The Murder of Blaze Bernstein

Blaze Bernstein (19) was a pre-medical student at University of Pennsylvania when he disappeared in Lake Forest, California on January 2nd, 2018.

At the time of his disappearance, Blaze was on winter break and was in his hometown in Orange County, California. On the evening of his disappearance, Blaze was picked up from his parents’ house by Samuel Woodward (then 20), an acquaintance Blaze knew from high school. He never returned home that night, and his parents reported him missing after he failed to show up for a dental appointment the following day.

When investigators questioned Woodward, he told them that after he picked up Blaze, he drove the two of them to a nearby Hobby Lobby parking lot to “catch up.” Later, the two of them drove to Borrego Park. Woodward told police that Blaze got out of the car at the park and never returned. He said he waited for Blaze for an hour before driving to his girlfriend’s house. 

Police immediately noticed several inconsistencies in Woodward’s story. When questioned about his girlfriend, Woodward apparently could not remember her last name or where she lived—despite the fact that he told police that he went to her house after Blaze’s disappearance. Additionally, Woodward had abrasions on his arms, which he blamed on being in a fight club.

On January 9th, 2018, Blaze’s body was found in Borrego Park. He had been stabbed to death. Just a few days later, Woodward was arrested for Blaze’s murder. The arrest came after investigators found DNA evidence that linked him to the crime scene. In fact, certain evidence they found made investigators believe that Woodward had returned to the crime scene days after the murder as well. 

While investigating the nature of Blaze and Woodward’s relationship, it was revealed that the two were not close friends in high school. They weren’t reportedly enemies either; they just simply didn’t run in the same social circles. However, police found text messages that Blaze sent to two different female friends in June of 2017 that indicated that Woodward had hit on him. Blaze, who was openly gay, seemed happy about this interaction. 

If Woodward had actually hit on Blaze, investigators found this interesting—because Woodward told had previously investigators that Blaze had kissed him on the lips as they sat in the car on the evening of January 2nd, 2018, and that the kiss was unwanted. Woodward told investigators that he pushed him away and called him derogatory names after that.

After investigating Woodward’s background, police found that he was a member of a Neo-Nazi group called the Attomwaffen Division. The group is described as “relatively small, but incredibly anti-Semitic and hateful.” Noting that Blaze was both gay and Jewish, Woodward was charged with a hate crime as well.

The Santa Ana District’s Attorney announced the enhancement in Woodward's charges after finding evidence on his cell phone, laptop, and social media accounts that revealed his hateful intentions. The DA also explained that the evidence included “a large number of texts and images that spew hate at every protected group.”  The content was described as very homophobic, misogynistic and antisemitic.

Woodward pleaded not guilty to the charges. Then, several years passed without any movement in the case. Woodward finally went to trial in 2024, during which evidence of his hateful actions and struggles with his own sexuality were revealed. 

-
The prosecution's case.

During opening statements, District Attorney Jennifer Walker told the jury that the state would present evidence that Samuel Woodward murdered Blaze Bernstein because Blaze was gay. The investigation into Blaze's murder revealed evidence that suggested Woodward's actions were premeditated and motivated by hate. Such evidence was found in Woodward's car, phone, and computer - including text messages between Blaze and Woodward prior to the murder. 

The prosecution stated that Woodward had a "shovel-like device", his father's folding knife, and a sleeping bag in his vehicle when he picked Blaze up on the evening of January 2nd, 2018. The folding knife is believed to be the murder weapon. The sleeping bag was later found to have been stained with Blaze's blood. 

Text messages between Blaze and Woodward revealed that the two had matched on Tinder in June 2017. Woodward alleged that he was "pranking" when they matched. He later told Blaze that he was still straight, but "I might make an exception for you."

Further evidence from Woodward's phone revealed that Woodward had a habit of reaching out to gay men online and then abruptly cutting off communication. Evidence also showed Woodward's affiliation with homophobic and antisemitic hate groups.

Woodward's defense.

Source: Orange County Register

Samuel Woodward's defense attorneys did not deny that Woodward was responsible for Blaze's death. However, they argued that the murder was not premeditated, nor was it the result of the hate crime. Woodward's attorney stated that he "was conflicted by his own sexuality and acted in a fit of rage." 

Woodward himself took the stand during the trial. He admitted to matching with Blaze on a dating app and meeting up on the evening of January 2nd, 2018. Woodward said that he and Blaze were laying in Borrego Park together when Blaze "began to touch him in a sexual manner."

