The Disappearance and Murder of Breasia Terrell

Breasia Terrell went missing on July 10th, 2020. The 10-year-old girl vanished while spending the night at the home of 47-year-old Henry Earl Dinkins, in Davenport, Illinois. Breasia's mother Aishia Lankford last heard from her around 9 PM on July 9th, when Breasia sent a text to say goodnight. Reports state that Breasia was seen for the last time a few hours later. Aishia reported her missing on the evening of July 10th after she never returned home.

Dinkins was immediately considered a person of interest in Breasia's disappearance. He is the father of Breasia's half-brother, and he is also a registered sex offender. Breasia reportedly tagged along with her half-brother during a visit to Dinkins' home on the day before her disappearance. According to Aishia, Breasia had never spent the night at his apartment before--but was enjoying her time with her brother and wanted to stay the night. 

Although Aishia was aware that Dinkins is a registered sex offender, she was initially not worried about Breasia spending the night at his home because she was with her brother, and she had known Dinkins her whole life. However, when Breasia never returned from Dinkins' house, suspicions against him began to build.

Police searched Dinkins' apartment shortly after Breasia was reported missing. During the search, he was arrested for violating sex offender requirements. He maintained that he had nothing to do with Breasia's disappearance and had no knowledge of her whereabouts.

On July 15th, 2020, an Amber alert was issued for Breasia. Authorities also announced that they were searching for anyone with information about Dinkins' whereabouts between the hours of 10pm on July 9th and 12pm on July 10th. Still, months passed without any public updates on the case.

Henry Earl Dinkins

In March 2021, Breasia's body was found. 

The remains were found on March 22nd by a group of fishermen at a pond in DeWitt--located approximately 20 miles away from Davenport. On March 31st, 2021, authorities confirmed that the remains were positively identified as that of Breasia Terrell. Her death was labeled as a homicide.

About a month later, Henry Dinkins was arrested and charged with the first-degree kidnapping and murder of Breasia Terrell. It was then revealed that Breasia was shot to death. It was believed that her death was premeditated by Dinkins. 

In September 2023, a judge declared that Dinkins was guilty of both Breasia's kidnapping and murder. It is believed that he shot her to death after sexually assaulting her. Dinkins is expected to be sentenced next month. 

The Disappearance and Murder of Franchesca Alvarado

image source: phillyobitproject.com

Franchesca Alvarado had a lot to look forward to during early 2012. The then-22-year-old woman was living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the time, and she was ready to begin her next chapter in life. Franchesca had plans to enroll at the Community College of Philadelphia, as she hoped to pursue a criminal justice degree. Unfortunately, she would never have a chance to take this step - as she vanished on March 17th, 2012.

According to reports, Franchesca arranged for a babysitter to care for her then-3-year-old daughter before leaving for Atlantic City to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. She was reportedly accompanied by Tracy Williams, an older male acquaintance. Franchesca never returned home from this trip, and her loved ones never heard from her again.

Franchesca's siblings knew something was off when days passed without any contact from her. One of her sisters, Frances, decided to go to Franchesca's home in Hunting Park to check in. Frances was greeted by Franchesca's roommate, who said that Franchesca would be back from Atlantic City in two weeks. This seemed odd, as it did not seem likely that Franchesca would take a trip that long without telling her family. 

Eventually, Franchesca's loved ones reported her missing. They then passed out fliers, organized rallies, and continuously searched for Franchesca. Meanwhile, police searched for leads. Tracy Williams was questioned, and he reportedly told police that he and Franchesca separated at some point during their night in Atlantic City. He said that he last saw her by the Borgata. Franchesca's roommate was also questioned but was reportedly uncooperative. 

Over a year later, in August 2013, a fisherman at Corson’s Inlet State Park in Ocean City found a severed foot floating in the water. The foot was still wearing an Adidas high-top sneaker, which led both police and Franchesca’s loved ones to believe that the foot did, in fact, belong to Franchesca. This was officially confirmed just a few days later.

At that point, it became clear that Franchesca met with foul play. To this day, many questions remain. What happened to Franchesca? Who is responsible for her death?

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More about Franchesca.

image source: Philly Inquirer

As previously stated, Franchesca - known as 'Cheka' by those closest to her - lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the time of her disappearance. She was the youngest of 8 siblings and was very close with her family. Franchesca and her siblings had a rough childhood; as Franchesca’s father went to prison shortly after her birth, and her mother died when she was just 9 years old. Franchesca was subsequently raised by one of her older sisters. 

