Issue 85, March 4, 2024

Uber Driver Claims Shooting 23-Year-Old Passenger in Self-Defense, Man Charged with Murder of Ex-Girlfriend's Father in Domestic Dispute

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

In a high-profile case, a 21-year-old college student was murdered after mistakenly getting into a vehicle she thought was her Uber ride. What was the name of the victim in this infamous rideshare murder case in the US?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: ‎48 Hours | The Secrets of the River

In February 2010, Mackenzie Cowell, a high school senior and aspiring model, vanished after missing a dinner date with her father in Washington. Her abandoned car was discovered on a ranch 40 miles away. Four days later, she was found dead near the Columbia River. DNA linked classmate Chris Wilson to her murder. "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant investigates. This episode last aired on 8/9/2014.

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What’s Happening Now

Fatal Shooting of 23-Year-Old Uber Passenger in Nashville Leads to Self-Defense Claims from Driver

A 23-year-old man was fatally shot after an Uber driver in Nashville accused the passenger of kidnapping him at gunpoint.

The driver called 911 twice, claiming self-defense after shooting the passenger.

Police found the passenger, Kyrin Gardner, dead with multiple gunshot wounds.

Guns were found at the scene and the driver cooperated with authorities.

The driver recounted the events at a downtown McDonald's before the shooting.

Followed by safety tips from Uber, emphasizing the importance of verifying riders, staying focused, protecting personal information, and being vigilant while driving.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Man Charged with Murder of Ex-Girlfriend's Father in Domestic Dispute

Roman Ramirez, 52, has been charged with murder in the death of Larry Vargas, 69, the father of his ex-girlfriend.

Vargas was pronounced dead after an altercation with Ramirez, who claimed self-defense.

The incident occurred after Ramirez was asked to get his own phone plan, leading to a confrontation at Vargas' home.

Vargas was pushed into a palm tree and struck multiple times by Ramirez before succumbing to cardiac arrhythmia.

Ramirez has been held without bail at the Clark County Detention Center and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 29.

🚙 Safety Tip of the Day: Staying Safe as a Rideshare Driver

Before accepting rides, verify the passenger's name and destination to ensure a match with the app. Maintain communication with friends or family members, sharing trip details and updating them on your location. If a situation feels unsafe, trust your instincts and consider ending the ride or contacting authorities for assistance.

Cold Case Highlights

Autumn Lane McClure's 20-Year-Old Cold Case Solved with 99.9% of Remains Found in Florida

Florida detectives investigating a 20-year-old cold case have discovered the remains of Autumn Lane McClure, a 16-year-old who went missing in 2004.

The excavation of the burial site yielded 99.9% of the remains.

The Volusia Sheriff's Office is awaiting official identification and hopes to determine the cause of death.

The investigation, which began in May 2004, involved interviewing friends, witnesses, and collecting DNA from family members.

The breakthrough came when Jessica Freeman provided information in 2023, leading to the discovery of McClure's remains in Ormond Beach.

Brian Donley, another suspect, had passed away in 2022.

Chitwood emphasized that no case is truly "cold" to their dedicated team of investigators.

Three Men Arrested in Cold Case Murder of Missing Missouri Woman after Decades of Waiting

Kelle Ann Workman was reported missing in 1989 in Missouri.

Three men have been arrested in connection to her killing after a tip was received over three decades later.

Workman's body was found in a national forest eight days after she was reported missing.

The suspects have been charged with murder, kidnapping, and rape.

The arrests were made based on information provided by a tipster who had been holding onto crucial information for almost 30 years.

Workman's family expressed relief and gratitude, as they never expected this day would come.

The suspects are currently in custody awaiting trial.

‎PODCAST: Coffee and Cases | Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?

‎In April 1943, four boys found human remains in a wych elm tree while searching for eggs. Graffiti later asked, "Who put Bella in the wych elm?" The mystery sparked various theories, from occult involvement to espionage, yet evidence remains elusive. What's your take on this puzzling case?

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🔍^{Trivia Answer}
Samantha Josephson

Samantha Josephson, a 21-year-old University of South Carolina student, was killed after getting into a car she mistakenly believed was her Uber ride in March 2019. The driver of the vehicle, Nathaniel Rowland, was charged with kidnapping and murder. This tragic incident sparked nationwide awareness about the importance of ride safety and prompted changes in rideshare safety protocols.