Murder In The Black

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

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

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.