TheColdCases.com Podcast | True Crime & Cold Cases

Dustin Terry | True Crime Journalist

TheColdCases.com Podcast | True Crime & Cold Cases was founded by Dustin Terry, who also serves as its host. The show takes listeners on a deep dive into the chilling world of true crime and cold cases that have left communities searching for answers. Each episode uncovers mysteries ranging from haunting murder stories to puzzling disappearances, exploring the evidence and unraveling the threads of cases that have long remained unsolved. Through careful investigative journalism, the podcast delivers gripping stories that reveal the dark realities behind real crimes. Whether you are fascinated by shocking crimes, drawn to thoughtful reporting, or interested in the pursuit of justice, the podcast explores the facts, the theories, and the people behind each case. Listeners are invited to join as TheColdCases.com Podcast shines a light on the unknown, revisits forgotten stories, and searches for the truth behind the headlines. From decades-old mysteries to ongoing investigations, it serves as a powerful guide through the world of crime, unsolved cases, and the relentless search for answers. Links Website: https://www.thecoldcases.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080656281952 Email: dustinreedterry@gmail.com

  1. 2D AGO

    Jimmie Retha Brown and a Suspect Who "Allegedly" Got Away With Murder

    Send us Fan Mail In the summer of 1977, sixteen-year-old Jimmie Retha Brown got into a van with a man her friend said she could trust. She was never seen alive again. Found bound and strangled in the New Mexico desert days later, Jimmie's murder set off a chain of events that would claim a second life — an eighteen-year-old who named her killer to anyone who would listen, then died before justice could catch up. Nearly fifty years later, the case remains unsolved. But the name has never gone away. The Last Ride investigates the 1977 murder of Jimmie Retha Brown — the suspect who was hiding in plain sight among teenagers, the coat found on her body that belonged to the last man to see her alive, and the young man who paid the ultimate price for knowing too much. Some cases go cold. Some just go quiet. Support the show Every Unsolved Case Deserves a Voice. Somewhere right now, a family is waiting for answers. Not the famous cases that dominate true crime podcasts or fill network television specials — but the other cases. The ones that slipped through the cracks of media attention. The ones where a name was forgotten before it ever had a chance to be remembered. That's exactly why TheColdCases.com exists. We are building the most comprehensive repository of lesser-known cold cases the internet has ever seen — a dedicated, searchable archive where forgotten victims finally get a permanent home. Where their names, their faces, and their stories are preserved with the dignity and urgency they deserve. Where investigators, journalists, amateur sleuths, and compassionate strangers can connect the dots that time tried to bury. But we can't do this alone. This work takes time, research, resources, and an unwavering community of people who refuse to let the forgotten stay forgotten. Every case we document is hours of careful, respectful work. Every profile published is a renewed chance for justice. You are the missing piece. By subscribing at TheColdCases.com/subscribe, you become part of a movement — one that believes every victim matters, regardless of whether a camera was ever pointed in their direction. Your support helps us research more cases, reach more families, and keep these stories alive until answers...

