A mother searches for answers in her 14-year-old daughter's unsolved murder. The podcast explores the initial discovery of the body, the investigation, and the determination of the mother to find the killer. It discusses the unsettling atmosphere in Cleveland due to the murders of young girls in 1984. The focus shifts from the stepfather to the boyfriend, and finally to a disturbing neighbor. Yvonne Pointer's unwavering determination and advocacy for DNA technology and fighting crime. The family explores improved DNA processing to find the killer and the strategy to get the suspect to confess.
The use of DNA technology played a crucial role in solving Gloria Pointer's murder after almost 30 years.
Yvonne Pointer's determination and advocacy efforts in response to Gloria's murder have made a significant impact in combating violence and seeking justice for victims.
Deep dives
The Murder of Gloria Pointer
Gloria Pointer, a 14-year-old girl, was murdered while walking to school. The investigation focused on finding her killer, with detectives initially suspecting her stepfather and then her boyfriend. Over the years, DNA technology helped develop a profile, but no matches were found in the databases. Finally, in 2013, a DNA hit led to the arrest of Hernandez Warren, who had a history of rape and assault. Warren confessed to the murder, and Yvonne Pointer, Gloria's mother, forgave him at his sentencing. Despite her loss, Yvonne has dedicated her life to fighting against violence and advocating for justice for victims.
Yvonne Pointer's Fight for Justice
Following Gloria's murder, Yvonne Pointer became an advocate for victims and used her grief to bring attention to violence in communities, particularly affecting people of color. She gave speeches across the country, worked on projects to combat crime, and became a surrogate mother to kids in her neighborhood. Yvonne's determination and efforts were recognized, and she received honors for her work. Despite her pain, she channeled her energy into making a positive impact and ensuring that Gloria's memory lives on.
Overcoming Challenges in the Investigation
The investigation into Gloria's murder faced numerous challenges, including multiple potential suspects, unreliable witnesses who saw Gloria with a mysterious man, and the limitations of DNA technology at the time. Detectives worked tirelessly on the case, ruling out stepfather, DeShawn, and even reaching out to convicted killers for information. It took almost 30 years before a DNA hit on a former neighbor provided a breakthrough and led to the arrest and confession of Hernandez Warren.
The Legacy of Gloria Pointer
Gloria Pointer's tragic death highlighted the need for justice and efforts to combat violence in communities. Her case served as a catalyst for change, leading to better DNA technology, the creation of a cold case squad, and the tireless advocacy of Yvonne Pointer. Gloria's story not only brought closure to her family but also inspired Yvonne to dedicate her life to fighting for justice, raising awareness, and working towards a safer future for all.
For decades, a mother searches for answers in the unsolved murder of her 14-year-old daughter, Gloria, until new DNA technology changes everything. Andrea Canning reports.
Andrea Canning and Josh Mankiewicz go behind the scenes of the making of this episode in ‘Talking Dateline’: