Issue 263, November 8, 2024

Brad Chandler Simpson Charged with Wife's Murder; Cory Martin Sentenced to Life for Brandy Odom's Death

November 08, 2024

🕵️Trivia Question

What landmark kidnapping case in the U.S. in 1932 involved the abduction of the son of a famous aviator and led to nationwide changes in law enforcement and kidnapping laws?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: True Crime with Kendall Rae | TikToker April Holt’s Death Almost Went Unsolved.

April Lynn Holt, a devoted mother from Nashville, thrived on TikTok, sharing family, faith, and uplifting content with over 200,000 followers. After separating from her husband Donovan in 2021, she sought a divorce in July 2023. Tragically, her son discovered her dead two weeks later, leading to her mother’s quest for justice.

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What’s Happening Now

Brad Chandler Simpson Charged with Murder in Disappearance of Wife Suzanne Simpson

On November 7, 2024, Brad Chandler Simpson was charged with murder in connection to the disappearance of his wife, Suzanne Simpson, in San Antonio, Texas.

Court records revealed that Simpson appeared before a judge who set his bond at $2 million and sealed his warrant until December 7.

Suzanne Simpson, a 51-year-old mother, went missing on October 6 near Trinity University after an argument with her husband.

Despite initial misdemeanor charges, Simpson remains in custody while authorities search for her body.

Relatives have voiced their grief and outrage publicly, with their daughter alleging on social media that her father was responsible for her mother's death.

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New York Man Cory Martin Sentenced to Life in Prison for Ghastly Murder of Brandy Odom

Cory Martin, a New York man, was sentenced to life in prison for killing and dismembering Brandy Odom in a scheme to collect life insurance benefits obtained fraudulently.

Martin managed Odom, a sex worker, and lived with her in Queens.

The crime was described as "ghastly" and "cold-blooded" by U.S. Attorney Breon Peace.

Martin used tools to dismember Odom's body and disposed of the parts in a Brooklyn park.

He searched for tips on how to cover up the murder online.

Martin was found guilty after a trial where prosecutors presented evidence of his planning and execution of the crime.

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đźš— Safety Tip of the Day: Keep your car doors locked and windows up while driving.

Always ensure your car doors are locked and windows are fully closed while driving, especially in urban areas or when stopped at traffic lights. This simple precaution makes it harder for potential abductors to gain access to your vehicle. Additionally, remain vigilant at all times; avoid distractions such as using your phone, and be aware of your surroundings, including the people nearby. If you feel threatened or notice suspicious behavior, consider driving to a safe location, such as a busy public area or a police station. Taking these precautions can significantly enhance your safety while on the road.

Cold Case Highlights

Alabama Man Found Not Guilty in Cold Case Murder Trial

After a long deliberation, a jury found an Alabama man, Marvin McClendon Jr., not guilty of killing 11-year-old Melissa Ann Tremblay over 35 years ago.

The case hinged on DNA evidence found under Tremblay's fingernails, with prosecutors arguing it matched McClendon's DNA.

However, McClendon's lawyer argued there was no definitive proof.

The victim's family expressed disappointment with the verdict, while McClendon's lawyer praised the jury's careful consideration.

This decision comes after a mistrial in a previous prosecution.

The case has seen twists and turns over the years, with authorities initially focusing on other suspects before turning their attention to McClendon.

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Former Classmates Share Shock Over Amanda Overstreet's Tragic Disappearance and Recent Identification

Former classmates of Amanda Overstreet, the teen whose head and hands were found in a freezer in Colorado and recently identified, told Newsweek there was no indication that the then-16-year-old high school student who went missing in 2005 would disappear.

In January, the new owners of a home in Grand Junction found human remains in a freezer.

DNA testing confirmed the remains to be Overstreet's.

Overstreet's biological mother, Leanne Imer, previously lived at the residence where the remains were found.

Overstreet was last seen at age 16 in 2005 and was never reported missing.

The investigation into her remains is ongoing.

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PODCAST: Crime Junkie | SERIAL KILLER: The Hillside Strangler from Los Angeles

From October 1977 to February 1978, the Hillside Strangler targeted women in Southern California, initially focusing on sex workers before expanding to all young women. The police linked his crimes to separate cases a year later, leading to the pursuit of the suspects.m

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🔍Trivia Answer
The kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh Jr.

In March 1932, Charles Lindbergh Jr., the infant son of aviator Charles Lindbergh and actress Anne Morrow Lindbergh, was kidnapped from their home in New Jersey. The case captivated the nation and involved a massive manhunt and media frenzy. Tragically, the child's body was found months later. This high-profile case led to the enactment of the Lindbergh Law in 1932, making kidnapping a federal offense and enhancing law enforcement's ability to respond to such crimes. The case highlighted the need for improved safety measures for children and greater coordination between state and federal authorities.