    16 min
  2. 2D AGO

    Douglas "DJ" Shondel II Is a Case That Should've Been Easily Solved

    Send us Fan Mail It has been more than two decades since Douglas James Shondel II — known to those who loved him as “DJ” — died under circumstances that his family, and even first responders, found deeply troubling. He was 21 years old. His mother, Pam Scott, has spent every year since searching for answers that have never come. On Sunday, March 11, 2001, DJ was found unresponsive in the bathtub of the apartment he shared with his pregnant girlfriend, at 100 N. 16th Street in Fairfield, Iowa, the shower still running. What followed next is at the heart of why this case has never left the minds of those who knew him. Rather than step next door to use a neighbor’s phone and call 911, the girlfriend walked a block and a half to gather friends, who then returned with her to the apartment — where they allegedly cleaned the area before anyone ever contacted emergency medical services. When first responders did arrive, they reported that things seemed “strangely out-of-place” and that the scene did not line up with the accounts given by the girlfriend and those with her. DJ was rushed to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His cause of death was determined to be a broken neck and head trauma. Despite those findings, his case has languished for over two decades with no charges ever filed, officially classified as undetermined. Support the show Every Unsolved Case Deserves a Voice. Somewhere right now, a family is waiting for answers. Not the famous cases that dominate true crime podcasts or fill network television specials — but the other cases. The ones that slipped through the cracks of media attention. The ones where a name was forgotten before it ever had a chance to be remembered. That's exactly why TheColdCases.com exists. We are building the most comprehensive repository of lesser-known cold cases the internet has ever seen — a dedicated, searchable archive where forgotten victims finally get a permanent home. Where their names, their faces, and their stories are preserved with the dignity and urgency they deserve. Where investigators, journalists, amateur sleuths, and compassionate strangers can connect the dots that time tried to bury. But we can't do this alone. This work takes time, research, resources, and an unwavering community of people who refuse to let the forgotten stay forgotten. Every case we document is hours of careful, respectful work. Every profile published is a renewed chance for justice. You are the missing piece. By subscribing at TheColdCases.com/subscribe, you become part of a movement — one that believes every victim matters, regardless of whether a camera was ever pointed in their direction. Your support helps us research more cases, reach more families, and keep these stories alive until answers...

    6 min
  3. 2D AGO

    Who Killed Claude Wendell Johnson?

    Send us Fan Mail Who Killed Claude Wendell Johnson? More than four decades have passed, but Tammie Johnson still doesn't have answers — and she's not giving up. In this deeply personal episode, we sit down with Tammie Johnson, the daughter of Claude Wendell Johnson, a man who was found dead in 1981 under circumstances that have haunted his family ever since. Claude was discovered with blunt force trauma to the head, his death leaving more questions than answers — and a daughter left to grieve without justice. Claude Wendell Johnson was no stranger to a rough crowd. He was rowdy, lived life loudly, and didn't always play by the rules. But being hard-edged was never a death sentence — and Tammie refuses to let her father's life be reduced to a footnote, or his death brushed aside because of who he was. In this interview, Tammie shares what she knows about the night her father died, the wall of silence she's faced in her search for answers, and why she believes someone out there knows what really happened. Her story is a reminder that every life matters — no matter how complicated — and that a child's love for a parent doesn't have an expiration date. If you have any information about the death of Claude Wendell Johnson in 1981, please reach out. Justice doesn't have a statute of limitations. Support the show Every Unsolved Case Deserves a Voice. Somewhere right now, a family is waiting for answers. Not the famous cases that dominate true crime podcasts or fill network television specials — but the other cases. The ones that slipped through the cracks of media attention. The ones where a name was forgotten before it ever had a chance to be remembered. That's exactly why TheColdCases.com exists. We are building the most comprehensive repository of lesser-known cold cases the internet has ever seen — a dedicated, searchable archive where forgotten victims finally get a permanent home. Where their names, their faces, and their stories are preserved with the dignity and urgency they deserve. Where investigators, journalists, amateur sleuths, and compassionate strangers can connect the dots that time tried to bury. But we can't do this alone. This work takes time, research, resources, and an unwavering community of people who refuse to let the forgotten stay forgotten. Every case we document is hours of careful, respectful work. Every profile published is a renewed chance for justice. You are the missing piece. By subscribing at TheColdCases.com/subscribe, you become part of a movement — one that believes every victim matters, regardless of whether a camera was ever pointed in their direction. Your support helps us research more cases, reach more families, and keep these stories alive until answers...

