Issue 239, October 4, 2024

Missing woman's body found in Missouri woods; cause of death unclear. LA DA to review new evidence in Menendez case

October 04, 2024

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

In which U.S. state did the infamous case of the "Menendez Brothers" occur, where two brothers murdered their wealthy parents in 1989?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: Going West: True Crime | Stephanie Condon // 442

On a misty October evening in 1998, a 14-year-old girl arrived at her cousin's home to babysit twins. After a night out, she returned to find her cousin missing, with no signs of struggle. Her remains were later discovered, marking her case as a homicide. This is the story of Stephanie Condon.

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What’s Happening Now

Body of Missing Woman Found in Missouri Woods, Cause of Death Unknown

Authorities discovered the remains of 33-year-old Emily Strite in the woods of eastern Missouri, five months after she went missing.

She was last seen in Imperial in early April and reported missing on April 20.

Strite's body was found by a property owner in De Soto.

The cause of death is unknown, and investigators are determining how she ended up there.

Strite's mother believed she had traveled to Illinois to see her children but became concerned when contacted by the father.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

UPDATE: Los Angeles DA George Gascon to Review Potential New Evidence of Sexual Abuse in Menendez Brothers Case

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon stated that his office will review potentially new evidence suggesting that Erik and Lyle Menendez were sexually abused.

While Gascon has not made a final decision, he emphasized the importance of reviewing the evidence presented to determine the next steps.

The Menendez brothers were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989 and have been seeking reduced sentences in recent years.

Gascon's decision to review the case has been praised by the brothers' lawyer.

The case, which gained widespread media attention, is now being reconsidered in light of the new information presented.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Safety Tip of the Day: Maintain open communication with family members and create a supportive home environment.

Many tragic cases of familial violence, including instances where children harm their parents, often stem from underlying issues like abuse, neglect, or untreated mental health problems. By fostering a culture of trust and open dialogue, families can identify and address potential issues early on, ensuring that all members feel heard and supported. Regular family meetings or check-ins can be helpful for discussing feelings, resolving conflicts, and strengthening relationships, ultimately contributing to a safer home environment.

Cold Case Highlights

Divers Discover Human Remains in Plantation Canal Linked to Decades-old Missing Persons Cases

Human remains were discovered in two cars retrieved from Plantation canals by a team of divers.

The divers, searching for a woman and her young daughter who vanished in 1974, located their car along with likely human remains.

Additionally, during their search, the team found another missing vehicle and the likely remains of a World War II veteran who disappeared 20 years ago.

The missing individuals were identified as Doris Wurst and her daughter Caren.

Sunshine State Sonar conducted the search, with authorities confirming the discovery.

DNA testing will confirm the identities of the remains.

The dive team's high-tech equipment aids in finding missing persons in waterways.

The Unsolved Disappearance of Sue Swedell in Lake Elmo, Minnesota

Christine Swedell's sister, Sue, disappeared in 1988 in Lake Elmo, Minnesota.

Sue was last seen at her jobs and then at a gas station before going missing during a blizzard.

Her car was found abandoned, with signs of possible tampering.

Despite extensive investigations, no physical evidence has been found.

The family received strange signals at home after Sue vanished.

Christine believes her sister did not run away and continues to hope for closure.

Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact them.

Sue's case remains open, with ongoing efforts to solve the mystery of her disappearance.

PODCAST: My Favorite Murder | 448 - Something To Strive For

This week, Karen and Georgia dive into the 2015 escape from Clinton Correctional Facility.

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🔍^{Trivia Answer}
California.

The Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle, were convicted of murdering their parents, Jose and Mary Louise Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. Their trial became a media sensation, highlighting themes of wealth, family dynamics, and psychological trauma. The case sparked widespread public interest and discussions about parental abuse and the motivations behind the brothers' actions.