MISSING OUR VOICE TRUE CRIME (The Voice of Missing Persons and Homicide Victims))

TAWNA SPANN
  • 5.0 (5)
  • True Crime

My name is Tawana Spann, and I created Missing Our Voices because I know the heartbreak of losing a child. My son, Jabez Spann, went missing at 14 years old. I’m a mother who never got to bring her baby home—and I know I’m not alone.This podcast is for every person still searching for answers. Behind every missing person is a story too often silenced. Missing Our Voices is a true crime podcast that brings light to the lives stolen, the families shattered, and the questions that remain unanswered. We focus on the voices that have been lost in the noise—those of missing children, unsolved homicides, and cases that never received the attention they deserved. This is more than just storytelling—this is advocacy. Through powerful interviews, gripping case details, and raw emotional reflection, Missing Our Voices gives space to the mothers, fathers, siblings, and communities left behind. They speak, and we listen. The ache of not knowing where your child is—or what happened to your loved one—never fades. It's a pain marked by sleepless nights, false leads, and moments of hope that vanish just as quickly. But in that ache, there is also a fire: a determination to keep searching, to demand justice, and to never let a name be forgotten. Join us as we uncover the truth, honor the missing, and give voice to those silenced by violence and neglect. Their stories matter. Their names matter. And we won't stop telling them.

Episodes

  1. Sep 1

    Betrayal is Closer Then You Think " The Shawn Forbes Story"

    What happens when trust turns into betrayal? What happens when someone you care about becomes connected to the very moment that changes everything? This episode of Missing Our Voices tells the story of Shawn Forbes, a young man whose life ended in a way no family should ever have to experience. Shawn’s story is painful because it reminds us that sometimes the people we allow closest to us are the very people we never imagine could play a role in our final moments. What may have begun as a normal night — a reconnection, a conversation, a moment that should have ended with Shawn simply going home — became something completely different. Instead, Shawn would ultimately be left lying on cold concrete in a parking lot, his life slipping away. And somewhere in the middle of everything that happened was betrayal. But Shawn Forbes was more than the circumstances surrounding his death. He was a son. He was loved. He had people who knew his personality, his smile, his heart, and the person he was before his name ever became associated with a homicide case. That is why we tell these stories. Because when someone dies violently, the world sometimes remembers the crime longer than it remembers the person. Missing Our Voices exists to change that. We want families to have a place where they can speak their loved one’s name, tell their story, ask the questions that still remain, and remind the world that behind every case number is a human being whose life mattered. Through Shawn’s story, we also have to talk about something many families struggle with after losing someone to violence — the realization that their loved one may have trusted the wrong person. The questions can become endless. Who knew what? Who was there? Could someone have stopped it? When did Shawn realize something was wrong? And what was going through his mind during those final moments? Some questions may never have the answers a family desperately wants. But one thing we can make sure of is that Shawn is not forgotten. This episode is about remembrance, awareness, accountability, and giving space to a family whose life changed forever. If Shawn’s story touches you, please do more than watch. Share his name. Share his story. Talk about him. Someone should never disappear behind the details of how they died. Their life deserves to be remembered too. This is Missing Our Voices. Because even when a voice becomes silent, their story can still speak. Presented in support of the work of the Jabez Spann Foundation. JabezSpannFoundation.com Please subscribe to Missing Our Voices, share this episode, and help us continue creating a platform for families impacted by homicide and missing-person cases. #MissingOurVoices #ShawnForbes #TrueCrime #VictimAdvocacy #HomicideAwareness #Justice #NeverForgotten #JabezSpannFoundation #TrueCrimeStories #CrimeAwareness #VictimsMatter #SayTheirNames Missing Our Voices — TikTok DescriptionImagine realizing in your final moments that someone you trusted may have betrayed you. Shawn Forbes deserved more than the way his story ended. He was more than a homicide case. More than a headline. More than what happened in that parking lot. He was somebody’s son. Somebody loved him. Somebody still says his name. And that is exactly why we continue telling these stories. Missing Our Voices exists to make sure victims are remembered for the lives they lived — not only for the way they died. Today, we say his name: Shawn Forbes. Watch his story. Share his name. Keep his memory alive. JabezSpannFoundation.com #ShawnForbes #MissingOurVoices #TrueCrimeTok #TrueCrime #VictimAwareness #Justice #NeverForgotten #SayTheirNames #JabezSpannFoundation

