Midnight Trace

Midnight Trace True crime. Real people. Haunting stories. Telling what the world should never forget.
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24/04/2026

May 26, 1990 — Wellington, Florida. 40-year-old Marlene Warren was at home having breakfast with her son when a car pulled into the driveway. A person dressed as a clown — holding flowers and two balloons — walked to her door.

She smiled and accepted the gifts.

Seconds later, the clown pulled out a g*n and sh*t her in the face before calmly walking away. She was rushed to the hospital but died two days later.

The case quickly turned bizarre. Witnesses saw the clown leave in a vehicle, and investigators soon focused on Sheila Keen, a woman connected to Marlene’s husband, Michael Warren.

At the time, authorities suspected there may have been a romantic relationship between Sheila and Michael, though both denied it.

But despite early suspicion — including witnesses linking her to a clown costume and balloons — there wasn’t enough evidence to arrest her, and the case went cold.

More than a decade after the m**der, in 2002, Sheila Keen married Michael Warren — the victim’s husband.

For years, they lived a new life together while the case remained unsolved.

In 2017, advances in DNA testing linked Sheila to evidence from the suspected getaway car, leading to her arrest nearly 27 years later.

Investigators believe the k**ling was driven by a personal relationship, jealousy, and financial motives tied to the marriage.

In 2023, Sheila Keen-Warren pleaded guilty to second-degree m**der, bringing an end to one of the most unusual cold cases in the U.S.

Marlene Warren is remembered as a mother whose life was taken in a moment that still feels unreal — a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected knock can be the most dangerous.

Follow for chilling stories, cold cases, and strange mysteries. 🔍

23/04/2026

May 23, 2018 — Tampa, Florida, just days after graduating high school, 18-year-old Cameron Herrin was driving along Bayshore Boulevard with his brother in the passenger seat. At the same time, he and another driver were street racing down the road, weaving through traffic at extreme speeds.

Moments before the crash, data from his car showed he was traveling at over 100 miles per hour in a 40 mph zone.

At that exact moment, 24-year-old Jessica Raubenolt was crossing the street with her 21-month-old daughter, Lillia, who was in a stroller. They had the right of way.

Herrin attempted to brake — but it was too late. His vehicle struck both mother and child.

Jessica died at the scene. Lillia was rushed to the hospital but died the following day.

The entire incident unfolded in seconds — but the consequences were permanent.

Authorities determined the cause was reckless street racing and extreme speeding, not a targeted act — but a deliberate decision to race on a public road, despite the risks.

Witnesses reported seeing the cars racing and weaving through traffic moments before impact, reinforcing that the crash was not accidental in nature, but the result of dangerous behavior.

In 2021, Herrin pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicular homicide and was sentenced to 24 years in prison.

The case later gained massive attention online, with viral debates and public reactions — but at its core, it remains a tragedy caused by one decision.

Jessica and Lillia Raubenolt are remembered as a mother and child whose lives were taken in an instant — a reminder that one reckless moment can last forever

Follow for chilling stories, cold cases, and strange mysteries. 🔍

22/04/2026

May 12, 2018 — Fernandina Beach, Florida. 34-year-old hairstylist and mother of three Joleen Cummings finished her shift at Tangles Hair Salon around 5:00 p.m. She had plans the next day — to pick up her children for Mother’s Day. She never made it.

When Joleen failed to pick up her children, her family immediately knew something was wrong. She was reported missing on May 14, and investigators quickly focused on the last place she was seen — the salon where she worked.

Inside, evidence told a different story. Authorities later discovered bl**d matching Joleen inside the salon, suggesting she had been att*cked there.

The last person known to see her alive was her co-worker, Kimberly Kessler, who had recently started working at the salon. But as investigators dug deeper, they uncovered something far more disturbing — Kessler had been living under multiple false identities across several states for years.

Surveillance footage showed Kessler driving and abandoning Joleen’s SUV in a nearby parking lot in the early hours after she disappeared. Investigators also found she had purchased items like a kn*fe, garbage bags, and cleaning supplies, and was later seen disposing of multiple bags in a dumpster.

Despite an extensive search, Joleen’s body has never been found.

Prosecutors argued the k**ling was premeditated, pointing to Kessler’s purchases, internet searches about m**der and missing persons, and actions after the crime.

Reports also noted tension between the two coworkers in the days leading up to Joleen’s disappearance, suggesting the att*ck may have stemmed from a personal conflict.

