Hold My Sweet Tea podcast

47:40

Send us a text Merch Link: https://hold-my-sweet-tea.printify.me Buy Me a Coffee Link: https://buymeacoffee.com/holdmysweettea Deep in the Georgia mountains stands the haunting ruins of Corpsewood Manor, a handcrafted brick sanctuary built by two men seeking escape from modern society. Their dream of peaceful isolation ended in bloodshed on a cold December night in 1982. Dr. Charles Scudder wasn't running from anything specific when he left his prestigious position as a pharmacology professor at Loyola University. At 50, with his marriages behind him and children grown, he simply craved something different—a life untethered from societal expectations. Alongside his companion Joseph Odom and two massive mastiffs named after demonic figures, he purchased 40 acres near Tryon, Georgia, and began building what locals would come to call "the castle." What they accomplished was remarkable. With no construction experience beyond what Scudder learned from books, they laid 45,000 bricks by hand, created stained glass windows, established gardens, beehives, and a vineyard. They lived modestly on $200 monthly, keeping their wealth in banks rather than their home. Their eccentric residence featured occult imagery, pink gargoyles, and a notorious "Pink Room" in their three-story chicken coop where they entertained guests with homemade wine and hallucinogens Scudder had brought from his research days. The story turns tragic when Kenneth Avery Brock, a local allowed to hunt on their property, shares details about the "homosexual devil worshippers" with his roommate—a man with a previous murder conviction. What began as a robbery attempt quickly descended into horrific violence, leaving Scudder, Odom, and their beloved dogs dead, their killers fleeing with little more than trinkets and coins. This wasn't just a random crime—it reflected the emerging Satanic Panic of the 1980s, when alternative lifestyles were viewed with suspicion and fear. Corpsewood shows how prejudice can transform into violence, and how living authentically can sometimes come at an unimaginable cost. Visit our website to see images of Corpsewood Manor and learn more about this fascinating case where the American dream of freedom collided with the darkest aspects of human nature. Sources: https://www.northgeorgiahistory.com/post/death-comes-to-corpsewood-manor Luke Gregson, October 21,Fearful Symmetry in the North Georgia Woods. 2024https://oxfordamerican.org/oa-now/the-corpsewood-manor-murders The Corpsewood Manor Murders in North Georgia - Amy Petulla (2016) Mother Earth News - A Castle In the Woods by Charles Scudder - April/May (1981) Various newspaper articles from 1982-1983 Ellis, David “Corpsewood: A True Crime Like No Other”, 2016 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JSJ1BJC/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 Grey, Orrin “House of Horror: The Brutal Murders at Georgia’s Corpsewood Manor”, 2019 https://the-line-up.com/corpsewood-manor Petula, Amy “The Corpsewood Manor Murders in North Georgia”, 2018 https://www.amazon.com/Corpsewood-Manor-Murders-North-Georgia-ebook/dp/B01IFYLMZ4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1548036178&sr=1-1 Scudder, Charles “A Castle in the Country”, 1981 https://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/castle-in-the-country-zmaz81mazraw West v The State, 1984 https://law.justia.com/cases/georgia/supreme-court/1984/40134-1.html …

Hold My Sweet Tea

1
Ep. 27-The Disappearance of Brittany Robinson 29:46

il y a environ 6 jours29:46

29:46

Send us a text Merch Link: https://hold-my-sweet-tea.printify.me Buy Me a Coffee Link: https://buymeacoffee.com/holdmysweettea The story of missing teenager Brittany Robinson begins with pure excitement – a 14-year-old girl bouncing with joy at the rare opportunity to spend a weekend with her estranged father in Mobile, Alabama. So enthusiastic was Brittany that she had to run back into the house to give her mother one last kiss and "I love you" before heading off on what should have been a simple two-day visit. That June weekend in 2012 marked the beginning of a mystery that has haunted her family for over a decade. Brittany's mother described her as the quintessential caring teen – bright, bookish, opinionated yet shy, with an unwavering moral compass and a smile that could light up a room. Despite her father's minimal presence in her life, Brittany maintained hope for connection, making this visit all the more significant. When she failed to return home, her mother's initial worry about a custody dispute quickly evolved into something far more sinister as the weeks passed with no sign of her daughter. The investigation took a disturbing turn when authorities located Demetric Hooper, Brittany's father, at a mental health facility in Arkansas six weeks after her disappearance. Not only was Brittany nowhere to be found, but Hooper possessed her pink iPod along with knives and rope. His erratic travel patterns across multiple states, history of schizophrenia treatment, and constantly changing story raised immediate red flags. Yet despite searching his home and questioning relatives, investigators struggled to piece together what actually happened during that fateful weekend visit. After years of investigation, cold case detectives gathered enough evidence to secure a murder indictment in 2024, though prosecutors acknowledge the significant challenges of trying a case without a body. As Brittany's mother poignantly asked through tears, "Did he give her to somebody? Did he sell her?" These agonizing questions persist as the legal process unfolds. If you're drawn to cases where family dynamics, mental health issues, and determined investigators intersect, this episode offers a heartbreaking yet compelling exploration of a mystery that continues to evolve. Source Material: Poole, Summer, Nov. 11, 2023, Brittany Robinson: 14-year-old goes missing while visiting with her dad, https://www.wkrg.com/true-crime/brittany-robinson-14-year-old-goes-missing-while-visiting-with-her-dad/ Gunter, Brad, May 23, 2024, 12 years later, Brittany Robinson’s father back in Mobile to face murder charges, https://mynbc15.com/news/local/12-years-later-brittany-robinsons-father-back-in-mobile-to-face-murder-charge Keith, Damali, Nov. 30, 2023, Missing Brittany Shante Robinson last seen 11 years ago at 14 years old, https://www.fox26houston.com/news/the-missing-14-year-old-missing-more-than-11-years Jones, Jeremy and Poole, Summer, June 12, 2024, Brittany Robinson’s father pleads not guilty in connection with murder, https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/brittany-robinsons-father-pleads-not-guilty-in-connection-with-murder/…

Hold My Sweet Tea

1
Ep. 26-Cold Case Compilation: Arkansas Missing Persons 33:34

il y a environ 9 jours33:34

33:34

Send us a text Merch Link: https://hold-my-sweet-tea.printify.me Buy Me a Coffee Link: https://buymeacoffee.com/holdmysweettea The forgotten ones. The files that gather dust. The faces on faded missing person flyers that no one notices anymore. These are the cold cases that have too little information for full episodes but too much importance to ignore completely. We're shining light on three unsolved disappearances from Arkansas that have haunted families for years and stumped investigators. First is April Dawn Andrews, a shy 15-year-old who vanished in 2006 while supposedly walking to a church clothing giveaway. A witness reported seeing her speaking with someone in an old brown pickup truck before she disappeared completely. Despite being described as a devoted "mama's girl" who had recently lost her father, police initially classified her as a runaway, potentially costing precious investigation time. Then there's 75-year-old Sylvester Nicholson, an avid walker who disappeared in 2003 during one of his regular walks through Little Rock. Despite being mentally sharp with a distinctive facial characteristic due to Bell's palsy, Sylvester seemed to vanish without trace from a populated area of Highway 565. His community knew him well, yet no credible sightings ever materialized. Most suspicious is the 1987 disappearance of Patsy Clark, whose ex-husband claimed she left their home in a taxi. Investigations revealed no taxi was ever dispatched to their address, and mysteriously, someone cashed Patsy's social security checks for two months after she vanished. Her son has spent decades searching for answers, convinced there was foul play involved in his mother's disappearance. These cases represent the reality of most missing persons reports – they quickly go cold without sensational elements or solid evidence. But behind each case is a family still waiting, still wondering, still hoping for answers. We're sharing contact information for each case in hopes that someone, somewhere might have information that could finally bring closure. Have you seen something that could help solve these mysteries? Do you know of other forgotten cold cases that deserve attention? Share your thoughts with us at steeped@holdmysweettea.com or on our socials. Sometimes all it takes is one memory, one tip, to break a case wide open. Sources: NamUs.gov https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/case/MP5799 https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/case/MP12809 Uncovered: Cold Case www.uncovered.com https://uncovered.com/cases/patsy-clark-little-rock-ar https://uncovered.com/cases/sylvester-nicholson https://uncovered.com/cases/april-andrews-pea-ridge-ar…

