Awareness

SMM
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  • TRUE CRIME

Welcome to "Awareness," a podcast dedicated to shedding light on unsolved cases of missing persons and homicides. Join us as we delve into the depths of these mysteries, striving to bring answers and closure to the families affected. Each episode will explore the details of a different case, combining factual information, expert analysis, and heartfelt narratives to create an immersive and gripping listening experience.

  1. 11/08/2025

    The murder of Karen Mccollum

    On October 29, 2008, the quiet neighborhood of Wine Ridge Lane in Jefferson County was rocked by tragedy when 35-year-old Karen McCollum was found dead in her bed by her husband, Matthew. After a series of unanswered calls, Matthew returned home to discover the horrifying scene around 9:30 a.m. Lieutenant Randy Christian of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department labeled it a “suspicious death” and began treating the case as a homicide. The absence of forced entry raised immediate questions, especially as Matthew insisted Karen had no enemies. As investigators delved deeper, they confirmed Karen had been bludgeoned, indicating that her assailant was likely someone she knew and trusted. Matthew claimed the last time he saw Karen was around 4 a.m. that morning before leaving for work, and upon returning, he was confronted with a gruesome sight. Despite months passing, no arrests had been made, causing Matthew to express his desperation and frustration publicly. He voiced that he didn’t mind being considered a suspect, as long as the real killer was found. Meanwhile, the investigative team was working diligently to build a case, but clues continued to lead back to him. Matthew reached out to "America's Most Wanted," seeking help to solve his wife’s murder. The media spotlight intensified on the case, but the community grappled with unanswered questions about why someone would commit such an act against Karen, a woman described by friends and family as a joyful light in their lives. An unsettling detail gained attention: a television in their basement had been left on, an inexplicable ominous sign that haunted Matthew. As he submitted to a polygraph test—yielding mixed results—the weight of suspicion grew heavier upon him. Despite this, Matthew insisted their marriage was stable, echoing the hope that the truth would eventually emerge. He mourned for Karen, declaring, “She’s not forgotten,” but the persistent aura of doubt obscured his plea. As the case remains open, Matthew is caught in a complex web of grief and suspicion, navigating his longing for closure alongside a community that continues to seek justice. The haunting realities of the unresolved investigation serve as a stark reminder that sometimes, the truth lurks just beneath the surface, waiting to be brought to light. newspapers.com Sound Effect by LIECIO from Pixabay

    8 min

  2. 08/24/2025

    The murder of Desiree Michaud

    The life and tragic death of Desiree Michaud, set against the backdrop of small-town New London and the surrounding areas. Desiree was a young woman burdened by a tumultuous life from an early age. Her upbringing was marked by familial separations and hardships, and she spent her early years in economically depressed neighborhoods like Norwich and Plainfield. Despite these challenges, Desiree displayed a natural artistic talent, earning a scholarship to a summer arts program at Wesleyan University during her adolescence. Her life, however, took a dark turn as she became embroiled in a cycle of legal troubles related to prostitution and drug-related offenses. The core of the narrative is Desiree's murder on the night of April 7, 1984, when she was found dead in a motel room—a mystery that stirred the local community and law enforcement. Investigations revealed that the room was not registered in her name, adding layers of complexity to the case. Despite in-depth investigations involving local police and national agencies, including the FBI, her murder remained unsolved, with scant viable tips emerging to unlock the case. Her story is one of an unfulfilled dream for redemption and a fresh start, which was ultimately cut short by her violent death.

    25 min

  3. 07/13/2025

    The murder of Linda Sykes

    The story follows the tragic life and untimely death of Linda Diane Sykes, a promising young woman born on July 7, 1959. Raised in a loving family in Newport News, Virginia, Linda faced the tragic loss of her father, Clifton, in a motorcycle accident during her childhood. Despite this adversity, she excelled academically and was actively involved in various clubs at Kecoughtan High School, leading to her acceptance at Christopher Newport College. However, her bright future was brutally cut short when, on February 24, 1981, her mother, Mary, discovered Linda's lifeless body in a bathtub, drowned with signs of severe trauma. The investigation into her murder reveals a dark mystery involving a blood-stained dollar bill and an unknown assailant, leaving the community reeling with grief and fear. newspapers.com

