Case Profiles

Shedding light on New England cases of people of color that did not receive adequate media attention and coverage. Oftentimes these kinds of cases are under-investigated and under-reported, especially because the resources and media attention are usually dedicated to white cases and tragedies. While those cases absolutely deserve those resources, it leaves many other cases out of the conversation. These cases are ones that did not have enough information for us to dedicate entire episodes to, but they still deserve to be talked about and shared especially as most are unsolved.

Therea Wilson

26-year-old Therea Wilson, sometimes called Theresa or Mona Williams, was found on January 14th, 1977. She was left in the garage of the Statler Hilton Hotel at 10 Ford Street in Hartford, Connecticut. Therea had been stabbed to death up to fifty times. She was a sex worker, and historically if a case involves a “high risk lifestyle”, it is often under-reported. Hartford police investigated several leads but they were unsuccessful, and the case is still cold today. It was reopened in 2006, but there are still no leads and the investigation has become more difficult as the parking garage where Therea was found no longer exists. There is a reward for anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible, and anyone with any information is asked to please call the tip line at the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney at 860-548-0606.

Image and information sources:

  • portal.ct.gov - “Cold Cases - Open”

Thamba Mbungu

On October 24th, 2021, 20-year-old Thamba Mbungu was found dead in Derryfield Park in Manchester, New Hampshire from a gunshot wound to the back from an act of gun violence. His death has been ruled a homicide. Thamba was named High School Player of the Year for soccer when he was a senior at Central High School in 2019, and he was an incredibly gifted player with dreams of going pro. His peers, coaches and family describe him as a “beautiful soul” and an amazing, positive person. There are currently no leads on who murdered Thamba. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to please contact the Manchester Police Department at 603-668-8711. Anonymous tips can be made by calling 603-624-4040 or by using Manchester CrimeLine’s online form.

Image and information sources:

  • nhpr.com - “Manchester shooting victim remembered as ‘beautiful soul’, a soccer star who dreamed of going pro”

Michelle E. Hazard

On June 8th, 1998 in Providence, Rhode Island, 29-year-old Michelle Hazard’s body was found by a warehouse worker. The employee was working for Eastern Bearings Inc. and was behind a building at 862 Eddy Street when he came across a rolled up rug and noticed a pair of feet inside the rug. Michelle was naked and her body was covered with blood. Nearby was a dumpster that contained blood stained sheets. Michelle was a lovely woman and a mother of six, and her case is still cold today. Anyone that has any information on this case is asked to please contact the Providence Police Department at 401-243-6276.

Image and information sources:

  • savagewatch.com - “Rhode Island Cases 2”

Shiraleen Crawford

On August 14th, 1997, 30-year-old Shiraleen Crawford was found dead in her apartment on Martin Street in Hartford, Connecticut. She had died from blunt force trauma to the head as well as stab wounds to her head, chest and neck. Her murder devastated her family, especially her 11-year-old son Tyshawn. In 2018, 57-year-old Robert White confessed to Shiraleen’s murder as well as the murder of 48-year-old Sonia Rivera, who was found unresponsive in an alley in Hartford, CT in 2012. Robert confessed to these crimes while already serving a 50 year long prison sentence for the 2013 murder of Sawarie Krichindath, and he had served a previous sentence for the fatal beating of Betty Robinson in 1980. There was a lack of media coverage surrounding Shiraleen’s murder as well as the other crimes of Robert White, who is by classification a serial killer that preyed on women of color.

Image and information sources:

  • portal.ct.gov - “Cold Cases”

Lauren Smith Fields

On December 12th, 2021, 23-year-old Lauren Smith Fields was found unresponsive in her Bridgeport, Connecticut apartment. She later passed away, and the circumstances surrounding her death are suspicious. Lauren had just gone on a date with an older white man, 37-year-old Matthew Lafountain, who she had met on the dating app Bumble. He was the one who reportedly found her and told police they had been drinking the night before, and he woke the next morning to find Lauren unresponsive with blood coming out of her right nostril. Lakeem Jetter, Lauren’s brother, was told by police that Matthew was a “nice guy” and that they did not suspect foul play, and Matthew was not held for questioning or interrogation. Lauren’s mother found a used condom, a pill and bloody bed sheets in the apartment that had not been collected as evidence. Despite Lauren not having any history of drug use, autopsy revealed an overdose of fentanyl, promethazine, hydroxyzine and alcohol. Her death was ruled as “accidental”. There is an ongoing criminal investigation into the mishandling of this case, and the detectives involved have been placed on leave pending an internal investigation.

