Author: synovacantrell

ward-Winning True Crime Writer, Coach & Victim’s Advocate Synova is an award-winning crime writer with over 300 cases under her belt. (Or pen, whatever!) One of her books was even endorsed by a retired FBI Agent! To top it all off, a flag was flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C. to honor her cold case work!!! She is Southwest Missouri's #1 True Crime Writer/Blogger. She is the author of 15 published books and has been featured on the Discovery Channel and other documentaries. Now, after a 3-year hiatus from the world of true crime, a famous cold case Synova worked on for years is back in the news. Synova picked up her old fedora and is back on the case.

Unraveling the Mystery of the Burger Chef Murders: An In-Depth Investigation

The case of the Burger Chef murders has baffled people for over four decades. Four teenagers vanished from a fast-food restaurant in Indiana in 1978, only to be found dead in a wooded area of Johnson County, Indiana two days later. Despite years of investigation, no one has ever been convicted, and many questions still hang in the air. This story isn’t just about lost lives — it reveals deep flaws in police work and hints at cover-ups involving organized crime. Understanding what went wrong and what might still be hidden could finally bring justice to the victims’ families, but is it too late? Are the murderers even alive anymore? 

IndyStar Archives

The Crime Scene and Initial Findings

On November 17, 1978, four teens were working late at the Speedway Burger Chef in Speedway, Indiana. Their names were Ruth Shelton, Daniel Davis, Jayne Friedt, and Mark Flemmonds. Around midnight, they were kidnapped, taken miles out of town, and murdered in the woods. The police’s response was strange from the start. When officers arrived, the scene was chaotic—cash drawers emptied, the safe open, yet no proper crime scene procedures were followed. The scene was practically destroyed, with footprints and evidence stomped over or lost before investigations could start. Officers assumed the teenagers were irresponsible and just went across the road to the club to party with friends. 

Speedway police later admitted “we screwed it up from the beginning”. Not only was the restaurant cleaned and allowed to be reopened the next morning, but no photographs were taken beforehand, effectively eliminating all potential evidence.

The Victims

The victims were two boys and two girls: Jane (who was just shy of 21), Daniel Davis, Mark Fleming, and Ruth Shelton. Jane’s age makes her the oldest of the group. These teenagers had no known ties to crime or gangs—just regular kids working a job. But some of them had behaviors or relationships that raised eyebrows. Jane was considered protective of her friends, and Mark had taken lessons in karate, acting as a sort of bodyguard. Their deaths left families shattered, and their stories remain frozen in time.

Bodies Found:

On Sunday afternoon, hikers discovered the bodies more than 20 miles away in a wooded area. Davis and Shelton had each been shot multiple times with a .38 caliber handgun. Friedt had suffered two stab wounds to the chest; the knife’s handle was missing, though the blade was recovered during the autopsy. Flemmonds appeared to have been beaten—possibly with a chain. All four victims were still dressed in their Burger Chef uniforms. Investigators found money and watches on the bodies, suggesting that robbery was likely not the sole motive behind the murders.

Authorities believe the incident began as a failed robbery and escalated into kidnapping and murder—possibly because one of the victims recognized a perpetrator. This, of course, is just speculation. 

Suspect Theories and Conflicting Confessions

The Suspects: Main Persons of Interest

Don Forester

One man named Don Forester claimed he confessed to the murders while in prison. His story said he was involved in the killings over a drug debt. But here’s the problem—his confessions didn’t match the facts. His story about how he shot or restrained the victims was inconsistent. Later, he recanted, and many experts believe his confession was just prison bravado.

Alan Puit

Another suspect, Alan Puit, gave a wild story about seeing a van near the scene. He was drunk and high that night, and his memories are shaky at best. His detail about seeing Tim Willoughby in a van was likely false, especially since Willoughby disappeared months before the murders. Several discrepancies cast doubt on his account.

Jeff Reed and Other Robbery Figures

Several sketches matched two local robbers, Wilkins and Stanky. Both had been involved in earlier store robberies nearby, and their descriptions fit the suspects. They lived close to the crime scene, and they later confessed to similar crimes. But there’s no concrete proof they pulled the trigger that night. Yet, their proximity and past actions make them serious persons of interest.

The Role of Confessions in Cold Cases

Confessions obtained in prison aren’t always reliable. Interrogation tactics can influence the memories of suspects—including leading questions and suggestive techniques. False confessions are common, especially when prisoners are desperate for leniency or trying to impress. People can even recant years later, leaving investigators puzzled and cold case files unopened.

Evidence and Crime Scene Investigation Failures

Mishandling of the Crime Scene

The police made countless mistakes. Upon arriving, they didn’t cordon off the scene properly. No fingerprints or photos were taken. The evidence was muddled and eventually destroyed. Witnesses reported people stomping through, vehicles driving over the scene, which all but erased any chance of finding crucial clues.

Physical Evidence and Forensic Limitations

Items like shoes marked “Made in Spain” were found, but police couldn’t directly link them to the crime. A hairbrush outside the back door was collected along with footprints. But with limited forensic tools at the time, matching bullets or establishing identities remained challenging. The absence of DNA evidence made solving the case harder still.

The Significance of the Car and Keys

Jane’s car was left abandoned less than a mile from the police station—near where it could easily be seen. The keys were in her pocket when her body was discovered. Many wonder if the car was hotwired or placed there deliberately. Some believe the car was planted to mislead investigators.

Theories of Cover-Up and Police Corruption

Allegations of Dirty Cops and Corruption

Authorities have long suspected that some officers were involved in a cover-up. Evidence points to possible connections with local drug rings or organized crime. Witnesses alleged that police dismissed early signs of trouble or refused to investigate leads pointing to drug traffickers or illegal activity.

