Suffer the Little Children

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Episode 57: Samiah Downing (Part 2) Apr 07, 2021

Show notes

Four-year-old Samiah Downing was visiting with her father and his girlfriend in Adelanto, California in December of 2012 when police received a report from a witness that something very bad had happened to Samiah. Police interviewed the couple, and within hours, authorities received information that led them to a shallow grave in the California desert, where they discovered Samiah’s body with unimaginable injuries. The story that emerged was a horror of daily beatings, confinement, and diabolical torture, including the water deprivation that ultimately led to Samiah’s death, and later, the arrest and conviction of three people.
In last week’s episode, I told you the story of Samiah’s life, her death, and the nearly nine-year criminal case that ensued. This week, you’ll hear my interview with the prosecutor in Samiah’s case, San Bernardino County Deputy District Attorney Justin Crocker, who spent years pushing toward justice for the sweet, happy four-year-old girl with the big brown eyes.
This is part 2 of the tragic story of Samiah Downing.
Huge thanks to today’s sponsor:
Smile Brilliant provides teeth whitening and oral care products customized just for you! Use my coupon code to save 30% by clicking here
Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram.
You can also follow the podcast on YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, TikTok, and Pinterest. My Linktree is available here.
Visit the podcast's web page at www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com.
Please help make the show my full-time gig to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive gifts!
This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.
For more stories like this one, visit Suffer the Little Children Blog.
Music for this episode is from www.AudioJungle.net.
Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or your favorite podcast listening platform.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.
If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org

Episode 56: Samiah Downing (Part 1) Mar 31, 2021

Show notes

Four-year-old Samiah Downing was visiting with her father and his girlfriend in Adelanto, California in December of 2012 when police received a report from a witness that something very bad had happened to Samiah. Police interviewed the couple, and within hours, authorities received information that led them to a shallow grave in the California desert, where they discovered Samiah’s body with unimaginable injuries. The story that emerged was a horror of daily beatings, confinement, and diabolical torture, including the water deprivation that ultimately led to Samiah’s death, and later, the arrest and conviction of three people.
In this episode, I will tell you the story of Samiah’s life, her death, and the nearly nine-year criminal case that ensued. Next week, you’ll hear my interview with the prosecutor in Samiah’s case, San Bernardino County Deputy District Attorney Justin Crocker, who spent years pushing toward justice for the sweet, happy four-year-old girl with the big brown eyes.
This is part 1 of the tragic story of Samiah Downing.
To watch the segment about Samiah on Gina Silva’s Fox 11 investigative series The Children Are Dying, click here.
Huge thanks to today’s sponsor:
Smile Brilliant provides teeth whitening and oral care products customized just for you! Visit their website here.
Shout-out also to the Stolen Lives podcast, whose promo you heard at the top of the episode!
Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram.
You can also follow the podcast on YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, TikTok, and Pinterest. My Linktree is available here.
Visit the podcast's web page at www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com.
Please help make the show my full-time gig to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive gifts!
This podcast is written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.
For more stories like this one, visit Suffer the Little Children Blog.
Music for this episode is from www.AudioJungle.net.
Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or your favorite podcast listening platform.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.
If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org

Episode 55: Hoss Benham Mar 24, 2021

Show notes

On March 11, 2014, a young woman and her older boyfriend entered the emergency room in Cullman, Alabama, carrying the lifeless body of her one-year-old son, Hoss Benham, who they said had drowned in the bathtub of their mobile home. Hoss’s injuries did not match up with the couple’s story, and after the results of an autopsy were released, both would face multiple charges, including capital murder and sexual torture.
This is a story of a little boy who endured unfathomable cruelty at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend. It’s also the story of a sweet, happy baby who died in terror and agony on his first birthday.
This is the tragic story of Hoss Benham.
In this episode, I discussed types and signs of child abuse, as well as risk factors. This information was largely gathered from this page on the Mayo Clinic’s website, which also lists complications, prevention tips, and other resources. If you see something, say something!
Huge thanks to today’s sponsors:
Smile Brilliant provides teeth whitening and oral care products customized just for you! Visit their website here.
On the Heromakers Podcast, hosts Laurie Nichols and Ann Chow have great conversations with many incredible people who are making the world a little bit better. Visit the Heromakers Movement website here.
Shout-out also to Ana at Apple for the Teacher Podcast, whose promo you heard at the top of today’s episode! Find Apple for the Teacher on your favorite podcast listening platform.
Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram.
You can also follow the podcast on YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, TikTok, and Pinterest. My Linktree is available here.
Visit the podcast's web page at www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com.
Please help make the show my full-time gig to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive gifts!
This podcast is written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.
For more stories like this one, visit Suffer the Little Children Blog.
Music for this episode is from www.AudioJungle.net.
Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or your favorite podcast listening platform.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.
If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org

