Senseless True Crime Podcast

Shanetelle B.

Senseless True Crime is a weekly true crime podcast created and hosted by Shanetelle B, an advocate for the missing, murdered, and forgotten.  Behind every senseless act… is a victim who deserved better. Their voices matter. Their stories deserve to be told.  Each week we dive into the most haunting stories of lives stolen, families shattered, and justice demanded. From missing persons cases to exclusive interviews with the families of crime victims, combined with archival audio footage, investigative research, an analysis & breakdown of police interrogations and courtroom footage. ⚠️DUE TO THE GRAPHIC NATURE OF THIS PODCAST LISTENER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY‼️ DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is presented for informational and educational purposes only.  Its intent is to raise awareness, encourage public discussion, and examine issues related to crime, justice, and societal impact while giving a voice to the silenced.  The information shared in each episode is based on publicly available sources, including court records, news reporting, and firsthand accounts where available. While every effort is made to present information accurately and responsibly, this podcast does not claim to provide legal conclusions or definitive interpretations of events. Opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and are not statements of fact. References to individuals, organizations, or events are made in the context of reporting and commentary and are not intended to defame, misrepresent, or harm any person or entity. This podcast does not provide legal, medical, or professional mental health advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek qualified professionals for guidance related to their specific circumstances. This podcast may contain copyrighted material used under Fair Use- Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act for purposes such as commentary, criticism, education, and news reporting. All rights remain with the original copyright holders. 

  1. 6D AGO

    S9:E4: The Senseless Murder of Ashley Elkins (30) “Justice for Ashley"

    Warren, Michigan—30-year-old hairstylist and mother of two, Ashley Elkins, vanished in late December 2024. Her family reported her missing after she failed to arrive for work on New Year’s Eve, which was highly unusual behavior for her. At the time of her disappearance, Ashley had been moving on after a difficult relationship with her ex-boyfriend—32-year-old Deandre Booker. Investigators soon focused on Booker after evidence emerged linking him to her disappearance. Authorities reported finding a “substantial” amount of blood in the bathroom of his apartment, which was later confirmed to be Ashley’s DNA through forensic testing. This discovery, along with other evidence, led prosecutors to charge Booker with first-degree murder and related offenses, even though Ashley’s body has not yet been recovered. The tragic nature of this case has attracted national public attention. The ongoing search for Ashley and the emotional burden on her family continues to be central in this, as they press for justice and closure. Listen to Season 9: Episode 4: To find out the disturbing details of this case.  Our hearts go out to The Family of Ashley Elkins. 🕊️🙏 If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, confidential help is available. In the United States, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224. You can also visit thehotline.org to chat online with a trained advocate. Support is available 24 hours a day and is confidential. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency number. Content Disclaimer: Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statutes that might otherwise be infringing. Trailers, clips, and/or pictures are used for review/commentary purposes under the rights of U.S. Code Title 17 § 107 - Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair Use Send us a text Support the show Connect with us! Instagram: www.instagram.com/senselesstruecrimepodcast/ Facebook: Senseless True Crime Podcast Email: senselesstruecrime@gmail.com

    46 min
  2. FEB 1

    S9:E3: The Senseless Murder of Sade Robinson (19) "Sade's Voice"

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin— Sade Robinson was a 19-year-old college student who trusted someone she met online—an ordinary decision millions of people make every day. What followed was anything but ordinary.  Her life was stolen in a senseless act of violence that left a family shattered and a community searching for answers. This episode confronts the devastating reality behind Sade’s untimely murder — and the unanswered question so many are left with:  How did a simple first date turn deadly? This story is a sobering reminder that not everyone online is who they claim to be. While most connections are harmless, predators exploit trust, familiarity, and vulnerability, and in the end the cost can be deadly.  Listen to Season 9: Episode 3 to find out how this horrific tragedy unfolds.  Rest in Peace -Sade Robinson and our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends, and Milwaukee community. 🙏🕊️ ⚠️This episode includes discussion of suicide. If you need support, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the U.S. or online at 988 lifeline.org. Contact your local emergency services if you’re in immediate danger. Content Disclaimer: Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statutes that might otherwise be infringing. Trailers, clips, and/or pictures are used for review/commentary purposes under the rights of U.S. Code Title 17 § 107 - Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair Use Send us a text Support the show Connect with us! Instagram: www.instagram.com/senselesstruecrimepodcast/ Facebook: Senseless True Crime Podcast Email: senselesstruecrime@gmail.com

    1h 19m
  3. JAN 25

    S9:E2: INTERVIEW UPDATE: The Senseless Murder of Wanda Zellner (feat. Quwante “Shaylee” Leftwich) “Finding My Mother’s Killer”

