Dateline NBC Smoke and Mirrors
Dec 31, 2025
The disappearance of a Chicago pharmaceutical representative sparks concern among her family when she stops returning calls. The investigation reveals mysterious 911 hang-ups and leads to a media campaign to find her. As cops uncover clues, including an abandoned car and suspicious pills, a suspect emerges with a shaky alibi. Tragic findings in the woods lead to a shocking autopsy result. After a convoluted legal journey, justice is served with a guilty verdict, but the family is left to grapple with their profound loss.
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Dependable Professional Suddenly Disappears
- Naila Franklin was a driven pharmaceutical rep who always answered calls and managed relationships meticulously.
- Her sudden silence after September 18, 2007, alarmed family and friends who quickly launched searches and media outreach.
Silent 911 Calls Signal Trouble
- Three silent 911 calls from Naila's phone suggested she was reachable but unable to speak during her disappearance.
- That peculiar detail shifted investigators from a missing-person case toward likely foul play.
Media Pressure Can Produce Leads
- Leah Franklin used media and community outreach to force attention to Naila's disappearance despite disparities in coverage for missing women of color.
- Active PR and grassroots searching generated tips that led to crucial discoveries.