Hold My Sweet Tea

1
Ep. 25-Shondra May UPDATE: Rubin Weeks arrested in 39-year-old Cold Case 28:06

il y a environ 14 jours28:06

28:06

Send us a text Merch Link: https://hold-my-sweet-tea.printify.me Buy Me a Coffee Link: https://buymeacoffee.com/holdmysweettea A significant breakthrough occurs in the 1986 Shondra May cold case as Scott County Sheriff's Department arrests 63-year-old Rubin Weeks on charges of kidnapping, rape, and murder. • Original suspect Rubin Weeks arrested Tuesday morning at an RV park in Madison County • Weeks previously convicted in 1991 for similarly kidnapping and raping a Missouri motel clerk • Both cases show striking similarities: victims were taken from cars, restrained with poultry tape, and sexually assaulted • Three eyewitnesses have reportedly come forward with crucial information • Weeks had previously served multiple sentences in Mississippi for breaking and entering, forgery, and burglary • Sheriff Mike Lee fulfills his promise to solve the case, bringing relief to Chandra's brother and cousin • Cold case was broken by "networking and finding people willing to talk" If you have any information about this case, please contact the Scott County Sheriff's Office or message the Shondra May Murder Investigation Facebook page monitored by cold case investigators. https://www.facebook.com/share/1ETSSnUgNi/?mibextid=wwXIfr Source Material: Stribling, Wilson, Apr 29, 2025, Arrest made in Shondra May cold case, https://www.wlbt.com/2025/04/29/arrest-made-shondra-may-cold-case/?outputType=amp Apel, Therese, Apr 29, 2025, Arrest made in 39-year-old cold case death of Shondra May, https://darkhorsepressnow.com/arrest-made-in-39-year-old-cold-case-death-of-shondra-may/ Weeks V. State 2004, https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/mo-supreme-court/1333741.html Northside Sun, Apr 29,2025, Arrest made in Shonda May Murder, https://www.northsidesun.com/arrest-made-shondra-may-murder-68111945e4f94 Rubin R. Weeks, Appellant, v. Mike Bowersox, Appellee, 119 F.3d 1342 (8th Cir. 1997), Submitted April 15, 1997. Decided July 24, 1997 https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F3/119/1342/486411/…

Hold My Sweet Tea

1
Ep. 24-(Part 2): New Orleans Trunk Murders: Blood, Betrayal and Butchery 36:29

il y a environ 16 jours36:29

36:29

Send us a text The butcher, his knife, and two trunks packed for departure—these are the elements of one of New Orleans' most gruesome yet strangely forgotten crimes. When two women were found dismembered and packed into travel trunks at 725 Ursuline Avenue in 1927, the city was horrified. Sisters-in-law Theresa and Leonide Moity had been planning to leave New Orleans the following day, but their husbands had other ideas. While Joseph turned himself in, Henry—a skilled butcher—fled after confessing his crimes to his brother. We unravel how Henry's background as a butcher played into the methodical way he dismembered his victims, cutting through joints rather than bones with practiced precision. The coroner's observations about the "skillfully removed" heads paints a chilling picture of a man who knew exactly what he was doing. What's truly shocking isn't just the brutality of this crime but the justice system's response. Despite being sentenced to life, Henry was made a prison trustee and eventually escaped during a routine trip to the post office. After being recaptured, he was pardoned in 1948 on grounds of "temporary insanity due to alcohol consumption"—a justification that completely ignores his premeditated actions. The story doesn't end there. Eight years after his release, Henry shot another girlfriend during an argument, proving his violence wasn't a one-time occurrence. More disturbing still is how these murders have morphed in local memory, elements of the crime seemingly absorbed into the urban legend of the "Sausage Ghost" while the actual victims have been forgotten. Why do some crimes fade from memory while others become defining stories? How does truth transform into legend? Join us as we explore this deeply disturbing case that raises profound questions about justice, memory, and the stories we choose to tell—or forget. Have you heard other forgotten crimes that deserve remembering? Share your thoughts with us and subscribe to hear more tales of justice and injustice from America's most haunted city.…

