Murder In The Black

In this episode of Murder in the Black, hosts Steph and Maia tell the story of Erica Vassel, a vibrant 21-year-old from Clewiston, Florida, whose life was cut short just days after Super Bowl Sunday in February 2011.Known as America’s Sweetest Town, Clewiston sits on the edge of the Everglades, surrounded by sugar cane fields and built on familiarity and trust. But when Erica failed to come home, that sense of safety quickly unraveled.Steph and Maia walk listeners through who Erica was before she became a headline — a young woman full of color, ambition, and promise — and then carefully unfold the events surrounding her disappearance, the rumors that flooded her small community, and the investigation that followed. As detectives chased leads, a burner phone, and conflicting stories, the truth ultimately emerged through a shocking confession.This episode also explores the cultural and spiritual concept of “root work”, how belief systems can be misunderstood or weaponized, and the dangerous consequences when fear overrides accountability.Through reflection, this case challenges us to consider trust, vigilance, and how even familiar places can hold hidden dangers.The life and legacy of Erica VasselHer disappearance and discovery in Clewiston, FloridaHow rumors and community speculation can complicate investigationsThe role of belief systems in criminal confessionsThe dangers of misplaced fear and controlThe importance of community awareness and accountabilityA family’s fight for truth and justiceMissing persons • Community trust • Violence in familiar spaces • Cultural misunderstanding • Accountability • Vigilance • JusticeThis episode invites listeners to reflect on personal safety, community responsibility, and how easily danger can be overlooked when it hides behind familiarity.🕊️ What This Episode Explores🔎 Key Themes🎧 Listener Reflection

SummaryThis conversation delves into the tragic story of Derwin Brown, a visionary police officer in DeKalb County, who was assassinated shortly after winning the sheriff election against Sydney Dorsey. The discussion covers the corruption within the police department, the election dynamics, the investigation into Brown's murder, and the subsequent trials of those involved. It highlights the impact of Brown's vision for change and the community's response to his untimely death.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Introduction to DeKalb County's Corruption Case02:14 The Rise of Derwin Brown06:09 The Election Showdown: Brown vs. Dorsey09:00 Derwin Brown's Reform Agenda12:29 The Assassination of Derwin Brown15:58 The Investigation Begins19:48 The Plot Unfolds: Cuffee's Confession22:59 The Trials and Tribulations25:46 Federal Charges and Final Sentences30:13 trueCrime-outro-high-short.wav-------------------------------------------------------------------

In this rebroadcast of Murder in the Black, the hosts revisit the haunting case of Gregory Agnew and the unresolved disappearance of his former girlfriend, Tammy Niver.The story unfolds in Ypsilanti, a vibrant college town whose familiar streets hide a far darker history. Tammy vanished shortly after ending a volatile relationship with Gregory—one marked by control, intimidation, and escalating violence. Although suspicion surrounded Gregory early on, a lack of physical evidence prevented an arrest, leaving Tammy’s case cold and her family without answers for decades.Years later, Gregory’s violent past came sharply into focus when he was convicted of murdering his estranged wife, Martha Anu. Martha had made repeated efforts to expose Gregory’s abusive behavior, placing herself in danger while seeking accountability. Her tragic death ultimately reignited attention on Tammy’s long-unsolved disappearance.While justice was served in Martha’s case, Tammy Niver’s fate remains unknown. This rebroadcast highlights the devastating patterns of domestic violence, the long-term impact on victims and their families, and the importance of recognizing warning signs before it’s too late.----------------------------------------------------------------⏱ Episode Chapters00:00 — Introduction & Rebroadcast Overview00:30 — The Setting: Ypsilanti, Michigan01:58 — Tammy Niver’s Background03:04 — Toxic Dynamics of Gregory and Tammy’s Relationship05:40 — Suspicious Circumstances Surrounding Tammy’s Disappearance08:13 — Martha Anu’s Efforts to Expose Gregory17:59 — The Murder of Martha Anu26:16 — Tammy Niver’s Unresolved Case

The episode unpacks the complex dynamics of control, manipulation, and power within relationships, while drawing unsettling parallels to the disappearance of Taalibah Islam, another woman connected to the same man. Through these cases, Steph challenges listeners to reflect on the role of witnesses, the warning signs of abuse, and the lasting impact unanswered questions leave on families.As the season comes to a close, Steph reflects on the emotional journey of Season 8 and expresses deep gratitude to the Murder in the Black community for their continued support. Select episodes will rebroadcast during the break, with Season 9 returning with new cases and deeper conversations.KeywordsMurder in the Black, Typhenie Johnson, Taalibah Islam, true crime, missing persons, unresolved case, kidnapping, control, abusive relationships, Season 8 finale • Typhenie Johnson’s case remains unresolved despite a kidnapping conviction • Legal accountability does not always bring closure • Patterns of control and manipulation can escalate into disappearance • Taalibah Islam’s case mirrors chilling similarities • Families of the missing live with unanswered questions • Community awareness and vigilance matter • Witnesses to abuse play a critical role • Gratitude and reflection close out Season 8 • Select rebroadcasts will air during the hiatus • Season 9 promises deeper, more intentional storytelling
Chapters00:00 – Season 8 Finale Introduction 00:00 – The Disappearance of Typhenie Johnson 00:00 – Parallels to Taalibah Islam 00:00 – Control, Abuse, and Power Dynamics 00:00 – Accountability vs. Closure 00:00 – Season Reflection & Community Thanks

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------------------------------------------------------------------