Crime Curious

When 25‑year‑old grad student Jelani Day vanished in August 2021, his family’s world stopped. Jelani was focused, joyful, and deeply loved — not someone who would simply disappear. But within days, his car was found hidden in the woods, and weeks later, his body was discovered miles away in the Illinois River under circumstances that still make no sense.

In this episode, we break down the timeline, the unanswered questions, and the frustrations Jelani’s family faced as they fought for urgency, transparency, and justice. What really happened to Jelani Day — and why does this case remain so painfully unresolved?

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Music By: Michael Drzewiecki
Cover Art By: Charnell

The Mysterious Death of Jelani Day No Mystery, Contends Writer John W. Fountain; ‘Somebody Out There Knows’

Jelani Day Disappearance Explained: The Final Days and Clues That Still Don't Add Up | Read The Real Story

Three years later, Jelani Day joint task force is not actively investigating as family continues to seek answers | WGLT

About Us | Jelanidayfoundation

New Clues Emerge in the Death Investigation of Jelani Day – NBC Chicago

Every now and then, even the most dedicated true‑crime brains need a palate cleanser — and today, we’re giving your nervous system a break. In this bonus episode, we’re stepping away from murder, mystery, and mayhem to answer funny and unhinged questions. Nothing is off‑limits, everything is chaotic, and yes… we absolutely roast each other in the process. 

If your soul needed a breather, a laugh, or a reminder that Crime Curious is basically a sleepover with crime notes, this one’s for you.

Join Patreon here to binge bonus content! Crime Curious is creating a kick-ass exclusive listener experience | Patreon

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Music By: Michael Drzewiecki
Cover Art By: Charnell

Part Two takes us into the heartbreaking events of August 2018, when Baylie’s life was cut short in a tragic accident that left her family searching for answers no parent should ever have to seek. We examine the timeline of that day, the medical decisions that followed, and the emotional and legal battles her mother, Shawnee Baker, has fought in the years since. This episode explores the complexities surrounding Baylie’s death — the unanswered questions, the advocacy work that emerged from her loss, and the legacy she continues to leave behind through Baylie’s Wish Foundation. With care and clarity, we look at how a family’s grief transformed into purpose, and why Baylie’s story still resonates with so many today.

Join Patreon here to binge bonus content! Crime Curious is creating a kick-ass exclusive listener experience | Patreon

Want to just donate to the show? You can do so here:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/crimecurious
Music By: Michael Drzewiecki
Cover Art By: Charnell

BAYLIE'S WISH FOUNDATION

Book — BAYLIE'S WISH FOUNDATION

In Part One, we step into the world of 19‑year‑old Baylie Grogan — a brilliant, compassionate young woman from New Hampshire whose life was defined by discipline, empathy, and a love for horses that shaped her entire identity. Through the voices of those who knew her best, we explore Baylie’s childhood, her deep bond with her family, her early dreams of becoming a doctor, and the unwavering work ethic that carried her from the barn at dawn to the University of Miami’s equestrian program. But as summer 2018 unfolds, a series of events begins to shift the ground beneath her. This episode traces Baylie’s final months at home, the pressures she faced, and the moments that now feel haunting in hindsight.

 

Join Patreon here to binge bonus content! Crime Curious is creating a kick-ass exclusive listener experience | Patreon

Want to just donate to the show? You can do so here:

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Music By: Michael Drzewiecki
Cover Art By: Charnell

BAYLIE'S WISH FOUNDATION

Book — BAYLIE'S WISH FOUNDATION

In this episode of Crime Curious, we’re heading to Adelaide — a city known for beaches, wine, and, unfortunately, one of the most chilling figures in Australian true crime: Bevan Spencer von Einem.

Von Einem was the quiet, well‑spoken accountant who blended into the background… until the abduction and murder of 15‑year‑old Richard Kelvin shattered that illusion and exposed a far darker reality. As investigators dug deeper, they uncovered a disturbing pattern of drugging's, assaults, and whispered rumors about a shadowy group of men preying on vulnerable teens.

Join Patreon here to binge bonus content! Crime Curious is creating a kick-ass exclusive listener experience | Patreon

Want to just donate to the show? You can do so here:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/crimecurious
Music By: Michael Drzewiecki
Cover Art By: Charnell

 

Bevan Spencer von Einem - Wikipedia

Convicted South Australian child killer Bevan Spencer von Einem dies in jail | news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site for latest headlines

Bevan Spencer von Einem: Australia's Most Notorious Killer Near Death — His Illness and Crimes Revisited | IBTimes UK

Notorious child killer dies, taking truth to the grave | The Canberra Times | Canberra, ACT

Child Killer Tortured And Murdered 15-Year-Old | by The Mystique | The Mystery Reporter | Medium