Crime Salad

In this episode of Crime Salad, we’re diving into the heartbreaking story of Stephanie Marie Wasilishin—a devoted mother, talented pastry chef, and vibrant woman whose life was cut short on July 9, 1993. What happened that night in Sedona, Arizona has haunted her family for over three decades, especially her daughters, Nikki and Christina. Stephanie’s story began long before that tragic night. After the loss of her twin brother in infancy, her family relocated from Illinois to the Deep South, settling in Arizona. Years later, she would meet Russell Peterson, the man who would become her partner and the father of her youngest daughter. But when Stephanie was found dead in their home, and Russell was the only witness, the lines between accident, suicide, and murder became painfully blurred. Despite Stephanie’s death being ruled a homicide, no one has ever been charged—and the case remains one of the many unsolved mysteries we explore on this show. Through Nikki’s courageous efforts to seek justice and keep her mother’s story alive! If you’re drawn to true crime stories that mix deep emotion with disturbing questions, this one’s for you. We’re unpacking not only a potential murder but also the ripple effect it left behind. Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, contemporary crimes, behind-the-scenes content, and more:  📱 TikTok, Instagram, Facebook → @crimesaladpodcast While you're there, follow Stephanie’s daughter on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolewasilishin Also, please consider signing this petition: https://www.change.org/p/demand-a-complete-homicide-investigation-for-the-murder-of-stephanie-marie-wasilishin?source_location=petition_update_page As always, we’re so grateful for our Crime Salad Patreon and Apple subscribers—your support means the world to us and helps us play our part in spreading awareness about these important topics. Thanks to our sponsors:  Miracle Made—Sleep better with silver-infused, temperature-regulating sheets.   Save 40% + get a free towel set at TryMiracle.com/CRIMESALAD with code CRIMESALAD.  BetterHelp—Therapy made simple. Get 10% off your first month.   Visit BetterHelp.com/CRIMESALAD Sponsored by BetterHelp.  Detective Perspective—One unsolved case, real insight, every week.   Listen on Mondays wherever you get your podcasts. Watch Tuesdays on YouTube.

On May 28, 2022, 19-year-old Dylan Rounds vanished in the Utah desert—his life and dreams of building something of his own were cut short by senseless violence. In today’s episode, we reflect on the impact of Dylan’s story, where the case stands today, and how his loved ones continue to fight. Want to help or learn more? Visit dylanroundslegacy.org. Please consider sharing this episode on social media to help keep Dylan’s story alive. We’re incredibly thankful for our Crime Salad Patreon and Apple subscribers—your support helps us continue telling the stories that matter. Support here: patreon.com/Crimesaladpodcast

On May 8, 2025, a teenage girl arrived at a Wawa convenience store in Gloucester Township, New Jersey.  Her shaved head and scarred-up wrists clearly told a story that something was wrong. She wasn’t there to grab a snack or fill up a gas tank—her neighbor had driven her there to meet authorities. She was in desperation to escape a nightmare that, according to investigators, had lasted nearly seven long years. But in the moment she was hesitant to tell them everything.  Her story would later reveal years of abuse and imprisonment—suffering inflicted by the very people who were supposed to love and protect her. Somehow, it all went unnoticed, hidden behind closed doors with no contact with the outside world. What makes this case even more disturbing is how it exposes the glaring gaps in how we monitor the safety and well-being of homeschooled children in America. Listener discretion is strongly advised. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or needs help, contact the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) or visit childhelp.org for resources and support. If you believe in amplifying the voices of those who’ve been unfairly silenced, consider becoming a subscriber on Apple Podcasts or joining us on Patreon. Your support helps us continue the deep research, careful storytelling, and advocacy that these stories deserve. Every contribution makes a difference—and keeps us going. Apple Podcasts Patreon

 We’d love to hear your perspective on Anthony’s story. Do you think Anthony Godby Johnson was a real teenage boy who was unfairly discredited? Or do you believe that Vicki Johnson, or maybe even someone else entirely, made the whole thing up? If so, what do you think might’ve motivated the person behind the mask to concoct such an elaborate story? Leave a comment to join in this interesting discussion. Please share today’s episode on social media as we continue to work to grow our channel. **Crime Salad Patreon and Apple subscribers—your support means the world to us and helps us play our part in sharing the insights and answers we gather while researching these cases! Check out our subscription options for ad-free listening through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/Crimesaladpodcast or Apple Podcasts! Do you follow us?! If not, please do!! Instagram: @crimesaladpodcast TikTok: @crimesaladpodcast Facebook: Crime Salad Podcast Thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Mint Mobile: Get premium wireless starting at just $15 a month—no catch. Visit MintMobile.com/CrimeSalad Cash App: Download Cash App and sign up with code CRIMESALAD, send $5, and get $10. Terms apply. That’s Money. That’s Cash App. Check out this podcast: GraveYard Tales: Explore the strange, spooky, and unexplained. Visit GraveyardPodcast.com or listen to GraveYard Tales wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for tuning in and supporting Crime Salad.

