The gunshot death of Lori Ann Johnson, age 34, in Tacoma, Washington on September 12, 1994 has sat idle for over three decades.  I have come to know her family well.  The mother of the homicide victim is elderly now.  It is her fondest wish to know who killed her child. 

Lori’s lifeless body was found in the 1200 Block of South 11th St. in Tacoma (the Hilltop area) in the morning by a physician on his way into his office. No witnesses came forward. There was no CCTV camera footage, no useful prints, or  DNA evidence. While three suspects were named in her file, there did not appear to be any follow-up.  There have been no updates. – not one in 30 long years.  Mrs. Johnson feels forgotten.  The victim’s daughters have grown up without answers too. 

I accompanied Mrs. Johnson to the Tacoma P.D. several years ago. One officer met us in the noisy lobby and refused to say anything except “It’s an open investigation.  I can’t speak with you.”  He was abrupt and dismissive.

Can you help?  If you are a journalist – can you breathe life into this old case?  If you are in law enforcement can you see why nothing has come of this homicide (not even an annual phone call to Lori’s family)?  Could you be a witness or know someone who is?  If so, please contact me.

This episode reviews three matters.  First, it reviews how the podcast originated.  Second, it will cover the gains and losses for homicide survivors this year (as I see it).  Last, it will convey the surprise twist that the episodes have taken recently pertaining to after death communication.  Please join us, won’t you?

Homicide survivors know that “closure” is a myth.  (Closure literally means “to conclude.”)  Lack of closure is demonstrated in many ways, like attending the parole hearing.  Here we will learn from Jeanne Dotts Brykalski as she describes her fight to keep the offender who killed her parents behind bars. Each time she participates she knows it will open old wounds. 

This episode sheds light on the experience of facing a parole board, offers tips, and extends an invitation to read and sign a petition to keep the offender locked up.  (You needn’t know Jeanne nor live in Tennessee to do so.)

Please join us, won’t you?

This multifaceted, energetic still-young woman has worn many hats since the day her brother was murdered.  She was only 16.  The assailant was a life-long friend and only 21.  Her search to find where she belongs, and what her true calling is, has taken her around the world for years.  Her two loves have always been being near (or on) the water, and music.

Please join this uplifting and articulate discussion about life after the murder of a sibling.

Clark Fredericks turned himself in following the brutal murder of Sheriff Dennis Pegg in Sussex County, New Jersey.  Considering Clark’s long history of drug abuse, motorcycle gang membership, and periodic unemployment, Clark assumed the worst.  But much to his shock and bewilderment, each law enforcement officer and guard that came into his holding cell, praised him for his actions.  This is a man who pivoted a nightmare into a mission.

Doug Fifer is a 25-year veteran of the Anchorage P.D.  He’s seen his share of homicides, suicides, financial scams, and sexual deviants.  In this episode, we learn about the unique challenges of working in law enforcement within a large, sparsely populated, rugged environment such as Alaska.  Few jurisdictions have to deal with 1600-pound grizzlies, towns inaccessible by road, near-perpetual darkness in winter, snowfall measured in feet, and a pandemic of alcoholism.  Doug Fifer will take us along with him to discuss hostage negotiations, homicide investigations, death notifications and more.  He has recently authored “Fifty Shades of True Crime.”

Doug Fifer is a 25-year veteran of the Anchorage P.D.  He’s seen his share of homicides, suicides, financial scams, and sexual deviants.  In this episode, we learn about the unique challenges of working in law enforcement within a large, sparsely populated, rugged environment such as Alaska.  Few jurisdictions have to deal with 1600-pound grizzlies, towns inaccessible by road, near-perpetual darkness in winter, snowfall measured in feet, and a pandemic of alcoholism.  Doug Fifer will take us along with him to discuss hostage negotiations, homicide investigations, death notifications and more.  He has recently authored “Fifty Shades of True Crime.”

Anniversary reactions are unavoidable.  They are represent the way our brain keeps us safe.

Listen as Billi-J Heavyshields unravels the “missing-but-found-murdered” story of her brother’s unprovoked homicide on the Blackfoot Kainai Blood Tribe Reserve of Southern Alberta, Canada.  Billie-J speaks not only about her grief for her brother, Lane Tailfeathers, but also how it hastened her spiritual development.  As a White Bear Woman and intuitive healer, she weaves a story of spiritual transformation, sweat lodge ceremonies, law enforcement involvement, the unexpected role of an Elder, and the impact of her brother’s absence on herself and her community.

Listen as Billie-J Heavyshields unravels the “missing-but-found-murdered” story of her brother’s unprovoked homicide on the Blackfoot Kainai Blood Tribe Reserve of Southern Alberta, Canada.  Billie-J speaks not only about her grief for her brother, Lane Tailfeathers, but also how it hastened her spiritual development.  As a White Bear Woman and intuitive healer, she weaves a story of spiritual transformation, sweat lodge ceremonies, law enforcement involvement, the unexpected role of an Elder, and the impact of her brother’s absence on herself and her community.