The Role of Local Crime and Other Criminal Activities

In 1978, Speedway was rife with crime: bombings, drug trafficking, car theft rings, and armed robberies. It’s believed that these widespread illegal acts created a chaotic environment where enforcing law was difficult. Covering up certain crimes or protecting individuals involved in drug networks might have been a priority over solving a brutal child murder.

Potential Cover-Up Motives

It’s possible that powerful figures protected people involved in the murders. Law enforcement officials may have chosen to ignore evidence or hush witnesses to avoid damaging their reputation or exposing their connections. Silent collusion could still be hiding the truth.

Broader Context: Organized Crime, Drugs, and Legal Injustice

Connection to Drug Networks and Organized Crime

Alleged links to drug dealers like Kimberland suggest a larger net of illegal activity. Kimberland, a known drug trafficker, was suspected of using racing events and local businesses to smuggle narcotics. It’s conceivable that the murders were part of a bigger effort to silence witnesses or protect those involved.

The Impact of Media and Public Opinion

Initial news reports painted the teens as victims of a random attack. Over time, suspicions grew about police inaction and possible cover-ups. Public outrage simmered, fueling conspiracy theories that still persist. Lack of transparency pushed many to wonder if justice will ever be served. Now there have been some FBI files released, but they only bring more questions. 

Lessons for Modern Cold Case Investigation

This case teaches the importance of securing crime scenes immediately. Proper forensic procedures and open investigations are vital. When police mishandle evidence, it can take decades to find the truth. Independent review and public awareness are key tools for any unresolved case.

Conclusion: The Path Toward Justice and Closure

Nearly 47 years later, the Burger Chef murders remain one of the most puzzling cold cases in the nation. The mishandling of evidence, conflicting stories, and suspected cover-ups have kept the truth hidden. Now, more than ever, investigators must revisit the files with fresh eyes. Accountability and transparency could finally open the door to justice. Families and communities deserve answers, and the victims’ memories demand the truth.

Every new lead, every re-examination of evidence, brings hope. They remind us that even cold cases can be solved. If you believe in seeking justice, support efforts that push for open investigations. The truth is out there—it’s just waiting to be found.

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Madhouse Madison County

Chaos rules in a small Southeastern Missouri County. Madison County spans 500 square miles and has a population of approximately 13,000 people. The county seat is Fredericktown with a population of approximately 4,000 people. This rural county should be a safe place in beautiful Americana, but it hides a dark secret. Fredericktown is one of the most dangerous places to live in America. Check out this quote from neighborhoodscout.com. 

“With a crime rate of 31 per one thousand residents, Fredericktown has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes – from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One’s chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 32.” 

I started researching one case sent to me by a desperate grandmother. That case led me to fifteen more. Then I realized this county has had murder, corruption, and chaos since before the Wild West days. This book will start with a lynching by a Fredericktown mob in 1844. Hold onto your seats when you read this one. You’re in for a wild, chaotic ride through rural Missouri. 

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The Mysterious Disappearance of Archer Ray Johnson: Uncovering the Hidden Clues

Introduction: The Enigma of Archer Ray Johnson

The story of Archer Ray Johnson’s disappearance remains one of the longest-unsolved cases in rural Washington. How does a man vanish without a trace after spending the day working with his brother? It’s a question that puzzles investigators and family members alike. Cold cases in remote areas are hard to solve, especially when evidence disappears or stories change. Yet, every clue missed or ignored in the past could lead us closer to finding out what really happened.

Who Was Archer Ray Johnson?

Archer Ray Johnson was known as a tough, outdoors-loving man. His friends described him as lively, quick to joke, but also quick to fight when drunk. He was about 6 feet tall, weighed around 175 pounds, and was 41 years old at the time he went missing in 1986. His reputation in the logging community painted him as a brave but impulsive character. Family and neighbors knew him as a happy-go-lucky guy, but alcohol often changed his mood.

The Day of Disappearance

On April 1, 1986, Archer left his house early in the morning, and he headed to Brooklyn, Washington to help his brother cut wood. They spent the morning working together, hauling a load of logs. Later, he helped Rosa, his brother’s girlfriend, with a hay bale. She needed help feeding her animals. By around 11:40 AM, Archer left his brother’s house to travel back home. It was a routine day, or so it seemed.

His truck was found later on, but the scene didn’t add up. The truck was partially in the road with keys still in the ignition, passenger door open, and no sign of Archer. No trace of where he went after leaving Rosa’s house. This strange scene kicked off a mystery that still isn’t solved decades later.

The Mysterious Disappearance and Initial Investigations – The Last Known Movements

Earl, Archer’s brother, and Rosa claimed they drove past Archer’s truck later that day. They say they found it nearby but at a strange angle, with the door open. They then went to a few nearby towns, including Oakville and Elma, supposedly to cash a check they’d used to give Earl some money. They even tied some cash to Earl’s gate, but family members say that gate was usually unlocked and wouldn’t have needed a lock.

Their route was convoluted—driving back and forth, stopping in different towns, and dropping Rosa off at a random fork in the road. They left Archer’s truck about 15 miles from where he was last seen. But things didn’t add up. Witnesses saw Earl’s car going west at 1:30 PM, contradicting their story that the truck was abandoned earlier that day.

Problems with the Initial Investigation

The police investigation was rushed and disorganized. Search crews only looked for Archer for a couple of days. The scene was not properly preserved. Search dogs failed to find Archer’s scent at the supposed site. Witness statements kept changing, especially Earl and Rosa’s stories. For years, the case remained cold, with many questions left unanswered.

Critical Analysis of the Case Files and Evidence – Route and Geography Challenges

The roads in that area are tough even today. Back then, they were mostly dirt trails in bad shape. Tracing the route Archer’s truck supposedly took reveals inconsistencies. Google Earth shows that the main road is difficult to follow, with sections that seem to disappear into the woods. The distance calculation shows it takes about 35 minutes to drive 18 miles today, meaning if Archer’s truck was seen 15 miles away, the timing doesn’t match up with their story.

