Bettersten Wade, a grieving mother and tireless advocate, shares her heart-wrenching journey of searching for her missing son, Dexter Wade, for nearly six months. Joined by John Shuppie, an NBC News reporter, they delve into the shocking police indifference and the heartbreaking revelation of Dexter's tragic death at the hands of an off-duty officer. Their conversation uncovers systemic failures in the justice system, the emotional struggle for closure, and the deep scars left by loss, ultimately highlighting the resilience of a mother’s love.
Betterstein Wade's relentless search for her son revealed painful systemic failures in the treatment of missing persons and unidentified bodies.
Despite enduring personal tragedy, Betterstein emerged as an advocate for justice, ensuring her son's story raised awareness for other families facing similar struggles.
Deep dives
Betterstein Wade's Family Background
Betterstein Wade reflects on her life raising three children in Jackson, Mississippi, emphasizing her commitment to creating a better future for each generation. She recalls Dexter, her son, as an engaging and bright child who loved interacting with older people and excelled at computer skills. As Dexter grew into his teenage years, he became difficult to track, often staying out late with friends, yet he maintained communication with Betterstein. Betterstein juggled her responsibilities between work, including jobs as an aluminum welder and a security guard, while ensuring her family remained strong and connected.
Dexter's Struggles After Prison
After serving six years in prison for robbery, Dexter struggled to adapt to life outside, and his mental health deteriorated. He married his girlfriend while incarcerated but later divorced and returned to live with Betterstein, where he remained a devoted father to his two daughters. Despite his attempts to adjust, Dexter continued to deal with mental health challenges, and Betterstein sought help for him through mental health services. His behavior became increasingly isolated, and one day, after a dispute over a broken window, Dexter left home and subsequently went missing.
The Search for Dexter
Betterstein's ordeal began when she reported Dexter missing, despite her concerns about involving the police again following the tragic death of her brother George at their hands. Over the following months, she explored various avenues to locate her son, actively seeking information and contacting authorities while expressing her frustration on social media. As time passed, she began to fear for Dexter's well-being, even contemplating the worst-case scenario of his death. However, after nearly six months of searching, a police officer informed her that Dexter had been struck and killed by a police cruiser while crossing the freeway.
The Aftermath and Burial of Dexter Wade
The shocking revelation of Dexter's death led Betterstein to uncover a devastating truth: her son had been buried in a pauper's field with little regard for notifying his family. Despite the police department knowing his identity shortly after the accident, no effort was made to contact Betterstein or provide information regarding Dexter's remains. After publicly advocating for her son's proper burial, she arranged for Dexter's exhumation and a respectful funeral attended by hundreds, including the Reverend Al Sharpton, who officiated. In the wake of her loss, Betterstein discovered systemic failures in how missing persons and unidentified bodies were handled, leading her to seek justice not only for Dexter but for other families who faced similar fates in Jackson.