Image sources:

  • @ soooolalaa (Lauren’s Instagram account)

Tyshawn Crawford

On July 12th, 2014, police received several 911 calls in regards to a shooting near 20 Auburn Street in Hartford, Connecticut. When authorities arrived, they found 28-year-old Tyshawn Crawford with two gunshot wounds to the upper chest and neck. Tyshawn was transported to St. Francis Hospital, but doctors were unable to save him and he was pronounced dead at 5:50am. Prior to the shooting, witnesses reported that Tyshawn and another man got into an argument, leading to a physical altercation. Others joined the fight and then someone with a gun fired several shots, two of them hitting Tyshawn. Several witnesses were present at the scene and saw the shooting, but no one has come forward with information and the case remains cold. Tyshawn was the son of Shiraleen Crawford, and her case is mentioned in a previous case profile. Anyone with any information regarding this case is asked to please call the Connecticut Cold Case Hotline at 860-548-0606.

Image and information sources:

  • fox61.com - “Cold Case: Tyshawn Crawford”

Esscence Christal

On November 26th, 2011, 21-year-old Esscence Christal and two friends, Arney Hepburn and James “Smurf” Perkins, were driving on Broad Street in Providence, Rhode Island at about 1:45am. Suddenly a dark colored four door vehicle pulled up alongside the group and began shooting. The vehicle Esscence and her friends were in crashed into a tree and flipped several times. Although her two friends survived, Esscence passed away, leaving behind a six-year-old son. Details regarding the vehicle and its occupants who shot at Esscence are still unclear, and the case remains cold. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to please contact the Providence Police Department at (401) 272-3121.

Image and information sources:

  • savagewatch.com - “Rhode Island Cases 3”

Wilfredo Torres

Nine-year-old Wilfredo Torres was last seen on May 9th, 1983 at the 500 block of Columbia Road in the Upham Corners area of Dorchester, Massachusetts. He was outside looking for bottles when he disappeared, and at the time of his disappearance he was four feet tall, weighed seventy pounds and had brown hair and brown eyes. Police were informed that Wilfredo had told someone he was going to buy candy from a local man, and this man had previously been arrested and tried for sexual assault as well as murder. Despite this, he was never thoroughly investigated or charged with Wilfredo’s disappearance and the case remains cold. Anyone with any information about this case is asked to please contact the Boston Police Department at (617) 343-4200.

Image and information sources:

  • savagewatch.com - “Massachusetts Cases 2”

Diana Eichler

On June 19th, 2012, the body of 31-year-old Diana Eichler was found underneath a bridge near the WestField Waterfalls in Middletown, Connecticut. She had been discovered by hikers who followed a trail of blood leading to her, and it was determined that the cause of death was head trauma. Law enforcement are looking for a blue two-door Acura sedan in a possible connection to this case, but they believe that the vehicle may have been changed to have a red colored hood and bumper. Anyone with any information about this case is asked to please call the Middletown Police Department at (860) 344-3200. 

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Richard Eichler

On April 5th, 2013, at about 7:00pm, Richard Carlos Eichler was shot at the Super Deli #7, located at 1613 Chapel Street in New Haven, Connecticut. Witnesses describe the suspect as a short black male in dark purple pants and a blue sweater. Devastatingly, Richard was the younger brother of Diana Eichler of our last case profile. Anyone with any information about this case is asked to please call the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6304.


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April Joann Terry

On February 27th, 1990, at about 5:30pm, the body of 32-year-old April Joann Terry was found at 62-64 Taylor Street in Providence, Rhode Island. She had been stabbed in the chest and neck and was left naked in her apartment while her 4-year-old daughter watched TV in another room. There was no evidence that someone had broken in, which may indicate that the perpetrator was someone that April had known. Prior to her murder, April’s boyfriend had violently beaten her and had been arrested for the assault. He was allegedly released the morning of the murder, but he was never named a suspect even though family members that believe he is responsible. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to please call the Providence Police Department at 401-243-6360.