Evidence and Missing Links

The truck was found with the keys inside, but no question about whether it was moved after being abandoned. Search dogs failed to pick up Archer’s scent near the truck. Witnesses say Earl was seen heading west, not east, at the crucial time. If Earl’s story is true, then Archer might have fallen or been taken before 1 PM, but lack of physical evidence leaves doubt.

Suspects and Motives

Earl and Rosa changed their stories multiple times, raising suspicion. They seemed nervous and evasive. Some think their drinking habits and history of fights point toward a domestic dispute gone wrong. Others believe it was an accident, perhaps involving alcohol and logging equipment. The family’s silence hints that a darker truth still lurks beneath the surface.

Common Theories and Plausible Explanations – Accident or Misadventure

Could Archer have fallen while drunk in the woods? It’s possible. The terrain is rough, and alcohol impairs judgment. Maybe he stepped out of his truck to pee and slipped or got injured. The absence of any physical evidence makes it hard to say for sure, but doing nothing to find him seems negligent.

Foul Play or Cover-Up

Did Earl or Rosa harm Archer during a fight? They had a history of arguments. Maybe alcohol-fueled violence led to his disappearance. Or perhaps someone else in the community had something to hide. The changing stories, inconsistent witness reports, and late searches make foul play a real possibility.

Modern Forensic Methods

Today, investigators have better tools like DNA analysis. Old evidence, if preserved, could reveal traces of Archer or the killer. Reexamining the case with fresh eyes and new technology might finally crack the mystery, if any of the original evidence has been saved after all of these years. 

Conclusion

The disappearance of Archer Ray Johnson highlights how difficult rural cases can be. Often, crucial evidence is missed, stories are unclear, and authorities don’t have resources to pursue every lead. Yet, with persistence and new technology, many cases can be solved. There’s hope that someday, Archer’s family will find closure. Until then, sharing his story keeps his memory alive and may inspire new breakthroughs.

If you want to help bring justice, stay informed, speak up, or support efforts to reexamine cold cases—because even after decades, truth can still come to light.

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Sponsorships:

This case is brought to you by my latest book “Madhouse Madison County” and Bones Coffee Company

Madhouse Madison County

Chaos rules in a small Southeastern Missouri County. Madison County spans 500 square miles and has a population of approximately 13,000 people. The county seat is Fredericktown with a population of approximately 4,000 people. This rural county should be a safe place in beautiful Americana, but it hides a dark secret. Fredericktown is one of the most dangerous places to live in America. Check out this quote from neighborhoodscout.com. 

“With a crime rate of 31 per one thousand residents, Fredericktown has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes – from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One’s chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 32.” 

I started researching one case sent to me by a desperate grandmother. That case led me to fifteen more. Then I realized this county has had murder, corruption, and chaos since before the Wild West days. This book will start with a lynching by a Fredericktown mob in 1844. Hold onto your seats when you read this one. You’re in for a wild, chaotic ride through rural Missouri. 

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Grim Justice: The Murder of Judge Chillingworth & his wife

Don’t Miss Tonight’s New Episode of Chasing Justice (7 pm Central)

It’s a tale of two judges; one a well-liked defender of the law, and the other a cold-blooded manipulator. Judge C.E. Chillingworth was by all accounts a man of honor, so why were he and his wife taken from their home on June 15, 1955, in the wee hours of the morning, bound, gagged, weighted down, and thrown into the ocean? Judge Joseph Peel was a rowdy young low-level judge that handled small disputes, warrants, and divorce settlements. Peel liked to live high above his means and supported his lavish lifestyle with underhanded criminal activities. Could his small con games really lead to murder, or was someone else to blame? When the Chillingworths disappeared it would take nearly five years and one drunken hitman to finally uncover the truth behind West Palm Beach’s “crime of the century.”

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Brazil Easter Egg Poisoning: 2 Children Die After Consuming Tainted Chocolate Sent by Jealous Ex

In a harrowing case that has shocked Brazil, a woman’s act of vengeance led to the poisoning deaths of a 7-year-old boy and his 13-year-old sister. The incident unfolded on April 16, when Jordélia Pereira Barbosa, 36, allegedly laced a box of luxury Easter chocolates with rat poison, intending to target her ex-husband’s new partner, Mirian Lira Silva. However, the chocolates were also consumed by Lira’s children, leading to a tragic outcome.

The Poisoning Incident

Barbosa reportedly sent the tainted chocolates to Lira with a note reading, “With love, to Mirian Lira. Happy Easter.” After receiving the package, Lira shared the chocolates with her children. Shortly after consumption, her son, Luis, fell seriously ill and died the next day. His sister, Evelyn, succumbed to multiple organ failure six days later. Lira herself fell critically ill but survived the ordeal.

Forensic Breakthrough

Forensic experts confirmed that the chocolates were contaminated with ‘chumbinho,’ a banned rodenticide frequently used illegally in Brazil. This revelation marked a significant breakthrough in the investigation. 

Motive Behind the Crime

Investigators suggest that the poisoning was an act of revenge fueled by jealousy. Barbosa’s ex-husband is currently in a relationship with Lira, which may have triggered Barbosa’s actions. Evidence, including purchase receipts and CCTV footage, links Barbosa to the crime. During her arrest, authorities found wigs, receipts, cards, scissors, a saw knife, and what appeared to be drugs.

Legal Proceedings

Barbosa remains in custody at the São Luís Women’s Rehabilitation Prison Unit. She has admitted to purchasing the chocolates but denies adding poison to them. The case is under investigation, and further legal proceedings are expected.