In December 2021, Kimberly Kessler was convicted of first-degree m**der and grand theft auto, and sentenced to life in prison — even without Joleen’s body ever being recovered.

Joleen Cummings is remembered as a devoted mother and a life taken too soon — a case that proves even without a body, the truth can still be found… but some answers may never be recovered.

Follow for chilling stories, cold cases, and strange mysteries. 🔍

22/04/2026

April 11–12, 2018 — Knightdale, North Carolina. 43-year-old Steven Pladl had already drawn attention from authorities after forming an inappropriate relationship with his biological daughter, Katie Pladl (20), whom he had reconnected with years after she was placed for adoption. The two had married and had a child together — a situation that shocked everyone who learned about it.

By April 2018, the relationship had begun to break down. Investigators say tensions grew after Katie tried to distance herself and move on, setting off a chain of events that would turn tragic.

On April 11, 2018, Steven took the life of his seven-month-old son, Bennett, inside their home, hiding the infant’s bo*dy in a closet. He was found the next morning during a welfare check and is believed to have died by suf**cation.

The next day, April 12, Katie was traveling in New Milford, Connecticut with her adoptive father, Anthony Fusco (56). At an intersection, Steven located them and opened fire, taking both of their lives.

Shortly after, he called his mother, confessed to the k**lings, and urged her to contact police. Hours later, he was found dead inside his van in Dover, New York, from a self-inflicted g*nsh*t wound.

Authorities determined the viol*nce was driven by control, anger, and the breakdown of the relationship after Katie tried to leave.

Katie, Anthony, and baby Bennett are remembered as lives lost in a case that remains deeply disturbing — a reminder of how control and obsession can turn into something far more dangerous.

Follow for chilling stories, cold cases, and strange mysteries. 🔍

21/04/2026

May 7, 2017 — Carlisle, Ohio. 18-year-old high school senior Brooke Skylar Richardson gave birth alone in the bathroom of her family home — less than 48 hours after attending her senior prom. No one in her life knew she had been pregnant.

Just days earlier, she had learned at a doctor’s appointment that she was already in her third trimester — and chose to keep it a secret from everyone, including her family.

After the birth, Richardson later told authorities the baby was stillborn. She buried the newborn in the backyard of her home, and for more than two months, no one knew what had happened.

The case came to light on July 14, 2017, when her doctor reported concerns to police. During questioning, investigators uncovered the hidden pregnancy and the burial, leading to her arrest on multiple charges, including aggravated m**der.

Prosecutors argued that Richardson was driven by fear and pressure to maintain her “perfect life,” including concerns about her appearance, relationships, and future, suggesting the baby did not fit into that image.

However, the defense maintained that the baby was stillborn and that Richardson acted out of panic, denial, and severe psychological distress, not intent to harm.

In September 2019, after a highly publicized trial, a jury found Richardson not guilty of aggravated m**der, manslaughter, and child endangerment. She was convicted only of ab*se of a c*rpse and later sentenced to probation.

The case of Brooke Skylar Richardson remains one of the most debated — a story of secrecy, pressure, and a truth that still divides those who hear it.

Follow for chilling stories, cold cases, and strange mysteries. 🔍

20/04/2026

February 14, 2018 — Parkland, Florida, students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School were preparing to go home for the day when a former student, Nikolas Cruz, arrived on campus just before dismissal.

At approximately 2:21 p.m., Cruz entered a classroom building and began opening fire. In just minutes, 17 people were k**led and 17 others were injured as panic spread through the halls.

The att*ck lasted only a few minutes. Afterward, Cruz blended in with fleeing students and left the campus, later stopping at nearby locations before being arrested about an hour later.

As investigators examined his background, a disturbing pattern emerged. Cruz had a history of behavioral issues, threats, and concerning online posts, along with multiple warnings reported to authorities prior to the att*ck.

The exact motive remains disputed, but several key factors were identified:

- Prosecutors argued it was driven by anger and resentment, including feelings of social rejection.

- Evidence showed he wanted notoriety, recording videos beforehand describing his plans and desire to become known.

- Cruz himself stated he wanted to “ruin Valentine’s Day.”

His defense pointed to mental health struggles, depression, and developmental issues as contributing factors.

In 2022, Cruz pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison without parole for 17 counts of first-degree m**der and 17 counts of attempted m**der.

The victims of Parkland are remembered not just for how their lives ended — but for the lives they were still building. A reminder of how quickly an ordinary day can change forever.

