Murder In The Black

• Vanished & Broken Crowns: The Stories of Harmahn Smith and Aria Armstead

  In this episode, host Steph examines two deeply unsettling true-crime cases that reveal how pressure, secrecy, and fractured relationships can shape devastating outcomes. We begin with the disappearance of Harmahn Smith in 2005, a case that unraveled into a web of complex relationships, community pressures, and the vulnerabilities that young people often carry silently.From there, Steph turns to the world of pageantry and perfection, unpacking the story of Aria Armstead and her boyfriend Nathan Ortiz—a couple whose lives spiraled into darkness, ultimately leading to the murder of Matthew Collins. Through Matthew’s tragic death, we see how competition, identity, and emotional instability can become combustible when amplified by outside expectations and internal turmoil.Together, these intertwined narratives raise critical questions about justice, the roots of violence, and the cultural forces that quietly influence young lives long before tragedy strikes.-----------------------------------------------------------------Congratulations to our giveaway winners!🖤 @kamariadowns3926🖤 @TamTam-z8i-n5x🖤 @lisaberry8443------------------------------------------------------------------

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• A Thin Line Between Hurt and Homicide: The Murder of Officer Tony Hayes

  In this episode, Steph explores a real-life case that feels eerily similar to A Thin Line Between Love and Hate — except this story ends in tragedy, not movie credits.When Memphis police officer Tony Hayes goes missing after Labor Day 2006, his family immediately senses something is wrong. Their search leads detectives straight to his girlfriend, Monique Johnson, a corrections officer whose jealousy, heartbreak, and long history of turbulent relationships spiral into violence.As the investigation unfolds, the truth behind Tony and Monique’s relationship comes to light — the red flags, the manipulation, the rage, and the series of choices that ended with Tony’s body found in the trunk of his own car.This episode also revisits Monique’s 2023 attempted murder charges, nearly 20 years later, showing that some patterns don’t disappear with time.----------------------------------------------------------------------🔍 In This EpisodeTony’s disappearance and the frantic search to find himThe toxic relationship between Tony and MoniqueConflicting stories and the evidence that revealed the truthWhy the jury convicted her of reckless homicide instead of murderThe disturbing 2023 arrest involving a new boyfriendHow unhealed trauma can turn dangerous----------------------------------------------------------------📌 Need Help?If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, contact:1-800-799-SAFE | thehotline.org🎄 Season 8 AnnouncementsGiveaway winners announced December 11Holiday hiatus with rebroadcastsNew episodes for subscribers continueFinal episode of the year drops December 19Giveaway winners announced December 11

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• Benji Wilson | A Dream Deferred

  In this deeply moving episode, we explore the life, loss, and legacy of Ben “Benji” Wilson—the nation’s #1 high school basketball player in 1984 and the pride of Chicago’s South Side.What began as a typical school day spiraled into tragedy when Benji was shot just steps from Simeon High School. We walk you through the events leading up to the shooting, the emotional weight carried by his family and community, and the tense courtroom battle that followed.Beyond the headlines, this episode shines a light on something even more heartbreaking: the systemic failures that played a devastating role in Benji’s death. The outdated EMS policy that sent him to a hospital unequipped to save him became a turning point for the city.We also honor the resilience of his mother, Mary Wilson, whose advocacy helped change Chicago’s trauma response system—and whose strength ensured that Benji’s story would continue to shape futures long after his life was cut short.Benji’s legacy lives on in Chicago gyms, in the #25 jersey worn proudly by generations of players, and in the policy reforms sparked by his tragedy. This story is a powerful reminder of what gun violence steals from families, communities, and the dreams of young Black men full of promise.------------------------------------------------------------------- KeywordsBenji Wilson, Chicago, Simeon High School, basketball, gun violence, emergency response, EMS policy, systemic failure, trial, community grief, Mary Wilson, legacy, youth athletes, Chicago history-----------------------------------------------------------------Key TakeawaysBenji Wilson was a gifted basketball star whose talent and leadership made him a beacon of hope in Chicago.His fatal shooting in 1984 sent shockwaves through the city and became one of the most painful chapters in Chicago sports history.The trial of Billy Moore and Omar Dixon highlighted two competing narratives—and exposed how emotion and public pressure shaped the courtroom.A critical emergency response failure contributed to Benji’s death when he was transported to a non–trauma-equipped hospital.Benji’s tragedy directly influenced Chicago’s EMS reforms, ensuring gunshot victims are now taken to trauma centers.His mother, Mary Wilson, transformed her grief into advocacy, championing policy reform and youth safety.Benji’s legacy continues to inspire Chicago athletes, including NBA stars like Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker.His story remains a powerful reminder of the long-lasting impact of gun violence on families, communities, and generational dreams.Chicago still honors Benji’s influence on basketball culture—and his life continues to shape conversations about safety, justice, and hope.