Watch Synova’s Video on this case:

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This case was brought to you by Bones Coffee Company and my new book “Madhouse Madison County“

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Madhouse Madison County

Chaos rules in a small Southeastern Missouri County. Madison County spans 500 square miles and has a population of approximately 13,000 people. The county seat is Fredericktown with a population of approximately 4,000 people. This rural county should be a safe place in beautiful Americana, but it hides a dark secret. Fredericktown is one of the most dangerous places to live in America. Check out this quote from neighborhoodscout.com.

“With a crime rate of 31 per one thousand residents, Fredericktown has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes – from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One’s chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 32.”


I started researching one case sent to me by a desperate grandmother. That case led me to fifteen more. Then I realized this county has had murder, corruption, and chaos since before the Wild West days. This book will start with a lynching by a Fredericktown mob in 1844. Hold onto your seats when you read this one. You’re in for a wild, chaotic ride through rural Missouri.

Bones Coffee Company & Synova Ink Publishing Have Partnered Up to Eliminate the Boring Coffee in Your Life!!

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USE this Coupon Code for a discount at checkout: SYNOVAINK

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Devil in the Ozarks: The Shocking Crimes, Cover-Up & Escape of Ex-Cop Grant Hardin

November 9th 1997: 

Amy Harrison was a teacher in Rogers, Arkansas. She went into her classroom on an early Sunday morning to prepare for the workweek. Unfortunately, an attacker was hiding nearby. She worked in her room for a while, but when she went to the bathroom down the hall she met a man with a gun. He brutally assaulted her before running off. She did the best she could to give a good description to the police, and she even preserved DNA evidence that would eventually solve the case. Unfortunately, the name of her attacker would not be known for 20 years.

February 23rd 2017:

Seventeen miles away, in Gateway, Arkansas, Amy’s answers would be found in the most brutal way. James Appleton was sitting in his truck on the side of the road trying to finish a phone call before he had a dead zone in the highway. Unfortunately behind him was a man with a vendetta. The killer simply drove by and shot Appleton in the face with a shotgun. Then he went on as if nothing happened.

Little did anyone know that the man who committed both of these crimes was a recently fired police chief named Grant Hardin.  How could this brutal psychopath rape a police officer’s wife, and then spend 20 years trying to help them solve the case? This question and many more filled the minds of the community.

Hardin eventually pleaded guilty and received 80 years in prison, but for some dumb reason they sent him to a medium security jail in Calico Rock. Arkansas. It only held him for 8 years and on May 25th 2025, he escaped prison. Two years earlier they had made a documentary about him and called him the “Devil of the Ozarks.” Now, he was free once again.

A 12-day manhunt ensued and Harden was finally captured less than 2 miles from the prison. How could he get away with so much?

His job history was disturbing, but in the state that he operated in they do not allow officers’ job history to be public information. They literally hide the scandals. He had been bounced between five different districts, and if he hadn’t killed a man, his record would still be unknown today. Somebody needs to change these laws to allow police job history to be public information. It’s the only way we’re going to be able to keep them accountable. It’s not fair to the citizens, and it’s not fair to those police officers who put their lives on the line every day trying to help make their community a safe place. It’s time for us to demand that this practice be changed all across the U.S., and not just in Missouri and Arkansas. 

Check out my Chasing Justice Episode about this case: (NEW Episodes Premiere on Tuesday Nights 7pm Central)

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This episode is brought to you buy my latest book “Madhouse Madison” and Bones Coffee Company. Every purchase helps me make more videos for you and raise awareness for more victim’s families. Thank you in advance!

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Madhouse Madison County

Chaos rules in a small Southeastern Missouri County. Madison County spans 500 square miles and has a population of approximately 13,000 people. The county seat is Fredericktown with a population of approximately 4,000 people. This rural county should be a safe place in beautiful Americana, but it hides a dark secret. Fredericktown is one of the most dangerous places to live in America. Check out this quote from neighborhoodscout.com. 

“With a crime rate of 31 per one thousand residents, Fredericktown has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes – from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One’s chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 32.” 

I started researching one case sent to me by a desperate grandmother. That case led me to fifteen more. Then I realized this county has had murder, corruption, and chaos since before the Wild West days. This book will start with a lynching by a Fredericktown mob in 1844. Hold onto your seats when you read this one. You’re in for a wild, chaotic ride through rural Missouri. 

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Revisiting Amber Wilde’s Tragic Unsolved Disappearance

  Amber Wilde was a 19-year-old student at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay working on becoming a pediatrician. Amber kept a detailed diary throughout her life and this chronicle is now giving the police hope that this case can be solved. Clues in this diary lead to a suspect, but 20 years have passed with no arrests. What happened to Amber and why does her aunt believe she’s buried somewhere under the asphalt of Hwy 29?

Wednesday, September 23, 1998:

  Amber was in a minor car accident on her way to school. Amber had rear-ended the car in front of her. Although the accident was minimal, she hit her head hard on the windshield and complained of an intense headache. The drivers exchanged phone numbers and the day continued for both. Unfortunately, this would be Amber’s last day.

  Amber checks in with the medical staff at the school and they advise her that she may have received a concussion. She called her father and relayed the events to him and he promised to call periodically throughout the day to check on her. The last call he received from her was around 7 pm. He was scheduled to call her first thing in the morning to make sure that she was feeling ok before she went to class.

  That call went unanswered as well as several others. A worried father went to her apartment to check on her and although he found nothing obviously disturbing, he knew something was wrong. His daughter was pregnant and she had been having issues with the father of her child.

  A few days pass without any word before the police found Amber’s abandoned car parked in the parking lot of Lambeau Field. Strangely, the car was unlocked, the phone was still charging on the front passenger seat, and her purse was locked in the trunk. Nothing looked odd or out of place until her father looked closer. Amber Wilde is reported as 5′ 2″ – 5′ 4″. (Some people fuss over this discrepancy, but as a short girl myself, I find my height determined by my stilettos.) The father noticed the drivers’ seat was pushed all the way back. There was no way his daughter could have driven the car with the seat in that position.