    Columbus, Ohio—It was December 9, 1980, when 23-year-old Wanda Zellner was found brutally murdered inside her Wilson Avenue apartment with her two-year-old son by her side—and the person responsible—James Hughes AKA - James Preston, and/or James Martini was never brought to justice.  More than four decades later, her case remains unsolved, frozen in time, while the consequence of that senseless violence continues to shape the life of the child she left behind who was just 2 years old at the time of her murder.  This interview update episode revisits Wanda’s murder through the voice of her son–Shaylee who was forced to grow up in the shadows of unanswered questions –while also learning about his mother’s murder when he was a pre-teen and the lifelong grief he carries including the suspicion his father lived under as a suspect in the murder, although DNA evidence proved that he was not a match.  In an emotional interview, Shaylee speaks about losing his mother at a young age, navigating a childhood marked by her absence, and living without closure. He reflects on the silence that followed the crime, the weight of never knowing who took his mother from him until later in life and his quest to find his mother’s killer.  Shaylee’s story is a reminder that unresolved cases do not end—they live on in the people left behind. Rest in Peace - Wanda Zellner and our hearts go out to her loved ones.  🕊️🙏 Crime Stoppers is now offering a reward up to $5,000 for any information that can help catch James Hughes/Preston/Martini. Anyone with any information is asked to call Columbus Crime Stoppers 614-461-8477. Content Disclaimer: Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statutes that might otherwise be infringing. Trailers, clips, and/or pictures are used for review/commentary purposes under the rights of U.S. Code Title 17 § 107 - Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair Use Send us a text Support the show Connect with us! Instagram: www.instagram.com/senselesstruecrimepodcast/ Facebook: Senseless True Crime Podcast Email: senselesstruecrime@gmail.com

    51 min
  4. JAN 18

    S9:E1: The Senseless Murder of Lauren Juma (16) “Lauren’s Light”: The Night Innocence Was Stolen

    ⚠️This episode contains descriptions of sexual assault committed against a minor child —listener discretion is advised.  Humble, Texas —Lauren Juma was a 16–year-old girl who had just made the Nimitz High School Cheer Squad. She had plans on joining the US Air Force and becoming a police officer after graduation, when she was brutally murdered by the one person, she should have been able to trust to protect her.  In this episode —We trace Lauren’s final hours, the power dynamics that trapped her, and the silence that surrounded her until it was too late. This is a story of stolen innocence, misplaced trust, and justice delivered far too late.  Listen to Season 9: Episode 1: To find out how this horrific case unfolds.  Rest in Peace Lauren Juma and our deepest condolences to her family, friends and community of Humble, Texas. 🙏🕊️ Content Disclaimer: Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statutes that might otherwise be infringing. Trailers, clips, and/or pictures are used for review/commentary purposes under the rights of U.S. Code Title 17 § 107 - Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair Use Send us a text Support the show Connect with us! Instagram: www.instagram.com/senselesstruecrimepodcast/ Facebook: Senseless True Crime Podcast Email: senselesstruecrime@gmail.com

    45 min
  5. JAN 11

    S8:E10: Uncovering Timmeka Eggleton’s Cycle of Neglect & The Senseless Murder of 3-year-old Baby Curtis Witcher: “Reign of Terror”

    ⚠️ This episode contains detailed descriptions of the murder of a child, including themes of violence, abuse, and death.  Listener discretion is strongly advised.  Cleveland, Ohio—In this week’s episode, we dive into the heartbreaking murder case of 3‑year‑old Curtis Witcher — a child ripped from a loving  foster family and returned to his biological mother, 31-year-old Timmeka Eggleton –only to be murdered months later.  This episode breaks down the timeline, the red flags, the emotional courtroom revelations, and the shocking sentence handed down to Timmeka Eggleton.  This episode also examines court records, sentencing transcripts, and public reports to recount Baby Curtis's brief life. Which follows the trajectory of his adoptive experience and his initial removal from his mother–Timmeka’s care at just 8 days old, and his eventual return under child protective supervision.  That supervision was eventually terminated– despite Timmeka's troubling past. A decision that led to the child’s untimely death.  This case forces us to confront the cracks in the child welfare system and the devastating consequences when those systems fail.  Beyond the courtroom, this episode confronts the uncomfortable questions: What happens when reunification takes priority over safety?How many red flags are enough to protect the most vulnerable? Why are the most vulnerable children so often returned to the very environments that harmed them?The tragic death of Curtis Witcher serves as a broader implication of systemic failures of accountability, and the permanent damage caused by such errors.  Listen to Season 8: Episode 10: To find out how this tragic case unfolds.  Rest in Peace - Curtis Witcher and our sincerest condolences to his adoptive parents and extended family. 🙏🕊️ Content Disclaimer: Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statutes that might otherwise be infringing. Trailers, clips, and/or pictures are used for review/commentary purposes under the rights of U.S. Code Title 17 § 107 - Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair Use Send us a text Support the show Connect with us! Instagram: www.instagram.com/senselesstruecrimepodcast/ Facebook: Senseless True Crime Podcast Email: senselesstruecrime@gmail.com

    1h 44m
  6. 12/28/2025

    S8:E9: The Senseless Double Murder of Kenyatta Barron (33) & Ron'Niveya O'Neal (9) "Unspeakably Cruel"

