In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the heartbreaking murder of Kenyadda Patterson, a 31-year-old mother whose life was taken in Charlotte, North Carolina. When her body was discovered behind a church, investigators were faced with a disturbing crime scene and very few answers.

As detectives began piecing together Kenyadda’s final hours, suspicion initially fell on people close to her — including her estranged husband and a man she had recently met. But forensic evidence would ultimately lead investigators in an unexpected direction, revealing that the person responsible for her death had been much closer than anyone realized.

This episode explores the investigative process, the role of DNA evidence in identifying the killer, and the unsettling discovery that the suspect had a long history of violent crime. We also reflect on the impact Kenyadda’s death had on her children and community.

At the end of the episode, we also highlight the still-unresolved disappearance of Daniel Robinson, a young geologist who vanished in the Arizona desert in 2021, reminding us that while some families receive answers, others are still searching for the truth.

TIMELINE

00:00 – A crime scene behind a church in Charlotte, North Carolina
00:30 – Discovery of Kenyadda Patterson’s body
03:00 – Crime scene analysis and evidence collection
04:24 – Investigators examine the abandoned vehicle and possible timeline
07:04 – Medical examiner findings: strangulation and sexual assault
08:02 – Investigators examine Kenyadda’s relationship with her estranged husband
09:21 – Interviews with James Patterson and the emergence of another potential suspect
12:35 – Johnny Moulton enters the investigation
14:36 – Community reaction and the impact on Kenyadda’s children
16:58 – Neighbor Thelma Harris contacts investigators with a tip
22:38 – Detectives uncover the criminal history of Derrick Harris
23:02 – A shocking connection between Derrick Harris and the investigation
24:29 – Detectives revisit the neighborhood as suspicion grows
25:47 – DNA results identify Derrick Harris as the killer
26:31 – Reflection on Kenyadda’s life and the legacy she left behind
27:38 – Featured segment: The disappearance of Daniel Robinson
31:05 – Why some cases remain unresolved
32:36 – Final reflections and call to action

In the closing segment of this episode, we also discuss the disappearance of Daniel Robinson, a 24-year-old geologist who vanished in the Arizona desert in 2021. Daniel was described by family and friends as intelligent, adventurous, and determined. After weeks of searching, his vehicle was discovered in a remote desert area with many of his personal belongings still inside, but Daniel himself was missing.

Human remains later confirmed to belong to Daniel were discovered in the desert, but investigators have been unable to determine the exact cause of death. His father has continued to advocate for answers and further investigation.

If you have information related to Daniel Robinson’s disappearance, please contact:

Buckeye Police Department Tip Line: 623-349-6411
Silent Witness (Anonymous Tips): 480-WITNESS

• Information on criminal investigations and forensic evidence
• News coverage and case documentation related to Kenyada Patterson
• Resources for families of missing persons
• Community organizations supporting victims and families affected by violent crime

If you enjoyed this episode of Murder in the Black, please consider:

⭐ Leaving a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
📢 Sharing this episode with someone interested in thoughtful true-crime storytelling
🎙️ Following the podcast so you never miss a new episode

In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the chilling Seminole Heights serial shootings in Tampa, Florida — a case that left a neighborhood paralyzed by fear and ultimately led to the arrest of Howell Donaldson III.

Four strangers. No connection. No clear motive. Just proximity.

We break down the victims’ stories, the psychological layers behind violence without motive, the investigative challenges, and the nearly six-year legal journey before Donaldson’s guilty plea.We also provide updates on the cases of Na’Ziyah Harris and Celeste Rivas Hernandez, exploring the complexities of plea deals, grand jury proceedings, and what justice truly means when families are still waiting for closure.