In this special throwback episode, we revisit the haunting unsolved case of Amy Mihaljevic, the 10-year-old girl who was abducted from a Bay Village, Ohio shopping plaza in 1989 and later found murdered in a rural Ashland County field. We’ll take you through the chilling timeline, exploring the ongoing investigation, new DNA testing, and the relentless pursuit of answers that still grips investigators and true crime enthusiasts alike. With fresh updates and expert insights, we ask, will Amy’s killer finally be brought to justice? Despite the passage of 35 years, hope remains alive, and the truth is still waiting to be uncovered. Check out our sponsor FUM: use our code SALAD to get a free gift with your Journey Pack! https://www.tryfum.com/SALAD

Amy Diane Homan McGee did everything she could to escape the grip of abuse—seeking protection through the courts and local police. In a moment of “enough is enough,” she tried to build a life of safety and peace for herself and her children. But then, Amy’s life was taken by the very man she had fought so hard to get away from. This episode tells the story of Amy’s strength, her fight for protection, and the overlooked dangers that could have saved her life. It’s a reminder that leaving isn’t the end of the battle for many survivors—it’s often when the danger escalates most. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you are not alone. Help is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline:  📞 Call 1-800-799-7233  💬 Text “START” to 88788  💻 Or chat live at thehotline.org You deserve safety. You deserve to be heard. Things you need to check out: “Telling Amy’s Story” by Penn State Public Broadcasting: https://www.pbs.org/video/telling-amys-story-84oxa5/ Thank you for supporting Crime Salad! Consider becoming a Patreon or Apple Subscriber to support the show! Thanks for listening! - Ashley & Ricky Key topics: Amy McGee case, domestic violence murder, State College Pennsylvania, intimate partner homicide, Telling Amy’s Story documentary, Vincent McGee, Deirdri Fishel, protective order failure, true crime domestic abuse, Mariska Hargitay, warning signs of abuse, emotional abuse, controlling partners, IPV statistics, victim advocacy, domestic violence resources.

Born on September 7, 2019, Journey—referred to as J.G. in legal documents—had a heartbreaking start to life in Tulare County, California. It didn’t take long for Tulare County Child Welfare Services (CWS) to begin receiving multiple reports concerning Journey’s safety and well-being. In the year leading up to Journey’s birth, his father became consumed by conspiracy theories and developed a dangerous plan to raise an entirely plant-based baby. Journey’s parents took their beliefs to an extreme, feeding their newborn a diet of blended bananas, dates, and honey—ignoring his basic nutritional needs for breast milk or infant formula. Despite repeated calls from Journey’s grandmother to Child Protective Services (CPS), no effective action was taken until it was tragically too late. Miraculously, Journey survived the severe neglect and abuse, but he now faces lifelong challenges as a result of the trauma he endured. Thanks to our sponsors!  BetterHelp: Visit better help.com/crime salad to get 10% off your first month. Kikoff: Build credit fast and get your first month FREE at GetKikoff.com/crimesalad today. Thanks to Kikoff for sponsoring us! Shopify: Sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/crime salad.  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Journey Tulare County  J.G. CPS case Tulare County child neglect Plant-based baby neglect Child Protective Services failure Tulare County CPS lawsuit Infant neglect California Journey child abuse survivor Tulare County Child Welfare Services CPS failure California Child nutrition neglect Honey dates baby diet Child abuse true crime Journey survivor story Child welfare reform California