Despite these hardships, Franchesca remained a positive person. According to her loved ones, Franchesca had a happy energy and sparkling personality. She enjoyed crafts and had a not-so-secret crush on Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. Franchesca was also a dedicated mother to her daughter, whom she gave birth to when she was just 19 years old.

The disappearance.

As also previously noted, Franchesca disappeared after going to Atlantic City - a place she went to frequently. Franchesca often went there to blow off steam and enjoy a fun time with friends. She took this particular trip to Atlantic City with a man named Tracy Williams - who is described in reports as an older male acquaintance. 

When Franchesca did not return from this trip, both her family members and police inevitably wanted to speak with Williams. He maintained that he separated from Franchesca at some point during the night after she told him that she would find her own ride home. Williams claims he last saw her by the Borgata. Despite his insistence that he did not have any information about Franchesca's whereabouts, Williams still refused to take a polygraph exam, which raised suspicions against him.

Potential persons of interest.

From the beginning, Tracy Williams was an obvious person of interest - however he was not the only person whom the family and police found suspicious. Franchesca's roommate at the time of her disappearance - Tonya Alavarez - also raised some questions. 

image source: Find Franchesca Cheka Alvarado (Facebook)

As mentioned earlier, Alavarez told Franchesca's siblings that Franchesca planned to be in Atlantic City for two weeks. Franchesca's siblings knew this was likely untrue, as it seemed unlikely that she would take such a long trip without her daughter AND without mentioning it to her family. Additionally, Alavarez reportedly declined to cooperate with the authorities investigating Franchesca's disappearance. 

Investigators also inevitably wanted to question any potential romantic partners of Franchesca's. Her siblings note that Franchesca's ex-boyfriend is now currently in prison on federal gun charges unrelated to Franchesca's case. It's unclear if he was ever a major person of interest in Franchesca's disappearance and/or murder.

The discovery of remains.

Franchesca's severed foot was found by a fisherman at Corson's Inlet State Park during August 2013. The foot still had her shoe on it - which ultimately helped investigators identify the remains.

Image source: Philadelphia Inquirer

Knowing that there had to be more remains out there, Franchesca's family continued their quest to find answers. They conducted several internet searches for "human remains found" and "bones found" - which led them to learn that a human femur and tibia had washed ashore. In 2015, both were finally identified as that of Franchesca Alvarado. The rest of her remains have never been found.

A murder investigation.

Franchesca's case shifted to a murder investigation after the discovery of the remains. However, no arrests have ever been made. Investigators have also never disclosed an exact cause of death. Tracy Williams, Tonya Alavarez, and possibly other individuals still remain persons of interest. 

Franchesca's family members are still fighting for answers. If you have any information that could help the investigation, please contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-462-2899.

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Sources:
Find Franchesca Cheka Alvarado Facebook
Fox 29
Philadelphia Inquirer
Philadelphia Obituary Project
Uncovered

The Murder of Brittany McGlone

Brittany McGlone was only 19 years-old when she was brutally murdered in Winnsboro, Texas on May 4th, 2007. 

Brittany was killed at her boyfriend's family's house. She reportedly spent the previous evening working an overnight shift at Lowe's Distribution Center. According to her family, Brittany usually went back to her own home after working an overnight shift--but on this day, she opted to go straight to her boyfriend's house.

It is believed that she arrived at her boyfriend's house around 7 AM and went to sleep in his bed shortly thereafter. Brittany's boyfriend and his family members left the house while she was sleeping. When Brittany's boyfriend and his family members returned that afternoon, they found a gruesome scene: Brittany had been savagely murdered.

Investigators later determined that Brittany had been assaulted and beaten at some point between 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM. An autopsy ruled that she had died from massive head trauma. The Wood County Sheriff's Department inevitably looked at Brittany's boyfriend and his family members when they began investigating her murder - and all of them were eventually cleared. All had solid alibis that were confirmed through both surveillance and cell phone pings. 

Brittany's family members actually had another suspect in mind: a man named Chad Carr. Chad was dating Brittany's boyfriend's sister at the time of the murder. He also has quite a lengthy criminal record with prior charges for burglary, sexual assault, and assault with a deadly weapon. Chad became the main focus of the investigation as time went on. 