Key Topics Covered

• The Seminole Heights serial murders: timeline, victims, and community impact
• The psychological question: What drives someone to kill strangers?
• The comparison to the D.C. Sniper and the terror of unpredictability
• How fear reshapes neighborhoods and daily routines
• Evidence that led to Howell Donaldson’s arrest and conviction
• The six-year legal process and the decision to plead guilty
• The emotional toll on victims’ families navigating the justice system
• Update on the Na’Ziyah Harris case: guilty plea, sentencing timeline, and the ongoing search for her remains
• Celeste Rivas Hernandez case update: grand jury process and investigative patience

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: When violence has no motive
00:26 – Seminole Heights and the first shooting
00:59 – Community fear and escalating tension
1:29 – Who was Howell Donaldson III?
3:02 – Victim profiles and the randomness of the attacks
4:01 – Police response and reward increases
6:50 – Serial pattern and D.C. Sniper comparison
9:14 – The final murder and mounting pressure
12:26 – Arrest, ballistics evidence, and guilty plea
19:55 – Families navigating six years of legal delays
20:42 – Reflection: What ultimately drives random violence?
23:50 – Update: Na’Ziyah Harris case developments
32:43 – Celeste Rivas Hernandez investigation update
36:21 – Broader reflection on justice, delay, and closure

Resources & Links

• Seminole Heights Serial Murders – Case Background
• Howell Donaldson III – Court Records & Sentencing
• Na’Ziyah Harris – Case Update
• Celeste Rivas Hernandez – Investigation Overview

Follow + Support Murder in the Black

📌 Substack: Murder in the Black (Subscriber exclusives + episode conversations)👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://murderintheblack.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎥 YouTube: Murder in the Black👉⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@www.youtube.com/@murderintheblack⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎵 TikTok: Murder in the Black / Story Time with Steph👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@murderintheblack⁠⁠⁠⁠

📘 Facebook: Murder in the Black👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/p/Murder-In-The-Black-Podcast-100088434791438/

In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine two intentional homicide cases connected by a deeper pattern of proximity, access, and life transition.

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 19-year-old Sade Robinson disappeared after a first date. Her dismembered remains were later discovered near Lake Michigan. Investigators arrested Maxwell Anderson, who now faces charges including first-degree intentional homicide, dismemberment of a corpse, and arson.

In Seat Pleasant, Maryland, 24-year-old Lamont Adaire Jr. — a father and athlete preparing to play professional basketball in China — was shot 12 times in a coordinated attack. Franklin Scott later pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 50 years.

Two cities.
Two lives in motion.
Two acts of deliberate violence.

Cases & Locations ReferencedTopics

This episode explores dating violence, digital evidence, jealousy, entitlement, masculinity, and the vulnerability that can accompany major life transitions. We examine how access and emotional immaturity intersect — and how opportunity can become perceived threat.

• Sade Robinson – Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2024)
• Milwaukee Area Technical College
• Life360 location-sharing app
• The Twisted Fisherman restaurant (Milwaukee)
• Maxwell Anderson – arrest and pending court proceedings

• Lamont Adaire Jr. – Seat Pleasant, Maryland (2018)
• Franklin Scott – court records and sentencing details

• Critical missing person alerts
• Digital tracking and safety limitations
• Surveillance and forensic timelines
• Jealousy, retaliation, and emotional regulation
• Cultural narratives around possession and entitlement
• The ripple effect of violence on families

Covered Resources & Links

Life360
Milwaukee Area Technical College
The Twisted Fisherman (Milwaukee)
Maxwell Anderson – Mugshot & Court Records
Franklin Scott – Court Records & Sentencing Details

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse:

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233
thehotline.org

Follow + Support Murder in the Black

📌 Substack: Murder in the Black (Subscriber exclusives + episode conversations)👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://murderintheblack.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠

🎥 YouTube: Murder in the Black👉⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@www.youtube.com/@murderintheblack⁠⁠⁠

🎵 TikTok: Murder in the Black / Story Time with Steph👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@murderintheblack⁠⁠⁠

📘 Facebook: Murder in the Black👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/p/Murder-In-The-Black-Podcast-100088434791438/