85: MURDER: Brittany Phillips

On September 27, 2004, 18-year-old Brittany Phillips had what appeared to be a typical day in the life of a college student. She spent time with friends and called her mom later that night to catch up. But after that phone call, no one saw or heard from Brittany again. She didn’t show up for her classes, she didn’t check in with friends, and she didn’t return any of her mother’s calls. Days passed with no word, until September 30, when one of her friends called the police. When officers entered the apartment, they found Brittany on the floor next to her bed, with her head positioned toward the foot of the mattress. She had been strangled and possibly sexually assaulted. There were no obvious signs of forced entry, but detectives collected DNA from the scene, hoping that somewhere in that evidence was the identity of her killer. Now, more than twenty years later, that DNA has still not resulted in any arrests, leaving her family still seeking justice. 18-year-old Brittany Phillips was last heard from at around 9:00 p.m. on the night of September 27, 2004, while speaking with her mother on the phone. She was supposed to attend an 8:00 a.m. class the following morning, but she never showed up. Days later, on the night of September 30, Brittany was found dead in her apartment on East 65th Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She had been strangled and may have been sexually assaulted. Anyone with information about Brittany’s case is urged to contact the Tulsa Police Department’s Cold Case Unit by email at [email protected]. SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detperspective/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/detperspective FIND DERRICK HERE Twitter: https://twitter.com/DerrickL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DerrickLevasseur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerrickVLevasseur CRIME WEEKLY AND COFFEE Criminal Coffee Company: https://www.CriminalCoffeeCo.com Crime Weekly:  https://crimeweeklypodcast.com/shop ADS: 1. https://www.HungryRoot.com/Detective - Use code DETECTIVE and get 40% off your order! 2. https://www.Smalls.com - Use code DETECTIVE for 50% off and FREE shipping!

On the night of June 17, 1982, 20-year-old Kelly Bergh Dove agreed to cover an overnight shift at the Imperial gas station in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She wasn’t supposed to be working, but one of her sisters asked if she could switch—and Kelly said yes. In the early morning hours of June 18, Kelly called 911 three times, reporting that a man had been harassing her and making obscene calls from the payphone outside. Her final words to the dispatcher were urgent and terrified: “Please hurry, he’s back.” When police arrived just one minute later, Kelly was gone. More than four decades have passed, and Kelly has never been found. Her family is still waiting for answers—and still holding on to hope that someone, somewhere, knows what happened to Kelly Bergh Dove? Kelly Bergh Dove was 20 years old when she went missing on June 18, 1982. She was last seen working the overnight shift at the Imperial gas station on South Main Street in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Kelly was 5’1” tall and weighed between 100 and 120 pounds. She had brown hair, brown eyes, and wore both contact lenses and glasses. She had a partial dental plate that replaced her two front teeth, a scar on the back of her head, one along her hairline, and another on her right wrist. At the time of her disappearance, Kelly was wearing a light-colored pinstriped sweater or top, along with tan or cream-colored slacks. She also wore her Turner Ashby High School class ring. The ring had the initials KJB engraved inside and may have had a peridot stone. The man believed to be responsible for her disappearance was described as a thin white male, between 20 and 25 years old, with shoulder-length blond hair and a light-colored shirt. He was seen driving a silver or gray vehicle, possibly a Ford. Those with information about Kelly’s case should contact Detective Wetherell at 540-432-7788. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Solvers at 540-574-5050. If you don’t have information, but are interested in helping Kelly’s family, please share this episode, along with Kelly’s flyer. Editor: Shannon Keirce Research/Writing: Haley Gray SUBMIT A CASE HERE: [email protected] SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detperspective/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/detperspective FIND DERRICK HERE Twitter: https://twitter.com/DerrickL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DerrickLevasseur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerrickVLevasseur CRIME WEEKLY AND COFFEE Criminal Coffee Company: https://www.CriminalCoffeeCo.com Crime Weekly:  https://crimeweeklypodcast.com/shop ADS: 1. https://www.TryMiracle.com/Detective - Use the code DETECTIVE to claim your FREE 3 PIECE TOWEL SET and SAVE over 40% OFF! 2. https://www.TryFum.com - Use our code DETECTIVE to get a free gift with your Journey Pack! 