However, in the years that passed since the murder, Brittany's family members grew increasingly more frustrated with the authorities from Wood County Sheriff's Department. Despite having a suspect, there would be many bumps in the road throughout this investigation.

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A faulty investigation.

Various people have stated that Brittany's murder scene was mishandled and was possibly contaminated by law enforcement. In 2010, Brittany's sister Hope McGlone posted the following to a forum discussion about Brittany's case: "DNA results came back and we were told no one BUT Brittany's DNA was found. We were told whoever killed her was wrapped in saran wrap. I dont know how thats possible." 

In 2019, Hope wrote to Wood County Monitor to express her family's frustrations about the lack of communication from investigators. She wrote that she and her family members feel that Brittany has been forgotten, and that the investigators lack sensitivity when family members reach out to inquire about the case.

A turn in the case.

Finally, in 2021, a new investigator took over Brittany's case. It was at that point that authorities decided to chase the leads involving Chad Carr a bit more thoroughly. After reviewing the evidence, the new investigators noted that a pair of women's underwear had been found at Chad's house that were consistent with the size Brittany wore. It was also noted that Brittany's underwear was missing from the scene where the was found murdered.

Information from the girlfriend.

At the time of Brittany's murder, Chad Carr was dating a girl named Velva. As previously stated, Velva is the sister of Brittany's boyfriend. Approximately 8 months after Brittany's murder, Velva decided to meet with the lead investigator on Brittany's case. She explained that Chad had suspicious behavior on the day Brittany was found murdered. Additionally, Velva mentioned that Chad had a growing resentment against Brittany, as she was allowed to spend the night at the home, but Chad was not. 

Further evidence.

In addition to the information provided by Velva, investigators had even more reason to suspect Chad. There were reported holes in his alibi, and he also failed a polygraph exam relating to the case. Chad also had a history of aggravated assault; he reportedly had previously assaulted another woman in a similar fashion to the way in which Brittany was found murdered.

An arrest.

Although it appears that authorities had all the aforementioned information as early as 2008, it seems that it did not become central to the investigation until 2021 - when a new sheriff took office. On September 1st, 2021, Chad Carr was arrested and charged with Brittany's murder. 

The Grand Jury.

After Chad's arrest, Brittany's family members felt they were finally on the road to receiving justice. Unfortunately, this would never come to fruition. In November of 2021, a grand jury voted to not indict Chad on these capital murder charges. For whatever reason, they were unable to find enough probable cause to move forward with the charges. Investigators note that if more evidence is found, it's possible that Chad will be charged again.

An unsolved case.

Despite the fact that Chad Carr remains the one and only suspect, Brittany's case remains unsolved. Investigators are still searching for information that may solve the case once and for all. If you have any information that could help solve Brittany's case, please call (903) 763-2274 to submit an anonymous tip.

The Disappearance and Death of Kaysera Stops Pretty Places

 

Kaysera Stops Pretty Places was only 18 years old when she was found deceased in Hardin, Montana on August 29th, 2019. The young girl was a member of the Crow and Northern Cheyenne tribal communities and she lived with her grandmother. Kaysera was last seen by her family members on August 24th, 2019. She was reported missing on August 27th. 

Two days later, a passerby spotted human remains in the backyard of a Hardin home. The remains were later identified as Kaysera. Unfortunately, the discovery of her remains has led to more questions than answers. Authorities have described Kaysera's case as suspicious, but medical examiners were unable to determine an exact cause or manner of death. Her autopsy reportedly did not turn up any evidence of injury or disease. However, asphyxia was not ruled out.

According to a report released in 2021, one of Kaysera's relatives believes that Kaysera was hanging out with a person who purchased alcohol for her shortly before her death. Witnesses in that area reportedly told police that they heard an argument around 3:00 AM involving Kaysera and three other individuals: two young girls, aged 17 and 19, and a 23-year-old man. The argument apparently prompted a nearby homeowner to set off their car alarm, which caused Kaysera and the others to run off in different directions. Kaysera was then last seen running towards the backyard where her body was later found. 

Although Kaysera's manner of death remains undetermined, her family members believe she was murdered. Her family members also feel that local authorities have not put enough investigative efforts into her case. Kaysera's remains were reportedly cremated after the autopsy, so it is impossible for any further examinations of her body to be completed. Her family members stated that she was cremated without their consent. 

