What I Do #5: Sellers, cold case advocate and co-host of the Unforgotten podcast
Cold case advocate and podcaster Sellers tells us about what she does
I'm Aaron Jacklin, and this is Explaining Crime, an independent newsletter that helps you explain crime to your audience.
What I Do is a weekly Explaining Crime series that features a single person in the crime content space and their answers to a set series of questions about what they do. The “crime content space” includes crime news, narrative nonfiction, investigative journalism, academia, advocacy, and, of course, true crime. Accordingly, What I Do will feature a wide variety of people, including academics, journalists, podcasters, authors, advocates, YouTubers, and more.
This week, I’m featuring Sellers, cold case advocate and co-host of the Unforgotten podcast.
What I Do #5: Sellers
Location: Southern Alabama, US
What do you do?
By day, I navigate the fascinating worlds of depositions, trials, and legal proceedings as a scopist - but an editor for court reporters. I’m the secret sauce ensuring the transcripts accurately reflect the statements made on the record.
Off duty, I morph into chauffeur, stylist, chaos coordinator, and official homework motivator (a.k.a. Mom).
And then, finally, the reason for the interview - Alabama Cold Case Advocacy (“ACCA”). I created ACCA in May of 2022 to help shed light on unsolved missing, murdered, and suspicious death cases in Alabama. Together with Mary Storm, my dedicated partner and friend from the Uncovered community, we research newspaper databases, court records, and public records. The outcome is a comprehensive case card, featuring a snapshot of the victim and highlights of the case, that can be shared across social media platforms.
Navigating the constraints of a 1080x1080 pixel graphic can be a bit like trying to fit an elephant into a matchbox. And not so surprisingly, news outlets didn't always jump at the chance to feature our submitted stories. So, in January 2023, we decided to take matters into our own hands. Enter the Unforgotten podcast, our grand solution to go beyond the visual limits of social media. It's not just about expanding on the cases; it's a platform for families and law enforcement agencies to open up and share the stories that deserve more than just a tiny square on your feed.
Who is your audience?
The audience being targeted is primarily comprised of Alabama residents, given that the cases we cover are situated in Alabama. Nevertheless, an effort is made to engage individuals beyond the state borders, as we aim to connect with anyone possessing information about the shared cases, even if that knowledge isn't firsthand and extends to those residing outside Alabama.
What are the most useful tools in your work?
The most useful tool we have is unquestionably social media – because let’s face it, in a world where everyone has a phone glued to their hands, checking Facebook, Instagram, or X is the equivalent of stopping for morning coffee. It might not be the hero we want, but it’s undeniably the fastest one to reach the masses.
Who or what are the most useful sources of information in your work?
Our preference leans towards insights from families and law enforcement, but in the event neither of those are available, we use alternative avenues. In the absence of direct access, we diligently scour newspaper databases and tap into other wellsprings of public information to piece together the puzzle.
Navigating the information landscape in Alabama poses its challenges, given the state's reluctance to embrace transparency through public record requests. The protective cloak of an investigative-privilege statute empowers investigating agencies with discretionary control over the release of records related to criminal investigations, often resulting in denied public records requests.
Over the years, this statute's expanding reach has progressively shrouded more information from public view, leaving families with little to no access. A notable 2021 decision by the Alabama Supreme Court further fortified this fortress of secrecy, deeming all materials linked to police investigations, including body camera footage, as protected. Chief Justice Parker, in a lone dissent, fittingly dubbed the Alabama Open Records Act as the "Alabama Closed Records Act."
What’s your process?
Our process begins with a dual approach: stumbling upon unsolved cases during research and receiving submissions from families or friends. Once a potential case surfaces, we request photos and any available information from the submitter. Our journey into comprehensive research kicks off with delving into newspaper databases like Newspapers.com and Newsbank, alongside checking resources like NamUs and Uncovered. Unfortunately, older cases often yield limited information, posing a challenge to the depth of our coverage.
To bolster our findings, we navigate court records and initiate public record requests to agencies like the Department of Corrections and Department of Forensic Sciences. Simultaneously, we reach out to investigating agencies, seeking updates and additional insights into the case. Armed with this data, we craft a succinct summary covering key details, such as the victim's photo, name, last known location, and events leading up to the last contact. If applicable, we include any identified Persons of Interest (POI) and the investigating agency's contact information.
Our weekly spotlight shifts across different Alabama counties, featuring cases on the Unforgotten platform. Initially, episodes expanded on the case card information, gradually evolving to encompass interviews with family, friends, and occasional investigators. This multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive journey from the inception of an idea to the polished content presented to our audience each week.
How do you distribute or otherwise share your work?
Our work finds its way to the audience through a diverse set of channels. Our social media presence extends across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube, and the Unforgotten Patreon, although I must confess my TikTok updates might be a bit lacking. The Unforgotten podcast, a cornerstone of our outreach, is accessible on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and various podcast platforms. For a more immersive experience, our website, alcoldcase.com (currently undergoing enhancements), serves as a hub where visitors can explore cases categorized by county or mapped out geographically.
In addition to digital platforms, we've crafted a unique shirt featuring the names of unsolved cases up until April 2023, available for purchase on our website. This tangible representation serves as both a tribute and a means of raising awareness. As we continue to refine our online space, our commitment to distributing and sharing our work persists, ensuring it reaches our audience through multiple avenues.
What’s something you wish people understood about crime, justice, or another related topic?
One profound understanding I wish people had is encapsulated in MLK's quote: "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice." While the wheels of justice turn at a painstaking pace, I firmly believe that dedicated effort will unravel the truth in many of these cases, paving the way for families to embark on their journey of healing.