On February 10, 2021, four-year-old Oakley Carlson was seen for the last time in Grays Harbor County, Washington. She wasn’t reported missing until ten months later, on December 6, when a school principal called in a welfare check. When police spoke to Oakley’s biological parents, Andrew Carlson and Jordan Bowers, they gave conflicting stories and couldn’t explain where she was. An investigation was immediately launched, and what followed was a series of disturbing revelations—allegations of abuse, drug exposure, and medical neglect, all at the hands of Oakley’s biological parents. And yet, despite multiple investigations and searches, Oakley has never been found. Now, more than four years later, the question remains—what happened to Oakley Carlson? Oakley Carlson was last verifiably seen on February 10, 2021. At the time, she was four years old. She stood three feet tall, weighed around 50 pounds, and had brown eyes and brown hair. Today, she would be eight years old. If you have any information about Oakley’s whereabouts, you’re asked to contact the Grays Harbor Sheriff's Office at 360-964-1729 or Crimestoppers at 800-222-8477. There is currently a $100,000 reward for information leading to her discovery. If you don’t have information, but still want to help, you can share Oakley’s story and her flyer, which you can find at justiceforoakley.wixsite.com/home. You can also join the Facebook group “Oakley Carlson – Oakville, Washington”, and sign her petition at Change.org/justiceforoakley. Editor: Shannon Keirce Research/Writing: Haley Gray SUBMIT A CASE HERE: [email protected] SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detperspective/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/detperspective FIND DERRICK HERE Twitter: https://twitter.com/DerrickL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DerrickLevasseur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerrickVLevasseur CRIME WEEKLY AND COFFEE Criminal Coffee Company: https://www.CriminalCoffeeCo.com Crime Weekly:  https://crimeweeklypodcast.com/shop ADS: 1. https://www.ZocDoc.com/Detective - Download the ZocDoc app for FREE today! 2. Check out It's Happening with Snooki & Joey, now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite shows!

On July 11th, 1996, the half-naked body of Blair Adams, a 31-year-old Canadian citizen, was found in the parking lot of a construction site in Knoxville, Tennessee. He had been beaten to death and surrounding him were thousands of dollars in cash, gold, jewelry and travel documents. Detectives soon learned that in the days leading up to his murder, Blair had been acting strange. He told his friends that someone was trying to kill him, and he needed to get to the United States. Then, without warning, he left Canada, criss-crossing the U.S. border, switching vehicles, buying plane tickets, before finally ending up in Knoxville, a city where he didn't know anyone. Nearly 29 years later, investigators still don't know who killed Blair Adams, or why he was in Knoxville in the first place. Blaire Adams was last seen on surveillance footage at 7:37 p.m. on July 10th, 1996, walking out of the Fairfield Inn lobby in Knoxville, Tennessee, just off Strawberry Plains Pike. Early the next morning, his body was found in a parking lot of a nearby construction site, and he had been brutally beaten. Anyone with information in this case should contact the Knox County Sheriff's Office at (865) 215-2243. Editor: Shannon Keirce Research/Writing: Polly Kotowski SUBMIT A CASE HERE: [email protected] SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detperspective/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/detperspective FIND DERRICK HERE Twitter: https://twitter.com/DerrickL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DerrickLevasseur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerrickVLevasseur CRIME WEEKLY AND COFFEE Criminal Coffee Company: https://www.CriminalCoffeeCo.com Crime Weekly:  https://crimeweeklypodcast.com/shop ADS: 1. https://www.TryMiracle.com/Detective - Use code DETECTIVE for 3 FREE towels and an extra 20% off!

