The Girl in the Dark

Chapter 27: Athena Strand - The Strength of 100 Men

On November 30, 2022, 7-year-old Athena Strand disappeared from her family’s property in Wise County, Texas. What began as a normal evening at home quickly turned into every parent’s worst nightmare. Athena was a free spirit who loved climbing trees, riding horses, talking a little too much in class, and spending time with her family. She was tough, independent, and fiercely loved by everyone who knew her. In this episode, we explore Athena’s life, the desperate search to bring her home, the horrifying truth of what happened, and the sentencing trial that revealed the details of her final moments. We also look at the impact Athena’s loss had on her family, her classmates, her community, and the lasting legacy her mother has built in her name. This episode contains discussion of child abduction, sexual assault, and murder and may not be suitable for all listeners. If you would like to support Athena’s legacy, please consider learning more about Athena Strand’s Army and the work being done in her honor. 💗 In memory of Athena Presley Monroe Strand May 23, 2015 – November 30, 2022

Chapter 26: Kendrick Johnson: The Teen Who Never Made It Home

On January 11, 2013, 17-year-old Kendrick Johnson left for school at Lowndes High in Valdosta, Georgia… and never came home. Hours later, Kendrick’s body was discovered upside down inside a rolled-up wrestling mat in the school’s old gymnasium. Authorities quickly ruled his death a tragic accident. But for Kendrick’s family, the evidence never added up. In this episode we dive into the haunting and highly controversial death of Kendrick Johnson — the conflicting autopsies, missing surveillance footage, rumors of a cover-up, allegations of racism and corruption, and the questions that continue to divide the public more than a decade later. Was this a freak accident… or something far darker? Listener discretion is advised due to discussions of death and graphic details. Follow, rate, and share The Girl in the Dark wherever you listen to podcasts.

UPDATE: Lowcountry Bombshell: Murdaugh Convictions Overturned

The Murdaugh saga is far from over. In a shocking decision, the South Carolina Supreme Court has overturned Alex Murdaugh’s 2023 murder convictions in the killings of his wife Maggie and son Paul, ordering a brand new trial after allegations of jury tampering and misconduct involving former court clerk Becky Hill. In this breaking update episode of The Girl in the Dark: 🕯️ Why the convictions were overturned 🕯️ Becky Hill’s criminal charges and controversy 🕯️ What happens next for Alex Murdaugh 🕯️ Why a retrial could heavily benefit the defense 🕯️ The emotional fallout for the surviving Murdaugh family The battle lines are being drawn once again in the Lowcountry… and the world is watching. Follow, rate, and share The Girl in the Dark wherever you listen to podcasts.

Chapter 25: Jim Jones the Devil in Disguise

Before Jonestown… before the poison… there was a man people believed in. In this episode, we dive into the life and rise of Jim Jones—a charismatic preacher who built the People’s Temple on promises of equality, community, and hope during one of the most divided times in American history. But behind the image of a progressive leader, something darker was taking shape. As his influence grew, so did his control. From faith healings and political power to manipulation, fear, and isolation, we follow the path that led hundreds of people to a place called Jonestown… and to the Jonestown Massacre. This isn’t just the story of what happened. It’s the story of how it happened. Because cults don’t start with control… they start with trust. And sometimes… the devil doesn’t come with horns. He comes as someone you believe in. A devil in disguise.

Chapter 24: ✨ New Orleans: Music, Monsters, and Magic

New Orleans is a city where music drifts through the streets, magic lingers in the air, and monsters are never too far from the shadows. In this episode of The Girl in the Dark, we take a walk through one of the most mysterious cities in America. A city where history, legend, and spirituality blur together until it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. First, we step into the terror of the Axeman of New Orleans, the mysterious killer who stalked the city in the early 1900s and sent a chilling letter demanding that jazz be played throughout the night. Then we travel back to the French colonial era to uncover the eerie legend of the Casket Girls, whose arrival in New Orleans sparked rumors of sealed attic windows, missing luggage, and whispers of vampires in the French Quarter. Finally, we explore the life and legacy of the legendary Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen whose influence shaped the spiritual traditions of the city and whose presence some believe still lingers in New Orleans today. From killers to vampires to voodoo queens, these are the stories that helped make New Orleans the most haunted and fascinating city in America. Because in New Orleans… myth becomes legend, and killers become lore.