Episode 54: Maddilyn-Rose Stokes Mar 17, 2021

Show notes

On May 25, 2017, two-year-old Maddilyn-Rose Stokes was rushed to the hospital in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, unresponsive and suffering from infected third-degree burns that had been inflicted in the family’s bathtub five days prior. Her parents, Shane Stokes and Nicole Moore, had not sought medical care for their little girl’s worsening condition, calling emergency services only when she stopped breathing. Several hours later, Maddy was dead.
This is a story of bad decisions, selfishness, mental illness, and medical neglect. It’s also the story of a tiny, defenseless toddler who suffered unimaginable pain for five days with severe, untreated burns covering a fifth of her little body, which finally succumbed to the resultant infection running rampant through her bloodstream.
This is the horrific story of Maddilyn-Rose Stokes.
Huge thanks to today’s sponsors:
Smile Brilliant provides teeth whitening and oral care products customized just for you! Visit their website here.
On the Heromakers Podcast, hosts Laurie Nichols and Ann Chow have great conversations with many incredible people who are making the world a little bit better. Visit the Heromakers Movement website here.
Shout-out also to Malice, whose podcast promo you heard at the top of today’s episode!
Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram.
You can also follow the podcast on YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, TikTok, and Pinterest. My Linktree is available here.
Visit the podcast's web page at www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com.
Please help make the show my full-time gig to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive gifts!
This podcast is written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.
For more stories like Maddy’s, visit Suffer the Little Children Blog.
Music for this episode is from www.AudioJungle.net.
Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or your favorite podcast listening platform.
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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.
If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org

Episode 53: Damian Sutton (Part 2) Mar 10, 2021

Show notes

Last week, I began telling you the story of 2-year-old Damian Sutton, who spent six days on life support after dying in Children’s Hospital in Detroit from a head injury incurred while in the care of a man pretending to be his mother’s boyfriend. After the man, Ronald DiMambro Jr., was convicted of Damian’s murder, a Brady violation led to Ron being granted a second trial.
In this episode, I’ll tell you the rest of Damian’s story, and you’ll also hear my interview with Damian’s maternal grandmother, Tara Thompson, who Damian called “Nana.”
This is part two of the gut-wrenching story of Damian Sutton.
Huge thanks to today’s sponsor:
Smile Brilliant provides teeth whitening and oral care products customized just for you! Visit their website here.
Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram.
You can also follow the podcast on YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, TikTok, and Pinterest. My Linktree is available here.
Visit the podcast's web page at www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com.
Please help make the show my full-time gig to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive gifts!
This podcast is written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.
For more stories like Damian’s, visit Suffer the Little Children Blog.
Music for this episode is from www.AudioJungle.net.
Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or your favorite podcast listening platform.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.
If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org

Minisode 3: Quortney Kley Update Mar 06, 2021

Show notes

In episode 49, I told you the story of 20-month-old Quortney Kley, who was sexually abused and murdered on February 25, 1997 by her mother’s boyfriend, Cayce Williams. After an unthinkable nine year court process, Williams finally accepted a plea agreement in 2006, pleading guilty to murder and predatory criminal sexual assault in exchange for a 48-year prison sentence. However, due to a glitch in Illinois law that has since been corrected, Williams was only required to serve half of his sentence, and on February 25, 2021, after 24 years in prison for the rape and murder of a baby, Cayce Williams walked free from the Dixon Correctional Facility.
In this minisode, I’ll cover the recent developments in Quortney’s story, including her killer’s parole, his current whereabouts, and how his release has affected Quortney’s family. I’ll also talk about the absolute necessity of amplifying the voices of Quortney and her family to drown out the voice of her killer.
Visit the Justice for Quortney Kley Facebook page here.
Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram.
You can also follow the podcast on YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, Tumblr, and Pinterest. My Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod
Visit the podcast's web page at www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com.
Please help make the show my full-time gig to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive gifts!
This podcast is written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.
For more stories like Quortney’s, visit Suffer the Little Children Blog.
Music for this episode is from www.AudioJungle.net.
Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, I Heart Radio, YouTube, or your favorite podcast listening platform.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.
If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org

Episode 52: Damian Sutton (Part 1) Mar 03, 2021

Show notes

On August 21, 2013, 26-year-old Ronald DiMambro Jr. called 911 to summon an ambulance to his family’s lavish home in Washington Township, Michigan. Ronald said a little boy in his care, 2-year-old Damian Sutton, was having an asthma attack, but later that evening, after giving a detective multiple versions of his story, Ron confessed to shaking the toddler and was charged with felony child abuse. After Damian died on August 27, Ron’s charge was upgraded to murder.
In this episode, you’ll hear the story of a little boy with enormous blue eyes whose light was snuffed out by a man pretending to be his mother’s boyfriend, and you’ll hear how that man’s barbaric actions dragged Damian’s family through not one, but two murder trials. Next week, you’ll hear my interview with Damian’s maternal grandmother, Tara Thompson, who Damian called “Na-na.”
This is part one of the gut-wrenching story of Damian Sutton.
Huge thanks to today’s sponsors:
Jay Shifman created the Choose Your Struggle Podcast to educate listeners on the issues of Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, and Drug Use & Policy, and in doing so help end the stigma around these topics. Visit his podcast website here.
Smile Brilliant provides teeth whitening and oral care products customized just for you! Visit their website here.
Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram.
You can also follow the podcast on YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, TikTok, and Pinterest. My Linktree is available here.
Visit the podcast's web page at www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com.
Please help make the show my full-time gig to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive gifts!
This podcast is written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.
For more stories like Damian’s, visit Suffer the Little Children Blog.
Music for this episode is from www.AudioJungle.net.
Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or your favorite podcast listening platform.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.
If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org