On the morning of January 24, 2006, 24-year-old Jennifer Kesse got ready for work after returning from a romantic getaway with her boyfriend. By 9 AM, she was supposed to be at the office—but she never arrived. It wasn’t like Jennifer to miss work without a call, so her boss contacted her parents, who immediately drove two hours to her Orlando condo. On the way, they asked the building manager to check her unit. Inside, everything appeared normal—nothing out of place, nothing missing—except for Jennifer and her car. Two days later, her car was found parked at a nearby condo complex, a mile from her home. Surveillance footage captured a person of interest walking away after parking her car—but to this day, their identity remains unknown. More than nineteen years later, Jennifer is still missing, and her family is still searching for answers. 24-year-old Jennifer Kesse disappeared on January 24, 2006. Based on the state of her condo, she had clearly showered and was getting ready for work when she left her apartment—either on her own or by force. At the time of her disappearance, Jennifer was 5’7” and weighed 130 pounds. She has sandy blonde hair and green eyes, and a green shamrock tattoo on her left buttocks. It is believed she had her cell phone, iPod, and purse with her. The exact time she vanished is unknown, but due to the condition of her condo, investigators believe she left—or was taken—between 7:30 and 7:45 AM on the 24th. Anyone with information is urged to contact the FDLE Orlando office at 407-245-0888 or email the brand new tip line at [email protected]. Editor: Shannon Keirce Research/Writing: Polly Kotowski SUBMIT A CASE HERE: [email protected] SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detperspective/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/detperspective FIND DERRICK HERE Twitter: https://twitter.com/DerrickL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DerrickLevasseur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerrickVLevasseur CRIME WEEKLY AND COFFEE Criminal Coffee Company: https://www.CriminalCoffeeCo.com Crime Weekly:  https://crimeweeklypodcast.com/shop ADS: 1. https://www.HungryRoot.com/Detective - Use code DETECTIVE for 40% off your first box and a FREE item of your choice for life!

On November 20, 2006, 19-year-old Jesse Warren Ross called his mother and told her about the incredible time he was having in Chicago at the Model UN Conference. He and several classmates from the University of Missouri–Kansas City had made the trip just days earlier. But Jesse never made it home. At around 2:00 a.m. on November 21, a select group of students, including Jesse, were called in for a late-night crisis simulation at the Sheraton on East North Water Street, where the conference was being held. The simulation was expected to last for hours. But at around 2:30 a.m., Jesse stood up, said he needed a break, and walked out of the hotel. He was never seen again. It has now been more than eighteen years since Jesse disappeared, leaving his friends and family still searching, and still wondering—what happened to Jesse Ross that night? 19-year-old Jesse Warren Ross was attending a Model UN conference in November 2006 in Chicago. On the night of the 20th, he returned to his hotel, the Four Points Sheraton on North Rush Street, with his classmates. After drinking for a few hours, they decided to attend the conference dance at the Sheraton on East North Water Street. Surveillance footage captured Jesse walking from his hotel to the conference hotel at around 12:45 a.m. on what was now November 21st. He was wearing a white t-shirt, a green hoodie, blue jeans, and black sneakers. The last confirmed sighting of him was at 2:30 a.m., when cameras recorded him leaving the conference hotel. He has not been seen since. At the time of his disappearance, Jesse was 5’10” and weighed 140 pounds. He had short red hair, blue eyes, and freckles, and often went by the nickname "Opie." He also wore glasses. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chicago Police Department at 312-745-5206 or the Missouri State Highway Patrol Missing Persons Unit at 1-800-877-3452. Editor: Shannon Keirce Research/Writing: Polly SUBMIT A CASE HERE: [email protected] SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detperspective/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/detperspective FIND DERRICK HERE Twitter: https://twitter.com/DerrickL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DerrickLevasseur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerrickVLevasseur CRIME WEEKLY AND COFFEE Criminal Coffee Company: https://www.CriminalCoffeeCo.com Crime Weekly:  https://crimeweeklypodcast.com/shop ADS: 1. https://www.JoinDeleteMe.com - Text DETECTIVE to 64000 for 20% off! 2. https://www.Acorns.com/Detective - Download the Acorns app today!