    Betrayal is Closer Then You Think " The Shawn Forbes Story"

  2. Jun 18

    Missing Our Voices Podcast Presents: Kline — Founder of Missing Black People: The Forgotten

    In this powerful episode of Missing Our Voices, we sit down with Kline, the founder of Missing Black People: The Forgotten, a platform dedicated to bringing attention to missing Black men, women, and children whose cases are too often overlooked or receive limited media coverage. Kline discusses the purpose behind creating this growing community, the challenges families face when trying to bring attention to their missing loved ones, and the importance of using social media and community involvement to keep these cases visible. He also shares how his platform gives families a place to tell their stories, request support, and remind the public that every missing person deserves urgency, resources, and national attention. Join us for an important conversation about awareness, advocacy, justice, remembrance, and the power of a community that refuses to allow missing Black people to be forgotten. Featured Guest: Kline Founder: Missing Black People: The Forgotten Hosted by: Missing Our Voices Podcast

    Missing Our Voices Podcast Presents: Kline — Founder of Missing Black People: The Forgotten

  3. 10/06/2025

    Lunch Lady Solves 3 Missing Person Cases in 30 Days

    When a Lunch Lady Becomes a Hero: Laura Bullock's Mission to Bring the Missing Home Most of us go about our daily lives—serving meals, raising families, going through the motions. But Laura Bullock isn't like most of us. By day, she's a lunch lady in Mitchell, South Dakota. But in every other moment, she's a relentless advocate fighting to give voices back to the voiceless and names back to the nameless. In this powerful episode of Missing Our Voices, you'll meet a woman whose own heartbreak—searching for a runaway adopted daughter and it ignited a fire that refuses to go out. What started as personal pain transformed into a mission that has touched tens of thousands of lives. Laura founded the South Dakota Missing Persons Facebook page and serves as admin for the Missing, Murdered and Indigenous of South Dakota page, building communities of over 38,000 people who refuse to let anyone be forgotten. But her work goes far deeper than social media posts. Through countless hours of research, advocacy, and sheer determination, Laura has helped identify unidentified bodies and bring closure to families who have spent years—sometimes decades—searching for answers. She believes that every unidentified person was someone's child, someone's sibling, someone who was loved. And she won't rest until they get their names back. This isn't just a true crime story. This is a story about the extraordinary power of one ordinary person who decided that forgetting was not an option. Laura Bullock proves that heroes don't always wear capes—sometimes they wear hairnets and serve lunch with a side of hope. Watch now to hear Laura's incredible journey and be reminded that one person truly can change the world.

