216: Hannah Kobayashi Missing Maui Woman, 20 Human Skulls Found, NYC Stabbing Spree & Dog Solves Murder Case
On SERIALously, this episode explores a range of criminal cases and unsolved mysteries. Disturbing stories involving family members, like a man who murdered his cousin and a girlfriend's remains found on her partner's property, are discussed. The episode also examines discoveries of human remains, like a collection of skulls in New Mexico, potentially connected to missing persons cases.
The podcast dives into unusual criminal incidents, such as a deadly stabbing spree in New York City, as well as high-profile disappearances like that of Hannah Kobayashi during a trip from Hawaii to the mainland U.S. While the subject matter is often unsettling, the episode aims to shine a light on these cases and, wherever possible, bring closure to grieving families.
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Criminal cases involving family members
Derek Dagno received a life sentence for murdering his cousin Mandy Reynolds, who had allowed him to stay with her. He shot Mandy in the head, burned her body, and stole her belongings. Mandy's dog Titan helped implicate Derek after refusing to leave the scene where her remains were found. After the verdict, Mandy's divided family members fought each other in court.
Discovery of human remains on properties
Michael Dean Davis Jr. was arrested after his girlfriend Mahogany Washington's remains were found on his property, along with their unharmed son and suspicious items like weapons. Her cause of death remains unknown.
In New Mexico, a resident's report led to the discovery of up to 20 human skulls on Cecil Villanueva's property, sparking an investigation into potential connections to missing persons cases like Angela McMains.
Unusual criminal incidents/behavior
Raymond Rivera, with a history of mental illness and crime, allegedly stabbed three people to death in New York City over just 2.5 hours. His attacks devastated the victims' families and raised concerns about public safety.
Disappearance/missing persons cases
Hannah Kobayashi went missing during a Hawaii to New York trip. After unusual texts about being "hacked," security footage showed her in poor condition in LA, raising alarm for her family searching for answers.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety by setting up a buddy system with friends or family when someone is staying at your place, ensuring there's always someone who knows who is with you and for how long.
- This strategy is about creating a safety net by informing a trusted person about your guests, which could deter potential harmful actions by making guests aware that others are keeping tabs. For example, if you're letting a friend crash at your place, text another friend or family member their name and the expected duration of their stay.
- You can contribute to community safety by participating in or initiating neighborhood watch programs that encourage vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities.
- By being proactive in your community, you can help prevent crime and increase safety. For instance, if you notice someone unfamiliar loitering in your neighborhood or if there's a sudden increase in crime, you can report this to your local neighborhood watch group or law enforcement, helping to create a safer environment for everyone.
- You can support families of missing persons by volunteering with organizations that assist in search efforts, providing manpower for searches or distributing flyers.
- Your involvement can make a significant difference in the search for missing individuals. For example, you could volunteer with a local search and rescue organization, help organize community search parties, or assist in spreading awareness through social media and community bulletin boards.
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Criminal cases involving family members
Derek Dagno has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his cousin, Mandy Reynolds, in a case that highlights the tragic outcomes when family turns on family.
A man is sentenced to life in prison for murdering his cousin, who was trying to help him
Cousin Derek Dagno murdered his cousin Mandy Reynolds, who was letting him stay with her, by shooting her and burning her body
On November 7th, Derek Dagno was sentenced to life in prison for the heinous murder of his cousin, Mandy Reynolds, who had generously offered him a place to stay. Mandy was killed with a single gunshot to her head, and her body was incinerated in a storage container. The container was discovered on April 5th, 2023, the same day security footage captured Derek purchasing items such as the container, shovel, and gas can at a Walmart—items that were later used to dispose of Mandy’s body. Mandy had allowed Derek to live with her for a month in an attempt to help him get back on his feet, despite his lengthy criminal record that included burglary, aggravated assault, drug possession, and firearm offenses. At the time of the murder, there was an active warrant for Derek's arrest for felony probation.