    8 min

  4. 06/29/2025

    The Murder of Homer Abel

    The Tragic Case of Homer Abel" recounts the life and untimely death of a dedicated community member and war veteran from Pueblo, Colorado. Born on June 21, 1920, Homer served honorably in World War II before returning to build a life with his wife, Aletha, in the peaceful surroundings of the Western Slope. Their life was marked by love for the outdoors and active participation in local governance. Tragedy struck on February 27, 1984, when a gruesome discovery was made at the Asamera Oil Co. USA gasoline station. Homer was found murdered, the victim of a robbery gone wrong. As investigators pieced together the evidence, they uncovered troubling oversight and communication failures among local law enforcement agencies. Despite initial leads, including descriptions of a suspicious man seen at the station shortly before the murder, the case quickly grew cold. Over the years, authorities expended substantial resources in their quest for justice, interviewing numerous suspects and following countless leads, yet the identity of Homer Abel's killer remained elusive. As time marches on and the probability of resolution diminishes, the story serves as a poignant reminder of the lingering need for closure. The call for public assistance remains open, inviting anyone with potential information to contribute to solving this decades-old mystery. newspapers.com

    8 min

  5. 05/11/2025

    The murder of Avery "Peaches" Shorts

    Avery Vernie "Peaches" Shorts, vanished on December 26, 1980, after a simple errand to buy a soda for her mother. What initially seemed like a routine outing quickly spiraled into a nightmare as her family reported her missing when she failed to return home. The local community, led by law enforcement, mobilized to search the area, leveraging both volunteers and police resources to find any trace of the young girl. As the investigation unfolded, the atmosphere became increasingly tense, and suspects emerged. Notably, Mitchell Webb, an acquaintance of the family, aroused suspicion due to his presence around the timeline of Avery's disappearance. His inconsistent statements and suspicious behavior deepened the community's fear and intrigue surrounding the case. Meanwhile, police efforts intensified, but leads remained scarce, and hope began to fade. Three days later, a breakthrough emerged with the discovery of an unopened 16-ounce bottle of Coke—Avery’s last purchase—where her fingerprints were sought in hopes of establishing a connection. Despite numerous interviews and a growing reward fund, the question of Avery's fate lingered heavily in the air, as the investigation struggled against the weight of unanswered questions. The emotional weight of the search culminated in January 1982 when Avery's remains were tragically discovered. The subsequent autopsy revealed harrowing details, including signs of strangulation, intensifying the call for justice within the community. As detectives worked through evidence and leads, the episode encapsulates the profound sorrow and determination to find the truth behind the chilling disappearance of Avery Shorts, reminding us of the fragility of innocence in a world marked by darkness. newspapers.com

    42 min

  6. 05/08/2025

    The murder of Kevin Moyen

    On October 4, 1995, the peaceful woods of Cedar Ponds became the scene of a tragic discovery when two young men, out target shooting, stumbled upon the lifeless body of 37-year-old Kevin Moyen. A resident of Everett, Kevin had dreams of escaping his difficult life by seeking fortune in Alaska, hoping to return home with money for his wife and children. Despite his aspirations and musical talent, Kevin struggled with alcohol dependency, which overshadowed his ambitions. Kevin's sisters, Sandi and Linda, lovingly remembered him as "Butterball," a hardworking man who found dignity in manual labor despite his challenges. After a dentist appointment on October 2, Kevin disappeared. When efforts to locate him failed, his body was found, sending shockwaves through the community. Investigating the case, police discovered Kevin's abandoned car near the police station, filled with empty beer cans, a marijuana pipe, and other clues hinting at a troubled night. The search for answers led detectives to a potential suspect, but as the details unraveled, a lack of credible evidence forced the prosecution to dismiss the charges against the initial suspect, leaving the case unsolved. Years later, the memory of Kevin and his unfulfilled dreams continues to haunt Cedar Ponds, with his sisters clinging to the hope for justice. As they navigate their grief, Kevin's spirit serves as a poignant reminder of life's fragility and the relentless pursuit of understanding in the face of loss. The story reflects on the delicate balance between dreams and reality, underscoring the unresolved questions that linger long after a tragedy. newspapers.com

