Box in the Basement

Arlene, Leah, Bree

"Box in the Basement" is a compelling new podcast created by Arlene, a woman whose life was forever changed by a family tragedy. The unsolved murder of her Uncle Leon Laurales serves as the catalyst for this investigative series. Disturbed by the lackluster investigation and the mystery that still surrounds his case, Arlene dives deep into the details of her uncle's story, uncovering the many problems that plagued the investigation. Her journey doesn't stop there, as she expands her focus to other unsolved cases in Central Texas. Each episode of "Box in the Basement" promises to shed light on the overlooked and forgotten mysteries in her local community, hoping to find answers and justice for those who have been silenced.

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Episodes

Two Public Servants, Two Decades Apart, One Familiar Crime Scene: The Murders of Dorthy Estep & Beth Hicks
Feb 28 2024
Two Public Servants, Two Decades Apart, One Familiar Crime Scene: The Murders of Dorthy Estep & Beth Hicks
In the shadowed silence of a Texas highway, a chilling discovery sends ripples through the heart of McLennan County. It's late at night, September 30th, 1985, when Texas State Trooper Richard Coddle, guided by intuition and duty, investigates an abandoned car off US Highway 84. What he finds inside the trunk ignites a mystery that has endured for decades—the remains of 32-year-old Dorothy Estep, a dedicated social worker from the nearby town of Mexia.Welcome to "Box in the Basement," a podcast where hosts Arlene and Leah delve into the darkest unsolved mysteries and cold cases of Texas, starting with the haunting story of Dorothy Estep. In a narrative woven from the fabric of 1985—a year marked by global tensions, cultural shifts, and technological milestones—we invite you to explore a case that remains as perplexing as the era it emerged from.Dorothy, known for her compassion and commitment to protecting children, vanished under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind a daughter and a community grappling with loss. The only clues: a car abandoned on a lonely highway, a body concealed with deliberate care, and a life cut tragically short.As we peel back the layers of this enigmatic case, we're transported to Mexia, Texas, a small town with a rich history and a population that's remained constant despite the ebbs and flows of fortune. Here, in 1985, amid the backdrop of Reaganomics, the Space Shuttle Atlantis's maiden voyage, and the ubiquitous tunes of Dire Straits and Madonna, Dorothy Istep's life came to an abrupt and violent end.But who would want to harm Dorothy, a woman devoted to the welfare of the most vulnerable? The investigation, led by Texas Ranger Sergeant Bob Prince, uncovered few leads and no suspects, leaving a community in search of answers. Could the key to solving this cold case lie in the tangled web of Dorothy's professional and personal life, or is it buried deeper, in the secrets that small towns keep?We also delve into another Texas mystery, a woman twenty years later, three hours south, and also a public servant is found dead. Police discover the body of Beth Hicks in her truck outside her trailer park one month before her wedding. Who killed these women? Join us for another episode of  "Box in the Basement." Support Box in the Basement Victims Leon Laurales: Website & GoFundMe Amanda Goodman: Justice for Sissy Facebook Page Jennifer Sue Delgado Memorial Foundation
A New Mother Murdered in Midway: Who Killed Nancy Probst?
Feb 22 2024
A New Mother Murdered in Midway: Who Killed Nancy Probst?