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James Lee Jacobs

On March 30th, 2007, James Lee Jacobs was seen standing by his Range Rover on McLellan Street in Dorchester, Massachusetts, waiting for a tow service as his tires had been slashed. While waiting, a witness stated that three men approached James and an argument broke out. The situation escalated and James was shot 18 times in the back. James had graduated from high school in Marblehead, Massachusetts and then went on to serve in the military, where he earned the rank of Sergeant and fought in Iraq. When he returned home, he was working full time as well as going to college to become an electrical engineer. The case of James’ murder is still unsolved, and there is speculation that he may have been set up due to his tires being slashed. Anyone with any information about this case is asked to please call the Boston Police Department at (617) 343-4330.

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Johnny Jimenez

On December 30, 2005, the body of 32-year-old Johnny Jimenez was found on Cornwall Street in Providence, Rhode Island in close proximity to the Rhode Island School For the Deaf. Johnny had been shot and his 1997 LandRover was stolen. Authorities believe that he had been killed at another location and his body dumped at the scene. Johnny had talked to family members just earlier that same day. Law enforcement are seeking additional information on this murder as the case is still cold. Anyone with any information about this case is asked to please call the Providence Police Department at (401) 272-3121. 

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Jane Doe

On August 8th, 2004, human remains were located in a wooded area behind a truck stop in Plainville, Massachusetts. A skull and a woman’s torso were found in a shallow grave, buried by a blanket or a piece of burlap. Police were able to determine that the remains belonged to a black female between the ages of 25 to 35 years old. Her height is estimated to be between 4 foot 9 inches and 5 foot 3 inches. The victim is believed to have been at the site for at least three to ten years. Anyone with any information on this unsolved case is asked to please contact the Plainville Police Department at 508-699-1212. 

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Elizabeth Rhinehart

On August 22nd, 1993, a boy looking for frogs in West Rock Park in Connecticut stumbled across the body of 32-year-old Elizabeth “Le-Le” Rhinehart. She had been beaten and strangled, and her body was left in a dry riverbed. Her clothing was found nearby, folded neatly next to a tree. Law enforcement believe that she was murdered on August 21, 1993, which was her birthday. The State of Connecticut is offering a $10,000 reward for anyone with any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the murder of Elizabeth. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to please call the New Haven police at 203-946-6321.

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Robert Jones

On October 28th, 2008, 23-year-old Robert “Biggie” Jones was sleeping in his apartment at 425 Diamond Hill Road in Woonsocket, Rhode Island with his girlfriend and infant daughter. Three people in hoods and face masks entered the building and knocked down the door. Robert went to the door to see what was going on and was shot in the torso, and he later passed away of his injuries. Authorities believe drugs may have been a factor in Robert’s death and that the three men breaking in were there to rob the apartment, and although an arrest was made in the case the suspect was later released and there have been no further leads. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to please contact the Rhode Island tip line at 401-769-4444. 

Image and information sources: 

  • patch.com - “Do you Know Who Killed Robert Jones?” 

Philip Seals

In July of 2013, construction workers were uncovering old flooring in a factory building located on 355 Prairie Avenue in Providence, Rhode Island. The workers uncovered human remains at the bottom of an elevator shaft, and these remains were determined to be of an adult male. This man was soon identified as Philip Seals, and the case was classified as a homicide. Philip was originally from West Virginia, but he had come to Providence to seek new opportunities amidst a struggle with alcoholism. He was a veteran of the Air Force as well as a college graduate, and he was believed to have been last seen in Providence in February 1982 at about the age of 45. Although police are working on several leads, this case remains cold. Anyone with any information about the death of Philip Seals is asked to please call the Providence Police Department at (401) 272-3121. 

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Khemrith Sok

Case profile: On April 23rd, 2001, 41-year-old Khemrith Sok’s body was found by police in the basement of his Lowell, Massachusetts home after being sent in response to a disturbing 911 call. This call reported an attempted abduction and robbery at the home. Khemrith’s wife was found tied up and bound, and Khemrith was violently robbed and stabbed multiple times. The attackers stole his vehicle before totaling and abandoning the car several blocks away on Hildreth Street. Police continue to question the details surrounding this case, and although this murder and home invasion is seen as extremely suspicious, the case remains cold. Anyone with any information about this case is asked to please call the Lowell Police Department at (978) 937-3200.