    Lunch Lady Solves 3 Missing Person Cases in 30 Days

  4. 07/16/2025

    Faith, Grief, and Guidance: A Pastor’s Reflection on Jabez Spann

    In this powerful and soul-stirring episode, Pastor Chris Tunstall opens up about the life-altering journey In this powerful and soul-stirring episodPastor Chris Tunstall opens up about the life-altering journey of being a youth pastor—and the deep bond he shared with one of his most unforgettable kids, Jabez Spann. Jabez wasn’t just another young person in his ministry; he was like a son, a little brother, and a light in the room. Pastor Chris speaks with raw emotion about Jabez’s energy, laughter, and potential, and how losing him shook the very core of his faith and purpose. With the heart of a big brother and the calling of a shepherd, Pastor Chris shares reflections on mentorship, faith, and the heartbreak of watching a life full of promise be taken too soon. This is more than a story—it’s a call to action. Pastor Chris takes listeners into the heart of his ministry, revealing the personal pain that now fuels his mission to save more kids, build stronger communities, and never let Jabez’s legacy fade. From church halls to street corners, this emotional reflection blends faith, grief, and fierce love into a conversation that will challenge you, inspire you, and stay with you long after it ends. Tune in for a moving tribute, a pastor’s truth, and a message of hope that might just change the way you see our youth.of being a youth pastor—and the deep bond he shared with one of his most unforgettable kids, Jabez Spann. Jabez wasn’t just another young person in his ministry; he was like a son, a little brother, and a light in the room. Pastor Chris speaks with raw emotion about Jabez’s energy, laughter, and potential, and how losing him shook the very core of his faith and purpose. With the heart of a big brother and the calling of a shepherd, Pastor Chris shares reflections on mentorship, faith, and the heartbreak of watching a life full of promise be taken too soon. This is more than a story—it’s a call to action. Pastor Chris takes listeners into the heart of his ministry, revealing the personal pain that now fuels his mission to save more kids, build stronger communities, and never let Jabez’s legacy fade. From church halls to street corners, this emotional reflection blends faith, grief, and fierce love into a conversation that will challenge you, inspire you, and stay with you long after it ends. Tune in for a moving tribute, a pastor’s truth, and a message of hope that might just change the way you see our youth.

  5. 06/01/2023

    "Find a Support System" The Jacquez Anlage Story

    Healing is sometimes the hardest part of the process of losing a child. Crystal Anlage know this all to well when she got news her son Jacquez Anlage had been murdered. Her life would be forever change in a moments notice. Jacquez had been ripped right from her with out noticed. Now on top of making agreement for her son. She also had to fine away to start living again. Which her journey will show that healing from this is not as easy as most would think. Jacquez his loving and caring boy would bring his mother and father so much joy. While in their mourning they would set out to help others. This story will show how helping is also healing for some.

    "Find a Support System" The Jacquez Anlage Story

  6. 01/10/2023

    SEASONS OF GRIEF ("Grief Specialist Zjohnnae Milton")

    Zjohnae Milton is all so familiar with dealing wiith grief. Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. Especiall when someone goes missing. Often, the pain of loss can feel overwhelming. You may experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt, and profound sadness. The pain of missing someone can also disrupt your physical health, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or even think straight. These are normal reactions to loss—and the more significant the loss, the more intense your grief will be. Coping with the loss of someone or something you love is one of life’s biggest challenges. You may associate grieving with the death of a loved one which is often the cause of the most intense type of grief—but any loss can cause grief, This podcast will allow us to learn how to process those emotions. So we can start to heal.

  7. 12/25/2022

    "A Mother's Cry" The Corbin Johnson Story

    They say there is nothing like a mothers love. Well Corbin Johnson"s mother has held that dear to her heart. Her son went missing and for a whole year she was able to connect with him. Melissa Jackson knew at one point she might have to prepare herself for the worst. Her belief in god was what kept her going. Then she recieves that fatal news that no mother wants to here. Instead of losingn her mind Melissa put her trust in her higher power. The Corbin Johnson story has emotion and a sadness that no mother should endure. This is the CORBIN JOHNSON STORY

    "A Mother's Cry" The Corbin Johnson Story

  8. 06/27/2022

    A MOTHERS DAY'S NEVER TO FORGET

    Mary Lunsford spoke to her daughter 29-year-old daughter Tabitha Queen on Mother's Day, May 9, 2021. Mary lives in San Antonio, Texas, and Tabitha lived in Bastrop, Louisiana with her three children. Tabitha called her mother to wish her a Happy Mother's Day, “There were two men in the car with her and I asked her who was she talking to, and she was like, ‘Uh, mom I got to go,’ and I was like, ‘What you mean you got to go? And she hung up the phone. I called right back, and her phone went to voicemail.” Tabitha Queen's family discovered her three children home alone. Mary's 11-year-old granddaughter, Alice, told her mother was arguing with a man Tabitha allowed to use her car a few days prior. Alice told them a man took her mother and her mother never returned.