On a chilling November night in Midwest City, Oklahoma, a devastating scene unfolded as Matthew Probst discovered his wife, Nancy Probst, lifeless in their home, marking the beginning of one of Oklahoma's most perplexing and unsettling unsolved homicides. Nancy, a 32-year-old mother, was found dead, leading to Matthew quickly becoming a person of interest. Despite his time behind bars, the case remains unsolved as of February 2020, leaving a haunting question mark over the tragic event.In 2000, amid significant global and national events—from the US presidential election controversy to the opening of the International Space Station—the murder of Nancy Probst in the relatively peaceful community of Midwest City added a dark chapter to the year. Midwest City, known for its connection to Tinker Air Force Base and its role as a suburban sprawl exemplar, was rocked by the violent crime that seemed out of place in the otherwise safe area.Nancy Probst's murder on November 16, 2000, unfolded in a scenario that seemed almost cinematic in its horror: her body was discovered across from her infant daughter, presenting a scene that no family should ever endure. Given the peculiar circumstances and his subsequent actions, Matthew Probst's account of the events leading to the discovery raised immediate suspicions among investigators. The crime scene, described as staged, and the absence of clear motives such as robbery or sexual assault, further complicated the investigation.Matthew Probst, who had multiple affairs, emerged as the primary suspect, not just due to his immediate behavior but also because of his extramarital activities, and expressed dissatisfaction with his marriage. Despite these suspicions and his initial arrest, the charges against him were dismissed, leaving Nancy's murder an open wound for her family, the community, and all who seek justice in unsolved cases."Box in the Basement," a podcast dedicated to shedding light on unsolved murders and disappearances, takes on Nancy Probst's case, hoping to rekindle interest and perhaps lead to new information that could break the impasse in the investigation. The hosts, Arlene and Leah, driven by personal experiences of unresolved family tragedies, aim to provide a voice for the victims and their families, who continue to search for answers and closure.We also answer the question: How many unsolved homicides have been in Oklahoma since 1976? The murder of Nancy Probst remains a poignant reminder of the mysteries that persist in our midst, challenging our sense of security and our faith in the justice system. As the podcast "Box in the Basement" underscores, the fight for answers in cold cases like Nancy's is not just about solving a crime but about restoring peace to families and communities haunted by uncertainty.Support Box in the Basement Victims Leon Laurales: Website & GoFundMe Amanda Goodman: Justice for Sissy Facebook Page Jennifer Sue Delgado Memorial Foundation
Chased Through the Woods in Panola County: The Strange Death of Lauren Thompson
Feb 14 2024
Chased Through the Woods in Panola County: The Strange Death of Lauren Thompson
In the shadowed underbrush of Panola County's dense forests, a mystery as perplexing as the twisted pines unfolded with the disappearance of Lauren Elizabeth Thompson. This case, which has haunted the East Texas Timberlands since January 2019, serves as the focal point for an episode of "Box in the Basement," a podcast dedicated to shining a light on Texas' coldest cases and the families left grappling in the dark.Lauren, a 32-year-old mother of three, vanished without a trace, her last known moments captured in a frantic 911 call where she claimed she was being chased through the woods by an unseen assailant. Despite a massive search effort that spanned over 2,000 acres, Lauren remained a whisper among the leaves until July 2022, when a logging crew stumbled upon human skeletal remains later identified as hers through dental records. The discovery brought a tragic end to the search but opened a new chapter of questions that "Box in the Basement" hosts Arlene and Leah, themselves touched by unsolved tragedy, seek to explore.The podcast delves deep into the heart of Lauren's story, from her final, panic-stricken phone call to her mother, expressing regret and a desire to turn her life around, to the chilling details of her last conversation with emergency services. Lauren's disappearance and subsequent death cast a long shadow over Panola County, a region already steeped in mystery and the unknown. Arlene and Leah's investigation also scrutinizes the swirling rumors and theories that emerged in the wake of Lauren's disappearance. From speculations of mental illness to dark insinuations of a cover-up within the Sheriff's office, the podcast leaves no stone unturned. The hosts' empathetic approach provides a voice to the voiceless, offering a platform for speculation, analysis, and, most importantly, remembrance.Listeners are invited to join the quest for answers, not just in Lauren's case, but in all cases tucked away in the basements of Texas' law enforcement agencies. Through engaging storytelling and rigorous investigation, "Box in the Basement" aims to ignite a flame of awareness and advocacy, hoping to illuminate the path toward resolution for families ensnared in the agony of not knowing.In remembering Lauren Elizabeth Thompson, "Box in the Basement" advocates for the power of community in confronting the abyss of the unknown, urging a collective push for transparency, accountability, and ultimately, justice. Join Arlene and Leah as they journey through the heart of darkness to find the light of truth, one case at a time.Support Box in the Basement Victims Leon Laurales: Website & GoFundMe Amanda Goodman: Justice for Sissy Facebook Page Jennifer Sue Delgado Memorial Foundation