Kaysera's case is one of many unsolved cases among Native American women who have gone missing or have been murdered. According to the Justice Department, there are certain areas in the United States where "Native women are murdered at rates more than 10 times the national average." (source) Additionally, cases of missing and murdered Native women tend to go unsolved more often as well. 

Kaysera's family is still hoping to gain answers about her disappearance and death. There is a monetary reward available for anyone with information that could help solve her case. If you have any information, please call (406) 665-9780. 

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Sources:
Justice for Kaysera
NBC News
Uncovered

The Disappearance and Murder of Audreona Barnes

 

Audreona Barnes vanished in Cleveland, Ohio on July 30th, 2021. The 18-year-old had aspirations of joining the Army, and on the day of her disappearance, she met up with US Army Recruiters. After their meeting, the recruiters dropped Audreona off at her boyfriend’s apartment in Cleveland. Her family members expected her home that evening, but she never returned home. Audreona’s family members later reported her missing.

Throughout the investigation, police spoke with Audreona’s boyfriend Bennie Washington. Washington is over 20 years older than Audreona, and he was the last known person to have seen her before she vanished. Initially, police did not find any reason to suspect Washington, and it appears that his home was not searched.

Washington was evicted from his residence on March 11th, 2022. Six days later, an employee from a cleaning company was sent to the residence. While clearing out the apartment’s balcony, the employee found the body of a female hidden under a pile of clothes. Police were called, and the body was eventually identified as that of Audreona Barnes. She died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Police then began looking for Washington. At some point, police spotted him in a nearby neighborhood, but he ran from the officers and was able to evade arrest. However, he was finally found on March 21, 2022, and charged with Audreona’s murder. 

source:oxygen.com

After his arrest, police announced that they believed Washington shot and killed Audreona before hiding her body outside under the clothes to hasten decomposition. Audreona’s body had been there for months, but apparently no outsiders reported a foul smell or anything else suspicious.

This arrest was not the first time Washington has been in trouble with the law. In 2019, he was accused of raping a 3-year-old girl. In 2010, he reportedly shot and wounded a woman over a $40 cocaine debt. Washington was sentenced to 7 years for that shooting. 

In May of 2023, Washington went to trial for Audreona's murder. He was ultimately found guilty. Audreona's mother Akua Avegnon gave a victim impact statement during Washington's sentencing hearing. Avegnon called Washington out during her statement, saying that he feigned concern over Audreona's whereabouts while knowing she had already been murdered by him. Avegnon also stated that Audreona was pregnant with Washington's baby, and he also feigned concern over their unborn child. 

Washington was sentenced to 38 years in prison. He remains incarcerated today.

The Disappearance & Murder of Emmishae Kirby

Emmishae Kirby vanished in Houston, Texas on September 18th, 2020. The 28-year-old vanished just weeks after ending a relationship with her boyfriend, 29-year-old Javon Gilbert. Emmishae and Javon had been living together up until September 2020 - when Emmishae ended their relationship after Javon reportedly sexually assaulted her. However, Javon showed up to the apartment unannounced on numerous occasions after their breakup. On one occasion, he broke into the apartment armed with a knife.

Once Emmishae was reported missing, Javon became an obvious person of interest. He reportedly gave police conflicting statements but did confirm that Emmishae had broken up with him earlier that month due to the sexual assault accusation. Still, Javon was not immediately charged with anything related to Emmishae's disappearance.

On October 3rd, 2020, searchers found Emmishae's body near Bear Creek Pioneers Park in Harris County. An autopsy later confirmed that she had been strangled and shot to death. From that point forward, Emmishae's case was shifted into a murder investigation.

Detectives looked at surveillance footage from her apartment building to see if they could retrace her final steps before she vanished. The footage confirmed that Emmishae and Javon were together on September 18th. Earlier that day, the two were captured entering Emmishae's car together and leaving the parking lot. They reportedly went to a gas station and a restaurant before returning to Emmishae's apartment. Emmishae and Javon were then captured walking back inside the building.

Hours later, at 1:40 AM, Javon is seen carrying a "heavy object" to Emmishae's car. He then drives off in her car before returning an hour later. Javon was later captured making several trips back and forth between Emmishae's apartment and the dumpster, where he threw away several items, including her sofa. 

After months of investigating, police finally arrested Javon on January 20th, 2021. He was charged with both Emmishae's murder and tampering with evidence. Javon was no stranger to violent criminal charges. In fact, he was charged in 2013 with arson after setting his ex-wife's house on fire while she was inside. The maximum penalty for this felony is life in prison, but Javon received a much lighter sentence. In 2015, he accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to 8 years of deferred adjudication probation. 

As part of this deal, Javon would have this conviction erased from his record if he managed to stay out of trouble during the 8 years of probation. Since he ended up being arrested for Emmishae's murder while still on probation, it was clear that he had not complied with his end of the plea deal. As such, many hearing were held to revoke the adjudication probation. 

In April 2023, Javon was sentenced to life in prison for Emmishae's murder. Javon was looking at several years already for this charge alone, however, the judge ultimately sentenced him to life due to both this crime and the violation of his probation. After his sentencing, the Assistant District Attorney Mary McFaden told reporters, "A life sentence is the only punishment that makes sense because this man hurts women and will continue to hurt women. This ensures there will never be another day when he is not supervised."

The Disappearance and Murder of Desiree Thompson

Desiree Thompson (30) vanished under suspicious circumstances on January 7th, 2012. While she was missing, it was reported that Desiree last seen that evening after a frightening incident with her estranged ex-husband, Edward 'Face' Gibson III (pictured below). There were reportedly several instances of domestic violence and encounters with the police throughout Desiree's relationship with Gibson. On the night of her disappearance, Gibson showed up at Desiree's home in California City, California unannounced. When Desiree answered the door, Gibson pointed a shotgun at her face. 

It appears that no shots were actually fired at that time, as Desiree was seen alive just a few hours after that incident. After that last sighting, she was never seen or heard from again.

Edward 'Face' Gibson III

Desiree is the niece of songwriter/producer Kenneth Howard Smith--who is most famously known for his work on Motown and D-Town Records. Smith reportedly used his numerous resources to help spread awareness about Desiree's disappearance, but unfortunately very few leads and clues turned up. Investigators also been searching for Gibson, who also vanished on the evening of Desiree's disappearance. 

It is believed that Gibson is on the run. He is wanted on charges of burglary, domestic violence, violating a court order, brandishing a firearm, and possessing a firearm as a felon. For years, Gibson also remained the only person of interest in Desiree's disappearance. 

In 2022, Desiree's case took an unexpected turn. During March, investigators received a tip that led them to a home in California City. A man named Jose William Lara, now 60, used to live in said residence. While there, investigators found blood splatters in the master bedroom and human remains in the backyard. The remains were not immediately identified, but Lara was subsequently arrested and charged with Desiree’s murder.

Jose Lara in court. (source)

It took months, but in July 2022, the remains were finally confirmed to be that of Desiree Nicole Thompson. The news of Desiree’s death AND the arrest of Lara has come as a shock to Desiree’s loved ones. For years, many believed that Desiree’s ex-husband Edward Gibson III was responsible for her disappearance. However, according to court documents, Desiree was the victim of an unfortunate attack by a stranger.

The court documents also state that police learned about Lara's potential involvement in Desiree's case after they were contacted by an informant. The informant told police that Lara had described, in detail, how he murdered a woman matching Desiree's description and then buried the woman in the backyard of his old residence. 

Lara was reportedly angry on the evening of Desiree's murder. He reportedly told the informants that he was at a party that evening, but while there, he was assaulted by three individuals who told him he was not welcome. Lara then left the party but returned to a nearby area a short time later in search of the people who assaulted him. While waiting, he came across two individuals - one who matched Desiree's description.

Lara told the informants that he was angry about being assaulted and wanted to get revenge - and it did not matter who received it. He subsequently invited Desiree over to his house under the guise of drinking beers together. Lara said that once she was there, he bashed Desiree's head into a mini-fridge and then stabbed her to death. Later, he buried her in his backyard. 

source: lawandcrime.com

Although Lara confessed to the informant, he pleaded not guilty to the murder charges. He went to trial in May of 2023. During court proceedings, the prosecutors presented the aforementioned evidence provided by the informant. The fact that Desiree's remains were found in Lara's previous backyard also helped the prosecution's case. The defense continued to argue that Desiree's ex-husband, Gibson, was the true murderer.

The jury ultimately sided with the prosecution and found Lara guilty of Desiree's murder. He was later sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.