Hold My Sweet Tea

1
Ep. 23-Isabelle Blair & Marian Coutee 30 Year Old Cold Case SOLVED!! 35:10

il y a environ 20 jours35:10

35:10

Send us a text What happens when the person you suspect is guilty walks free for 30 years? The disappearance of Isabelle Blair and Marian Coutee in July 1989 left families devastated and searching for answers that wouldn't come for decades. The timing couldn't have been more suspicious—Isabel had filed for legal separation from her husband, Robert Brunson Blair, just days before she vanished along with her friend who was helping her leave the marriage. We dive into this cold case that haunted Alexandria, Louisiana for three decades, exploring how investigators were stymied by lack of evidence despite their suspicions about Robert Blair. Though family members knew in their hearts who was responsible, it would take a property sale in 2019 to finally break the case wide open. The discovery of a submerged vehicle in a pond on Blair family land led to the recovery of human remains and ultimately to Robert Blair's arrest at age 71. The emotional courtroom confrontation between Blair and his victims' families reveals the deep wounds that never healed during those 30 years. Isabelle's daughter faced her mother's killer, who had smiled in their faces for decades while knowing exactly what he had done. Through victim impact statements and the final resolution of the case, we witness how justice, though significantly delayed, finally arrived for Isabelle and Marian. This powerful episode reminds us that some secrets can't stay buried forever, and that persistence in seeking truth can bring closure even when all hope seems lost. Source Material: KATC News, Oct. 16, 2019, Arrest made in 30-year-old Alexandria cold case, https://www.katc.com/news/covering-louisiana/arrest-made-in-30-year-old-alexandria-cold-case Gregory, Melissa, Feb. 12, 2020, Alexandria man gets 40 years for 1989 deaths of wife and friend, https://www.thetowntalk.com/story/news/2020/02/12/alexandria-man-gets-40-years-1989-deaths-wife-and-friend/4737746002/ Buford, Brooke, Oct. 22, 2019, Suspected human remains found could be connected to 1989 cold case, https://www.kalb.com/content/news/Suspected-human-remains-found-could-be-connected-to-1989-cold-case-563650681.html Photo Credit: Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office…

Hold My Sweet Tea

1
Ep. 22-(Part 1):New Orleans Trunk Murders:Blood, Betrayal, and Butchery 37:39

il y a environ 23 jours37:39

37:39

Send us a text The forgotten 1927 New Orleans Trunk Murders stand among the most gruesome crimes in the city's history. Sisters Teresa and Leonide had hoped to escape their troubled marriages to brothers Henry and Joseph Moiti, packing their belongings into trunks for a fresh start away from their cramped French Quarter apartment at 715 Ursuline Avenue. What happened next shocked even veteran crime reporters. When a housekeeper arrived at their apartment on October 27th, she discovered a scene of unimaginable horror - blood splattered everywhere and dismembered body parts packed into the very trunks meant for the women's escape. Most chilling were the severed "lady fingers" and Teresa's wedding ring, viciously jammed into a wound on her back. The story reveals the desperate circumstances of these young mothers trying to support their five children through sewing jobs while their "shiftless" husbands drank away what little money they had. When the women began seeking comfort elsewhere - particularly Teresa's flirtations with a married real estate agent operating from their building - jealousy and rage festered until it exploded in violence. Among the victims' belongings, investigators found a haunting manuscript written by Leonide, containing an autobiographical story with an ominous warning to young women about marriage being "a life sentence." This prescient message adds a layer of tragic irony to a case that exemplifies the vulnerability of women in 1920s America. This macabre tale connects with another dark chapter in New Orleans folklore - the nearby "sausage ghost" legend - creating an unsettling web of stories from the city's past. Join us for this two-part exploration of a crime that time nearly forgot, but whose gruesome details continue to shock modern audiences and illuminate the darker corners of Jazz Age New Orleans. Looking forward to part two? Subscribe now to discover what happened to the murderous husbands, the fate of the five orphaned children, and how this shocking case connects to other mysterious happenings in the historic French Quarter.…

Hold My Sweet Tea

1
Ep. 21-Myra Lewis, Missing Without a Trace: The Mysterious Disappearance of Mississippi's Longest-Standing Amber Alert 41:13