Woodward explained that, at some point, he saw a light on Blaze's phone and was afraid he was sending pictures or videos to others. Woodward said he "felt an anger like he’d never felt in his whole life," and subsequently stabbed Blaze to death.

Woodward's defense attorneys also cited that Woodward had undiagnosed autism which left him "vulnerable to recruitment" of the hate group in which he was affiliated. The defense argued that he joined such a group for a sense of belonging and eventually grew "disillusioned" with their ideals.

The jury.

Due to the fact that Woodward admitted on the stand to stabbing Blaze, the jury was not tasked with determining whether or not he was responsible for Blaze's death. Instead, they were asked to determine whether he was guilty of first-degree murder and a hate crime, as the prosecution suggested; or, if he was guilty of voluntary manslaughter, as his defense suggested.

The jury deliberated for a day before finding Samuel Woodward guilty of first-degree murder and a hate crime in the killing of Blaze Bernstein. The verdict was a relief to Blaze's loved ones and members of the community alike. Blaze's mother spoke to reporters after the verdict, stating, "This is a great relief that justice was served and this despicable human who murdered our son will no longer be a threat to the public."

Woodward is due to be sentenced on October 25th, 2024. He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

-
Sources:
The Daily Pennsylvanian
KTLA
NBC Los Angeles
The Orange County Register
Patch

The Disappearance of Rosalyn Velazquez

Source: Facebook

Rosalyn Velazquez was only 15 years old when she vanished during the early-morning hours of August 24th, 2020. She was last seen leaving her residence in the Azalea Park area of Radcliff, Kentucky. Shortly thereafter, Rosalyn reportedly told a friend on Instagram Live "that she had taken some pills and was walking in nearby woods." She never returned home and has never been seen or heard from again.

According to Rosalyn's mother, it was not unusual for Rosalyn to take walks late at night. She often traveled with her Chapstick and AirPods, but both items were left at home on the morning of her disappearance. Rosalyn also did not take her phone charger, extra clothes, or any other items that indicated she had run away. The only item that she did seemingly take with her was her prescribed medication.

Rosalyn was a student at North Hardin High School at the time of her disappearance. She was attending school online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The apartment complex where she was last seen is located within walking distance of the high school. Searches were reportedly conducted "in and around" the apartment complex and in the areas near her school. Detectives reportedly found no sign of Rosalyn.

Certain reports state that Rosalyn's phone "pinged in several different locations in the Radcliff area" after her disappearance. However, it's unclear where, exactly, the last ping occurred. It appears that the phone has since been disconnected. 

There is very little information about the investigation into Rosalyn's disappearance. A 2023 report on her case states that there are "dozens and dozens of pages of information Radcliff detectives have looked at countless times over the years since Rosalyn Velazquez has gone missing." At this time, it's unknown if detectives have any primary theories or persons of interest in the case. 

There is a monetary reward available for information that could lead to Rosalyn's whereabouts. If you have any information that could help the investigation, please contact the Radcliff Police Department at 270-351-4470.

-
Sources:
Bring Rosalyn Home
Charley Project
K105
The News-Enterprise
WLKY, (2)

 

List Series: Southeast Mysteries Vol. I

The following is the first installment of a new posting series: Southeast Mysteries. This list contains unsolved murder or disappearance from six states in the Southeast region of the United States: West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Links to more detailed write-ups and tip submissions for each case are provided.

WEST VIRGINIA:

The Disappearance and Murder of Leah Hickman (2007)

Source: Herald-Dispatch

Leah Hickman was only 21 years old when her life was tragically taken during December 2007. The young woman was last seen alive on December 14th, 2007, at the apartment she shared with her sister in Huntington, West Virginia. She was reported missing two days later, after her family was notified that she had not shown up for her shift at a local Dress Barn. 

About a week later, Leah's body was found in a crawl space in the basement of her apartment building. Her body was covered in plastic wrap. An autopsy later determined that she had been strangled to death.

Several years have passed since Leah's tragic murder, but no arrests have ever been made. There has been plenty of speculation about a few different people possibly being involved in Leah's murder - from Leah's sister's ex-boyfriend to Leah's sister herself. As of today, though, these rumors have never been confirmed.

Leah's murder is considered a cold case. If you have any information that could help the investigation, please contact the Huntington Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau at (304) 696-4420.

Read the full write-up on Leah's case.

