In Austell, Georgia, 22 year old roller skating influencer Beauty Couch vanished just as her life seemed to be falling into place. When her family realized something was terribly wrong, investigators were already following a disturbing trail that began less than a mile from her home. What they uncovered would raise haunting questions about Beauty’s final hours and the person she may have trusted most. How to support:For extra perks including exclusive content, early release, and ad-free episodes -Go to - PatreonHow to connect:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterTheme and Closing Track:Original compositions created for The Minds of Madness Please check out our sponsors and help support the podcast:Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/madnessQuince - Upgrade your wardrobe with pieces made to last with Quince. Go to Quince.com/madness for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.Raycon - The Essential Open Earbuds are perfect for refreshing your routine this spring. Go to buyraycon.com/mindsofmadnessOPEN to get 20% off!HERS - Feel like your best self again, Visit forhers.com/MADNESS to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.Talkiatry - Head to Talkiatry.com/madness to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.Granola - If meetings are eating up your day, Granola is a no-brainer. You can try it totally free for three months - just head to granola.ai/MADNESSRula - Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at rula.com/madnessKeeper - Right now, Keeper's offering 60% off personal and family plans at Keepersecurity.com/MADNESS. This incredible offer is only for podcast listeners! Research & Writing:Sherri Smith Sources:Opening Statements — Prosecution (ADA Stephanie Green) and Defense (Bryan Lumpkin), via Law and Crime NetworkTestimony of Tracey Harris — First responding officer, Austell Police Department, via Law and Crime NetworkTestimony of Deanna Thurman — Victim's mother, via Law and Crime NetworkTestimony of Dr. Zoha Ashraf — Medical Examiner, Cobb County Medical Examiner's Office, via Law and Crime NetworkTestimony of Detective Chance Cloud — St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana, via Law and Crime NetworkClosing Arguments — Prosecution and Defense, via Law and Crime NetworkVerdict and Sentencing — Judge Kimberly A. Childs presiding, via Law and Crime Network11Alive News (WSB-TV affiliate) — Bobeth Yates, coverage of candlelight vigil including interviews with Kimberly Couch and Layla Brown, August 2023WSB-TV Channel 2 — Michele Newell, Cobb County Bureau, coverage of verdict and sentencing, May 2026Court TV — "Boyfriend sentenced for murder of roller-skating influencer found burned," May 23, 2026FOX 5 Atlanta — "Cobb man gets life without parole for influencer girlfriend's murder," May 24, 2026Marietta Daily Journal — "Beauty Couch killer sentenced to life without parole," May 23, 2026Bold Journey Magazine — Interview with Beauty Katera Couch (undated, prior to August 2023)Beauty Couch obituary — Davis-Struempf Chapel, funeral September 2, 2023Instagram account @BeautyKateraTeen Vogue — "For Young Black Women, Roller-Skating Is Survival, Resistance, and Joy," 2020