il y a environ 27 jours41:13

41:13

Send us a text The story of Myra Lewis represents a parent's worst nightmare made even more disturbing by bewildering circumstances. In the quiet rural area of Camden, Mississippi, a bright-eyed two-year-old girl vanished from her front yard on March 1, 2014, becoming what remains today as Mississippi's longest-standing Amber Alert case. What began as a seemingly ordinary Saturday morning quickly descended into mystery when Myra's mother returned from grocery shopping to discover her daughter missing. Her father, who had been playing video games inside with their infant, claimed he thought the child had gone to the store with her mother. This critical miscommunication launched what would become one of the most perplexing missing persons cases in the state's history. The search effort was massive and thorough—helicopters scanned from above while ground teams combed through the dense vegetation surrounding the rural property. Dive teams methodically checked nearby ponds, and cadaver dogs were brought in to assist. Curiously, these dogs repeatedly alerted to the family's ATV, the very vehicle Myra's father claimed to have used while searching for her before it broke down. Despite this potential lead and the extensive search covering a five-mile radius, Myra seemed to have vanished without a trace. Perhaps most troubling about this case is what happened after the disappearance. Within a few years, the Lewis home sat abandoned. The family reportedly cut off all contact with investigators, left no forwarding address, and apparently stopped inquiring about their missing daughter. As Sheriff Randy Tucker poignantly noted in a recent interview, "If my two-year-old baby girl is missing, I'm going to bother you every damn day." This unusual behavior has only deepened suspicions among law enforcement that family members may know more than they've revealed. The FBI continues to offer a $20,000 reward for information leading to Myra's whereabouts. If you have any information about this case, please contact the Madison County Sheriff's Department or the Jackson FBI office. Someone knows what happened to this child—could your tip be the one that finally brings answers? Source Material: Brown, B. and Howell, K., Mar. 1, 2024, Myra Lewis Still Missing 10 Years After Disappearance, www.wjtv.com/news/local-news/myra-lewis-still-missing-10-years-after-disappearance/ Pickens, E. May 16, 2019, Myra Lewis case frustrates sheriff 5 years after toddler’s disappearance, https://www.wapt.com/article/myra-lewis-case-frustrates-sheriff-5-years-after-toddlers-disappearance/27493841 Abel, Therese, Clarion Ledger, March 1, 2015, One year later, Myra Lewis is still missing, https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/03/01/one-year-later-myra-lewis-is-still-missing/24221311/ Kenny, David, March 25,2014, Myra Lewis’ grandmother talks about the case, www.wlbt.com/story/25057430/ myra-lewis-mother-to-remain-in-j ail-for-now…

Hold My Sweet Tea

1
Ep. 20-The Sausage Ghost of New Orleans 31:54

il y a 4 weeks31:54

31:54

Send us a text Blood-curdling legends echo through the streets of New Orleans, but few tales match the macabre horror of the Mad Butcher, also known as the Sausage Ghost. This spine-tingling story follows Hans Mueller, a German immigrant who established a thriving sausage factory with his wife in the 1800s on Ursuline Street. Behind their successful business façade lurked a dark secret—Hans had grown weary of his aging wife and fallen for a younger woman. Consumed by desire and desperation, Hans committed the unthinkable. After strangling his wife, he faced a dilemma: how to dispose of her body without raising suspicion in the tight-knit community. His solution was as ingenious as it was horrifying—he fed her remains through the sausage grinder, turning his murdered spouse into merchandise. For weeks, Hans sold his special new blend to unsuspecting customers while claiming his wife was away visiting relatives. The gruesome truth began to surface when patrons discovered strange items in their sausages—strands of hair, bits of fabric, and eventually, a fragment of a gold wedding ring. Meanwhile, Hans descended into madness, haunted by visions of his wife emerging from the meat vats. When authorities finally confronted him, they found a broken man raving about vengeful ghosts. Committed to an asylum, he ultimately took his own life, unable to escape the horror of his actions. While historical records cast doubt on whether the Muellers ever operated a business at 725 Ursuline Street, this chilling legend persists in New Orleans folklore. Fascinatingly, it bears striking similarities to the real-life New Orleans Trunk Murders of 1927—a gruesome case we'll explore in our next episode. Whether fact or fiction, the Sausage Ghost reminds us that sometimes the most terrifying monsters aren't supernatural entities, but the darkness lurking within ordinary people. Have you heard other versions of this New Orleans legend? Share your thoughts and join us next week as we delve into the true crime case that may have inspired this enduring ghost story. Source Material: https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/whats-behind-grisly-tale-of-new-orleans-sausage-ghost/article_c83e1a74-d578-11ed-95ca-8792bde146a7.html https://www.frenchquarterphantoms.com/blog/mad-butcher http://hauntednation.blogspot.com/2016/10/sausage-manhans-muller-house-new.html…