    8 min
  4. MAR 14

    Deanna Merryfield Updates | Unsolved

    Send us Fan Mail In July 1990, 13-year-old Deanna Merryfield disappeared from Killeen, Texas under circumstances that remain deeply troubling more than three decades later. In this episode of The Cold Cases Podcast, I sit down with Melissa, Deanna’s sister, to discuss the heartbreaking details of the case, the mistakes made in the early investigation, and the new developments that may finally lead to answers. Deanna was last seen in the early morning hours of July 22, 1990, when she left her grandmother’s home and went to visit her twin sister at a nearby trailer park. According to her sister, Deanna arrived in a vehicle with two unidentified men. After a brief conversation, Deanna left again in the same car. She was never seen again. For years, the case was labeled a runaway, a classification that prevented the urgency and investigative resources that might have helped locate her sooner. Even more troubling, the case was reportedly closed prematurely after authorities received a phone call claiming Deanna had returned home—something her family says never happened. In this powerful and emotional interview, Melissa speaks openly about: • The final moments before Deanna disappeared  • How the runaway label affected the investigation  • The emotional toll on the family over the past 30+ years  • New leads and renewed search efforts  • Why she believes someone still knows what happened This conversation is not just about a missing persons case. It’s about a sister refusing to let Deanna be forgotten. Support the show Every Unsolved Case Deserves a Voice. Somewhere right now, a family is waiting for answers. Not the famous cases that dominate true crime podcasts or fill network television specials — but the other cases. The ones that slipped through the cracks of media attention. The ones where a name was forgotten before it ever had a chance to be remembered. That's exactly why TheColdCases.com exists. We are building the most comprehensive repository of lesser-known cold cases the internet has ever seen — a dedicated, searchable archive where forgotten victims finally get a permanent home. Where their names, their faces, and their stories are preserved with the dignity and urgency they deserve. Where investigators, journalists, amateur sleuths, and compassionate strangers can connect the dots that time tried to bury. But we can't do this alone. This work takes time, research, resources, and an unwavering community of people who refuse to let the forgotten stay forgotten. Every case we document is hours of careful, respectful work. Every profile published is a renewed chance for justice. You are the missing piece. By subscribing at TheColdCases.com/subscribe, you become part of a movement — one that believes every victim matters, regardless of whether a camera was ever pointed in their direction. Your support helps us research more cases, reach more families, and keep these stories alive until answers...

    10 min
  5. JAN 22

    Pacific Atrocities Education Discusses WWII War Crimes in Asia

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jenny Chan, founder of Pacific Atrocities Education ( https://www.pacificatrocities.org ), to explore the hidden history of Imperial Japan's systematic atrocities during World War II—a chapter largely erased from American consciousness. From the Roosevelt administration's alleged censorship of Japanese war crimes to the horrific experiments of Unit 731, we delve into the uncomfortable truths that have been buried for decades. Jenny reveals how her organization emerged from Chinese-American families determined to share their grandparents' untold stories, and why 26 million lives lost in the Asia-Pacific Theater remain largely forgotten in mainstream historical narratives. We examine the forced labor of millions of Chinese civilians, and the post-war deals that granted immunity to perpetrators in exchange for their research. This conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about WWII, exposing how geopolitical expediency shaped historical memory and why understanding these atrocities matters for contemporary human rights and justice. A must-listen for anyone interested in hidden history, Asian-American studies, or the long shadows cast by war crimes and government cover-ups. Topics Covered: The founding of Pacific Atrocities EducationRoosevelt's WWII censorship controversyUnit 731's biological warfare experimentsThe comfort women system of sexual slaveryChinese forced labor under Imperial Japanese occupationPost-war immunity deals for war criminalsThe ongoing fight for historical justiceSupport the show Every Unsolved Case Deserves a Voice. Somewhere right now, a family is waiting for answers. Not the famous cases that dominate true crime podcasts or fill network television specials — but the other cases. The ones that slipped through the cracks of media attention. The ones where a name was forgotten before it ever had a chance to be remembered. That's exactly why TheColdCases.com exists. We are building the most comprehensive repository of lesser-known cold cases the internet has ever seen — a dedicated, searchable archive where forgotten victims finally get a permanent home. Where their names, their faces, and their stories are preserved with the dignity and urgency they deserve. Where investigators, journalists, amateur sleuths, and compassionate strangers can connect the dots that time tried to bury. But we can't do this alone. This work takes time, research, resources, and an unwavering community of people who refuse to let the forgotten stay forgotten. Every case we document is hours of careful, respectful work. Every profile published is a renewed chance for justice. You are the missing piece. By subscribing at TheColdCases.com/subscribe, you become part of a movement — one that believes every victim matters, regardless of whether a camera was ever pointed in their direction. Your support helps us research more cases, reach more families, and keep these stories alive until answers...

