Kona Gallagher Kona Gallagher

Unraveling the Mystery of Yasmin Acree: A Troubled Past, Police Missteps, and Lingering Questions

In the tragic narrative of Yasmin Acree, a life marked by foster care, abuse, and police missteps unfolds. Born into instability, Yasmin's journey through the Kentucky foster care system and tumultuous years with Rose Mae Starnes in Chicago culminated in a chilling disappearance in 2008. Terrell Smith, a figure with a dark past, adds complexity to the narrative, as police missteps and a lack of answers leave Yasmin's family in despair. Despite revelations of misconduct and disturbing claims, Yasmin's case remains unsolved.

This week’s episode delves into the heartbreaking events that unfolded in Yasmin Acree's life and the unresolved mystery surrounding her disappearance.

Early Struggles and Foster Care

Yasmin's challenging childhood, marked by neglect and abuse, led to her placement in the Kentucky foster care system as a toddler. During this time, Yasmin and her brother faced physical abuse, and Yasmin was a victim of sexual abuse. In 2001, their mother, Joyce Acree, petitioned for her children to be permanently placed with relatives. Yasmin and her brother found a new home with Rose Mae Starnes in Chicago. However, this wasn't a fairy tale ending, as Rose struggled to provide a nurturing environment. Yasmin's blossoming personality clashed with her unresolved trauma.

Introduction of Danger

35-year-old Terrell Smith, a man with a criminal history, moved into the same building as Yasmin. Despite efforts to keep a distance, Terrell's presence became a concerning factor in Yasmin's life, as the young girl developed a crush on him.

Disappearance and Police Missteps

Yasmin's mysterious disappearance in 2008 raised questions about police handling. Initial assumptions of Yasmin running away were challenged by evidence at the scene, including a broken door and cut lock. Despite this, the investigation went cold extremely quickly, with police failing to look into the people surrounding Yasmin.

Meanwhile, Terrell's criminal activities escalated, and he was later arrested for heinous crimes. His alleged involvement in Yasmin's case remained unproven, leading to frustration for Yasmin's family. Despite revelations of police misconduct and Terrell's disturbing claims of knowing what happened to Yasmin, her case remained unsolved. Rose, along with Yasmin’s cousin, Reverend Ira Acree, continued to advocate for Yasmin and urge Chicago police to investigate her disappearance.

Legacy and Continued Advocacy

Rose's passing in 2014 didn't deter Yasmin's family from seeking answers. Reverend Acree continued to voice concerns, urging a renewed investigation and justice for Yasmin. As the 29th anniversary of Yasmin's birth passed in 2021, Reverend Acree expressed frustration at the lack of police attention. He called for renewed efforts and justice for Yasmin.

Yasmin Acree's story is one of tragedy, police missteps, and lingering questions. Despite the passage of time, her family continues to advocate for justice, hoping to uncover the truth about Yasmin's disappearance and bring closure to this haunting mystery.

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Kona Gallagher Kona Gallagher

Unsolved Mystery: Tionda and Diamond Bradley's 20-Year Cold Case

Join us as we delve into the baffling case of Diamond and Tionda Bradley, two young sisters who vanished without a trace over 20 years ago. Despite exhaustive investigations and numerous leads, their disappearance remains an enigma. In our latest podcast episode of "And Then They Were Gone," we bring you the most recent update on the case and the relentless pursuit of answers. Listen in to uncover the heart-wrenching story, the enduring hope of their family, and the significance of raising awareness for missing children.

It has been over 20 years since Diamond and Tionda Bradley went missing from their South Side home in Chicago. Despite numerous leads and investigations, their disappearance remains a mystery. In this podcast episode of "And Then They Were Gone," we explore the latest update on the case and the ongoing search for answers.

The Disappearance of Diamond and Tionda Bradley

On July 6th, 2001, Tracey Bradley left her apartment near 35th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue to go to work, leaving her 10-year-old daughter, Tionda, in charge of her three-year-old sister, Diamond. When Tracey returned later that day, the apartment was empty, and the girls were nowhere to be found.

The Biggest Manhunt in Chicago's History

The disappearance of the Bradley sisters sparked the biggest manhunt in Chicago's history at the time. Despite extensive searches and interviews, few clues emerged in the search for the sisters. Over the years, several people have claimed to be either Tionda or Diamond, but each lead was disproven through investigations or DNA testing.

A Recent Claim

In 2023, a woman claiming to be Diamond Bradley came forward, reaching out to the family's private investigator on Instagram. The woman spent two hours at a police station and later went to the FBI to get DNA testing done to confirm whether she is Diamond. The family is hopeful but cautious, having been hoaxed before.

The And Then They Were Gone Podcast Episode

The And Then They Were Gone podcast episode on Diamond and Tionda Bradley's disappearance sheds light on the family's ongoing search for answers. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

The Importance of Raising Awareness

Cases like Diamond and Tionda Bradley's are a reminder of the importance of raising awareness about missing children and the need for continued efforts to find them. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reports that 421,394 missing children were reported to law enforcement in 2020. While the majority of these cases are resolved, there are still many families searching for answers.

The disappearance of Diamond and Tionda Bradley is a tragic and unresolved case that has haunted their family and investigators for over 20 years. The latest update on the case shows that the search for answers continues, and the family remains hopeful for a resolution. The And Then They Were Gone podcast episode offers a poignant and informative look into the case, shedding light on the importance of raising awareness about missing children and advocating for justice and resolution.

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