Hold My Sweet Tea

1
EP. 19-The Thomas House Hotel: Stay for a Haunted Weekend and Dip into Red Boiling Springs, TN 35:41

il y a 5 weeks35:41

35:41

Send us a text Nestled in the rolling hills of Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee stands the Thomas House Hotel, a historic building whose walls have witnessed far more than your average overnight stay. Built in 1890 as a wellness resort on natural mineral springs, this remarkable structure has survived devastating fires, transformed from elite spa to boys' summer camp to alleged cult headquarters, and emerged as one of the South's most actively haunted destinations. The hotel's unique geographical features—natural springs, limestone bedrock, and creek intersections marking ancient Native American trails—create what paranormal investigators call a perfect storm for supernatural activity. Guests regularly report encounters with the whistling spirit of Mr. Cloyd wandering the hallways, a mischievous young girl named Sarah who holds doorknobs shut and rolls balls down corridors, and the ghost of seven-year-old Edwin Rush, whose tragic drowning in the hotel pool in 1961 seems to have tethered his spirit to the property. What makes the Thomas House truly special is how it embraces both its haunted reputation and historical significance. Today's visitors can book special ghost hunting weekends complete with haunted room accommodations, history presentations, midnight snack buffets, and all-night paranormal investigations. The property features numerous buildings and spaces where experienced and novice ghost hunters alike can seek evidence of the other side. For those seeking a less supernatural experience, the hotel also offers live music, theatrical dinner performances, and the simple charm of a historic Southern hotel with a colorful past. Whether you're drawn by the disembodied crashes that sound like falling bricks, the cold spots in empty hallways, or simply the allure of spending the night in a place where history and mystery intertwine, the Thomas House Hotel offers an experience that lingers long after checkout. Will you encounter Mr. Cloyd's whistling, feel Sarah tugging at your doorknob, or perhaps catch a glimpse of something unexplainable in the white hallway? There's only one way to find out—book your stay and prepare to be part of the next chapter in this remarkable building's ongoing story. Ready to experience the supernatural for yourself? Visit their website to book your regular stay or ghost hunting weekend—if you're brave enough to spend the night where some guests never checked out. www.thomashousehotel.com Source Material: Kraft, Megan, Updated, September 9, 2022, The Haunted Thomas House Hotel in Tennessee Has a Unique and Fascinating Story, https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/stays/tennessee/thomas-house-hotel-haunting-tn Garcia, Tony, November 12, 2024, Demolition of hotel’s ‘haunted’ pool Underway in Red Boiling Springs, https://www.wsmv.com/2024/11/12/demolition-hotels-haunted-pool-underway-red-boiling-springs/ The Thomas House Hotel, https://thomashousehotel.com/history.html Tennessee Crossroads, Thomas House Hotel, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge3UIER0_94…

Hold My Sweet Tea

1
Ep. 18-Why Carol? The Unsolved Killing That Still Haunts Algiers, LA. 31:43

il y a 5 weeks31:43

31:43

Send us a text The quiet neighborhood of Algiers, nestled across the Mississippi River from New Orleans' French Quarter, was shattered by gunfire on an October evening in 2017. Carol Lombard Ross - a 55-year-old grandmother, community pillar, and beloved "neighborhood mom" - lost her life in a hail of bullets outside her own home. Carol embodied the spirit of community service that ran deep in her family's veins. Her brother Darren worked his way from deputy clerk to Orleans Parish Criminal Court Clerk. Her cousin Rudy organized groundbreaking civil rights sit-ins. Her sister-in-law Juana served as Louisiana's Alcohol and Tobacco Control Commissioner before being elected New Orleans Magistrate. But Carol's contribution was equally powerful though less official - she was the watchful eye who encouraged children to stay in school, kept the neighborhood clean, and offered friendship to all who needed it. That makes the violence that claimed her life all the more senseless. A white Ford F-150 truck pulled up on LaBeouf Street, and someone inside unleashed dozens of rounds that struck Carol multiple times. Despite neighbors rushing to her aid, she succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. The question that haunts everyone who knew her remains: "Why Carol?" Louisiana Senator Troy Carter, a family friend, put it perfectly: "It wasn't her being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's the criminal being in the wrong place." Despite bullet holes riddling several cars and a $5,000 reward from Crimestoppers, leads have been scarce, and this case remains unsolved years later. Carol's story represents countless victims whose cases fade from headlines while their communities continue to grieve. If you have any information about this crime, please contact Crimestoppers at 1-877-903-STOP. You can remain anonymous and possibly bring long-overdue justice to a family and community who've waited far too long for answers. https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/fatal-shooting-in-algiers-leaves-well-known-lombard-family-in-mourning/289-487576621 https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/woman-fatally-shot-in-algiers-on-monday-was-member-of-well-known-lombard-family/article_80cf2815-af04-5308-9dc1-3467917bdbc9.html https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/nola/name/carol-ross-obituary?id=12469010 https://crimesolverscentral.com/homicide/10925…