    9 min

  7. 04/28/2025

    The disappearance of Denise Pflum

    In the small, tight-knit town of Connersville, Indiana, Denise Diane Pflum was seen as a miracle after surviving the losses of three siblings. Born on January 14, 1969, she thrived in academics and athletics, ultimately being accepted into Miami University to study microbiology. However, on March 28, 1986, Denise's life took a tragic turn. After attending a party with friends following a breakup, she set out to retrieve her forgotten purse. Dressed casually, she left home but never returned, leading to growing concern from her family. The following day, Denise's abandoned car was discovered miles from the party, triggering a large-scale manhunt that included local law enforcement and community volunteers. Despite extensive searches, no evidence or clues were found, deepening the mystery of her disappearance. Authorities and family members wrestled with theories about whether she had run away, but skepticism surrounded this notion due to her character and the circumstances of her vanishing without personal belongings. As days turned into weeks with no developments, the case grew colder, leaving her family desperate for answers. Detective Lieutenant Ted McQuinley, also a relative of Denise, sought to dispel rumors while maintaining hope for her safe return. The investigation continued, but by mid-April, frustrations mounted as leads dwindled, enveloping the Pflum family in uncertainty and fear for Denise’s fate. https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/cant-give-up-fayette-county-family-hopes-new-task-force-will-find-answers-in-daughters-1986-disappearance-denise-pflum-missing/531-1ddba784-40f2-442a-b4ac-502fc81fe96c https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/family-missing-denise-pflum-continues-fight-justice-34-years-after-n1151956 https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/denise-pflum-mystery-continues-32-years-later/531-eca990b7-b255-45c4-885b-38d52efdaa7f https://disappearedblog.com/denise-pflum/ Newspapers.com

    40 min

  8. 04/14/2025

    The disappearance of Israel Rosado

    https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/usedtobedoe/rosado-israel-may-13-2004-t11791.html https://www.fox61.com/article/news/local/outreach/awareness-months/cold-case-israel-rosado/520-c4570a05-3fb7-4374-a105-a0cdc3b33ec4 **Synopsis:** On May 13, 2004, 21-year-old Israel Rosado mysteriously disappeared after a court appearance in Waterbury, Connecticut. His last confirmed sighting was early that day, which left his family and friends deeply worried. His mother, Carmen Colon, reported him missing on May 19 after six days of silence, an unusual occurrence for a young man who regularly contacted his family. Detectives Renee St. George and retired Detective Roy Bredefeld initiated a comprehensive investigation into his disappearance. Israel had a minor criminal history, which led detectives to interview his friends and associates. Despite his charm, he lacked steady employment, complicating the search for leads. Though some reported sightings surfaced in the months following his disappearance, every lead ultimately led to dead ends. The investigation revealed that Israel attended court on the day of his disappearance to address stolen firearm charges, and his calm demeanor during that visit raised additional questions. After his court appearance, Israel's cellphone went silent despite having paid his phone bill for the month. This sudden loss of contact heightened suspicions, and concerns escalated for his mother, who was expecting a new baby. The detectives entered DNA samples into the FBI's VICAP system to connect Israel’s case with ongoing investigations, but to no avail. Interviews revealed no signs that Israel feared for his safety. His girlfriend noted that he was last seen getting into a vehicle with an unknown person on May 13, a detail that troubled investigators. The absence of struggle or signs of premeditated disappearance raised concerns of foul play, as he was known to carry cash and travel frequently between Bristol and New York City. The Bristol Police sought public help in locating Israel, stating they had pursued every lead but needed assistance. Despite collaboration with various agencies, including the FBI, the investigation yielded few results. Those who knew Israel continue to hope for his return, though the odds of closure appear slim over time. Israel Rosado’s case remains an open investigation—a haunting true crime mystery, waiting for the truth to emerge.

    9 min
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About

Welcome to "Awareness," a podcast dedicated to shedding light on unsolved cases of missing persons and homicides. Join us as we delve into the depths of these mysteries, striving to bring answers and closure to the families affected. Each episode will explore the details of a different case, combining factual information, expert analysis, and heartfelt narratives to create an immersive and gripping listening experience.

Information

  • Creator
    SMM
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © SMM
  • Show Website
    Awareness