  Was this a clue or was this an intentional diversion? To make things even worse, two days before her disappearance Amber’s car had been serviced and the mileage had been noted at that time. Now an extra 900 miles were on the odometer. Where had this car been?

In Amber’s diary, she outlined the love affair she had been having with a man named Schneider. When she became pregnant this narrative changed drastically. She began to document their phone conversations. Schneider didn’t want his fiancé or his family to find out about Amber and he didn’t want a baby. He even tried to convince her, according to Amber, to have an abortion. She refused. Could this be the motive behind Amber’s disappearance? Or, could she have run off to start a new life? Her family says it’s not possible and the police tend to agree.

  When police interview Schneider he denies everything claiming that he never touched her. His fiancé claims Amber was nothing more than a love struck teenager that had an infatuation with her man. Unfortunately, the phone records indicate that there were over 60 phone calls between Schneider and Wilde. Was he fighting for his innocence against a determined teen, or was the love affair a reality?

  When Crime Watch Daily approached Schneider about this case he refused to talk. I’m sure that’s what his attorneys want him to do. What I find even more disturbing about this case is the comments by online skeptics. Some vilify the man before he can be proven guilty, but most vilify the victim claiming she had no right to approach Schneider’s family. She was a teenager that had been in love with an older man. Was he promising her the world? Who knows? But, whatever the case may be, it is never acceptable to murder someone.

  As with all my cases, if you have any information please contact the Green Bay Police Department (920) 448-3200.

Check Out Synova’s Chasing Justice Video On This Case: (New Episodes Premiere on Tuesday 7pm Central)

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This blog post is an excerpt from Synova’s book: Snatched

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Shattered: Behind Every Story Is A Shattered Life (Synova’s Case Files Series)

Follow the heart-rending cases Synova first wrote about on her blog in 2018. Filled with missing persons’ cases, unsolved homicides, and even serial killer cases, this book will give you a greater insight into the shattered lives behind every story. Cases Included in this book: Jayme Closs, Haley Owens, Josh Robinson, Timothy Cunningham, Carol Blades, Pam Hupp, Arthur Ream, Angela Hammond, The Springfield Three, Jennifer Harris, Danny King, Angie Yarnell, Jack Robinson, Madelin Edman, Alexis Patterson, Amber Wilde, Sandra Bertolas, Jennifer Casper-Ross, Crystal Soulier, Jody Ricard, Carmen Owens, Brandon Tyree McCullough & The I-70 Serial Killer

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“Kouri Richins Case: Utah Mom, Grief Author Accused of Poisoning Husband with Fentanyl – Full Timeline & Trial Update”

A young widow writes a children’s book to help her boys deal with the grief of losing their father. A short time later, however, she is arrested for murdering their father. This case captivated the public’s attention because of its dark, complex nature. Kouri Richins is accused of poisoning her husband Eric with a fentanyl-laced cocktail in March 2022. The investigation and legal proceedings have revealed a web of deceit, financial crisis, and possible affairs. Any of these could have been enough of a motive for murder. (CBS News, Court TV)

The Tragic Incident

On March 4, 2022, Eric Richins was found unresponsive at the couple’s home near Park City, Utah. Kouri Richins called 911, stating that her husband was unresponsive. Despite efforts to revive him, the 39-year-old father of three, was pronounced dead at the scene. At first they said he died of a brain aneurysm, but an autopsy later revealed that he had five times the lethal dose of fentanyl in his system. (CBS News)

Financial Motives and Alleged Misconduct

Investigations into the couple’s finances uncovered a possible motive. Kouri Richins had opened $2 million worth life insurance policies without her husband’s knowledge. Additionally, she was facing significant financial difficulties, and had been diverting funds from Eric’s accounts. She had her own real estate business, but it was only kept afloat by Eric’s funding. Unfortunately, and unbeknown to him, most of that funding was without his knowledge or approval. (CBS News, The US Sun)

The Grief Author’s Paradox

In a stroke of dark irony, Kouri Richins authored a children’s book titled Are You With Me? She said it was supposed to help her sons grieve the death of their father.  The book was dedicated to her late husband and was published shortly after his death. This endeavor has drawn criticism, with some viewing it as an attempt to profit from her husband’s demise. While the morbid little book was supposed to help with grief, it came across disturbing. She used her son’s likeness in the book, and had her husband turned into a cartoon ghost that followed the boy around. It was disturbing to anyone who actually works in grief counseling. (CBS News, Court TV, CBS News)

Alleged Witness Tampering

Further complicating the case, Kouri Richins is accused of attempting to influence potential witnesses. Prosecutors allege that she sent a six-page letter from jail to her brother, instructing him to testify about Eric’s alleged drug use, which could support her defense. Unfortunately, there wasn’t any actual evidence of the alleged drug use. Her husband occasionally took a CBD gummy before bed to relax. It’s hardly a hard-core drug habit. The letter was found folded inside her LSAT prep book, led to disciplinary action within the jail and has been cited as evidence of witness tampering .(The Times, People.com)

Legal Proceedings and Upcoming Trial

Kouri Richins faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, insurance fraud, and witness tampering. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A judge has denied her bail twice, citing the severity of the charges and her potential flight risk . The trial was set to begin in April 2025, but it has been postponed citing a change of venue. As of this writing, an official trial date hasn’t been publicly released. (New York Post, CBS News, ABC13 Houston)

Conclusion

Will Kouri find a way to worm her way out of this one? She had a knack for working her way out of messes, but I don’t think she will get by with this one. She left too many witnesses and too much evidence. I’ll keep you posted as this case progresses. 

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Madhouse Madison County

Chaos rules in a small Southeastern Missouri County. Madison County spans 500 square miles and has a population of approximately 13,000 people. The county seat is Fredericktown with a population of approximately 4,000 people. This rural county should be a safe place in beautiful Americana, but it hides a dark secret. Fredericktown is one of the most dangerous places to live in America. Check out this quote from neighborhoodscout.com. 

“With a crime rate of 31 per one thousand residents, Fredericktown has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes – from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One’s chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 32.” 

I started researching one case sent to me by a desperate grandmother. That case led me to fifteen more. Then I realized this county has had murder, corruption, and chaos since before the Wild West days. This book will start with a lynching by a Fredericktown mob in 1844. Hold onto your seats when you read this one. You’re in for a wild, chaotic ride through rural Missouri. 

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The Wrongful Conviction of James W. Griffin

On January 24th, 2002 someone walked into the back door of Carlos O’Kelly’s in Topeka, Kansas and shot the manager Bob Frazier in the chest leaving him paralyzed for the rest of his life. The police called it a botched robbery and considering the fact that three robberies had happened at this location previously, that wasn’t a far fetched conclusion.

Witnesses gave a description of the man they saw running away from the scene. They say that he was a black man running away from the scene 

Witnesses say they saw a black man running away from the scene. They also described a getaway car. Most of their statements conflicted with one another but these two points remained the same. Everyone thought it was a black male that shot Frazier. Everyone saw a dark-colored Honda Accord pull away from the sea. Several people also noted that the tint on the Windows was peeling off. 

Unfortunately, two black men would be accused of this crime. One brother was named James Griffin and he drove a car similar to the getaway car. However, whose car was well kept, had expensive window tinting and had expensive rims that were very noticeable. Not to mention the fact that Griffin was in a town 2 and 1/2 hours away. And he has phone records to prove it. 

The other black man was Maurice Franklin who happened to be Griffin’s brother. They accused him of being the gunman and convicted him of attempted murder. No one took into account the fact that Franklin had a surgical steel rod in his leg and could not run without an obvious limp. No witnesses noticed the man limping away from the crime scene. 

In fact, no one’s for sure that a black man was involved in this. Frasier said the person who came in the door said give me all of your money. He said to the cops that he thought the voice sounded like a black man. And no one saw who the getaway driver was. One person thought it may have even been a woman. So how has this man spent 20 years in prison when he has proof that he was in another town 3 hours away? Why can’t he get anyone to listen to him? Why didn’t he have any black jurors on his jury trial? 

Synova’s Chasing Justice Episode: (New Episodes Premiere at 7pm Central on Tuesday Nights)

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Sponsorships:

This case is brought to you by Synova’s book “Madhouse Madison County” and Bones Coffee Company

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Madhouse Madison County

Chaos rules in a small Southeastern Missouri County. Madison County spans 500 square miles and has a population of approximately 13,000 people. The county seat is Fredericktown with a population of approximately 4,000 people. This rural county should be a safe place in beautiful Americana, but it hides a dark secret. Fredericktown is one of the most dangerous places to live in America. Check out this quote from neighborhoodscout.com. 

“With a crime rate of 31 per one thousand residents, Fredericktown has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes – from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One’s chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 32.” 

I started researching one case sent to me by a desperate grandmother. That case led me to fifteen more. Then I realized this county has had murder, corruption, and chaos since before the Wild West days. This book will start with a lynching by a Fredericktown mob in 1844. Hold onto your seats when you read this one. You’re in for a wild, chaotic ride through rural Missouri. 

BONES Coffee Company:

Synova Ink Publishing is now officially sponsored by Bones Coffee Company. You can forget coffee that tastes like burnt dirt and choose from 30 standard flavors.

Don’t forget to use my coupon code to get a discount!

COUPON CODE: Synovaink

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Vanished in Broad Daylight: The Disappearance of Phoenix Coldon

Missing In Missouri: The Phoenix Coldon Mystery

A black SUV slowly pulled out of a driveway in Spanish Lake, MO. The vehicle is found 25 miles away in the roughest part of St. Louis. The door was slung open, the engine left running, and the driver was missing. What happened to this beautiful young college student? Seven years later her grieving parents still pray for answers.

Phoenix Coldon, 23 had recently moved back into her parent’s home in the Spanish Lake suburb of St. Louis Missouri. The deeply religious family upbringing had sheltered the young woman from the dangers of the world around her. On the outside, the smart, outgoing Phoenix had a bright future ahead of her. She was a fencing champion, a talented pianist, and made friends easily. She was surrounded by love, how could this sweet girl go awry? I wish I knew.

On December 18, 2011, Phoenix and her mother attended morning services at their local church. The pair made a stop on their way home but arrived in the early afternoon. Around 3 pm, her father noticed Phoenix walk out to her black SUV and pull out of the driveway. He didn’t think much about it until she didn’t return. What happened to his lovely daughter? Phoenix had lived away from home for a while, but as long as she lived under their roof, she never stayed out past 2 am. The next morning Phoenix was nowhere to be found. Unfortunately, when Goldia Coldon tried to file a missing persons report she was informed her daughter was of age and the report wasn’t taken seriously. Goldia tried to explain that her daughter still lived at home and had always come home on time. Finally, the report was taken, but that wouldn’t be the only obstacle the parents would face. They quickly found that getting media attention was nearly impossible.

Within three hours of the SUV leaving the driveway, the vehicle was found abandoned in one of the roughest places in East St. Louis. The location was only 25 miles from her home, but it was a world away from the quiet life she led. No one could understand why she would go to East St. Louis. The vehicle brought on more questions, a few conspiracy theories, but unfortunately no answers.