Follow for chilling stories, cold cases, and strange mysteries. 🔍

18/04/2026

June 8, 2017 — Eaton Township, Pennsylvania. Employees at a Weis Markets supermarket were working the overnight shift, stocking shelves as the store closed for the night. Just before 1:00 a.m., everything changed.

24-year-old Randy Stair, an employee at the store, had arrived hours earlier for his shift. While appearing normal, he had already begun setting his plan in motion — quietly blocking emergency exits and locking doors, trapping everyone inside.

Moments later, he pulled out a sh*tg*n he had hidden in a bag and began moving through the store. Three of his coworkers — Victoria Brong (26), Brian Hayes (47), and Terry Sterling (63) — were fat*lly sh*t during the attack.

One employee, Kristan Newell, was spared. Surveillance footage later showed Stair standing behind her for several seconds as she worked before moving on. Newell later escaped the store and called 911 while the att*ck was still unfolding inside.

After fir*ng dozens of rounds throughout the store, Stair ended the rampage by taking his own life. In total, four people were dead — including the g*nman.

As investigators dug deeper, they uncovered disturbing details about his mindset. In the weeks leading up to the att*ck, Stair had posted videos, journals, and “s**cide tapes” online, documenting his plans. He expressed deep hatred toward others, s**cidal thoughts, and a belief that carrying out the atta*ck would allow him to enter a fictional animated world he had created.

The motive was described as a combination of mental health struggles, detachment from reality, and a desire to escape into a fantasy world — a chilling reminder of how deeply internal struggles can turn outward without warning.

Victoria Brong, Brian Hayes, and Terry Sterling are remembered as coworkers, family members, and lives taken during an ordinary night — a reminder that even the most routine moments can change in an instant.

Follow for chilling stories, cold cases, and strange mysteries. 🔍

18/04/2026

October 9, 2020 — New Boston, Texas, 21-year-old Reagan Simmons-Hancock, who was nearly eight months pregnant, was at home with her young daughter when someone she knew came to visit. That person was Taylor Parker — a woman who had spent months pretending to be pregnant.

What followed was a brut*l and deliberate att*ck. Reagan was b**ten and st**bed inside her home, and her unborn baby was forcibly removed. Investigators later confirmed that Reagan’s young daughter was in the home during the att*ck and was left there as her mother lay dying — a detail that made the crime even more devastating.

The motive traced back to a carefully constructed lie. Parker had been faking a pregnancy, going as far as staging photos, fake ultrasounds, and a gender reveal. Prosecutors said she was afraid her boyfriend would leave her if the truth came out, and believed taking a baby would allow her to continue the deception.

After the k**ling, Parker drove away with the baby and was stopped by a state trooper, claiming she had just given birth on the side of the road. She was taken to a hospital in Oklahoma, where medical staff quickly became suspicious. The baby was pronounced dead, and the truth began to unravel.

In 2022, Taylor Parker was convicted of capital m**der and kidn**ping, and was later sentenced to death.

Reagan Simmons-Hancock is remembered as a mother and a life taken through betrayal — a heartbreaking reminder of how far deception can go when no one stops it.

Follow Midnight Trace for chilling stories, cold cases, and strange mysteries. 🔍

17/04/2026

December 2019 — Celebration, Florida. 42-year-old Megan Todt and her three children — Alek (13), Tyler (11), and Zoe (4) — suddenly stopped communicating with family and friends. Concern grew as days passed with no contact, but initial welfare checks revealed nothing unusual.

Weeks later, on January 13, 2020, authorities arrived at the home to serve a warrant for Megan’s husband, Anthony Todt, who was under investigation for fraud. When they entered the house, they were met with a horrific scene — the bo*dies of Megan and the children were found inside, along with the family dog. They had been dead for weeks.

Investigators determined the victims had been dr*gged with Benadryl and later k**led through a combination of st**bing and suf**cation. The bo*dies were found placed in beds throughout the home, some holding religious items, suggesting a deeply disturbing and intentional act.

The motive remains unclear. At different times, Anthony claimed he was trying to save his family from an “apocalypse” and reunite with them in the afterlife. Prosecutors, however, pointed to mounting financial pressure, including significant debt and a federal fraud investigation closing in on him.

