders choose victims based on accessibility and routine behaviors. The role of race, media representation, and societal neglect in the coverage of marginalized victims. The significance of psychological diagnoses such as IQ and personality disorders in understanding accountability. Systemic barriers and technological limitations in forensic investigations during the 1990s. The impact of manipulation and dependency dynamics in criminal partnerships, exemplified by Deborah Brown and Alton Coleman. How serial killers operate under the radar by integrating routine activities with violent tendencies. Reflection on the cultural narratives around crime and the overlooked stories of Black victims, exemplified by Samuel Little. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the cases of Alton Coleman and Deborah Brown, and the importance of understanding patterns in serial crimes 02:17 - Background and psychological profile of Alton Coleman and Deborah Brown’s early lives 04:13 - The abduction and murder of children across six states and the pattern of violence 05:38 - Police investigations and the mounting evidence linking the suspects to multiple crimes 07:48 - The arrest and trial of Coleman and Brown, their sentences, and appeals processes 12:24 - The role of IQ and personality disorders in accountability—Deborah Brown’s case 15:23 - The manipulation and control dynamics between key perpetrators and their victims 18:15 - The methodology of Cleophas Prince Jr.: routine, planning, and ritualistic killing 24:10 - The racial bias in media coverage of serial killers and victims, with focus on Samuel Little 25:35 - The societal and systemic factors that allow serial offenders to operate undetected 26:43 - The significance of opportunity, access, and environment in victim selection 28:24 - Final thoughts on justice, systemic failures, and the importance of broader narratives

    40 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

M.D. and STEPH are sisters who share a passion for true crime. ​They are committed to highlighting stories within the black community that often do not receive the attention they deserve. This has led them to create a platform where these stories can be shared on a weekly basis through their podcast. Drawing on her legal expertise, M.D. provides the legal context of each case, while Steph delves into the details concerning the victims and occasionally the perpetrators. By tuning in weekly, listeners can expect to learn about lesser-known crime cases and gain a deeper understanding of the cases

Information

  • Creator
    Steph and M.D.
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    284
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Steph and M.D.
  • Show Website
    Murder In The Black
  • Provider
    Stephenie Broden-Weaver

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