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• Two Paths, One Night: The Murder of Jayna Murray

  SUMMARY:In today’s episode, Steph takes listeners deep into one of the most shocking workplace murders in recent history — the Lululemon case. This story follows the lives of Jayna Murray and Brittany Norwood, two women who started life on remarkably similar paths: athletic, ambitious, intelligent, and deeply loved. But as adulthood unfolded, their journeys diverged dramatically.Jayna lived a life full of adventure, discipline, and exploration — from her childhood in Australia to her graduate studies at Johns Hopkins. Brittany, once a standout soccer star with a promising future, quietly battled an impulse she never confronted: a cycle of compulsive stealing that grew more dangerous over time.On March 12, 2011, those two paths collided inside a Lululemon store in Bethesda, Maryland.Listeners will hear:Jayna’s international upbringing, athletic excellence, academic brilliance, and deep devotion to her familyBrittany’s competitive childhood, collegiate soccer career, and the long-standing pattern of theft that followed her into adulthoodA detailed breakdown of the crime scene and Brittany’s initial account of the attackThe investigation’s early focus on an unrelated suspect, Keith Lockett, and how detectives ultimately cleared himThe disturbing inconsistencies that led police to re-examine Brittany’s storyThe emotional second interview, including the pivotal moment Brittany’s brother confronted herThe psychological insight behind kleptomania—why the urge to steal can become an addictionThe truth about the altercation between Jayna and Brittany that nightHow Brittany staged the scene, lied, and ultimately confessedThe heartbreaking details of Jayna’s injuries and the trial that followedThis episode explores:How compulsive behaviors, when left untreated, can escalate into tragedyThe consequences of avoidance, secrecy, and escalating bad choicesThe systemic failure of Lululemon to address repeated employee misconductHow confrontation — especially over conduct long hidden — can trigger catastrophic outcomesThe bravery of Jayna Murray and the life she deserved to continue livingSteph closes the episode with a powerful discussion on how we often trivialize stealing as harmless or childish — when in reality, it can become its own addiction cycle. Brittany’s reluctance to get help or face consequences created a storm she could no longer outrun, and Jayna lost her life because of it. This tragedy stands as a reminder that ignoring patterns doesn’t erase them… it allows them to grow.-----------------------------------------------------------------Giveaway Instructions Subscribe to the Murder in the Black YouTube channel.Choose any video on our channel and leave a comment.That’s it — you’re entered!The giveaway closes November 30th, so don’t wait — jump in now!LINK BELOW⁠https://youtube.com/@murderintheblack?si=cr03m4ITJTzz01qX⁠Sources for This Episode:The Washington Post – In-depth reporting on the Lululemon murder, trial transcripts, and investigative findings.ABC News – Coverage of Brittany Norwood’s arrest, trial, and details surrounding theft allegations and motive.NBC Washington – Local reporting from 2011 including interviews, community statements, and crime-scene updates.The Baltimore Sun – Reporting on Brittany Norwood’s confession, trial proceedings, and sentencing.Montgomery County Court Records – Trial filings, witness statements, and verdict documentation from State of Maryland v. Brittany Norwood

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• The U, the Dream, and the Tragedy ---Marlin Barnes and + Timwanika Lumpkins

  The episode delves into the tragic double homicide of University of Miami linebacker Marlin Barnes and his friend Timwoknika Lumpkins in 1996. It explores the events leading up to the murders, the investigation, and the subsequent trial of LeBrant Dennis, who was eventually convicted. The narrative highlights the impact of the crime on the community and the families involved, as well as the legacy of the victims.--------------------------------------------------------------------00:00:00 Introduction to the Case00:00:00 Background of Marlin Barnes00:00:00 The Night of the Murders00:00:00 Investigation and Suspects00:00:00 Trial and Conviction00:00:00 Legacy and ImpactGiveaway : YouTube : ⁠https://youtube.com/@murderintheblack?si=fY2u5R62-FQkMeIs⁠SubscribeLeave a comment

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