After his arrest, Anthony initially confessed, though he later changed his story multiple times, even attempting to shift blame. In 2022, a jury found him guilty of four counts of first-degree m**der and animal cruelty, and he was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Megan, Alek, Tyler, and Zoe Todt are remembered as a family whose lives were taken in the place they should have been safest — a reminder that not all danger comes from the outside.

Follow for chilling stories, cold cases, and strange mysteries. 🔍

17/04/2026

August 10, 2012 — Hendersonville, Tennessee. 15-year-old Zachary Davis spent the evening with his family before everything changed. That night, after his mother, Melanie Davis, went to sleep, he carried out a plan that would shock the community.

Armed with a sledgehammer, Zachary att*cked his mother while she slept, strik*ng her multiple times. The viol*nce didn’t end there — after the att*ck, he attempted to set the family home on fire, while his older brother was still inside, putting another life at risk.

The next day, investigators quickly focused on Zachary. When he was taken into custody, police found a written confession in his possession, detailing what he had done.

As the case unfolded, disturbing details emerged about his mental state. Zachary later claimed he was hearing his deceased father’s voice, which he said influenced what he did. Prosecutors argued the k**ling was premeditated, while the defense pointed to severe emotional and psychological issues. Despite this, the court ruled he was competent to stand trial as an adult.

Zachary Davis was ultimately convicted of first-degree m**der, along with additional charges tied to the attempted fire and danger to his brother. He was sentenced to life in prison, bringing a tragic end to a case defined by viol*nce within the home.

Melanie Davis was a mother — and her life was taken in the place she should have been safest.

Follow for chilling stories, cold cases, and strange mysteries. 🔍

16/04/2026

July 16, 2011 — Port St. Lucie, Florida. 54-year-old Blake Hadley and 47-year-old Mary-Jo Hadley returned home to their son, Tyler Hadley, unaware of what he had already decided. Earlier that day, the 17-year-old had posted online about throwing a party — one his parents would never allow.

The motive had been building for weeks. Tyler had told a friend he wanted to k*ll his parents so he could host a party — something he believed had “never been done before.” He also resented them and didn’t want to enter a treatment program they had arranged for him.

That evening, after taking drugs, Tyler att*cked his mother from behind with a claw hammer while she sat at the computer. Hearing her screams, his father rushed in — only to be att*cked as well. Both were bl**geoned to death inside their home.

Afterward, Tyler dragged their bo*dies into the master bedroom, hid them under household items, and spent hours cleaning the scene. Then, just hours later, he went through with his plan — inviting dozens of people over. Around 60 teenagers attended the party, many unaware that his parents’ bo*dies were just down the hall.

As the night went on, Tyler began telling people what he had done. He confessed to a close friend, who later saw the bod*ies himself. Hours after leaving the party, that friend contacted authorities, leading police to the home. Tyler was arrested early the next morning.

Tyler Hadley later pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree m**der and was sentenced to life in prison.

Blake and Mary-Jo Hadley are remembered for the lives they built — a tragic reminder that danger can come from where it’s least expected.

Follow for chilling stories, cold cases, and strange mysteries. 🔍

15/04/2026

October 12, 2012 — Highland Heights, Kentucky. 29-year-old attorney Ryan Poston was found dead inside his condominium after his on-and-off girlfriend, Shayna Hubers, called 911 claiming she had sh*t him in self-defense.

The couple’s relationship had been volatile for months. Prosecutors later revealed that Hubers had become increasingly obsessed and controlling, especially after Poston tried to end the relationship and had plans to go on a date with another woman that same night.

Inside the condo, Poston had been sh*t six times. Despite Hubers’ claims of ab*se, investigators found no clear signs of a viol*nt struggle, and evidence suggested the sh**ting was not an act of self-defense.

But it was what happened next that shocked even seasoned investigators. During her police interrogation, Hubers spoke freely — at times calmly, at times erratically. She made disturbing remarks, including saying she had given Poston “the nose job he always wanted.”

Then, after being left alone in the room, her behavior turned even more unsettling. She began pacing, dancing, and singing “Amazing Grace.” She said aloud, “I did it. Yes, I did it. I can’t believe I did that,” and later added, “I’m so good at acting.”

Hubers was arrested and charged with m**der. In 2015, she was convicted and sentenced to 40 years in prison, but the conviction was later overturned due to juror misconduct. In 2018, she was retried, found guilty again, and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years.

What began as a relationship ended in obsession — and a confession that never needed to be forced.

Follow for chilling stories, cold cases, and strange mysteries. 🔍

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