    A MOTHERS DAY'S NEVER TO FORGET

  9. 05/31/2022

    I LEARN TO ADAPT '" THE RAYMOND GREEN STORY"

    The only picture Donna Green ever had of her son, Raymond, was in her mind. "I don't have a picture of him. I never had a picture," Green says about the fair-skinned baby boy snatched over 40 years ago from her home in Atlanta, Georgia. To be only sixteen years of age and for one of the most joy able times that you should have in your life. This is a story of missed birthdays, missed graduations, missed grandkids, and just missed opportunities of a child that belonged to his mother. Being normal is so hard to do. When you have a piece of you missing for so long. So for 40 years she learned to adapt but not forget.

    I LEARN TO ADAPT '" THE RAYMOND GREEN STORY"

  10. 05/19/2022

    MEET BRITTNEY WOODS

    Brittney Woods was only 19 when she somehow just disappeared. Along with her missing a lot events started to unveil themselves. Soon after her family had more secrets that would leave to some very unanswered questions. In the fog of all the secrets somehow Brittney's disappearance and who she was as a person got lost in turmoil. This episode is with Brittney's stepmom. Stephanie Hanke has vowed that the world will know a bubbly and friendly single mother. Someone who was loved someone who is a daughters, someone who is mother, someone who was friend. Stephanie Hanke wants you to meet Brittney Woods.

    MEET BRITTNEY WOODS

  11. 04/28/2022

    MY BEST FRIEND

    A Montgomery mother is desperate for answers more than two years after the death of their loved one. The mother of Rickem Samuel is making an urgent plea to the public to come forward with information that could shed light on what happened to her son. “That smile was so beautiful that he had, so bright. Rickem, he had a bright future, and he had his plans laid out as to what he wanted to accomplish," said Ericka Davis.

    MY BEST FRIEND

  12. 04/18/2022

    INTRODUCTION

    As being a parent of child that was once was missing it can take you a journey. Being very distressed when a child is missing is a normal reaction to an abnormal event. Most everyone is upset, worried, or frightened. People have different ways of handling these emotions. Some find expressing emotions and talking with supportive others helpful. Others use distraction to lower the distress by focusing on other things. Yet others find comfort in becoming very involved in actions to find the child. These are all perfectly normal reactions, although it may be tough in a family when members have different coping styles. There are many ways to manage psychological distress that do not require the involvement of a mental-health professional. Talking to family members and friends and relying on the usual sources of support during hard times, such as religion or spirituality, are the most typical ways families cope with a missing child. We want we want you to take this journey from different perspectives, different emotions, and different outcomes. This will show the people who endured these events and those that where attached to these crimes. Sit back an listen to these different journeys.

    INTRODUCTION
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

My name is Tawana Spann, and I created Missing Our Voices because I know the heartbreak of losing a child. My son, Jabez Spann, went missing at 14 years old. I’m a mother who never got to bring her baby home—and I know I’m not alone.This podcast is for every person still searching for answers. Behind every missing person is a story too often silenced. Missing Our Voices is a true crime podcast that brings light to the lives stolen, the families shattered, and the questions that remain unanswered. We focus on the voices that have been lost in the noise—those of missing children, unsolved homicides, and cases that never received the attention they deserved. This is more than just storytelling—this is advocacy. Through powerful interviews, gripping case details, and raw emotional reflection, Missing Our Voices gives space to the mothers, fathers, siblings, and communities left behind. They speak, and we listen. The ache of not knowing where your child is—or what happened to your loved one—never fades. It's a pain marked by sleepless nights, false leads, and moments of hope that vanish just as quickly. But in that ache, there is also a fire: a determination to keep searching, to demand justice, and to never let a name be forgotten. Join us as we uncover the truth, honor the missing, and give voice to those silenced by violence and neglect. Their stories matter. Their names matter. And we won't stop telling them.

Information