Somebody's Watching

In 1971, the Nation’s Capital was quite different from the current landscape of 2019. In many ways, the recent culture shift makes the city feel like a completely different place. However, there is one issue that still exists. The crimes against black girls and the interest or lack thereof to provide time and attention to solve these wrongdoings appear to be unchanged.In this episode, we dive into the first victim’s disappearance, Carol Spinks. Please join us, as we examine Washington DC’s background in 1971 and uncover the details of Carol’s disappearance.Support the show (http://www.somebodyswatchingpodcast.com)

Carol Spinks has been reported missing several blocks from where she lives. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain a complete mystery. Coincidentally, a body was discovered that seemingly fits the Spinks' description. Meanwhile, the May Day protests in Washington DC were a major focus for the Metropolitan Police Department despite receiving information of a body being found.A little over a month later, there's another girl missing from the same neighborhood; Darlenia Johnson.Support the show (http://www.somebodyswatchingpodcast.com)

Nineteen days have passed since the last victim was discovered. The “Freeway Phantom” appears to have changed locations, setting his sights on a different neighborhood to capture a new victim. On a warm summer evening, Brenda Crockett is sent to the grocery store on an errand only for her to never return. Later, her family receives a disturbing phone call.Support the show (http://www.somebodyswatchingpodcast.com)

It is now October 1971 and Nenomoshia Yates is abducted a couple of blocks from her home. The last reported sighting of Yates was her allegedly riding in a car with someone. A local news reporter dubs the killer as the infamous “Freeway Phantom.” While the Phantom continues to dump bodies in various jurisdictions, the FBI gets involved with the case. After the fifth victim, Brenda Woodard is found, authorities realize that the killer is becoming bolder and if possible — more ruthless.Support the show (http://www.somebodyswatchingpodcast.com)

More chilling details continue to emerge surrounding Brenda Woodard’s murder. Brenda’s remains are dumped on the same route her mother uses to travel to work. Differences in her case continue to surmount as her body is left with defensive wounds and a handwritten note that would rock this case to its core. The Freeway Phantom decides to take a hiatus, only to strike again several months later. The Phantom sets his sights on Diane Williams, an aspiring model and high school student. Is this another strategic plea for attention by the Freeway Phantom or simply another chance to commit a cruel and disturbing murder?Support the show (http://www.somebodyswatchingpodcast.com)

Questions and tensions swirl surrounding the identity of the “Freeway Phantom” murderer. The FBI task force assists in the investigation and compiles a list of characteristics of the suspect. Yet after several hurdles, the list of suspects don’t quite fit the mold or resonate as viable suspects for the case. Police scramble while using various resources and efforts in order to solve this murder mystery.Support the show (http://www.somebodyswatchingpodcast.com)

Although the narrative of the Freeway Phantom victims’ continues to highlight six casualties, there is a seventh victim. Her name is Teara Ann Bryant and information regarding her murder is not widely disclosed. With more coincidental details being exposed, this draws more questions about the mysterious killer. Is the Freeway Phantom murderer responsible for more victims?Support the show (http://www.somebodyswatchingpodcast.com)

The last “Freeway Phantom” victim was killed forty-seven years ago, yet there’s still the question of how the families of the victims are coping since the murders. Often times victims’ families are forgotten or dismissed, while the focus can strictly be on the apprehension of the suspect.Currently in 2019, there is still a long standing issue of “Black and Brown” girls disappearing. Has the media coverage on this issue improved? Or is the level of attention and concern for this issue still insignificant?Support the show (http://www.somebodyswatchingpodcast.com)