In this episode of SERIALously, the hosts examine a mix of resolving cold cases, disturbing acts of violence, and high-profile allegations of misconduct. They cover a remarkable 70-year-old kidnapping case solved through DNA evidence and the tragic deaths of young individuals like Emily Gold, potentially due to suicide.
The episode also delves into appalling cases of familial and domestic violence, including the sentencing of Kylan Pratt for murdering his secret gay partner, a couple attempting to sell their infant, and a son decapitating his mother. It explores the lawsuits announced against Diddy, alleging sexual abuse and exploitation spanning two decades.
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
In 1951, a young boy named Luis Armando Albino was kidnapped in Oakland, California. After an extensive but fruitless search, the case went cold. 70 years later, a DNA match identified Luis, alive, on the East Coast. He was able to reunite with his niece and other family members, though his biological mother passed away never knowing what happened to her son.
Gold was pronounced dead at the scene on a California freeway. While the investigation into her death is active, authorities suspect it may have been a suicide, though details are unclear. Gold is remembered as a talented, dedicated performer by her loved ones.
The lawsuits allege Diddy sexually abused and exploited individuals aged 9 to 38, with promises of record deals. Busby states "household names" may also be implicated as accomplices. Diddy has pleaded not guilty to related charges but remains detained.
1-Page Summary
In an astonishing development, a 70-year-old missing persons case was finally closed thanks to DNA evidence.
In 1951, a young boy named Luis Armado Albino was kidnapped while playing at a park in Oakland, California. He was taken by a woman who had offered to buy him candy, but she abducted him instead and relocated him to the East Coast, where he was raised by another couple. Luis's disappearance resulted in massive searches by the army and the Coast Guard, yielding no results. Luis's older brother, Roger, could only remember that the woman who took his brother wore a red bandana.
Fast forward seventy years to 2020, when a DNA match lit the way to finding Luis. A woman named Alita, upon discovering an old news story about Luis's disappearance and linking it to a mysterious DNA match that she believed could be her uncle, informed Oakland police. The information led to the opening of a new missing persons case, ultimately resulting in Luis being found alive on the East Coast.
After Luis provided a DNA sample which confirmed a relation to Alita's mother, his niece, it was clear that he was the abducted child from the 1951 case. The match helped Luis return to Oakland to meet his niece and other ...
Unsolved and long-term missing persons/kidnapping cases
Communities are grappling with the heart-wrenching loss of young lives under tragic circumstances, including a potential suicide and a murder involving minors.
On the evening of Friday, September 13th, Emily Gold was struck by at least one vehicle while on the Foothill freeway near Rancho Cucamonga, California. The California Highway Patrol responded to reports of a pedestrian down and upon arrival, they found the 17-year-old cheerleader and dance captain. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Emily had shown exceptional talent as a dancer, receiving a standing ovation from Simon Cowell during her team's appearance on "America's Got Talent." In an interview with People Magazine, she emphasized her dedication to perfecting every detail until the last momen ...
Tragic deaths of young people, including potential suicides
In recent events, cases of familial and domestic violence shock communities as they reveal the depravity of human actions.
Kylan Pratt, 23, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his 20-year-old romantic partner, Nasir Johnson. In a hate crime, Pratt shot Johnson and burned his body. He was reportedly motivated by a fear that their secret relationship would become public. Convicted of first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and possession of an instrument of crime, Pratt received an additional sentence of four and a half to nine years for the heinous nature of his actions. Nasir's grandmother, Cynthia, has expressed the immense pain his loss has caused the family, and he is remembered as a hardworking and lovable young man who was looking forward to attending community college.
A young couple from Rogers, Arkansas, Darien, 21, and Shailene, 20, were caught attempting to exchange their two-month-old baby for beer and money. This incident took place on November 21, 2024, at the Hideaway Campground and RV Park. The Benton County Sheriff's Office was notified by the campground manager after the couple tried to give up their baby for a six-pack and $1,000. The police found a letter signed by the couple, confirming their intention to sell their child, along with a disclaimer preventing reversal of the decision. The baby was found in poor condition and taken to a hospital for evaluation. Shailene's bail was set at $30,000, while Darien was released on a $5,000 bond.
Ale ...
Familial/domestic violence and murders
Attorney Tony Busby announced damning allegations implicating Diddy in a multi-state sexual abuse scandal, also suggesting the involvement of other high-profile figures.
A significant number of individuals have come forward with allegations against Diddy, with over 3,000 potential victims reported. Among these cases, at least 120 are considered highly credible and are moving forward with litigation.
Attorney Tony Busby is leading a series of civil lawsuits with these individuals, some of them as young as nine years old during the alleged abuse, over a 20-year time span. The lawsuits are expected to be filed within the next 30 days. The claims involve individuals aged between 9 and 38, with 25 of the accusers having been minors at the time of the alleged offenses.
A poignant case among the allegations includes a nine-year-old who was taken to an audition at Bad Boy Records in New York City. The young victim reported being abused by Sean Combs and others at the studio, with false promises made regarding a future record deal. Another minor accuser claimed that Diddy had promised to "make him a star" but then coerced the victim into performing sexual acts.
The alleged abuse was not isolated, as the attorney pointed out that household names also participated in, encouraged, or helped cover up the misconduct. Tony Busby mentioned that venue owners who wer ...
High-profile allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser