Rachel Sloan and Lakota Renville were Indigenous women whose lives ended in violence, leaving their families searching for justice. Rachel’s burned remains were found in 2015 in Laytonville, California, and her case remains unsolved, overshadowed by systemic neglect that often surrounds cases involving Native women. Adding to her family’s pain, Rachel’s mother was also a homicide victim, marking a chilling pattern of violence.

In 2005, Lakota Renville’s body was discovered in a vacant lot in Independence, Missouri. Despite years of advocacy by her family and attention from Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women groups, her murder remains a cold case. Both families have tirelessly fought to keep their loved ones’ stories alive, holding vigils and pushing for leads.

These cases reflect the broader MMIW crisis, where Native women face disproportionately high rates of violence and systemic barriers to justice. Rachel and Lakota’s stories are calls to action, urging communities and policymakers to prioritize the safety and justice of Indigenous women.

Join Arlene and Leah as they share the stories of these women, the evidence, and where their cases stand today.

Show Notes:

1. Mendocino County Homicide Victim's Mother Also Killed
2. Scene Photo Released in Hopes of Generating Leads in Cold Case
3. DNA Identifies Burned Remains as Missing Laytonville Woman
4. Who Killed Rachel Sloan?
5. Still Looking for Missing Persons in Mendocino County
6. Native Woman's Killing Remains Unsolved,
7. MMIP Series: 2005 Cold Case Murder of Indigenous Woman Lakota Renville
8. Community Marks 18 Years Since Lakota Renville Was Found Murdered in Independence
9. Relatives Search for Justice for Lakota Renville More Than 17 Years Later
10. Lakota Renville: Unsolved Case on Kansas City Crime Stoppers
11. Lakota Rae Renville
12. Independence Police Seek Tips in 2005 Cold Case Murder
13. Lakota Renville: Unsolved Homicide

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When 29-year-old Ida Beard, a shy Cheyenne & Arapaho woman from Oklahoma, disappeared, it left her family and community devastated. Her vanishing led to the passage of “Ida’s Law,” groundbreaking legislation designed to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people in OK.

In July 2017, Chynelle Lockwood’s body was discovered on a remote Alaskan beach, leaving her family devastated and desperate for answers. Her mother, haunted by the silence from investigators, spent years sifting through rumors and dead ends, clinging to hope and the search for justice in the face of unimaginable loss.

Join Arlene and Leah as they bring awareness to Native American unsolved cases, a vulnerable population more likely to experience violence, rape, and murder.

Learn more, donate, and take action.

Episode Notes:
Oklahoma Tribal Citizen’s Disappearance Inspires Law to Support Indigenous Crime Victims
Ida’s Law: The Promise and Limitations in Oklahoma’s Pursuit of Justice
Ida Beard’s Disappearance Leads to Legislation Aimed at Finding Missing Indigenous Women
Oklahoma Cold Cases: Ida Beard
Oklahoma Law to Tackle Missing, Murdered Indigenous Crisis Remains Unfunded
Cheyenne and Arapaho Woman Inspires ‘Ida’s Law’
Missing, Murdered Native American Law Signed by Oklahoma Governor
New Bill Entitled ‘Ida’s Law’ Addresses Missing and Murdered Indigenous People
Unanswered Questions Remain in 2017 Homicide of Chynelle Lockwood
All I Have Are Rumors’: Months After Daughter’s Death, a Mother Waits for Answers
Mother Still Searching for Answers in Daughter’s Suspicious Death
Mother Calls Daughter’s Death Suspicious
For Two Brothers, Two Traumas, and No Justice

Support Box in the Basement & Our Causes

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Every morning, Anita Redhair receives a "good morning" text from her 27-year-old daughter, Pepita. On the morning of March 25, 2020, Anita waited for her usual text, but it never came. She wondered if her daughter was busy with school, work, her hobby of skateboarding, or spending time with her boyfriend Nick. She soon reached out to Nick, and he claimed she left a party the night before, and he didn't know where she was. When Anita alerted the authorities of Pepita's disappearance, the Albuquerque Police Department, her case was ignored due to the recent COVID outbreak.