Domestic Violence, Death, & Disappearance in Lockhart: The Murder of Latricia White & The Disappearances of Lee & Chance Wackerhagen
Feb 7 2024
Domestic Violence, Death, & Disappearance in Lockhart: The Murder of Latricia White & The Disappearances of Lee & Chance Wackerhagen
In this heart-wrenching episode of Box in the Basement Podcast, hosts Arlene and Leah delve into a chilling cold case from Lockhart, Texas. On December 27, 1993, two days post-Christmas, the tranquility of a small town is shattered when Jack White discovers his daughter, 38-year-old Latricia White, shot dead in her home. The mystery deepens with the disappearance of Latricia's partner, Lee "Dub" Wackerhagen, and his nine-year-old son, Chance, sparking a complex investigation that challenges initial suspicions and takes unexpected turns.Lockhart, known as the Barbecue Capital of Texas, serves as the backdrop for this tragic tale that unfolded during a year marked by significant global events, from Bill Clinton’s presidency to the first World Trade Center attack. The episode intricately weaves the personal stories of those involved, including Latricia’s compassionate nature as a nurse, Dub’s tumultuous relationship with Latricia, and the innocence of young Chance, against the tapestry of 1993’s cultural milestones, from Mariah Carey’s chart-topping hits to the success of "The Pelican Brief."As Arlene and Leah unravel the events leading to Latricia's murder and the subsequent vanishing of Dub and Chance, they shed light on the complexities of domestic disputes, the initial focus on Dub as a suspect, and the eventual shift in the investigation that hints at other potential culprits. The discovery of Dub’s truck in Austin, laden with Christmas presents and revealing forensic clues, adds layers of intrigue and speculation about the fate of the missing father and son.The episode not only aims to memorialize the victims but also to reignite interest in a case that remains unsolved, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in uncovering the truth. With a call to action for anyone with information, Box in the Basement underscores the ongoing quest for justice for Latricia, Dub, and Chance, and the broader mission to bring closure to families affected by unresolved tragedies.Support Box in the Basement Victims Leon Laurales: Website & GoFundMe Amanda Goodman: Justice for Sissy Facebook Page Jennifer Sue Delgado Memorial Foundation
Strangled by the Telephpone:  The Murder of Ruby Lewis Stevens - El Paso's Oldest Cold Case
Jan 24 2024
Strangled by the Telephpone: The Murder of Ruby Lewis Stevens - El Paso's Oldest Cold Case
A pregnant woman is strangled to death by her own telephone cord on a warm summer night in 1966. In this episode of "Box in the Basement," hosts Arlene and Leah delve into the haunting cold case of Ruby Lewis Stevens, whose life was tragically cut short in El Paso, Texas, and remains El Paso's oldest cold case. Ruby, a young, pregnant wife living in the heart of El Paso, was found strangled in her home in 1966, a crime that remains unsolved to this day. The hosts, driven by personal experiences with unsolved crimes, aim to shed light on these forgotten cases, hoping to find justice for the victims and their families.The episode paints a vivid picture of El Paso in the 1960s, a bustling city with a population of around 300,000 at the time, known for its cross-border trade, military presence, and vibrant cultural blend. The year 1966, a pivotal period in history marked by political upheaval and cultural shifts, sets the stage for this tragic story. Listeners are taken on a journey through time, exploring the local and global events that shaped the era, from the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson and the Vietnam War to the space race and the cultural revolution in China.The podcast also dives into the details of Ruby's life, her marriage to James Stevens, a U.S. Army soldier, and their humble beginnings in El Paso. Ruby's gentle nature and low-risk lifestyle make her murder even more baffling and highlight the randomness of such violent acts.Walk through her last day, the evidence, victimology, and learn how many more boxes are sitting in basements of cases just like Ruby's. Is there any evidence to help solve the case today? Support Box in the Basement Victims Leon Laurales: Website & GoFundMe Amanda Goodman: Justice for Sissy Facebook Page Jennifer Sue Delgado Memorial Foundation