Hold My Sweet Tea

1
Ep. 17-Missing: Athena Joy Curry 43:02

il y a 6 weeks43:02

43:02

Send us a text The haunting case of Athena Joy Curry draws us into a mother's inexplicable disappearance that continues to baffle investigators nearly fourteen years later. We explore the troubling circumstances around what happened after a late-night argument between Athena and her son's father on May 27, 2011, when she allegedly walked out of his Atlanta apartment wearing only a tank top and shorts—without her beloved 16-month-old son. Something doesn't add up. How could a dedicated mother who arrived via public transportation simply vanish into the night? Why did four days pass before anyone reported her missing? The explanation that she abandoned her child after seeing text messages from another woman on her boyfriend's phone strikes her family as impossible to believe. As we dig deeper, we uncover disturbing allegations of domestic violence in Athena's relationship, including reports that her boyfriend had previously been arrested for assaulting her and had threatened her with a stun gun on the day she gave birth. Years after her disappearance, he would face similar charges with another girlfriend, suggesting a troubling pattern. This case highlights the painful reality that stories of missing persons of color often receive minimal media attention. Athena's sister Aisha has worked tirelessly to keep her memory alive, eventually adopting King, who has grown into a young man bearing striking resemblances to the mother he never knew. Through her Facebook page and website dedicated to finding Athena, the family continues their search for answers. Could someone have witnessed something that night in the apartment complex? Does someone hold the key to solving this mystery? We ask you to consider sharing Athena's story and contacting the Atlanta Police Department with any information that might help bring closure to a family still wondering what happened to their beloved Athena. Source Material: Athena Joy Curry, Atlanta PD Missing Persons, https://www.atlantapd.org/community/crime-stoppers/missing-persons/athena-joy-curry Cavalier, Andrea, May 23, 2020, Georgia Woman desperate for answers in mysterious disappearance of younger sister, Athena Curry, who hasn’t been seen since 2011, https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/georgia-woman-desperate-answers-mysterious-disappearance-younger-sister-athena-curry-n1213871 Jaquez, Nefertiti, September 21, 2017, Police working case of Woman who disappeared after fight with boyfriend, https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/police-working-case-of-woman-who-disappeared-after-fight-with-boyfriend/526716233/ WXIA staff, May 16, 2015, Ga. Mysteries: 20-year-old mom vanishes without a trace https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/cascade-sw-atlanta/ga-mysteries-20-year-old-mom-vanishes-without-a-trace/85-130363933…

