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Can water really wash away all traces of a crime, or is it just another myth? Join us on Hold My Sweet Tea as we unravel this mystery, one splash at a time. We kick off with an amusing exchange about our feline companions before diving headfirst into the uncharted depths of forensic science, exploring how water impacts crucial evidence like DNA and fingerprints. Backed by research from the NIH and National Library of Medicine, we uncover how different water types, temperatures, and bacterial presence can accelerate evidence degradation. Yet, fear not—advancements in forensic techniques mean criminals can't fully rely on water to erase their deeds. We underscore the need for swift and meticulous handling of water-exposed evidence, potentially turning the tide in solving cases once thought cold.

Venture with us into the innovative world of forensic research, where artificial streams are the latest tool in studying the resilience of forensic traces like polyester fibers. These controlled environments may just revolutionize police investigations, offering a fresh glimmer of hope for cold cases. Hear about the resilience of fibers and the preservation of bodies in natural settings such as peat bogs, dismantling common misconceptions about evidence destruction. As we wrap up, we invite you to appreciate the complexities of forensic science and explore Southern folklore with us. Send us your stories and keep the conversation flowing, just like our love for sweet tea and captivating mysteries.

Source Material:

Study shows forensic evidence can survive underwater for weeks, by Staffordshire University, www.phys.org/news/2023-10-forensic-evidence-survive-underwater-weeks.html

Evaluation of Storage Conditions and the Effect on DNA from Forensic Evidence Objects Retrieved from Lake Water, Shahzad, M, De Mayer, H., Salih, G, et. al www.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10969804U0dxv515TErFb3McNjdP

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Shondra May's unsolved disappearance in 1986 remains a haunting story that reflects the darkness behind Southern hospitality. The episode delves into the timeline of Shondra's last known activities, the community's response, the discovery of her remains, the mishandling of evidence, and the ongoing quest for justice decades later.

Source Material:

www.newspapers.com

Clarion Ledger, Jackson, MS, Feb 12, 1986 pg 12

1986 Disappearance of Shondra May Still Unsolved, www.wlbt.com/2021/03/19/your-side-investigates-dissapearance-shondra-may-still-unsolved/

Shondra May Cold Case Almost Solved, www.wlbt.con/2024/10/16/shondra-may-cold-case-almost-solved/

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What happens when a closet cleanup spirals into a comedy of errors, complete with a dog grooming disaster? Join us on Hold My Sweet Tea for a mix of Southern charm and unexpected hilarity as Holly and Pearl share their weekend escapades. We're thrilled to announce our Spotify launch, with plans to expand our reach. Grab your glass of sweet tea as we unravel the intriguing intricacies of the American justice system, spotlighting the pivotal roles of grand and trial juries. Holly takes us inside the solemn duty of serving on a grand jury, where decisions can steer the course of serious cases like kidnapping and murder.

Our exploration continues with a riveting look at crime categories, from violent offenses to the shadowy world of white-collar crime. We delve into the courtroom theatrics of Donald Leroy Evans and the chilling case of Beatrice Routh, dissecting how Evans' self-representation unfolded amidst drama and manipulation. Reflecting on our own brushes with the judicial process, we ponder the dual jury system and the weight of civic duty. Before we sign off, we sprinkle in some humor and invite you to share your thoughts and stories, ensuring our journey through Southern true crime and folklore remains as engaging as ever.

Sources:

www.USCourts.gov/court-programs/jury-service/types/juries

www.findlaw.com

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Beatrice Routh was only 10 years old when her mother, Tammy Giles, intentionally allowed a complete stranger to take her daughter on a ride with him ALONE. In this episode we will explore what lead up to what would be the last moments of this sweet girl's life...Hold My Sweet Tea...

Source Material:

www.findlaw.com Evans V. State (1997)

www.caselaw.com/conv3654/1997/mississippi

Death Row Inmate is Fatally Stabbed, Los Angeles Times, January 5, 1999

www.latimes.com/archives/1a-xpm-1999-Jan-05-mn-60531-story

www.newspapers.com

Kennebec Journal (Augusta, Maine) Jun 15, 1993 Suspect in Girl's Murder Trial Escapes from Miss. Jail

Kennebec Journal (Augusta, Maine) Aug 17, 1991 Epitaph for Beatrice: She Suffered and Died, by Andy Molloy

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Get to know Holly and Pearl. Personality and connection are important to us when we choose a podcast to listen to, we want to let you hear ours! Just a little fun before we get into the true crime, ghost stories and folklore.