    19 min
  6. JAN 2

    Tulsa Race Riots & Rev. Stephenson’s Film

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful and deeply reflective episode, I sit down with Kevin Stephenson, Reverend and President of Faith Based Films LLC, to discuss his upcoming film project, 1921, which explores the Tulsa Race Riots of 1921—one of the most devastating and long-silenced acts of racial violence in American history. Our conversation goes beyond the commonly told narrative of destruction and loss to uncover lesser-known, deeply human stories of compassion, faith, and moral courage. Reverend Stephenson shares insights from a short documentary currently available on his website, highlighting how Catholics and other faith communities stepped in to help protect, shelter, and support victims during and after the riots—stories that complicate history but also restore humanity to it. We discuss why this film matters now, the responsibility of faith-based storytellers to tell hard truths, and the challenges of securing funding for an independent historical film rooted in reconciliation rather than division. This episode is about memory, accountability, and the role faith can play—not as a shield from history, but as a lens to understand it more fully. If you care about untold history, faith-driven storytelling, and preserving the truth of Greenwood and Black Wall Street, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Support the show Every Unsolved Case Deserves a Voice. Somewhere right now, a family is waiting for answers. Not the famous cases that dominate true crime podcasts or fill network television specials — but the other cases. The ones that slipped through the cracks of media attention. The ones where a name was forgotten before it ever had a chance to be remembered. That's exactly why TheColdCases.com exists. We are building the most comprehensive repository of lesser-known cold cases the internet has ever seen — a dedicated, searchable archive where forgotten victims finally get a permanent home. Where their names, their faces, and their stories are preserved with the dignity and urgency they deserve. Where investigators, journalists, amateur sleuths, and compassionate strangers can connect the dots that time tried to bury. But we can't do this alone. This work takes time, research, resources, and an unwavering community of people who refuse to let the forgotten stay forgotten. Every case we document is hours of careful, respectful work. Every profile published is a renewed chance for justice. You are the missing piece. By subscribing at TheColdCases.com/subscribe, you become part of a movement — one that believes every victim matters, regardless of whether a camera was ever pointed in their direction. Your support helps us research more cases, reach more families, and keep these stories alive until answers...

    19 min
  7. 11/26/2025

    Little Miss Panasoffkee Maureen Rowan’s Daughter Speaks Out in Exclusive Interview

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of The Cold Cases Podcast, we sit down with Ann Patrick — the daughter of Maureen “Cookie” Rowan, recently identified as the woman long known only as “Little Miss Lake Panasoffkee.” After more than fifty years without answers, Ann opens up about what this discovery means to her family, the pain of growing up without the truth, and the urgent need for information as the investigation enters a new chapter. Ann shares personal memories, emotional reflections, and a heartfelt plea to the public. She is specifically seeking people who may have known her mother, Maureen Rowan, or her estranged husband, Charles Emery Rowan Sr., during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Anyone who remembers the couple — whether from Tampa, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Enigma (Georgia), or surrounding areas — may hold the missing pieces needed to move this case forward. This episode covers: • The moment Ann learned her mother had finally been identified • What Maureen “Cookie” Rowan was like as a person and a mother • Details about the strained relationship between Maureen and Charles Rowan Sr. • Why Maureen was never reported missing • What investigators still need from the public • Ann’s plea for anyone with memories, stories, or connections to come forward For more than five decades, Maureen’s identity and story were lost to time. Now, with her name restored, Ann and her family are searching for truth, closure, and justice. This is an emotional, deeply human conversation — and a reminder that even the smallest detail could make a difference. If you have information about Maureen “Cookie” Rowan or Charles Emery Rowan Sr., please contact the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at 352-793-2621. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. Support the show Every Unsolved Case Deserves a Voice. Somewhere right now, a family is waiting for answers. Not the famous cases that dominate true crime podcasts or fill network television specials — but the other cases. The ones that slipped through the cracks of media attention. The ones where a name was forgotten before it ever had a chance to be remembered. That's exactly why TheColdCases.com exists. We are building the most comprehensive repository of lesser-known cold cases the internet has ever seen — a dedicated, searchable archive where forgotten victims finally get a permanent home. Where their names, their faces, and their stories are preserved with the dignity and urgency they deserve. Where investigators, journalists, amateur sleuths, and compassionate strangers can connect the dots that time tried to bury. But we can't do this alone. This work takes time, research, resources, and an unwavering community of people who refuse to let the forgotten stay forgotten. Every case we document is hours of careful, respectful work. Every profile published is a renewed chance for justice. You are the missing piece. By subscribing at TheColdCases.com/subscribe, you become part of a movement — one that believes every victim matters, regardless of whether a camera was ever pointed in their direction. Your support helps us research more cases, reach more families, and keep these stories alive until answers...