KENTUCKY:

The Murders of Kathy and Samantha Netherland (2014)

Kathy (top), Samantha (bottom)

 Kathy Netherland (48) and Samantha Netherland (16) were found murdered on April 22nd, 2014. The mother and daughter were brutally attacked inside their Bardstown, Kentucky residence. Kathy died as a result of several gunshot wounds, while Samantha was stabbed and bludgeoned to death.

By all accounts, Kathy and Samantha were beloved members of the Bardstown community. Kathy was a special education teacher at a local elementary school. Samantha was a high school student who enjoyed singing in the choir and was looking forward to her junior prom. It's unknown who - or why - anyone would want Kathy and/or Samantha dead. 

No suspects or persons of interest have ever been publicly announced. Kathy's husband, Bob Netherland, passed away from cancer months before the murders occurred. There has been speculation that the murders of Kathy and Samantha were part of a gang initiation, but this has never been confirmed by authorities. 

There has also been speculation that their murders are connected to a stream of other disappearances and murders in the Bardstown area. This, too, has never been confirmed. Over a decade has passed without justice for Kathy and Samantha, and their loved ones are still hoping to find answers. A reward of up to $50,000 is available for anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the killer(s).

If you have any information that could solve the murders of Kathy and Samantha's case, please submit a tip.

Read the full write-up on this case.

VIRGINIA:

The Disappearance of Joan Cook (2010)

Source: Charley Project

Joan Cook has been missing since January 24th, 2010. The then-44-year-old woman was last seen in Salem, Virginia. Joan reportedly left her soon-to-be-ex-husband's house and never returned. She has never been seen or heard from again.

Joan and her husband, Mike, were separated at the time of her disappearance. However, Joan often spent time at Mike's home, as their young daughter lived at his residence. She was doing just that on the day of her disappearance - spending time with her daughter at Mike's home.

According to Mike, Joan left the residence at 11:00 PM to walk to a friend's house. However, said friend would later tell police that she was not home at the time of Joan's disappearance. This brings obvious suspicions about Mike's version of events, but he denies any involvement in Joan's disappearance.

While it appears that Mike has not been ruled out, he has also never been publicly named as a suspect in Joan's disappearance - nor has anyone. She remains missing today, and her disappearance is considered a cold case.

If you have any information that could lead to Joan's whereabouts, please contact the Roanoke County Police Department at 540-562-3265.

Read the full write-up on Joan's disappearance.

TENNESSEE:

The Murder of Chandra Powell (2010)

Source: Chattanooga Times

Chandra Powell was murdered inside her Chattanooga, Tennessee home on October 27th, 2010. The 35-year-old woman was found deceased by her two older children as they returned home from school. Police were called, and it was determined that Chandra had been brutally beaten and stabbed to death. 

Chandra's murder was witnessed by her two younger children - a then 2-year-old and a 16-day-old infant. Neither child was physically harmed. Still, both now have the trauma of their mother being savagely killed in front of them. 

A suspect in Chandra's killing has never been publicly announced. Her ex-husband was incarcerated on unrelated charges at the time of the murder, as was the father of her youngest child. Chandra's boyfriend at the time also reportedly had an alibi that checked out. 

Years have passed, and Chandra's murder remains unsolved. The Chattanooga Police are in charge of investigating her case. 

If you have any information that could solve Chandra's murder, please submit a tip.

Read the full write-up on Chandra's case.

NORTH CAROLINA:

The Disappearance of Brandee Hope Canipe(2006)

Source: Facebook

Brandee Hope Canipe vanished in Mocksville, North Carolina during May of 2006. She was 29 years old at the time of her disappearance. According to her family, Brandee had a habit of taking off and staying out-of-touch for long periods of time. Due to this, Brandee was not reported missing until April 2010 – nearly four years after she disappeared. 

Once detectives began investigating Brandee's disappearance, it was revealed that there had been no activity on her Social Security account since 2006. Eventually, it was determined that Brandee was last seen on May 6th, 2006.

There are many different theories about what might have happened to Brandee. She was reportedly living with a boyfriend in Mocksville at the time of her disappearance. That residence was searched in 2010, after Brandee was finally reported missing, but nothing of significance was found. Investigators have not listed the boyfriend as a suspect, but it appears he has not been ruled out, either.