Image and information sources:

  • Photo courtesy of family

Ashley Silva

Ashley Silva was just 21 when he was found with fatal stab wounds at the intersection of Ruth Street and Vial Street in New Bedford, Massachusetts on August 28th, 2005. He later passed away from his injuries at St. Luke’s Hospital. Ashley had been involved in a shooting incident where he and another man opened fire on a vehicle in 2002, which he spent three years in prison for. Ashley was stabbed to death shortly after he was released, leading authorities to believe his murder was related and an act of retaliation for cooperating with police and receiving a reduced sentence. Anyone with any information on the murder of Ashley Silva is asked to please call the Massachusetts unsolved tip line at 1-855-MA-SOLVE.

Image and information sources:

  • darik.news - “New Bedford, Wareham, Fall River victims depicted on cards”

Jameil Williams

On December 12th, 2004, 22-year-old Jameil Williams was picked up by several acquaintances in Dorchester, Massachusetts. After picking up Jameil, he and the group made their way to the nearby Randolph area for an unknown reason. Later that night, police were called to Canavan Drive in Randolph in response to gunshots and arrived on scene to find Jameil injured and suffering from several gunshot wounds. He was brought to a hospital in Brockton but ended up passing away from his injuries. Jameil leaves behind a loving family including seven siblings. This case is still cold, and anyone with any information on the murder of Jameil Williams is asked to please call the Massachusetts unsolved tip line at 1-855-MA-SOLVE. 

Image and information sources: 

  • patriotledger.com - “New deck of cards highlights South Shore unsolved cases, missing people. Here are their stories.“

Tamara Barriga

33-year-old Tamara Barriga was last seen on June 13th, 2008 in Waterbury, Connecticut. Tamara was working as a sex worker at the time of her disappearance and police question if foul play was involved while Tamara was working. Her mother passed away in 2014 but she never gave up hope that her daughter was still alive. At the time of her disappearance Tamara was 5’3 and weighed 140 pounds. She had dark brown curly hair and brown eyes. Anyone with any information on the disappearance of Tamara Barriga is asked to please call the Waterbury police department at (203) 574-6941.

Image and information sources:

  • reddit.com - “Missing in Connecticut: Tamara Barriga”

Vincent Wadlington

On February 17th, 2011, 25-year-old Vincent Wadlington’s body was found on the railroad tracks near the intersection of Durfee and Odd streets in Fall River, Massachusetts. He was last seen around 10:00pm the night before and was not found until just after 5:45pm the next evening. Vincent was a loving brother who looked out for and protected his five sisters, and he was also a talented artist who was known for his ability to draw incredible lifelike portraits. He struggled with substance abuse but had just gotten out of rehab, and he was working at Burger King hoping to turn his life around. Not many details are known about his death, but police feel the stabbing was “a crime of passion” and was done by someone close to Vincent due to the nature of his injuries. Anyone with any information on the murder of Vincent Wadlington is asked to please call 1-855-MA-SOLVE.

Image and information sources:

  • fallriverreporter.com - “Bristol County District Attorney’s Office continues to look into unsolved Fall River death cases”

  • heraldnews.com - “Who killed Vincent Wadlington?”

Richard King

On July 31st, 2011, at 4:40am, 22-year-old Richard King (pictured on the right) was found at 25 Trotter Court near Lenox Street in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He had been stabbed multiple times and was left to bleed out in an attack that police feel was personal. While the area was known for violence and gang activity, Richard’s mother Melinda maintains that as far as she knew, her son was not in a gang. Prior to his murder Richard and a cousin were out at a club in the Theater District and both had started the walk home for several blocks. From there Richard’s cousin caught a cab while Richard began to walk the rest of the way, but he never made it. Anyone with any information on the murder of Richard King is asked to please call Boston Police Crime Stoppers at 1.800.494.TIPS.

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Jeffrey Dash

On March 4th, 1993, 24-year-old Jeffrey Dash disappeared from Stamford, Connecticut. Several days after Jeffrey went missing his car was found abandoned on I-95 in New Rochelle, New York less than an hour from where he was last seen. Although little is known about the vehicle, police have disclosed that blood stains were found on the interior of the car. Jeffrey has not been seen or heard from since. At the time of his disappearance he was 5’9 and weighed 217 pounds. He had black hair and brown eyes and a visible scar on his right hand. Anyone with any information on the disappearance of Jeffrey Dash is asked to please call the Stamford police department at (203) 977-4444.

