Born on September 7, 2019, Journey—referred to as J.G. in legal documents—had a heartbreaking start to life in Tulare County, California. It didn’t take long for Tulare County Child Welfare Services (CWS) to begin receiving multiple reports concerning Journey’s safety and well-being.

In the year leading up to Journey’s birth, his father became consumed by conspiracy theories and developed a dangerous plan to raise an entirely plant-based baby. Journey’s parents took their beliefs to an extreme, feeding their newborn a diet of blended bananas, dates, and honey—ignoring his basic nutritional needs for breast milk or infant formula.

Despite repeated calls from Journey’s grandmother to Child Protective Services (CPS), no effective action was taken until it was tragically too late.

Miraculously, Journey survived the severe neglect and abuse, but he now faces lifelong challenges as a result of the trauma he endured.

Journey Tulare County

J.G. CPS case

Tulare County child neglect

Plant-based baby neglect

Child Protective Services failure

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Infant neglect California

Journey child abuse survivor

Tulare County Child Welfare Services

CPS failure California

Child nutrition neglect

Honey dates baby diet

Child abuse true crime

Journey survivor story

Child welfare reform California

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In this episode, Ricky and I investigate the heartbreaking disappearance and tragic fate of Kei’Mani Latigue, a 13-year-old girl from Toledo, Ohio, whose story devastated her family and community. As new information and interviews with Kei’Mani’s loved ones emerge, we explore critical questions: Could earlier intervention have saved her? What role did suspected abuse and potential failures by child protective services play in the events leading up to her death?

We trace the chilling timeline from March 17th, 2025—the day Kei’Mani vanished—uncovering the clues left behind and examining the actions of key individuals connected to her household. This episode challenges listeners to reflect on a deeper issue: Is reporting suspected abuse enough when the system doesn’t act?

Keywords: Kei’Mani Latigue, Toledo, Ohio, missing teen, child abuse case, CPS failure, true crime podcast, March 2025, Ohio disappearance, vulnerable children, child safety, legal guardianship, investigative podcast

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Natalia Grace was once described as a child straight out of a horror movie — a Ukrainian orphan accused of lying about her age, abandoned by her adoptive family, and cast into a storm of suspicion and media frenzy. But behind the headlines is a real child who endured abuse, neglect, and deep betrayal. In this episode, we look past the sensationalism to tell Natalia’s story.

We explore how a vulnerable young girl became the subject of national speculation and what her case reveals about the systems that failed her.

Content warning: This episode includes discussions of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Listener discretion is advised.

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What really happened in Room 22 of Patty’s Lodge in the quiet town of Canandaigua, New York?

When 24-year-old Sam Nordquist boarded a flight to meet someone he’d connected with online, he carried with him nothing but hope. Known by everyone who loved him as kind-hearted and genuine, Sam was looking forward to the possibility of something real — a new chapter in life and maybe even love.

But what was waiting for him in New York was not what it seemed. What unfolded next would become the most painful and unjust chapter of his life — and a nightmare his family is still trying to understand.

In this episode, we share Sam’s story: a young man led by trust and warmth, a family forever changed, and a search for truth that refuses to be silenced. This is a story of betrayal, heartbreak, and a community demanding justice.

Justice for Sam Nordquist

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Important links supporting this case:

Justice for Sam Nordquist Gofundme: https://gofund.me/86190ffa

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is here to help. Connect with a trained advocate 24/7 for free, confidential support.

*Please be careful when accessing the website — it has a quick exit feature, but it may still appear in your browser history. If you're concerned for your safety, consider calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting "START" to 88788 instead.

🖥️ Chat online at thehotline.org

📞 Call 800.799.7233

📱 Text START to 88788

Help is always available. You deserve to be safe.

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On the night of February 17, 2025, a desperate 32-year-old man risked everything to escape the nightmare he had been trapped in for years. His prison? A locked room in an unassuming house in Waterbury, Connecticut—a place that had become his personal dungeon. Starved, abused, and neglected for years, he weighed a mere 68 pounds—less than the average 10-year-old child.

With no way out and no hope left, he made a decision that could either free him or kill him—he set the house on fire. Using only a lighter, hand sanitizer, and paper, he ignited the flames that would determine his fate. His life-or-death gamble set off a terrifying race between the Waterbury Fire Department and the raging fire trapping him inside.

When firefighters arrived at 8:40 PM, they fought to control the flames and rescue the man still inside. But when they finally entered the house, they found something even more horrifying than the fire—a skeletal, barely alive man, covered in filth, with rotting teeth and matted hair. He had survived not just the fire, but years of unimaginable cruelty at the hands of his captor—his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan.

While Kimberly had managed to flee the burning house, her stepson had been left behind, just as he had been for years. But on this night, he finally escaped—not just the flames, but the horrors of his captivity.

The fire had nearly killed him, but in the end, it was what saved his life.

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In this gripping episode, we delve into the tragic story of Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old sports reporter for Telemundo Kansas City, who was found dead in his New Orleans hotel room on February 5, 2025, while covering Super Bowl LIX. Surveillance footage revealed that Adan was last seen with Danette Colbert, infamously known as the "Bourbon Street Hustler," who has a notorious history of fraud and theft. Authorities suspect that Colbert may have drugged Adan to facilitate a robbery, as similar accusations have been made against her in the past. This episode explores the events leading up to Adan's untimely death, the ongoing investigation, and the broader implications of such crimes in vibrant cities like New Orleans. Join us as we uncover the details of this heartbreaking case and discuss the measures travelers can take to protect themselves from similar dangers.

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It’s been nearly fifteen years since Tanya Zuvers last saw her three sons—Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner Skelton. But instead of a long-awaited reunion, she’s now standing in a Lenawee County probate courtroom in Michigan, alongside her attorney, making a request that no parent should ever have to make: Tanya has come before the court to petition for her children, who would now be adults, to be declared legally unalived.

After years of searching, hoping, and fearing—it’s an acknowledgment of the unthinkable. A declaration that her children, who vanished under the care of their father in 2010, are never coming home.

This is the story of the Skelton brothers—a story of loss, unanswered questions, and a fight for justice.

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A middle-aged man with graying hair leaned against his balcony railing, taking in the familiar seaside view. The waves crashed gently against the shore, a sight he had admired for years. He let out a quiet chuckle, bringing a thick cigar to his lips. The rich smoke curled into the evening air as he grinned to himself—satisfied but not free from the past.

Join Ashley and Ricky as they conclude Stolen Betrayal: The Life and Tragedy of Lita McClinton, Part 3. In this final chapter, we will unravel the shocking truth behind a story of love, deception, and ultimate betrayal. Will Lita and her family ever get justice? Don’t miss the gripping conclusion to this unforgettable case.

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