Brandee was reportedly driving a 4-door Buick sedan prior to her disappearance. Said vehicle has never been recovered, but it also was not registered in Brandee's name, which has made it increasingly difficult to track down. There has been speculation that Brandee and the vehicle ended up in a body of water. Belews Creek has been searched, but no evidence was found. 

Brandee remains missing today. Her family is still trying to find answers.

If you have any information that could lead to Brandee's whereabouts, please contact the Davie County Sheriff’s Office at 336-751-6238.

Read the full write-up on Brandee's case.

SOUTH CAROLINA:

The Murder of Silene Eaddy(2004)

Source: WPDE

Silene Eaddy was only 15 years-old when her life was tragically taken in April 2004. 

It was about 5:00 AM on April 17th when authorities in Columbia, South Carolina responded to reports of a brush fire in an area off Highway 378 near Montgomery Lane and Pincushion Road. As first responders worked to put out the flames, they noticed the body of a teenage girl was lying face down in the brush. She had suffered severe trauma to her body.

Later that day, a Columbia mother reported her 15-year-old daughter missing. The woman said she had last seen her daughter - Silene Eaddy - two days earlier. Silene had a habit of running away but always returned within a day or two. As such, her mother waited two days to report her missing.

When detectives were notified about Silene's disappearance, they immediately suspected that she was the unidentified girl they had found in the brush fire that morning. Dental records, along with a necklace that belonged to Silene, helped confirm these suspicions two days later. The young girl had been savagely beaten and then set on fire.

Over two decades have passed since Silene's tragic murder, and it still remains unsolved. No suspects or persons of interest have ever been publicly announced. Silene's mother passed away in 2020 without ever learning the truth about what happened to her daughter.

Silene's murder is considered an open cold case. There is a monetary reward available in exchange for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of her killer(s).

If you have any information that could help solve Silene's murder, please submit a tip.

Read the full write-up on Silene's case.

-
Other area-based mystery lists:

• Rocky Mountain
• Midwest Vol. I & Vol. II
• New England

The Disappearance & Murder of Heather Gumina

Heather Gumina (33) vanished in Pleasant Valley, California on July 16th, 2019. The mother-of-three vanished shortly after leaving a Pleasant Valley hospital, where she was treated for a collarbone injury. She was never seen or heard from her loved ones again.

It was later revealed that Heather's collarbone injury had been caused by her new husband, Anthony Gumina, whom she had only been married to for a few months. Domestic violence had been present in their relationship since the beginning of their relationship. In fact, Anthony was arrested on January 31st, 2019, after he reportedly tackled Heather to the ground. Heather was able to call 911, and Anthony was subsequently charged with felony domestic violence.

Heather and Anthony reconciled after he was released on bail. The couple ended up getting married in February 2019. Unfortunately, the domestic violence continued after their wedding. On July 15th, 2019 - a day before Heather's disappearance - Heather went to the hospital to treat her injured collarbone. She sent a text message to her mother stating that Anthony had tried to kill her by "strangling her multiple times until she almost passed out."

Heather returned to the home she shared with Anthony after being released from the hospital. The following day, the two argued about the incident in front of Heather's mother. After Heather's mother left the residence, Anthony reportedly strangled Heather to death. He then buried her on a nearby property in Pleasant Valley. Later, he drove Heather's car to El Dorado County and abandoned it in that area.

Anthony told Heather's family members that she had run off. However, her loved ones never believed this to be true, as they did not believe Heather would abandon her children. Suspicions about Anthony were present from the beginning of the case, but he denied involvement in Heather's disappearance. 

On September 6th, 2019, authorities found Heather's remains on the property in Pleasant Valley. Shortly thereafter, Anthony was arrested and charged with Heather's murder. He initially pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In June 2021, Anthony ended up pleading guilty to first-degree murder and two counts of felony domestic violence. Months later, he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.

-
Sources:
CBS News
El Dorado DA

The Disappearance of Bethany Ruby Bower

Source: Facebook

Bethany Ruby Bower has been missing since late July 2021. The then-38-year-old woman was last seen in Newton, Illinois. Prior to her disappearance, Bethany was active on social media. She last posted on Facebook on July 28th, 2021. After that, Bethany seemingly fell out-of-touch. She was reported missing on July 31st, 2021.

Bethany reportedly left the Newton residence she shared with her sister, Barb Lingafelter, on July 24th, 2021. She left the home with several of her personal belongings, including her dog. Two days later, Bethany's dog and a purse containing her credit cards turned back up on the residence's front porch. 