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Fan Li

On November 7th, 2015, 40-year-old Fan Li was out delivering food from his family’s restaurant when he was attacked by two men. Fan Li was a father of three who had been working at his family’s restaurant, 906 Homwin Chinese Restaurant, for six years. He was the sole provider for his wife and children. At 9:00pm an online order was placed and was set to be delivered to a home on Homestead Avenue in Springfield, Massachusetts. Someone out on a walk found Fan Li’s body on the ground in front of 110 Homestead Avenue at 10:15pm. It is believed to have been a robbery, but police have no leads on the suspects. Fan Li’s wife told reporters after his death that she was unsure of how she would provide for the family or take her children to school as she didn’t know how to drive. Anyone with any information on the murder of Fan Li is asked to please call the Springfield police at (413) 787-6302.

Image and information sources: masslive.com

  • “Springfield's latest homicide victim reportedly shot while delivering food for family restaurant”

Evelyn Sanchez

On December 13th, 1994, the body of Evelyn Sanchez was found lying face down next to an old police van in a junkyard in Johnston, Rhode Island. She was determined to have been killed in a prior location before being left there, and she was left naked and bound at the wrists and ankles. Evelyn was last seen at the B and D Tap on the corner of Atwells Avenue and Valley Street in Providence, Rhode Island and she was found seven days after her family reported her missing. Evelyn was a drug user and worked as a sex worker, and due to her “high risk lifestyle” her case did not receive as much attention from the media or law enforcement. Evelyn was added to the Rhode Island cold case deck of cards and she is the 8 of diamonds. Anyone with any information on the murder of Evelyn Sanchez is asked to please call 1-877-RI-SOLVE.

Image and information sources:

  • wpri.com - “Nearly 25 years later, detective says cold case ‘isn’t going away’”

Siphat Chau

On December 24th, 2005, 19-year-old Siphat Chau went missing. He was up in Portland, Maine visiting family for Christmas, and he was last seen at 1:00am on his parent’s couch. Later that morning when his family woke up he had disappeared, leaving behind his wallet, car keys, and car. Siphat was an honors student and was attending the University of Maine at Orono on a partial scholarship. He was a business major and devoted student, however he hadn’t enrolled for the spring semester. Siphat was also reportedly having money issues and was struggling with an internet gambling problem. Siphat was last seen wearing a red sweatshirt, blue jeans and potentially a black coat and beanie. He is an Asian male of Vietnamese descent with brown eyes and black hair, and at the time of his disappearance he weighed 140 pounds and was 5’8. He also had a visible scar on his chin. Anyone with any information on the disappearance of Siphat Chau is asked to please call the Portland police department at (207)-874-8575.

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Matthew Muirhead

On June 11th, 2017, 36-year-old Matthew Muirhead had asked his friend for a ride to get some food from a local chimi truck near Broad and Sumter streets in South Providence, Rhode Island. A fight broke out next to the truck and then three gunshots were fired. Matthew collapsed on the ground after all three gunshots hit him. He spent two weeks in the ICU, undergoing multiple operations and blood transfusions before passing away from his injuries. Matthew left behind a loving family including five siblings, his 15-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son. Anyone with any information on the murder of Matthew Muirhead is asked to please call the Providence Police Department at (401) 243-6920. 

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Beverly Polchies

On October 13th, 1984, at 10:00pm, 25-year-old Beverly Polchies was dropped off at Easter Maine Medical Center by an unknown man who informed ER staff that she had been hit by a car. Beverly was severely injured and passed away just one hour after arriving at the hospital. Beverly was from Woodstock First Nation in New Brunswick, Canada and had been picked up by Old Town police earlier that night for intoxication. Police had notified Indian Island authorities, who took Beverly to the Penobscot Indian Island Reservation in Maine. She was dropped off in Milford at 8:30pm and was last seen walking along Route 2. She was fatally injured shortly after. The driver of the car who dropped Beverly at the hospital was a white male, 5’7” and weighed about 150-160 pounds. He appeared to be between the ages of 30-35. Police have ruled this case a homicide, and anyone with any information on the murder of Beverly Polchies is asked to please call the Maine Major Crimes Unit at (207) 973-3750.