Episode 51: Poppie Van der Merwe (Part 2) Feb 24, 2021

Show notes

In episode 50, I began telling you the story of a three-year-old girl named Poppie Van der Merwe, whose utterly preventable death shocked the nation of South Africa. After multiple reports that Poppie and her five-year-old brother were being abused, social services became involved, but the family moved to avoid the investigation. Three weeks later, Poppie was dead, and in this episode, I’ll go over the events that followed the arrests of both her stepfather and her mother.
This is the story of the murder of a blonde, blue-eyed little doll whose smile stole the hearts of an entire country. It’s also a sadly familiar story of the failure of an agency tasked with protecting children despite countless warning signs and multiple reports from those close to the family.
This is part 2 of the heartbreaking story of Poppie Van der Merwe.
Francois Nolte’s short film based on Poppie's story, Porselein, can be viewed here. (https://filmfreeway.com/Porcelain013)
Huge thanks to today’s sponsor:
Smile Brilliant provides teeth whitening and oral care products customized just for you! Visit their website here.
Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram.
You can also follow the podcast on YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, TikTok, and Pinterest. My Linktree is available here.
Visit the podcast's web page at www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com.
Please help make the show my full-time gig to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive gifts!
This podcast is written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.
For more stories like Poppie’s, visit Suffer the Little Children Blog.
Music for this episode is from www.AudioJungle.net.
Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or your favorite podcast listening platform.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.
If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org

Episode 50: Poppie Van der Merwe (Part 1) Feb 17, 2021

Show notes

In this episode, I cover my first ever South African case, that of three-year-old Poppie Van der Merwe. Poppie and her five-year-old brother were frequently seen by teachers, doctors, neighbors, and others with bruises and other injuries. When social services became involved, her mother and stepfather moved the family overnight to avoid the investigation, and the physical abuse escalated exponentially. Three weeks later, Poppie was rushed to the hospital, unresponsive, and declared dead on arrival.
This is the story of the murder of a tiny, blonde-haired, blue-eyed doll whose smile stole the hearts of an entire country. It’s also a sadly familiar story of the failure of an agency tasked with protecting children despite countless warning signs and multiple reports from those close to the family.
This is part 1 of the heartbreaking story of Poppie Van der Merwe.
Huge thanks to today’s sponsors:
Every bag of gourmet coffee purchased from Free Lunch Coffee provides 10 meals to hungry children! Visit their website here.
Smile Brilliant provides teeth whitening and oral care products customized just for you! Visit their website here.
Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram.
You can also follow the podcast on YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, and Pinterest.
Visit the podcast's web page at www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com.
Please help make the show my full-time gig to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive gifts!
This podcast is written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.
For more stories like Poppie’s, visit Suffer the Little Children Blog.
Music for this episode is from www.AudioJungle.net.
Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast listening platform.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.
If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org

Episode 49: Quortney Kley Feb 10, 2021

Show notes

On February 25, 1997, 23-year-old Cayce Williams entered the emergency room at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Elgin, Illinois, carrying the lifeless body of his girlfriend’s 20-month-old daughter, Quortney Kley. Medical staff immediately called police, who arrested Cayce the same evening. Cayce was charged with several felony counts of murder, as well as predatory criminal sexual assault.
Nine long years later, Cayce Williams accepted a plea agreement and was sentenced to 48 years in Illinois state prison. Due to a change in Illinois law, however, he was only required to serve 24 of those years behind bars. Now, he is scheduled to be released from the Dixon Correctional Center two weeks from this episode’s release date.
In this episode, you’ll hear my conversation with Quortney’s mom, Gretta, in which we talk about her beloved, stubborn, sassy baby girl whose rapist and murderer is preparing to walk free from prison on February 25.
This is the mind-boggling story of Quortney Kley.
Huge thanks to today’s sponsors:
Every bag of gourmet coffee purchased from Free Lunch Coffee provides 10 meals to hungry children! Visit their website here.
Smile Brilliant provides teeth whitening and oral care products customized just for you! Visit their website here.
The Justice for Quortney Kley Facebook page can be found here.
The event page for the February 24 protest outside Dixon Correctional Center can be found here.
Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram.
You can also follow the podcast on YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, and Pinterest.
Visit the podcast's web page at www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com.
Please help make the show my full-time gig to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive gifts!
This podcast is written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.
For more stories like Quortney’s, visit Suffer the Little Children Blog.
Music for this episode is from www.AudioJungle.net.
Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast listening platform.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.
If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org

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