On the night of September 1, 2002, 35-year-old Michael Tardio and 31-year-old Christopher Monson drove to a restaurant on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, preparing to finalize a deal that could change their lives. They were meeting a man known only as Mr. Big to sell $1 million worth of jewelry, which had once belonged to Michael’s girlfriend, Playboy Bunny Sandy Bentley. Hours later, a Mercedes SUV was found engulfed in flames in an upscale Studio City neighborhood. Inside, Michael and Chris were both dead—each shot multiple times in the chest. The jewelry was gone, and the fire had erased all forensic evidence. Despite years of investigation, the case remains unsolved, leaving investigators asking: Who was Mr. Big? And what really happened the night Michael and Chris were killed? 35-year-old Michael Tardio and 31-year-old Christopher Monson were last seen on the night of September 1, 2002, driving to a restaurant on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. They were in a Mercedes SUV, heading to meet a man known only as Mr. Big to sell $1 million worth of stolen jewelry. Hours later, the SUV was found on fire in Studio City. Inside, Michael and Chris were both shot multiple times, and the jewelry was gone.  Investigators later learned that Michael Jacobs, a convicted felon who had introduced Michael Tardio to Mr. Big, had been in contact with them multiple times that night—and cell phone records placed him near both the meeting location and the crime scene. If you have any information about this case, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.  Editor: Shannon Keirce Research/Writing: Haley Gray SUBMIT A CASE HERE: [email protected] SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detperspective/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/detperspective FIND DERRICK HERE Twitter: https://twitter.com/DerrickL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DerrickLevasseur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerrickVLevasseur CRIME WEEKLY AND COFFEE Criminal Coffee Company: https://www.CriminalCoffeeCo.com Crime Weekly:  https://crimeweeklypodcast.com/shop ADS:  1. ZocDoc.com/Detective - Download the ZocDoc app for FREE!

On the night of February 19, 2005, 34-year-old Danielle Imbo and 35-year-old Richard Petrone met up with friends at Abilene’s, a bar in Philadelphia. By all accounts, they were having a great time, reconnecting after a breakup weeks prior. At around 11:45 p.m., they said their goodbyes and left the bar, planning to head to Danielle’s home in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. But they never made it home. Despite extensive searches and years of investigative efforts, there has never been a single confirmed sighting of Danielle, Richard, or the truck. And after two decades, their families are still left asking the same question—what happened to Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone? 34-year-old Danielle Ottobre and 35-year-old Richard Petrone were last seen at around 11:45 p.m. on February 19, 2005, leaving Abilene’s bar on South Street in Philadelphia. They were traveling in Richard’s 2001 Dodge Dakota pickup truck, which was black with a silver bottom portion, heading toward Danielle’s home in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. At the time of her disappearance, Danielle, who is a white female, was 5'5" tall and weighed approximately 120 lbs. She had hazel eyes and brown hair. She was last seen wearing a dark jacket, a cream sweater, and blue jeans. She also wore three small silver rings on her middle finger and carried a black purse. She has a tattoo of flowers on her lower back. Richard, who is a white male, was 5'9" tall and weighed approximately 200 lbs. He had blue eyes and brown hair and was last seen wearing blue jeans and a gray Polo sweatshirt. On his left arm is a tattoo with the word "Angela," and on his right is a tattoo of clowns.  If you have any information about Danielle and Richard’s disappearance, please contact the Citizens Crime Commission tip line at 215-546-8477. There is a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved  Editor: Shannon Keirce Research/Writing: Haley Gray SUBMIT A CASE HERE: [email protected] SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detperspective/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/detperspective FIND DERRICK HERE Twitter: https://twitter.com/DerrickL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DerrickLevasseur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerrickVLevasseur CRIME WEEKLY AND COFFEE Criminal Coffee Company: https://www.CriminalCoffeeCo.com Crime Weekly:  https://crimeweeklypodcast.com/shop ADS: 1. HungryRoot.com/Detective - Use code DETECTIVE for 40% off your first box PLUS a FREE item in every box for life! 2. Smalls.com - Use code DETECTIVE for 50% off your first order plus FREE shipping! 