Mandy's loyal dog Titan helped lead police to evidence that implicated Derek, leading to his arrest and conviction
Mandy’s loyal white dog, Titan, was crucial in solving the case. Refusing to leave the scene where the burnt remains were discovered, the dog was found to have a microchip that identified him as Mandy’s pet. This finding led police to her home and propelled the investigation forward. Derek was later apprehended in Kansas driving Mandy's stolen car; her phone and a handgun ...
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Criminal cases involving family members
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Derek Dagno and Mandy Reynolds were cousins. Mandy had allowed Derek to stay with her to help him, despite his troubled past and criminal record. This act of generosity ultimately led to a tragic outcome when Derek murdered Mandy.
- Derek Dagno murdered his cousin Mandy Reynolds by shooting her in the head and then burning her body in a storage container. Security footage captured Derek purchasing items like a container, shovel, and gas can at Walmart, which he later used to dispose of Mandy's body. The murder weapon, a handgun, was found in Mandy's stolen car in Kansas, matching the shell casing discovered in the storage container. Mandy's loyal dog Titan, found at the scene, played a crucial role in leading the police to evidence that implicated Derek in the crime.
- Mandy's dog Titan played a crucial role in the case by staying near the crime scene, leading investigators to Mandy's home, where further evidence was found. The dog's presence helped connect Derek to the crime, leading to his arrest and conviction. Titan's loyalty and the evidence he indirectly led to were instrumental in solving the murder case.
- Derek purchased a storage container, shovel, and gas can at Walmart. These items were later used to dispose of Mandy's body after her murde ...
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Discovery of human remains on properties
Two distinct cases involving the discovery of human remains on properties have captured public attention and sparked significant investigations.
A man is arrested for the murder of the mother of his child, whose remains were found on his property
Michael Dean Davis Jr. was arrested after the remains of his girlfriend Mahogany Washington were discovered on his property
Michael Dean Davis Jr. has been arrested after authorities discovered the remains of his girlfriend, Mahogany Washington, on his property. The couple had an 8-year-old son together who was found unharmed inside Michael's home, amidst weapons and other suspicious items, raising concern and curiosity about the circumstances surrounding Mahogany's death.
Their 8-year-old son was found unharmed in Michael's home, along with weapons and other suspicious items
Mahogany Washington and her son were reported missing on June 19th; however, they had not been seen or heard from since July of the previous year. Investigators who searched Michael's home found their son safe, along with multiple rifles, a gas mask, and an armored suit. Michael, who is being held at Webb County Jail with a bond set at $3 million, faces murder charges and an additional charge of child endangerment.
The investigation is ongoing, and the exact circumstances of Mahogany's death are still unknown
The ongoing investigation leaves many unanswered questions. Mahogany's cause of death has not been confirmed, and there is no clear evidence yet to suggest Michael's motives or plans.
Disturbing discovery of numerous human skull fragments on a property in New Mexico
A resident reported a man named Cecil Villanueva behaving suspiciously and throwing what appeared to be bone fragments from a car
In Jal, New Mexico, a troubling case emerged when a resident reported Cecil Villanueva for suspicious behavior, which involved discarding items from a car that turned out to be human bone fragments.
A search of Cecil's property uncovered up to 20 human skulls, sparking a major investigation
An extensive property search resulted in the shocking discovery of up to 20 human skulls. These remains are now being examined to determine their ori ...
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Discovery of human remains on properties
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety by creating a neighborhood watch program to report suspicious activities, similar to how a resident's report led to a major investigation. Start by gathering a few interested neighbors, set up a communication channel like a WhatsApp group, and establish regular meetings to discuss safety and report unusual behavior responsibly to authorities.
- Improve your awareness of online marketplaces by educating yourself on the signs of illegal transactions, given the speculation about the dark web's involvement. This could involve taking a free online course on cybersecurity or attending a webinar on internet safety, which will help you recognize and avoid potentially harmful online environments.
- Encourage responsible reportin ...