For seven years it has been told this way:

The 1998 Chevy Bronco was found parked in the traffic lane on the corner of 9th St & St. Clair Ave, East St. Louis, Illinois. The driver’s door was open, and the engine was running. The initial reports claimed there wasn’t anything left in the vehicle. The 911 call came it at 5:27 pm on December 18, 2011, and the officer arrived on the scene at 5:35 pm. Here is where the problems begin. For seven long years, people were working with this story with these facts. It leads people to believe that poor Phoenix was pulled from her vehicle in a violent way. The Bronco was found next to Interstate 70 which is known as the human trafficking highway. This made investigators immediately think of this possible scenario. I’m not so sure, and I will tell you why.

When conducting interviews for the documentary “The Disappearance of Phoenix Coldon,” the hosts speak with the first officer on the scene. This interview would shake up the entire investigation. The attending officer claimed the vehicle was not running when he came upon it, and the driver’s door was not open. Where did this story come from then? Who knows?

The Double Life of Phoenix:

Investigations tend to kick up all your dirty little secrets and seems Phoenix wasn’t as saintly as initially described. Everyone has their problems, and it appeared the 23-year-old was struggling with her share of difficulties. Phoenix was homeschooled for most of her education and many wonder if she was too sheltered and just decided to break out and try something new. In fact, she did move out of the house when she started college. But, if her home life was so restricting and terrible, then why would she move back into her parents’ home in early 2011. This theory doesn’t hold water with me. There are many other ways to leave the nest.

Phoenix was leading a double life of sorts. After her disappearance, her parents discovered she kept a separate cell phone just to speak with friends she thought her parents wouldn’t approve of. Also when she had rented an apartment earlier, she wasn’t living with a female friend. Going against her religious upbringing, Phoenix was living with her boyfriend; Michael B. Supposedly, she was on the phone with Michael B. on the day she disappeared, but frankly, nothing seems for sure in this case. If Michael B. was the last person to talk to her, then why do investigators adamantly claim he wasn’t involved in her disappearance. It’s strange to hear an investigator say that they are 100% sure someone wasn’t involved. Maybe the guy was in jail, or in the hospital, I don’t know. But everything was so vague, and it’s hard to understand why the police wrote him off as a person of interest.

Continuing with Phoenix’s secrets, we also find out that she had been dating another man from school also named Michael. We will call him Mike#2. It was later determined that Mike #2 had a violent nature with women when his ex-girlfriend came forward to talk to investigators. She would eventually have to file a restraining order against him. Could Mike #2 have anything to do with Phoenix’s disappearance? The ex is unsure. He did seem to be overly interested in the case but said it was just because he had known her.

“Why are you worrying about someone who’s dead?”

Those are the words that fell from the lips of Mike #2 when his ex-girlfriend continued to question him about his interest in this case. How did he know she’s dead? More importantly, what are investigators doing about it?

Phoenix’s Best Friend:

When interviewed by the investigators for the documentary, Phoenix’s next door neighbor and best friend came forward to talk with the hosts. She claimed to know some things about her friend and had been afraid to say anything in the beginning. This friend claims Phoenix had grown paranoid in the last few months before her disappearance. She claimed Phoenix talked about leaving and even said she was afraid something terrible was going to happen to her. She claimed Phoenix was driving around with a large knife tucked in beside the drivers’ seat of her Bronco. Strangely, this knife wasn’t found in the abandoned vehicle.

Honestly, I don’t know what to do with this. Yes, there is evidence to show that Phoenix had gotten mixed up with a rough crowd, but why would the friend just now be showing up to talk? Why would she talk on camera if she were so afraid? She didn’t even ask for them to hide her identity. I don’t know. Maybe she is legit, but I find it funny when someone who’s afraid to come forward suddenly jumps into the limelight of television.

The Fateful Video:

When the hosts spoke with the family, they were given a bunch of evidence and documentation the family had collected over the past seven years. In this pile of evidence was a “selfie video” of Phoenix. In this video, we see the true nature of Phoenix’s mental anguish. She felt like she couldn’t turn to anyone and she just wanted to start over. After watching the film, it is apparent that Phoenix’s life was spiraling out of control. What had she gotten involved with? Why did she say she would have been better off to stay the way she used to be?

Investigators came back to the poor parents and said they believe the runaway theory. Of course, if this is true, she sure did a great job hiding her identity for seven years. I still think if she’s alive she was lured away by someone. I don’t believe she would go through all of this without stashing away some clothes and building an identity for herself ahead of time. Her family still thinks she was forced into the sex trade. They even interviewed local prostitutes and visited the strip clubs hoping someone would recognize their daughter.

Tragedy upon Tragedy:

During the most difficult time of their lives, the Coldon family should be surrounded by loving friends and supportive strangers. Instead, their misfortune has been compounded by grief upon grief. A few days after Phoenix went missing, Goldia received a phone call from a female claiming to be her daughter. Police tracked down the caller to find it was a 14-year-old prankster from California. Who would do such a thing?

If that weren’t bad enough, the Coldons spent every dime they had trying to investigate their daughter’s disappearance. When they had spent their savings and were nearly wiped out they got a tip out of Texas claiming their daughter was in a prostitution ring. This caller needed money to buy her out. Of course, the grief-stricken parents gave them the money only to find out it was another horrid hoax. This one left them nearly homeless. Their family home was behind, and the lender was threatening to foreclose. A stranger stepped in and helped negotiate a quick sale for the family. Although they avoided foreclosure, they still lost their family home.

“It’s just money, and it’s just a house,” Goldia said. “It wasn’t a home when she’s not there.”

Sightings & Rumors:

To make this case even more bizarre, the private investigator says there is evidence that Phoenix had been taking money from her parents’ safe and had found out she had two separate birth certificates. One certificate was with the Coldon name, and the other was with her mother’s maiden name. The parents’ deny this, but why would their own private investigator say this? Also, when tracking down the maiden name theory, investigators found a person by that name living in Alaska. They made the trip up there only to find out the person at the given address had never heard of Phoenix. Could that be a coverup? Could Phoenix really have run away and used a random address? Who knows.