    Riverview, Florida— 33-year-old Kenyatta Barron spent years trying to survive a man who terrorized her behind closed doors. On March 18, 2018, that terror turned fatal. Ronnie O’Neal III murdered Kenyatta, and then murdered their 9-year-old disabled daughter, Ron’Niveya, after she witnessed her mother’s brutal killing.  The couple's 11-year-old son Ronnie O'Neal Jr. was also stabbed, set on fire and left for dead—but he was the lone survivor of this horrific tragedy.  What lies behind the viral courtroom moment was a horrific tragedy that no one saw coming.  Listen to Season 8: Episode 9: To find out how this unspeakable tragedy unfolded.  Rest in Peace - Kenyatta Barron and Ron'Niveya O'Neil. 🕊️🙏 Our hearts continue to go out to Ronnie Blair.♥️ If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 8788. Content Disclaimer: Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statutes that might otherwise be infringing. Trailers, clips, and/or pictures are used for review/commentary purposes under the rights of U.S. Code Title 17 § 107 - Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair Use Send us a text Support the show Connect with us! Instagram: www.instagram.com/senselesstruecrimepodcast/ Facebook: Senseless True Crime Podcast Email: senselesstruecrime@gmail.com

    1h 4m
  7. 12/22/2025

    S8:E8: The Senseless Murder of Mariah Samuels (34) “Unheard Cries”

    Minneapolis, MN— 34-year-old Mariah Samuels was a devoted mother to two sons and a beloved pet groomer. She was a woman trying to rebuild her life, protect her peace, and keep her children safe— even while living under the constant shadow of fear. Mariah did what many women are told to do: she spoke up, she asked for help, she documented the danger. And yet, she was failed by the very system meant to protect her. Who later claimed that Mariah wasn't "afraid enough."  The tragic murder of Mariah Samuels was not a sudden event, but the devastating conclusion of a foreseeable pattern. Her story is one of fatal control, ignored warnings, and a system that met escalating violence with silence.  Listen to Season 8: Episode 8 to find out how this horrific case unfolds.  Rest in Peace - Mariah Samuels 🕊️🙏 and our deepest condolences to her family, friends and community.  If you suspect domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7/365 ☎️ Content Disclaimer: Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statutes that might otherwise be infringing. Trailers, clips, and/or pictures are used for review/commentary purposes under the rights of U.S. Code Title 17 § 107 - Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair Use Send us a text Support the show Connect with us! Instagram: www.instagram.com/senselesstruecrimepodcast/ Facebook: Senseless True Crime Podcast Email: senselesstruecrime@gmail.com

    56 min
  8. 12/15/2025

    S8:E7: The Senseless Murder of Andreen McDonald (29) "The Perfect Couple"

    San Antonio, TX— 29-year-old Andreen McDonald was a Jamaican immigrant living the American Dream. She was the wife of Air Force Major - Andre McDonald. Andreen was a devoted mother to an autistic daughter, but she was also a successful business owner. But, behind the polished image of “the perfect couple” Andreen was fighting a silent battle – one marked by fear, betrayal and a violence that grew more darker by the day.  When Andreen vanished in 2019 - The community searched four long months– holding out hope that Andreen would be found alive. But what they found was an unspeakable horror.  In this episode, we unravel the cracks hidden beneath their picture-perfect life, the manipulations, the rage, and the cold calculated choices that led to the brutal murder of Andreen McDonald.  Listen to Season 8: Episode 7–to find out the shocking outcome of this case.  Rest in Peace - Andreen McDonald - and our hearts go out to her family, friends, and her daughter - Alayna McDonald 🕊️🙏 If you suspect domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7/365 ☎️ Content Disclaimer: Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statutes that might otherwise be infringing. Trailers, clips, and/or pictures are used for review/commentary purposes under the rights of U.S. Code Title 17 § 107 - Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair Use Send us a text Support the show Connect with us! Instagram: www.instagram.com/senselesstruecrimepodcast/ Facebook: Senseless True Crime Podcast Email: senselesstruecrime@gmail.com

    1h 7m
5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Senseless True Crime is a weekly true crime podcast created and hosted by Shanetelle B, an advocate for the missing, murdered, and forgotten.  Behind every senseless act… is a victim who deserved better. Their voices matter. Their stories deserve to be told.  Each week we dive into the most haunting stories of lives stolen, families shattered, and justice demanded. From missing persons cases to exclusive interviews with the families of crime victims, combined with archival audio footage, investigative research, an analysis & breakdown of police interrogations and courtroom footage. ⚠️DUE TO THE GRAPHIC NATURE OF THIS PODCAST LISTENER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY‼️ DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is presented for informational and educational purposes only.  Its intent is to raise awareness, encourage public discussion, and examine issues related to crime, justice, and societal impact while giving a voice to the silenced.  The information shared in each episode is based on publicly available sources, including court records, news reporting, and firsthand accounts where available. While every effort is made to present information accurately and responsibly, this podcast does not claim to provide legal conclusions or definitive interpretations of events. Opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and are not statements of fact. References to individuals, organizations, or events are made in the context of reporting and commentary and are not intended to defame, misrepresent, or harm any person or entity. This podcast does not provide legal, medical, or professional mental health advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek qualified professionals for guidance related to their specific circumstances. This podcast may contain copyrighted material used under Fair Use- Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act for purposes such as commentary, criticism, education, and news reporting. All rights remain with the original copyright holders. 

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