In this deeply personal episode, we sit down with Crystal Newkirk—one of LaTonya’s closest friends—to hear a firsthand account of the days leading up to LaTonya’s death, the day everything changed, and the lasting impact left behind.

Crystal shares intimate details about LaTonya as a person—the friend she was, the life she lived, and the moments that now carry new weight in hindsight. Through her voice, we gain a clearer picture of what those final days looked like and the questions that still remain.

This conversation is more than a retelling of events—it’s a reflection on loss, unanswered questions, and the enduring ripple effect of a life taken too soon.

As with all cases, all parties are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

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LaTonya Thomas’s case is one that truly defines what it means to be underserved—and overlooked.

In this episode, we break down the facts uncovered through our FOIA request, examining the official records, timelines, and key details that paint a troubling picture. What we found raises serious questions about how this case was handled and why it was closed when so much remains unresolved.

We walk through what is known today, highlight gaps in the investigation, and discuss the lasting impact on LaTonya’s family—who are still searching for answers and justice.

This is more than a case review. It’s a call to look deeper at the systems that fail victims and families when they need support the most.

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In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Rowton, one of Hailey Athay’s closest friends, for a deeply personal and emotional conversation about who Hailey really is beyond the headlines.

Amanda shares what it was like to know Hailey as a friend—the kind of person she was, the memories they built together, and the bond they shared. But this story doesn’t stop at loss. It’s about what comes after.

Amanda opens up about the responsibility and love involved in helping care for one of Hailey’s children, and how this unimaginable situation has reshaped her life and the lives of those around her. Through grief, resilience, and unwavering loyalty, she offers a perspective rarely heard in missing person cases—the voice of the friend who steps in and never steps away.

This is a story about friendship, family, and the lasting impact of disappearance.

As with all cases, all parties are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

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Ashley Griggs joins us to discuss the disappearance of her sister, Hailey Athay, and the details she believes matter most. From her perspective on the events of that day to the lingering questions that continue to haunt the case, Ashley provides a candid and emotional account. She also shares what it means to raise Hailey’s daughter in the absence of answers—and how that responsibility fuels her pursuit of truth.

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Behind every missing persons case is something we don’t always talk about enough—grief.

In this episode, we speak with Nick Gaylord, host of Grief Is Not a Dirty Word, about why grief deserves a louder voice and how his podcast is helping break the stigma around it. He shares his journey into podcasting, what drives his mission, and why these conversations matter.

We also explore how grief impacts families, communities, and even those telling these stories. Because at the heart of every case we cover… there are people carrying unimaginable weight.

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When someone goes missing, the world moves on—but families don’t.

In this episode, we speak with Nicole Brooks, the mother of Hailey Athay, who shares the reality of living in the unknown. Nicole walks us through the details she knows, the questions that still linger, and how Hailey’s disappearance has changed her life forever.

We also explore the importance of community support and advocacy in keeping cases like Hailey’s alive. This is a raw and powerful conversation about grief, strength, and a mother’s determination to find answers.

As with all cases, all parties are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

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For our 50th episode milestone, we sit down with Julia Cowley, a former profiler from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Behavioral Analysis Unit and host of the podcast The Consult.

In this conversation, we reflect on our first experience meeting Julia and how her philosophy and approach to investigative work helped shape the focus and mission behind our own podcast. Julia shares insights from her time working inside the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, discussing how profilers analyze behavior, develop offender profiles, and approach complex cases.

We also explore the human side of investigations—Julia’s perspective on working with families of the missing and murdered, the importance of empathy in investigative work, and how responsible true-crime platforms can help raise awareness, encourage community engagement, and potentially move cases forward.

This episode is both a look back at our journey to episode 50 and a powerful conversation about behavioral analysis, advocacy, and the role media can play in seeking answers.

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In this episode of Tragedy: A True Crime Podcast, we speak with Shasta Ives, a close friend of Hailey Athay and a passionate advocate in the ongoing search for answers surrounding Hailey’s disappearance.

Hailey vanished while mushroom picking in Washington, and despite search efforts and years of unanswered questions, those closest to her have never stopped looking for the truth.

Shasta shares what Hailey was like as a person and the friendship they shared. She also gives a firsthand account of the search efforts, describing the terrain, the volunteers who came together to help, and the determination of those who refuse to let Hailey’s case fade into the background.

But this conversation goes beyond the search itself. Shasta opens up about how Hailey’s disappearance has deeply affected her life and why she continues to advocate for attention and answers in Hailey’s case.

Behind every missing person case is a community still searching, still hoping, and still fighting for justice.

If you have information regarding the disappearance of Hailey Athay, please contact local law enforcement.

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Please visit us at www.tragedyatruecrimepodcast.com