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Lisa Lvette Hall

On December 31st, 1992, 27-year-old Lisa Lvette Hall was last seen in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Lisa had been in the Franklin Park area near Westview Street and Blue Hill Avenue and has not been seen or heard from since. At the time of her disappearance Lisa was 5’4” and weighed 110 pounds. She was wearing a long black coat, jeans with a black suede design, black boots and a ponytail. She has pierced ears, several scars on her face (especially in the center of her forehead) and she has brown hair and eyes. Anyone with any information on the disappearance of Lisa Lvette Hall is asked to please call the Boston police department at (617) 343-4712.

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Omayra Velasquez

On October 16th, 1993, 21-year-old Omayra Velasquez was last seen leaving her home on the 100 block of Taylor Drive in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Authorities believe that she may have been traveling with an unknown man to a nightclub on Iranistan Avenue and George Street, however this has not been confirmed. At the time of her disappearance Omayra was 5’2” and weighed 150 pounds. She has a small scar under her chin, and she was last seen wearing light wash jeans, black boots and a brown leather jacket. She is Hispanic and has light brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with any information on the disappearance of Omayra Velasquez is asked to please call the Bridgeport Police Department at (203) 581-5100.

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Jerome Lassiter

On December 3rd, 2010 at 7:30am, Boston police officers arrived on scene at 35 Rowe Street in Roslindale, Massachusetts after receiving calls about the discovery of a man's body with several gunshot wounds. When EMS arrived, the man was pronounced dead. He was later identified as 26-year-old Jerome Lassiter from Dorchester, Massachusetts. Jerome was a loving father to two children, the youngest being just 7-months-old. He also worked at Prime Honda in West Roxbury. Due to the nature of the situation and police finding Jerome in a secluded area, it is believed that he was targeted and lured there before he was murdered. Police also believe that the murder was drug related. Anyone with any information on the murder of Jerome Lassiter is asked to please call the Boston police department at (617) 343-5826.

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Marisela Pino

11-year-old Marisela Pino was last seen in the 10 block area of Cherry Street near Nash’s Pizza and Groceries in Waterbury, Connecticut on March 20th, 1993. She has not been seen or heard from since. At the time of her disappearance Marisela was 4’5 and 85lbs with brown hair and eyes. She was last seen wearing a green and white shirt, a black and grey jacket, green denim jeans with white socks and blue shoes. She possibly has a scar on her left ankle and a duck-shaped burn scar on her abdomen or chest. Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Marisela Pino is asked to please call the Waterbury police department at (203) 574-6941.

Image and information sources:

  • charleyproject.org - “Marisela Pino”, age progression photo from 2014 pictures her at the age of 33.

Dennis Allen-Paige

21-year-old Dennis Allen-Paige was fatally shot as he was walking home from work at 12:25am on December 8th, 2019 in Hamden, Connecticut. Several men attempted to rob Dennis before firing a single gunshot wound to his upper back as he tried running away. Police arrived on scene and Dennis was transported to Yale New Haven hospital where he tragically passed away from his injures. In December of 2020, Governor Ned Lamont approved a reward for $25,000 for anyone with any information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the murder. This reward was increased to $50,000 in February of 2021. Anyone with any information on the murder of Dennis Allen-Paige is asked to please call Detective Shawn Nutcher at 203-287-4812. Anonymous tips can also be sent via text message to 203-907-9820. 

Image and information sources:

  • nhregister.com - “Hamden police seek clues in 2019 killing during street robbery”

This case was brought to our attention by listener Molly D. through our Instagram DM’s. 

Samuel Byrd

17-year-old Samuel Byrd was last seen in Hamden, Connecticut sometime in June of 1977, shortly after his graduation from Hamden High School. He was last seen inside an airport limousine at Tweed New Haven Regional Airport and has not been seen or heard from since. Police believe that Samuel left on his own after graduating high school, however his family did not report him missing until 2014 as he had not been heard from. At the time of his disappearance Samuel was 5’9 and 170lbs with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Samuel Byrd is asked to please contact the New Haven Police Department at (203) 946-6304.