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Unusual criminal incidents/behavior
A man goes on a deadly stabbing spree in New York City
In an unnerving streak of violence, Raymond Rivera, aged 51, allegedly went on a stabbing spree that claimed the lives of three people in Manhattan. The rapid succession of attacks took place across busy areas of the city—all within a span of just two and a half hours—leaving the community shocked.
Raymond Rivera allegedly attacked and killed three people in separate incidents over the course of just a few hours
Rivera's alleged attacks commenced in Chelsea before moving to Kips Bay and ending up in Midtown, where a woman was fatally wounded. Following his apprehension, Rivera is now facing three counts of first-degree murder, with police reporting a confession during their interrogation. The first known victim was a 36-year-old man at a construction site who later succumbed to a stomach wound, followed by a 68-year-old fisherman and finally, a 36-year-old woman in Midtown.
Raymond had a lengthy criminal history and a history of mental health issues, raising questions about how he was able to carry out these attacks
Released just one month prior to the attacks, Rivera had an extensive criminal background including arrests for burglary, assault convictions, and grand larceny, with at least eight arrests in New York City. His criminal past also stretched across state lines. Moreover, Rivera had a known history of sign ...
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Unusual criminal incidents/behavior
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety by taking a basic self-defense class, which will prepare you to protect yourself in unexpected situations. Learning self-defense techniques provides not only the physical means to defend oneself but also boosts confidence and awareness of one's surroundings. For example, many community centers or local gyms offer classes that teach fundamental moves that can be used to escape or evade an attacker.
- You might contribute to community resilience by starting a neighborhood watch program, which can help prevent crime and foster a sense of security. By coordinating with local law enforcement and neighbors, you can establish a communication network to report suspicious activities and share safety tips. This grassroots approach can be as simple as creating a group chat for your street or apartment complex to keep everyone informed and vigilant.
- You can support those affected by tragedy by learning how to provide emo ...
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Disappearance/missing persons cases
A woman goes missing during a trip from Hawaii to New York
In a concerning case of a missing person, Hannah Kobayashi's family finds themselves in distress following her inexplicable disappearance during a trip.
Hannah Kobayashi's family became concerned when she missed her connecting flight in Los Angeles and stopped communicating with them
Hannah Kobayashi was traveling from Maui, Hawaii, to visit her family in New York City on November 8th but never completed her journey. She missed her connecting flight in Los Angeles and shortly after ceased all communication with her family and friends. Hannah, known to be a free spirit, always followed an unwritten family rule to check in, which makes her sudden silence especially troubling.
Hannah sent a series of unusual text messages about being "hacked" and having her identity and funds stolen, which didn't sound like her
In the time following her missed flight, Hannah sent a series of odd text messages to her loved ones. She detailed an intense spiritual awakening, claimed she was hacked, had her identity and funds stolen, and no longer felt safe. She also mentioned being tricked into giving away her funds. The use of the term "babe" in her texts, which was not typical of her, has led to speculation on whether the messages were indeed from Hannah or if someone else had access to her phone.
Security footage later showed Hannah in poor condition in a Los Angeles metro station, but the circumstances of her disappearance remain a mystery
Hannah attended a Nike event on November 10th at the Grove Shopping Center in LA and communicated with her family about rescheduled plans to reach New York. However, after her ...
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Disappearance/missing persons cases
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety while traveling by setting up a check-in protocol with friends or family, where you agree on regular intervals to communicate your status and location. For example, decide that you'll send a message every time you change locations or at certain times of the day, and if you miss two consecutive check-ins, they should start trying to contact you or reach out for help.
- Create a personal emergency plan that includes steps to take if you find yourself in a situation where your identity or funds are compromised. This might involve having backup access to funds through a hidden emergency cash stash or a separate bank account, and keeping photocopies or digital scans of important documents like your passport and ID in a secure cloud storage service.
- Educate yourself on the signs of distress in others and how to approach someone who may need help, ...
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