Bethany continued to be active on Facebook until July 28th. Her final Facebook post was a picture containing a quote that reads, "You will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. True power is sitting back and observing everything with logic. True power is restraint. If words control you that means everyone can control you. Breathe and allow things to pass."

Source: Facebook

What happened after Bethany made that Facebook post remains a mystery to this day. Her sudden absence was worrisome to Bethany's family members, especially her sister, Barb. Not only were Bethany and Barb living together at the time of Bethany's disappearance, the two sisters were also taking care of a relative at a separate address. Barb was reportedly at the relative's address on the night of Bethany's disappearance.

In 2023, Barb told reporters that Bethany had gone away for a "day or two" before in the past, but "not without alerting her sister to where she would be and for how long." As such, Barb and other family members were immediately worried Bethany fell out-of-touch. They believe that foul play is responsible for her disappearance.

Searches have been conducted and leads have been followed, but Bethany still remains missing. Very little information about the investigation has been revealed Another 2023 report indicates that people have provided information about what might have happened to Bethany, but it was all hearsay. Details about said theory have not been publicly shared. At the time of the reporting, those leads were still being investigated.

Bethany remains missing today. Both the Newton County Police and the Jasper County Sheriff's Office are involved in the investigation. If you have any information that could help solve Bethany's case, please contact Newton authorities at 618-783-8478 or Jasper authorities at 618-783-3057. 

-
Sources:
Bethany's Facebook
Charley Project
My Wabash Valley
WCIA.com

The Disappearance of Renee Yeargain

Source: Torrington Telegram

Renee Yeargain has been missing since August 9th, 2004. The then-24-year-old woman was last seen in Torrington, Wyoming. Renee has never been seen or heard from again.

At the time of her disappearance, Renee was living in Torrington with Josh Minter - her boyfriend and father of her youngest child. Renee was determined to be missing after Minter dropped off her three older children - who aren't biologically his - at their former foster home. The foster parents subsequently contacted the Wyoming Department of Family Services. 

Police had a conversation with Minter on August 10th, 2004, during which he told officers that Renee abandoned him and her four children. Minter explained that she left with a grocery sack full of clothing and refused to say where she was going. Police reportedly took Minter's word and did not do much to corroborate his version of events.

On August 12th, 2004, Renee's car was found parked at a rest stop between Torrington and Cheyenne. The keys were found inside the vehicle, as were several of Renee's personal items - including her wallet, identification, and cell phone. The only things that appeared to be missing were Renee's tattoo kit and the reported bag of clothes that Minter said she had when she left their home. 

It was eventually determined that the car had been at the rest stop since August 10th - two days before it was reported to police. Authorities learned that witnesses had seen the car parked there, but it does not appear that anyone reporting seeing Renee. The vehicle is the last known trace of Renee, yet it is unknown if she drove the car there herself. 

Two decades have passed, and Renee remains missing.  Her loved ones are left with several unanswered questions, namely: What happened to Renee? Additionally, a look into the details of how Renee's case was handled by police leads to another question: Would Renee's case be solved if police had acted sooner?

-

Before Renee's disappearance.

Source: News Nation

Various reports indicate that Renee had something of a rough past prior to her disappearance. She reportedly had taken off without warning years before. Renee had struggled with drug addiction, and as result, had lost custody of her children.

However, according to Renee's loved ones, she reportedly worked very hard to get her children back and was in a good place at the time of her 2004 disappearance. Renee had recently gotten a license to operate a tattoo business from home. She also reportedly planned to marry her boyfriend Josh Minter on August 22nd - a little less than two weeks after her disappearance. 

It appears that Renee's life was headed in a positive direction during the summer 2004. Still, according to Renee's brother, there were some concerns about her relationship with Minter. The couple had been together for three years prior to Renee's disappearance, and their relationship was not without drama. In fact, Renee's brother spoke on a podcast in 2018 and stated that Renee said Minter was "beating on her" the day before her disappearance. 

This inevitably made Renee's loved ones extremely concerned when they realized she had gone missing. Police, on the other hand, did not seem to have such concerns.

Slow start to the investigation.

Renee's family believes that her past caused police to not investigate her disappearance thoroughly. Renee's mother told reporters that she was "dismissed by officers who assumed Renee would turn up again at some point." 

Reports indicate that Renee's missing person's case was opened on August 10th, 2004 - the day after she was last seen. Still, it does not appear that there was an urgency to locate her. In fact, it took several months for Renee's disappearance to make local front-page news. A 2022 report on Renee's case states that "It wasn’t until Friday, April 15, 2005 that an article prominently appeared on the front page of the Torrington Telegram headlined, “Torrington woman missing since August.” 

Although police might have initially believed Renee was missing on her own accord, her family and friends have never believed this to be true. Many maintain that she would not have voluntarily abandoned her children; nor would she have gone this long without contacting them.

A woman named Jess Oaks is amongst those who do not believe Renee is missing on her own accord. Oaks is a reporter for a Wyoming newspaper, but prior to that, she worked at a restaurant with Renee. When Oaks learned of Renee's disappearance, she began to do some digging of her own. 

Oaks eventually told reporters that, four years after Renee's disappearance, police had still not made any progress. Oaks explained, "No evidence had been obtained. No evidence had been collected, no evidence had been checked in or checked out regarding Renee’s disappearance."

Even after that, it appears that several more years passed before any other significant movement in Renee's case. That movement happened over a decade later in 2018.

2018: a new search for Renee.

During 2018, co-director of Goshen County Sheriff Search and Rescue, Jerry Numon, became involved in Renee's case. At that time, a private investigator received permission to search property belonging to Josh Minter's mother. The private investigator enlisted Numon and his cadaver dog, Pax, to scour the property.

According to Numon, Pax indicated twice that that he smelled human remains. After that, police obtained a warrant and came to the property with digging equipment. A report from News Nation explained that during their search, "they found water underground. Pax would hit the hole, where water was rushing in, and alert." 

That same report states that, much to Numon's dismay, "Police determined whatever Pax was smelling must be coming from upstream. So they covered the hole and left the property."

Numon said that he was outraged police did not investigate further. It appears that police have dismissed any allegation pointing towards Josh Minter from the beginning of the case. While it seems police seeming accepted Minter's version of events regarding Renee's disappearance, Numon said that one of Renee's daughters told a very different story.

Numon told reporters, "the daughter remembered this guy Josh throwing her stuff in the car and he drove away with it. Somebody else brought him back to the house." If the daughter's recollection is correct, this opens the possibility that it was actually Josh Minter who drove and parked Renee's car at the rest stop.

More unanswered questions.

The information shared by Numon, combined with the results of the 2018 search at the Minter property, has brought about even more questions regarding Renee's disappearance and Josh Minter's potential involvement. If police had investigated Minter's version of events, would they have searched the property sooner? If so, would Renee have been found?

By the time the Minter property was searched in 2018, over 14 years had passed since Renee's disappearance - leaving plenty of time for evidence to deteriorate or be washed away by water.

A cold case.

At this time, Josh Minter has never been charged with anything related to Renee's disappearance - nor has anyone. Renee remains a missing person. Her loved ones have still not given up on the search for answers.

If you have any information about the disappearance of Renee Yeargain, please contact the Torrington Police Department at 307-5322-7001 or Wyoming DCI at 307-777-7181.

-
Sources:
Charley Project
News Nation
Torrington Telegram
Uncovered
Unfound Podcast

 

The Murder of May Ann Atilano Siason

Source: Baltimore County Police

May Ann Atilano Siason was only 32 years-old when she was found murdered on February 9th, 2017. The young woman was killed inside her own Nottingham, Maryland home. May Ann's body was found around 5:00 PM after family members returned home and found her unresponsive. Her four-year-old daughter was found unharmed nearby. 

Police were called, and May Ann was declared deceased on the scene. However, her exact cause of death was not immediately obvious. There were no signs that a shooting or stabbing had taken place. The only information that has been revealed is that May Ann had "suffered apparent trauma to her upper body." Her death was subsequently labeled as a homicide.

The area where May Ann lived is described in reports as a "quiet section of Nottingham." Neighbors were shocked to learn of May Ann's murder; many stated that May Ann and her family members normally kept to themselves. Police had never been called to the residence prior to the murder.

Shortly after the news about May Ann's death broke, police announced that they do not believe her murder was a random act of violence. It's believed that May Ann likely knew her killer. Still, several years have passed, and an arrest has yet to be made in the case.

There is a monetary reward available for anyone with information that may help solve May Ann's murder. If you have any information that could help the investigation, please contact the Metro Crimestoppers of Maryland at 1-866-7LOCKUP or submit a tip online. 

-
Sources:
2 ABC Baltimore
Baltimore County
NottinghamMD.com