As Pepita's family investigated, more details of Pepita's life were revealed. Join Arlene and Leah as they review the clues, evidence, her family's tireless efforts, theories of what could have happened to Pepita, and the suspects.

November is Native American Heritage Month, and Box in the Basement would like to shine light on native women, who face a murder rate 10 times more than the national average. If you have information about a missing or murdered Indigenous person, reach out to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Text BIAMMU and your tip to 847411, call 1-833-560-2065, or email OJS_MMU@bia.gov.

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• Leon Laurales: Website & GoFundMe
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and we feature the selfless mother of 6, Takara Hightower, and the current case of missing San Antonio 51-year-old mother Suzanne Simpson. If you're experiencing domestic violence, please seek help: National Domestic Violence Hotline

1. Navy Senior Chief Recruiter Kills Wife, Dies in Shootout, Police Say
2. Texas Man Fatally Shot Wife as She Filed Domestic Violence Complaint
3. Peoria Native Greg Hightower Identified as Man Who Killed Wife in Texas
4. Wife Shot Dead by Military Recruiter Husband After Filing Abuse Complaint
5. Military Recruiter Kills Wife, NCIS Agent Shot
6. Texas Woman Fatally Shot by Husband While Filing Domestic Violence Complaint
7. Shots Fired at Atascocita Residence
8. Military Recruiter Killed by Police After Fatally Shooting Wife
9. Missing Mom Suzanne Simpson’s Husband Sent Urgent Message to Business Partner
10. Suzanne and Brad Simpson: Missing Wife and Husband Arrest
11. San Antonio Friends Seek Missing Mother Suzanne Simpson
12. Missing Texas Woman Suzanne Clark
13. Friends of Missing Mom Suzanne Simpson Struggle to Stay Positive
14. Nonprofit Aids in Search for Missing Woman Suzanne Simpson
15. Day 11 of Landfill Search for Clues in Suzanne Simpson Case
16. Evidence Found as Husband Remains Jailed

Support Box in the Basement & Our Causes

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In 2018, a masked intruder attacked 31-year-old teacher Sophi Sullivan, and her 7-year-old son was the only witness to the stabbing. The town of Marfa, Tx mourned, her former students creating a memorial in her honor. Sophi's son claims he knows the murderer, but will the police build a solid case?

If you or anyone you know, is being abused, please check out the links below:

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 24/7 support for those facing domestic violence.

Love Is Respect: Focused on helping young people in abusive relationships.

RAINN: Support for victims of sexual abuse.

StrongHearts Native Helpline: Assistance for Native American survivors of domestic violence.

WomensLaw.org: Legal information and support for abuse survivors.

Episode Notes:
Sophi & Danny Sullivan: A Murder Rooted in Domestic Violence

Suspect in Marfa Teacher’s Murder Identified by 7-Year-Old Son

Parents of Slain Marfa Teacher Criticize DA Ori White’s Silence on New Trial

Marfa High School Mourns Beloved Teacher

Mother of Slain Marfa ISD Teacher Awarded $7 Million in Damages

Few Details Known in the Death of Marfa ISD Teacher

Students Create Memorial in Honor of Marfa Teacher

Support Box in the Basement & Our Causes

• Leon Laurales: Website & GoFundMe
• Follow us on Facebook & Instagram
• Donate to Seasons of Justice
• Listen to Darkcast Network Shows
• Join Uncovered.com

Mariah Gardner's life changed forever on the night her ex-husband, Stephen Clare, attacked her in a fit of rage. In February 2023, Clare shot Mariah, killing their 10-month-old daughter, Willow Grace, in the process. Clare's violent assault left Mariah fighting for survival, both physically and emotionally. In the aftermath, Mariah has spent over a year seeking justice, advocating for domestic violence awareness, and fighting for stronger protections for survivors.

Join Arlene and Leah as they highlight domestic violence in Texas through this jarring case.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We encourage our listeners to donate an essential items bag for a nearby shelter.