Image and information sources: 

  • charleyproject.org - “Samuel Byrd”, age progression photo from 2014 pictures him at 56.

Joseph Willie Brown

38-year-old Joseph Willie Brown was fatally shot in the driveway of his home on July 17th, 2016 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. First responders had arrived on scene shortly after 2:00 a.m. and determined that Joseph had died of a single gunshot wound to his chest. His death was quickly ruled a homicide. Joseph was originally from Allentown, PA and worked as a painter in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He was a proud member of both the South Congregational Church in Springfield and the Black Father's Coalition in Holyoke and loved playing chess. He was one of fifteen children and had five beautiful kids of his own. Joseph was added to the Massachusetts cold case deck of cards in hopes that someone would come forward with information. Anyone with any information is asked to please call 1 (855) MA-SOLVE or send an email to mspunresolved@pol.state.ma.us.

Image and information sources: 

  • masslive.com - “Joseph Brown slaying: Police seek answers in 2016 cold case of Western Mass. man found dead in driveway”

  • obits.masslive.com - “Joseph W.L Brown”

Abdur Terrell

28-year-old Abdur Terrell was reported missing by his concerned family on November 8th, 2019 when he didn’t return to his New Haven, Connecticut home. After his family requested that police track his phone, his body was found the next day in a wooded area near Woodfield Road in neighboring Woodbridge. His belongings were left on the shoulder of the road. Autopsy revealed that Abdur had died from gunshot wounds to his abdomen, neck and right arm, and despite his case being declared a homicide there are no new leads. His family continues to fight for answers and justice for Abdur. There is a $25,000 reward for anyone with any information leading to the arrest of the person or people responsible. Anyone with any information on the murder of Abdur Terrell is asked to please call the Woodbridge police department at (203) 387-2511.

Image and information sources: 

  • wtnh.com - “Family of Woodbridge homicide victim continues to look for answers”

Kency Diaz-Siguaque

17-year-old Kency Diaz-Siguaque is believed to have run away from her Attleboro, Massachusetts home on November 16th, 2017. She has not been seen or heard from since. Kency has been classified as an endangered runaway and is believed to still be in the Boston, Massachusetts area, although this has not been confirmed. At the time of her disappearance Kency was 5’0”, 130lbs with brown hair and eyes. She is a Hispanic female with pierced ears. Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Kency Kency Diaz-Siguaque is asked to please call the Attleboro Police Department at 508-223-2224.

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Andrea Michelle Reyes

1-year-old Andrea Reyes was allegedly abducted in New Haven, Connecticut by her mother, Rosa Tenorio, on October 5th, 1999. A felony warrant for custodial interference had been issued for Rosa on December 7th, 1999 and it is believed that Rosa abducted Andrea and brought her to Puebla, Mexico. Andrea has black curly hair and brown eyes, and has a lazy right eye. Her right knee turns inwards. She has a birthmark on her forehead. Authorities believe she may have been in need of medical attention at the time of her abduction and that she may be responding to the last name Tenorio. Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Andrea Michelle Reyes is asked to please call the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6316.

Image and information sources: 

  • forthelost.org - “Andrea Michelle Reyes”

Paula Jacobs

On Monday, October 3rd, 2011, 23-year-old Paula Jacobs was shot in the courtyard behind 39 Dearborn Street in Roxbury at approximately 9:15 p.m. Police arrived on scene and Paula was brought to the hospital where she tragically died of her injuries. Anyone with any information is asked to please call the Boston homicide unit at 617-343-4470 or 1-855-MA-SOLVE. 

Image and information sources: 

  • wwlp.com - “Paula Jacobs featured on Massachusetts unsolved homicide playing card”

  • patriotledger.com - “Randolph woman shot in Boston dies”

Erica Hamilton

On March 22nd, 2015, 45-year-old Erica Hamilton was reported missing in Stamford, Connecticut. This was also the day she was last seen. Erica was in the process of moving at the time of her disappearance. At the time of her disappearance, Erica was 5’6” and 280 pounds. She had black hair and brown eyes. There is little available information on her case. Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Erica Hamilton is asked to please call the Stamford Police Department at (203) 977-5884. Her agency case number is 1503220202.

Image and information sources: 

  • ourblackgirls.com - “Erica Hamilton Was Moving When She Vanished In 2015”