In this episode we investigate the heartbreaking disappearance and tragic fate of Kei’Mani Latigue, a 13-year-old girl from Toledo, Ohio, whose story devastated her family and community. As new information and interviews with Kei’Mani’s loved ones emerge, we explore critical questions: Could earlier intervention have saved her? What role did suspected abuse and potential failures by child protective services play in the events leading up to her death? We trace the chilling timeline from March 17th, 2025—the day Kei’Mani vanished—uncovering the clues left behind and examining the actions of key individuals connected to her household.  Keywords: Kei’Mani Latigue, Toledo Ohio, missing teen, child abuse case, CPS failure, true crime podcast, March 2025, Ohio disappearance, vulnerable children, child safety, legal guardianship, emotional storytelling, investigative podcast. Be sure to check out our amazing sponsor this week: FUM: Head to:  https://www.tryfum.com/salad and use promo code salad to kick your bad habit today! References:  https://people.com/keimani-latigue-cause-of-death-revealed-11703522 https://youtu.be/6-k6XlSzXA0?si=wqMbvaSHNGZLnt2u https://booth.law/advocating-for-child-safety-how-communities-can-hold-cps-accountable/  https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/media-room/national-statistics-on-child-abuse/ https://youtu.be/Q2e32PLM4VA?si=f-KWGqS72OHNO1fI https://co.lucas.oh.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1891 https://www.wtol.com/article/news/special-reports/keimani/lucas-county-children-services-addresses-keimani-latigue-case/512-5f2d366c-33b0-4b09-bf22-46cc786582cb https://www.13abc.com/2025/03/26/this-feels-preventable-keimani-latigues-former-teacher-speaks-out-community-vigil-toledo-teen/ https://www.wtol.com/article/news/crime/keimani-latigue-toledo-buffalo-soldiers-ohio-news-local/512-00ea9544-4a17-44ec-b7af-47b6c23fb359 https://www.13abc.com/2025/03/26/local-leaders-consider-task-force-look-into-children-services-details-about-keimani-latigue-come-light/ https://www.13abc.com/2025/03/29/protestors-march-outside-lucas-county-children-services-keimani-latigues-birthday/ https://youtu.be/RIwV7nmQ2So?si=xlYiYnCbthma_O7d https://youtu.be/TwyBGdWhB2o?si=BTme77c8TUd6hkxB https://www.wtol.com/article/news/crime/keimani-latigue-grandmother-not-arrested-police-say/512-dd4ed1e9-a471-4853-94cb-ca6d694f23a9 https://www.13abc.com/2025/03/19/police-family-searching-missing-13-year-old/ https://www.13abc.com/2025/03/24/father-missing-toledo-girl-charged/ https://www.13abc.com/2025/03/22/search-party-gathers-look-missing-13-year-old-north-toledo/ https://www.wtol.com/article/news/special-reports/keimani/qa-tpd-chief-troendle-on-the-keimani-latigue-missing-child-investigation-and-murder-case-darnell-jones-toledo-police/512-f3aac941-a590-4194-abcd-c7f56ced73ee https://www.13abc.com/2025/03/26/city-leaders-seek-answers-abuse-allegation-reports-following-keimani-latigue-case-developments/ https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2025/03/29/accused-murderer-has-history-violent-offenses/stories/20250329019 https://www.wtol.com/article/news/local/missing-13-year-old-keimani-latigue-family-searches/512-6f3eee36-d1d3-416d-b51a-3ef6b2b3df14 https://americanspcc.org/child-maltreatment-statistics/ https://www.childhelphotline.org https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2065955/ https://www.childwelfare.gov/resources/states-territories-tribes/state-liaison-officers-child-abuse-and-neglect/?rt=809 https://www.stopitnow.org/ohc-content/what-can-i-do-when-the-system-seems-unable-to-protect-my-child https://www.americanbar.org/groups/dispute_resolution/resources/just-resolutions/2024-september/childrens-ombudsman-what-they-are-and-how-to-access-services/ https://justiceforchildren.org/about-us/system-is-failing-our-children/

Natalia Grace was once described as a child straight out of a horror movie — a Ukrainian orphan accused of lying about her age, abandoned by her adoptive family, and cast into a storm of suspicion and media frenzy. But behind the headlines is a real child who endured abuse, neglect, and deep betrayal. In this episode, we look past the sensationalism to tell Natalia’s story. We explore how a vulnerable young girl became the subject of national speculation and what her case reveals about the systems that failed her. Content warning: This episode includes discussions of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Listener discretion is advised. Get ad-free episodes when you subscribe on Apple Podcasts or support us on Patreon. Check out crimesalad.shop for Crime Salad Merch!!

What really happened in Room 22 of Patty’s Lodge in the quiet town of Canandaigua, New York? When 24-year-old Sam Nordquist boarded a flight to meet someone he’d connected with online, he carried with him nothing but hope. Known by everyone who loved him as kind-hearted and genuine, Sam was looking forward to the possibility of something real — a new chapter in life and maybe even love. But what was waiting for him in New York was not what it seemed. What unfolded next would become the most painful and unjust chapter of his life — and a nightmare his family is still trying to understand. In this episode, we share Sam’s story: a young man led by trust and warmth, a family forever changed, and a search for truth that refuses to be silenced. This is a story of betrayal, heartbreak, and a community demanding justice. Justice for Sam Nordquist . Important links supporting this case:  Justice for Sam Nordquist Gofundme: https://gofund.me/86190ffa The National Domestic Violence Hotline is here to help. Connect with a trained advocate 24/7 for free, confidential support. *Please be careful when accessing the website — it has a quick exit feature, but it may still appear in your browser history. If you're concerned for your safety, consider calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting "START" to 88788 instead. 🖥️ Chat online at thehotline.org 📞 Call 800.799.7233 📱 Text START to 88788 Help is always available. You deserve to be safe. Thanks to our sponsors!  Kikoff:  Build credit fast and get your first month for just a dollar at GetKikoff.com/crimesalad Thanks to Kikoff for sponsoring us! Lume: Get 15% off your first order at LumeDeodorant.com with code CRIMESALAD—stay fresh, dry, and confident from head to toe!