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Uncover the harrowing details of the Popeyes Chicken murders—a case that has haunted a community since a storm-riddled prom night in 1994. Journey with us as we piece together the chilling sequence of events, from the power outages that led young employees to seek an early end to their shift to the unexpected roster change that placed Tamika Collins at the scene. Corrected misconceptions about manager Darrell Collier's first day set the stage for a deeper understanding of the crime, committed by insider Temoc Paraita and Robert Bryant Nelson. Contributions from survivor Brian Archer, the manager's sister Dawn Ward, and officers on the case like Lane Keener, who provides a vivid recollection of the crime scene, and Randy Phillips, who shares a private briefing, enrich our narrative with their personal and poignant insights.

As we mark the 30th anniversary of this tragedy, we honor the victims' legacies, striving to remember them for the lives they led—not just their tragic demise. With co-host Shawn Tucker, we reflect on the absence of a memorial, the community's quest for healing, and the survivor's journey to recovery. Through shared stories and support, this episode of "Murder in Your Backyard" not only holds space for the memory of those lost but also casts a light on the broader context of unsolved cases in Alabama, particularly in Etowah County. Thank you for joining us in this profound remembrance and ongoing search for justice.

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Imagine surviving the unimaginable. Bryant Archer, the lone survivor of the 1994 Popeyes shootings in Gadsden, Alabama, joins us to recount the chilling tale of the day that forever changed the lives of many. His narrative not only paints a haunting picture of the events but also offers a humanizing glimpse into his relationships with his late colleagues, including his manager Darrell Collier, and the normalcy that preceded the tragedy. Bryant's voice brings us closer to understanding the complex emotions and the raw struggle for survival he faced on that fateful night, providing a powerful tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.

Beyond the nightmare lies a journey of healing and seeking justice—a path riddled with obstacles, from grappling with grief to dealing with the repercussions of having survived. Bryant's candid discussion of the days following the shootings exposes the harsh reality of navigating through the aftermath of violence, including the legal complexities and the unwanted attention that comes with such a high-profile case. His experience, marked by the need for police protection and the weight of public scrutiny, underscores the profound effects of tragedy on personal lives and communities. Join us as we peer into the heart of a man who, against all odds, continues to search for closure and peace.

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Every officer has a case that haunts them, and for Officer Lane Keener, the chilling 1994 Popeyes murders in Gadsden stand out with harrowing clarity. With gripping emotion, Keener recounts the emergency call that accelerated into a high-speed race against the unknown, and the dire moments that followed as they breached the crime scene—a stark tableau of violence that even time can't erase. His story isn't just one of a crime; it's an intimate look at the weight carried by those who wear the badge, revealing the emotional toll extracted from the men and women behind the sirens and flashing lights.

The reverberations of tragedy don't end when the crime scene tape comes down, and this truth is echoed in the heart-wrenching narrative of a medic commander grappling with personal loss in the line of duty. Our guest, a seasoned crisis manager, offers a rare moment of solace and closure within the chaos, shedding light on the unspoken aftermath that law enforcement and first responders endure. As we navigate the delicate interplay between duty and humanity, the episode promises a candid and powerful journey into the challenges, unseen scars, and profound resilience of those who confront darkness to bring us safety and justice.

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When the universe takes away someone we love, the world shifts on its axis, leaving us to navigate the void left behind. In an intimate conversation with Dawn Ward, we explore the vibrant life and sudden loss of her brother, Darrell Collier. Dawn's poignant recollection of Darrell's passions for rock bands like AC/DC, Guns N' Roses, and his fervent sports fandom brings to life the essence of a man whose spirit danced to the rhythm of adventure and outspokenness. Her stories, filled with both laughter and tears, invite us into the sacred spaces of shared memories and demonstrate the enduring bond of siblings.

As we weave through the tapestry of Darrell's legacy, the episode also casts a gentle light on the shadows of grief that fall upon a family after tragedy strikes. Dawn opens up about the emotional landscapes of loss, the places that echo with absence, and the personal steps towards healing. We consider an alternate reality where sorrow didn't touch their lives, pondering how different the world might be with Darrell still in it. This episode isn't just a tribute; it's a heart-to-heart on living through loss and finding fragments of solace in a world forever changed. Join us for this moving testament to love, legacy, and the bittersweet symphony of life.

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Have you ever pondered the twists of fate that can send a life spiraling in unforeseen directions? Our latest conversation with Scott Hilton, founder of Eagle Rock Boys Ranch, presents a powerful narrative centered on Cuhuatemoc Peraita, a teen whose potential was eclipsed by misfortune and missteps. Scott unveils Peraita's story with a blend of regret and wisdom, detailing the misaligned stars that led a promising youth to a life of crime and, ultimately, to a cell on death row. Through the recounting of Peraita's journey, we come to understand the profound necessity of providing a firm foundation for our youth – and the terrible cost when we fail to do so.

We also step into the shadowed recollections of time, a figure synonymous with lost possibility and the haunting 'what-ifs' that accompany a tale of wasted youth. As Scott shares, the past may be immovable, but within it, we uncover glimmers of hope – the lessons borne from tragedy and the resilience of the human spirit. Through this episode, listeners are invited into a space of contemplation and called upon to acknowledge the ripple effects of our collective actions. Join us for an exploration of life's precarious path and the power that lies in redemption and support.

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What if the truth behind a young man's tragic death was buried beneath layers of inconsistencies and unanswered questions? This week, we explore the mysterious case of Nathen Magallanes , a promising 21-year-old from Foley, Alabama, whose life was abruptly ended in September 2017 under circumstances that still spark doubt and suspicion. Nathen's mother, Jamie, and grandmother, Rhonda, share their emotional journey as they recount the events leading to his disappearance and the devastating discovery that followed. By listening to their heartfelt narratives, you'll gain insight into Nathen's life, his job, and his budding relationship—all of which were tragically interrupted.

Listeners will be taken through the troubling details of Nathen's death, from the peculiar handling of evidence by authorities to the numerous inconsistencies that Jamie and Rhonda believe were overlooked. The family’s relentless pursuit of the truth is palpable as they discuss the frustrations of dealing with premature conclusions by law enforcement, including the suspicious destruction of Nathen's vehicle and the locked state of his phone when returned. Their story vividly illustrates the emotional toll this ordeal has taken on them and emphasizes the barriers they've faced in seeking clarity and justice.

In a poignant closing, Jamie and Rhonda share their continued struggle for answers, expressing disbelief at the authorities' dismissal of their concerns and the resilience they’ve had to muster in their pursuit of truth. They offer advice to others in similar predicaments: remain steadfast in seeking answers, cherish your loved ones, and find strength in prayer. Join us as we shed light on this unresolved case, hoping to bring the closure that Nathen’s family so desperately seeks.

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What happens when a devoted cookie salesman vanishes without a trace? On August 5, 1974, Steve Gaddy left his home in Jacksonville, Alabama, for what was supposed to be an ordinary workday, only to never return. In this gripping episode of "Murder in Your Backyard," we recount the harrowing events that led to the discovery of Steve’s abandoned delivery truck and the tireless search that ensued. The investigation took a dark turn when his body was found with a fatal gunshot wound, leaving his family and the community in shock and desperate for answers.

Join us as we revisit the relentless efforts of law enforcement, family, and volunteers who were determined to find out what happened to Steve. We'll delve into the chilling details of his last known movements, the subsequent arrest and release of a suspect, and the frustrating lack of leads that have kept this case open for decades. With reward money growing and memories fading, we reflect on the enduring mystery and urge anyone with information to come forward, keeping the hope for justice for Steve Leonard Gaddy alive.

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