If that’s not enough twists for you, here’s another one. Two years after Phoenix went missing one of her church friends was on an airplane coming home from Vegas when she saw Phoenix in a group of well-dressed women. She called out her name, and strangely the woman looked at her.

“Do I look like someone?” was the woman’s response. Two men were with the group, and the crowd moved past the stunned friend. Was this really Phoenix? The concerned woman immediately reported the incident to airport security. The entire place was searched, but no one found Phoenix or the group of people. Was this really Phoenix? Were the ladies high priced escorts and the men their bouncers, or was this a random group of people?

Through all the chaos, hoaxes, and turmoil Goldia and Lawrence Coldon are still searching for their precious baby girl. Where is Phoenix Coldon? Who took her? Did she go on her own? Is she still alive? These questions and more torment the poor mother causing panic attacks and even a heart attack. If you have any information or if you have seen Phoenix, please contact the St. Louis County Police Department 314-615-5317

Sponsorships:

This case was brought to you by Bones Coffee Company and Synova’s Book, “Madhouse Madison County.” Check them out using the links below. Every purchase helps Synova research more cold cases and raise publicity for more families needing help. Thank you in advance!

Buy Book

Madhouse Madison County

Chaos rules in a small Southeastern Missouri County. Madison County spans 500 square miles and has a population of approximately 13,000 people. The county seat is Fredericktown with a population of approximately 4,000 people. This rural county should be a safe place in beautiful Americana, but it hides a dark secret. Fredericktown is one of the most dangerous places to live in America. Check out this quote from neighborhoodscout.com. 

“With a crime rate of 31 per one thousand residents, Fredericktown has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes – from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One’s chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 32.” 

I started researching one case sent to me by a desperate grandmother. That case led me to fifteen more. Then I realized this county has had murder, corruption, and chaos since before the Wild West days. This book will start with a lynching by a Fredericktown mob in 1844. Hold onto your seats when you read this one. You’re in for a wild, chaotic ride through rural Missouri. 

Bones Coffee Company:

Synova Ink Publishing is Sponsored by Bones Coffee Company!!

You can forget about boring coffee when you get Bones Coffee. Where art and coffee collide!

Say goodbye to boring coffee and Hello to Bones! Follow this link to order and use my coupon code: SYNOVAINK for a discount!

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Cold Case Mystery: What Happened to Missing Teen Tracy Pickett?

Tracy Pickett vanished after a sleepover in Webb City, Missouri — and 33 years later, justice still hasn’t been served.

On the night of August 11, 1992, 14-year-old Tracy Pickett did something countless teens do — she went to a sleepover with friends. But by the next morning, Tracy had disappeared without a trace, leaving behind a grieving mother and a community haunted by unanswered questions.

This unsolved disappearance remains one of Missouri’s most disturbing cold cases, with key suspects, suspicious sightings, and a chilling voicemail, but still no body — and no closure.

A Mother’s Worst Nightmare Begins

Glenda “Kay” Blaser, Tracy’s mother, never imagined she would be living every parent’s worst fear. She agreed to let her daughter spend the night with friends. But someone else showed up that night — two convicted felons. One of them, Ernest “Michael” Hensley, was dating one of the girls. He brought along a man known only as “Al.”

That “Al” was later identified as Lowell Andrew Billy, a convicted $ex offender with a dark past and a disturbing future.

The Chilling Voicemail and Tracy’s Sudden Disappearance

On August 12, 1992, Blaser received a bizarre, possibly pre-recorded voicemail:

“Tracy is on her way home to change her clothes.”

The message came twice. But Tracy never came home.

When Blaser went to the friend’s house, she found Tracy’s shoes in the closet — but no sign of her daughter. Witnesses say “Al” had given Tracy a ride home that morning in a distinctive black van with Oklahoma plates, louvers on the windows, and two sunroofs — a vehicle later tied to multiple sightings.

One witness reported hearing a girl scream, “Leave me alone!” in a nearby alley. Another saw “Al” cleaning out the van near Carthage, Missouri, around noon on the day of Tracy’s disappearance.

A Prime Suspect with a Violent History

Police eventually identified “Al” as Lowell Andrew Billy, a man with a violent record. He told investigators he dropped Tracy off in front of a pawn shop in downtown Joplin, but no witnesses or evidence support that claim.

A year later, Billy was arrested for kidnapping and $exu@l assault of another woman in Oklahoma. He served time but was later re-arrested for failing to register as a $ex offender. Despite being labeled the prime suspect in Tracy Pickett’s disappearance, insufficient evidence has kept authorities from charging him.

Renewed Investigations and Ongoing Search for Justice

In 2005, investigators drained a local mining pit, hoping to uncover evidence. In 2018, the Joplin Police Department searched several ponds linked to the other man who was at the sleepover — Ernest “Michael” Hensley, who has since passed away.

Police believe Hensley and Billy may have both been involved, but decades later, Tracy Pickett remains missing, and her case is still unsolved.

Help Bring Tracy Pickett Home

If you have any information about the disappearance of Tracy Pickett, please contact the Joplin Police Department at

(417) 623-3131.

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This case was brought to you by Bones Coffee Company and Synova’s Shattered Book. Check out the links below to order your coffee and books. Every purchase helps me get more publicity for more obscure cold cases. Thank you!

Shattered: Behind Every Story Is a Shattered Life

Behind every story I write is a life that’s shattered. These aren’t headlines. These are people. Those who try to twist headlines to generate more views are toying with someone’s trauma. I have raised awareness for 500 cases and helped generate leads for law enforcement. That’s my purpose and that’s what keeps me going. 

This book has the top 40 cases that I’ve highlighted on my blog throughout the years. Please enjoy the book but remember these are real people with real trauma. 

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