Find Baby Ember on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FindBabyEmber/ On July 1, 2015, six-month-old Ember Graham was staying with her father, Matthew, in Shasta County, California. According to Matthew, he fell asleep around 10:30 PM, just feet away from his daughter. When he woke up just after 5:00 AM on July 2, Ember was gone. He called 911, and a large-scale search began. A few days later, Ember’s pacifier was found miles away from her home—but there was no other sign of her anywhere. For the last nine years, law enforcement and Ember’s family have never stopped searching. But she is still missing, leaving everyone asking the same question—where is Baby Ember? Six-month-old Ember Skye Graham went with her father, Matthew Graham, for an overnight visit on July 1, 2015. That afternoon, he made a stop at the Happy Stop store in Anderson, California. But after leaving the store, there was an unaccounted-for hour. Matthew and his cousin, Sara, later told authorities that he brought Ember home that evening and put her to bed. He claimed he fell asleep just a few feet away from her around 10:30 PM. But when he woke up just after 5:00 AM on July 2, Ember was gone.  Authorities quickly named Matthew a person of interest. Eight days after Ember was reported missing, her pacifier was found miles from his home. The next day, Matthew went on the run. His manhunt ended on July 13 in a fatal shootout. Detectives believe Matthew confided in someone about what happened to Ember and where she is. They are still searching for answers. If you have any information about Ember’s whereabouts, contact Shasta County Secret Witness at 530-243-2319 or the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office at 530-245-6540. A $10,000 reward is being offered. Editor: Shannon Keirce Research/Writing: Polly Kotowski SUBMIT A CASE HERE: [email protected] SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detperspective/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/detperspective FIND DERRICK HERE Twitter: https://twitter.com/DerrickL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DerrickLevasseur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerrickVLevasseur CRIME WEEKLY AND COFFEE Criminal Coffee Company: https://www.CriminalCoffeeCo.com Crime Weekly:  https://crimeweeklypodcast.com/shop ADS: 1. TryMiracle.com/Detective - Use code DETECTIVE to get 3 FREE towels and save an extra 20%! 2. Take control of your data and keep your private life private by signing up for DeleteMe! Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan by texting DETECTIVE to 64000!

On the morning of August 28, 2008, Kanika Powell, a 28-year-old laboratory employee with top-secret security clearance, left her apartment in Laurel, Maryland, to run errands. She had spent the past five days on edge after three different men—one posing as an FBI agent and two claiming to be delivery drivers—knocked on her door, each asking for her by name. She refused to let any of them in. Just before noon on the 28th, Kanika returned home. Moments later, she was ambushed outside her apartment and shot multiple times. Despite years of investigation, her killer has never been identified, leaving many unanswered questions. Was Kanika targeted because of her top-secret security clearance? Or was there something even more sinister at play? 28-year-old veteran Kanika Powell received three mysterious knocks at her door, starting on August 23, 2008. The first man claimed to be an FBI agent. The other two—one on the evening of August 27 and another on the morning of August 28—said they were there to deliver packages. Each man knew Kanika’s name, but she refused to let any of them in. After the final knock, Kanika left home to run errands. She returned around 11:50 a.m. and was gunned down in the hallway of her apartment at the Deerfield Run Apartments in Laurel, Maryland. The killer and murder weapon have never been found.  Anyone with information is asked to call Prince George’s County Police Department at 301-352-1200 or Prince George’s County Crime Solvers Hotline at 1-866-411-8477.  Editor: Shannon Keirce Research/Writing: Polly Kotowski SUBMIT A CASE HERE: [email protected] SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detperspective/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/detperspective FIND DERRICK HERE Twitter: https://twitter.com/DerrickL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DerrickLevasseur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerrickVLevasseur CRIME WEEKLY AND COFFEE Criminal Coffee Company: https://www.CriminalCoffeeCo.com Crime Weekly:  https://crimeweeklypodcast.com/shop ADS: 1. Acorns.com/Detective - Download the Acorns app to start saving today! 2. ShopRemi.com/Detective - Use code DETECTIVE and save up to 50%!