The Willow Grace Foundation

Resources: National Domestic Violence Hotline
Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Show notes:
Woman Who Survived Brutal Attack Reacts to DA's Decision to Pursue Death Penalty Against Ex-Husband

‘My Ex Shot Me and Killed Our Baby’: A Mother’s Horror and Fight for Change

‘I Will Do Whatever It Takes’: A Mother's Year-Long Fight for Survival and Justice

Healing Through Advocacy: A Mother Survives Deadly Domestic Violence Attack

One Year Later: Mariah Gardner Reflects on Surviving a Brutal Domestic Violence Attack

Vigil for Baby Willow: Remembering the Rampage

Prosecutors Pursue Death Penalty Against Man Accused of Killing Baby; Mother Expresses Relief

Local Mother Hosts 'Walk for Willow' to Honor Late Daughter and Domestic Violence Victims

Man Accused of Killing Daughter, Attacking Ex-Wife Has Trial Date Pushed Back

Hundreds of Texans Were Killed by Intimate Partners in 2023

San Antonio Mother of Domestic Violence Victim Creates Nonprofit

Support Box in the Basement & Our Causes

• Leon Laurales: Website & GoFundMe
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In January 2009, San Angelo shop owner & bowling aficionado Randy Cave's murder shocked the community, including hosts Arlene and Leah. Randy, known for his kindness and popularity, was found by employees when he didn't show up to work. Investigators have a few persons of interest, who would want Randy dead?

Candance Boley, a former Marine and mother of two, joined the Army & moved to Fort Hood in 2011. After a neighbor finds her body, Candance's family receives confusing information, including outright lies regarding the autopsy.

Join Arlene and Leah as they examine both cases, looking at evidence, theories, and pushing for justice.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We encourage our listeners to take action, and if you're being abused, contact www.thehotline.org for resources. Call 1-800-799-SAFE. Text "Start" to 88788.

Show notes:
The Mysterious Murder of Randy Lee Cave

Randy Cave’s Death Still Unsolved

Currently Unsolved Cold Cases in San Angelo

Here Are Cold Cases Still Being Investigated in San Angelo

2009 Murder of Randy Lee Cave

Beloved San Angelo Businessman Among the Restless Slain

San Angelo Crime Stoppers: Unsolved Cases

Newspapers Coverage of Randy Lee Cave

Candance Boley: Murdered in Killeen

Family Fights for Justice for Candance Boley

Inside the Rash of Unexplained Deaths at Fort Hood

Texas Veteran Murders

Mother Seeks Justice for Candance Boley

Remembering Candance Boley

Support Box in the Basement & Our Causes

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Catrina Mowrey's death in 1985 remains one of Dallas, Texas' haunting cold cases. Kansas native Catrina was found dead in her Oak Cliff apartment, and despite the passage of nearly 40 years, questions about what exactly happened to her continue to plague her family. Her body was discovered under mysterious circumstances, with inconsistencies that left investigators puzzled. Initially ruled an accidental death, the case was later reopened as a homicide when new information came to light, sparking her family’s relentless pursuit of justice.

Catrina's family has remained vocal, tirelessly fighting for answers and hoping that renewed attention might finally solve the case. Her story is one of loss, unanswered questions, and a family's unwavering determination to find out who was responsible for tearing their lives apart. Join Arlene and Leah as they investigate how Catrina died, the police's bungled investigation, theories, and Catrina's family's ongoing search for justice.

Sign the Petition to help keep Catrina’s case alive and ensure her story is not forgotten. We've signed - will you?

Notes:
Cold Case Is Niece’s Tragic Legacy

Oak Cliff Family Fights for Answers in 1983 Cold Case

Texas Cold Case Tore Apart Family, Keeps Fighting for Answers Nearly 40 Years Later

The Unexplained Death of Catherine ‘Catrina’ Mowrey

Catherine 'Catrina' Diane Mowrey - Find A Grave Memorial

Catherine Mowrey Memorial on MyKeeper

Support Box in the Basement & Our Causes

• Leon Laurales: Website & GoFundMe
• Follow us on Facebook & Instagram
• Donate to Seasons of Justice
• Listen to Darkcast Network Shows
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