Hold My Sweet Tea

1
Ep. 16-Mountain Medicine & Folk Remedies: Exploring the Rich Traditions of Appalachian Granny Magic 33:12

il y a 6 weeks33:12

33:12

Send us a text Deep in the hills and hollers of Appalachia, a powerful healing tradition emerged from necessity and wisdom. "Granny Women, Granny Magic or Granny Witchcraft" is the amalgamation of cultural knowledge, medicinal practices and religion of all kinds that women used to provide healing and healthcare in isolated mountain communities for centuries. These remarkable "granny women" combined European folk healing traditions with Native American plant knowledge, German folklore, and African spiritual practices to create a uniquely American approach to medicine. Far more than just herb collectors, they were skilled midwives, weather forecasters, diviners, and community pillars whose knowledge sustained generations through hardship and isolation. What makes this tradition particularly fascinating is its integration with Christian faith. The Bible itself was considered a source of power, with scriptural verses woven into healing practices. Many common sayings we still use today—"an apple a day keeps the doctor away" or "feed a cold, starve a fever"—emerged from this practical folk wisdom. The remedies themselves were remarkably effective: flaxseed poultices drawing infection from boils, sulfur from struck matches treating ringworm, and Epsom salt baths combating blood poisoning. As we've become increasingly disconnected from these traditional practices, many are now rediscovering their value. Social media platforms showcase a revival of interest in natural remedies and healing traditions that prioritize observation, nature's pharmacy, and time-tested applications. For those with Appalachian heritage, exploring these practices provides connection to ancestral wisdom; for everyone else, it offers perspective on medicine before pharmaceuticals dominated healthcare. Join us as we explore this rich tradition and share personal experiences with folk remedies passed through generations. Have family healing traditions of your own? We'd love to hear them! Email us at steeped@holdmysweettea.com or connect with us on social media. And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for our upcoming Natchez investigation! Sources for this episode: Duke University-November 11, 2024- Black History Month: A Medical Perspective, Folk Medicine https://guides.mclibrary.duke.edu/blackhistorymonth/folkmed?hl=en-US Novella Nimmo-2025-Remembering Healers and Herbal Remedies https://freedomcenter.org/voice/remembering-healers-and-herbal-remedies/?hl=en-US#:~:text=Enslavement%20brought%20a%20lot%20of%20healers%20from%20Africa. Pam Shade-October 10, 2022-Sassafrass: Native Gem of North America https://cornellbotanicgardens.org/sassafras-native-gem-of-north-america/?hl=en-US#:~:text=Sassafras%20has%20a%20long%20history,in%20a%20variety%20of%20ways. ....... Appalachian Folk Magic: Generations of “Granny Witchcraft” and Spiritual Work August 15, 2023 | Emma Cieslik https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/appalachian-folk-magic?hl=en-US#:~:text=European%20settlers%20didn't%20flood,practices%20with%20them%20from%20Western Beth Ward-November 21, 2017- The Long Tradition of Folk Healing Among Southern Appalachian Women https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/southern-appalachia-folk-healers-granny-women-neighbor-ladies Patti Wigington-December 28, 2019 Appalachian Folk Magic and Granny Witchcraft https://www.learnreligions.com/appalachian-folk-magic-4779929…

Hold My Sweet Tea

1
Ep. 15-The Sugar Flats Beast of Lebanon, TN: Cryptid or Carnival Attraction? 33:19

il y a 7 weeks33:19

33:19

Send us a text The folklore surrounding roadside attractions has always captivated the American imagination, particularly when those attractions blur the line between reality and fantasy. Our deep dive into the Sugar Flats Beast of Lebanon, Tennessee takes you through the bizarre tale of what happens when a couple driving down Lover's Lane strikes something neither fully human nor animal. Between nostalgic detours through 80s movies and hilarious tales of our time working at Blockbuster Music, we unpack the mysterious story of a five-foot-tall, fur-covered creature whose taxidermied head became the centerpiece of a small-town antique store. With its unsettling human-like features—teeth without lips, glass eyes in human sockets, and skin showing through patches of fur—the Sugar Flats Beast challenges our understanding of what might lurk in the shadows of rural America. What makes this story particularly fascinating is the head's pattern of disappearance and reappearance over the years. Was it simply an elaborate hoax designed to drive tourism to a small Tennessee town? Or could there be something to the legend that defies conventional explanation? We explore both possibilities while examining America's long tradition of roadside attractions and our cultural fascination with cryptids. Whether you're a dedicated cryptid hunter or simply enjoy a good mystery, this episode offers both laughs and legitimate questions about what we choose to believe. Share your own cryptid stories with us by emailing steeped@holdmysweettea.com or clicking the "send us a text" link in our episode description on your favorite podcast platform! Source Material: Crusader1307, 2013, The Sugar Flat Lane Beast, www.stronghold-nation.com/history/myth/the-sugar-flat-lane-beast Craig Shoup , Kirsten Fiscus , Andy Humbles , Katie Nixon and Nicole Young , 2023, Bigfoot, Bell Witch, Mothman and Spirits: what to know about Tennessee's monsters, legends www.tennessean.com/story/news/2023/10/19/beast-bigfoot-bell-witch-learn-about-tennessees-monsters-legends/70985489007/ Photo Credit: Denny Simmons/The Tennessean…

Hold My Sweet Tea

1
Ep. 14-Justice for Cooper: Unraveling a Father's Double Life 40:52

il y a 7 weeks40:52