    9 min
  8. Family of Arash Nikoonejad Seek Justice for 2019 Gainesville Murder

    11/11/2025

    Family of Arash Nikoonejad Seek Justice for 2019 Gainesville Murder

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of The Cold Cases Podcast, host Dustin Terry sits down with Zahra Abyazenjad, the mother of Arash Nikoonejad, a 27-year-old Gainesville man whose life was tragically cut short in November 2019. Arash was found dead inside his apartment, the victim of a violent confrontation that left the Gainesville community shaken. His death — a heartbreaking mix of assault, gunfire, and unanswered questions — sparked a years-long search for justice and ignited his mother’s mission to end gun violence. In this deeply emotional interview, Zahra shares her story for the first time in her own words — the moment she learned her son was gone, the fight for accountability, and the transformation of grief into activism. She opens up about how she turned unimaginable pain into a voice for change, leading community rallies and speaking out for other families who’ve lost loved ones to violence. Support the show Every Unsolved Case Deserves a Voice. Somewhere right now, a family is waiting for answers. Not the famous cases that dominate true crime podcasts or fill network television specials — but the other cases. The ones that slipped through the cracks of media attention. The ones where a name was forgotten before it ever had a chance to be remembered. That's exactly why TheColdCases.com exists. We are building the most comprehensive repository of lesser-known cold cases the internet has ever seen — a dedicated, searchable archive where forgotten victims finally get a permanent home. Where their names, their faces, and their stories are preserved with the dignity and urgency they deserve. Where investigators, journalists, amateur sleuths, and compassionate strangers can connect the dots that time tried to bury. But we can't do this alone. This work takes time, research, resources, and an unwavering community of people who refuse to let the forgotten stay forgotten. Every case we document is hours of careful, respectful work. Every profile published is a renewed chance for justice. You are the missing piece. By subscribing at TheColdCases.com/subscribe, you become part of a movement — one that believes every victim matters, regardless of whether a camera was ever pointed in their direction. Your support helps us research more cases, reach more families, and keep these stories alive until answers...

    11 min
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

TheColdCases.com Podcast | True Crime & Cold Cases was founded by Dustin Terry, who also serves as its host. The show takes listeners on a deep dive into the chilling world of true crime and cold cases that have left communities searching for answers. Each episode uncovers mysteries ranging from haunting murder stories to puzzling disappearances, exploring the evidence and unraveling the threads of cases that have long remained unsolved. Through careful investigative journalism, the podcast delivers gripping stories that reveal the dark realities behind real crimes. Whether you are fascinated by shocking crimes, drawn to thoughtful reporting, or interested in the pursuit of justice, the podcast explores the facts, the theories, and the people behind each case. Listeners are invited to join as TheColdCases.com Podcast shines a light on the unknown, revisits forgotten stories, and searches for the truth behind the headlines. From decades-old mysteries to ongoing investigations, it serves as a powerful guide through the world of crime, unsolved cases, and the relentless search for answers. Links Website: https://www.thecoldcases.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080656281952 Email: dustinreedterry@gmail.com