It's crucial for people to recognize that the stories we share aren't just bedtime tales for entertainment. Behind every unsolved case lies real individuals with tangible lives, families, and an enduring love that persists in their absence. Sharing posts about cases, even those unsolved for decades, might seem small, but it holds immeasurable significance for families, particularly those with minimal updates. It's a beacon of support, a reminder that their loved ones aren't forgotten.
In the fast-paced whirlwind of news cycles, cases lose the spotlight swiftly, leaving families feeling abandoned in their quest for justice. The public's attention shifts to the next headline, often leaving grieving families shouldering their burden alone. Bringing awareness to these cases not only aids investigations but provides hope to families who've felt overlooked, revealing a community willing to share their grief and lighten their burdens.
Why do you do this work?
Engaging in this work is rooted in the profound belief that the saying "it takes a village" is not merely a cliché, but a guiding principle. When a child or a loved one is missing or has fallen victim to a tragedy like murder, the weight of grief and sorrow is too heavy for any individual to carry alone. The empathy driving our commitment is grounded in the perspective that, if it were our own family members, we would want a collective force to step forward. The idea transcends personal boundaries; it's about fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Moreover, the question echoes with a poignant challenge: "If not us, who?" It's a call to action that underscores the urgency and necessity of our involvement. In the face of injustice and suffering, we believe that someone must be the catalyst for change. We hope to be that driving force, advocating for justice, and championing the cause of those who cannot speak for themselves.
What was your path to doing this?
The journey to ACCA’s creation began with an incident in 2018. A young single mother, Danniella Vian, went missing in a car she had just purchased that same day, coincidentally on my birthday. Strikingly, she had a daughter around the same age as my youngest bonus daughter. As months passed with no progress in the investigation, my thoughts kept going back to her daughter and the moments they were missing out on.
Tragically, nearly a year later, the discovery of Danniella and her car submerged in a creek, roughly 17 miles away from where she was last seen, marked a grim resolution. However, her case faded from the headlines, leaving her family and young daughter grappling for answers. Witnessing their struggle to keep her memory alive in the public consciousness compelled me to take action.
Driven by a desire to make a meaningful contribution, I delved into researching her case for visualization on the Uncovered website. This led me to connect with the family and identify areas where support was most needed, which unsurprisingly was just keeping attention on her case.
The unfolding narrative didn't stop there; the research unveiled other cases like Brittney Wood's, Brittany Robinson's, Rickem Samuel's, and countless others.
In this process, a critical realization emerged – the absence of a reliable public database for current unsolved missing and murdered cases in Alabama. Discrepancies between NamUs and ALEA databases highlighted the need for a proactive approach to bring attention to these cases. If the public remains unaware of these unsolved mysteries, how can they share crucial information? It became evident that bridging this gap was crucial for generating leads and providing law enforcement with the tips necessary to unravel these mysteries.
And so, here we are – committed to advocating for justice, creating awareness, and standing as a catalyst for change in the realm of unsolved cases.
In tandem with our efforts, a petition to the legislature has been meticulously drafted. The aim is to harness collective voices, creating a surge of public pressure on those in power to take decisive action. We believe that by mobilizing the community and advocating for legislative change, we can foster a systemic response to unsolved missing and murdered cases. The petition stands as a testament to our commitment, urging those in authority to step up and address the critical gaps in awareness and resources that currently hinder the pursuit of justice. Together, we endeavor to make a lasting impact and ensure that the voices of the missing and their families are not only heard but actively championed.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out who wants to do what you do?
For someone starting out, my advice is simple yet crucial: don't give up. The path may be slow, but the impact of your efforts is profound. Every action you take, every inquiry you make, sends a powerful message to families that they are not alone, and it helps keep the flame of hope burning.
Think creatively and be resourceful. When faced with obstacles like denied public record requests, explore alternative avenues. If access to the investigative file is restricted, consider obtaining related information from sources like the Department of Forensic Sciences for autopsy reports. In cases with minimal information, delve into state archives, including governor files, for hidden details. Leverage county GIS systems for accurate location information, and tap into genealogy databases like Ancestry to piece together missing elements.
Maintain a positive outlook and cultivate relationships with local agencies. While not every call yields a positive response, the perseverance pays off. For every answered call, there may be ten unanswered or denied ones. Building these relationships is essential, and it often opens doors to valuable information.
Above all, be reliable, trustworthy, and accurate. Avoid spreading false or inaccurate information, and respect requests to keep certain details confidential. Providing reliable information not only builds credibility but also increases the likelihood of reaching individuals with credible information. In this challenging but vital work, your dedication and integrity can make a significant difference.
What book, podcast, documentary, or anything else would you recommend to people reading this?
Would it be shameless to plug Unforgotten here?
Who would you like to see answer these questions?
Dana Poll, Jessica Noll & Todd McComas from THE INVESTIGATORS! (Capped for emphasis and Todd’s bullhorn)
What do you do in your off-time to decompress from such heavy subject matter?
Off-time? What's that? Just kidding – there's a whole world beyond the heavy subject matter, and I manage to sneak in some decompression. I love to fish, whether it’s from a boat or from a beach. It's my escape, my chance to reel in some peace of mind.
Graphic design and drawing have become my creative haven. I've woven my touch into a couple of websites, spiced up the designs for ACCA merch (which you can find on our website), and crafted graphics that come to life through sublimation. It's not just a break from the heavy; it's a splash of color and creativity in a world that often deals in shades of gray.
What haven’t I asked you about that you’d like to add?
How do you sign the petition! You can find it on our website or change.org under “Protect Alabama Victims’ Families’ Rights & Clear the Cold Case Backlog.”
And that’s What I Do for this week! Do you have any suggestions for who else you’d like me ask these questions of? Let me know, and I’ll see if I can get them!