FAMILIES

This is where we are sharing the stories of families who are attending our event. If you are a family member who wants to ATTEND purchase tickets here, then fill out this form to include your loved one’s story.

Jacob landin

Jacob Landin was born July 1, 1986. He was a happy energetic baby. On April 10, 1987, Jacob was murdered by his mom’s boyfriend. His killer is still free to this day. Jacob is the reason behind AdvocacyCon.

Bryan “Vladek” Hasel

Bryan "Vladek" Hasel was last seen near The Place at Alafaya apt in East Orlando, FL on 11/15/21 and hasn't been in touch with family since 11/6/21, when his father, with whom he was residing, went out of town. He didn't have a vehicle and left his cell phone and his belongings. His family is concerned about his safety and wellbeing.

Richard e. dale hitchcock

Richard Hitchcock was reportedly last seen on December 22, 1990, at the Riverfront Bar in Allegan, Michigan. His car was found a few days later in a nearby parking lot. Please follow Help Us Find Richard Hitchcock.

leon Laureles

On Friday, May 10, 1996, Leon Laureles drove to his midnight shift at Kroger's 5 miles from his home in Brownwood, TX. Leon never arrived. Just after midnight, officers responded to a 911 call reporting a car fire on the side of the road. Responders found Leon's body in front of his 1988 Thunderbird, shot in the back of the head. Leon's murderer(s) have never been caught. 

Morgan patten

On November 8, 2019, Morgan traveled for more than 13 hours to spend the weekend with her fiancé, Phil Brandon, who had been away from home for 5 months, training to become a United States Marine. After arriving in Jacksonville, NC, Morgan walked across her hotel’s parking lot to a neighboring Applebees Restaurant. A few hours later, and before meeting with her Marine, she was killed in a single vehicle, 93mph crash, on a desolate dead end road, miles from Applebees. The two male strangers ( both serving with 2nd Marine Law Enforcement, and both intoxicated at the time of the crash) have never stated where they were going or why, nor have they explained the gun found in the wreckage. NC law enforcement wrote it off as “an unfortunate dui fatality”, and the Marine Corps administratively separated the two without a proper investigation, in fact, one is currently a law enforcement officer! Morgan’s story is not over; visit morgansmilestogo.com to learn more.

Eric Nelams

Eric Nelams was a loving son, brother, father, and veteran whose life was tragically cut short in an unsolved 2003 homicide. Born on June 10, 1971, in Columbus, Georgia, Eric was raised in a large, tight-knit family, the son of Annie Nelams and Ernest Hodges, with eight sisters and six brothers. Known for his compassion and generosity, Eric was described by his family as selfless, kind-hearted, and always ready to help those in need.

Eric’s jovial personality and love for life were evident in his everyday actions. A devoted father, Eric shared a deep bond with his son and embraced the role of stepfather to two children, loving them all as his own. After serving honorably in the U.S. Army and earning multiple awards and medals, Eric transitioned to civilian life. He was known for his extraordinary work ethic and ability to excel in any role he undertook.

rEBEKAH BARSOTTI

Rebekah Barsotti was a compassionate and adventurous young woman whose life was tragically cut short under troubling circumstances. On July 20, 2021, she vanished near the Clark Fork River in Montana, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a family desperate for justice. Months before her disappearance, Rebekah had escaped a turbulent marriage marked by domestic violence, determined to rebuild her life.

Her remains were discovered nearly a year later, but conflicting autopsy findings and mishandled evidence have left her loved ones searching for clarity. Despite troubling details pointing to her estranged husband, David Barsotti, authorities ruled out foul play, leaving Rebekah’s family to navigate an uphill battle for accountability and answers.
Rebekah’s story is a stark reminder of the challenges survivors of domestic violence face, even after they seek safety. Her family’s relentless pursuit of justice highlights the urgent need for reform in how these cases are handled.

Brandy Hutchins

Brandy Dawn Hutchins had told friends and family that she was pregnant 4 days before she was found murdered in a root cellar of an abandoned house in Coal Hill, Arkansas. At the crime scene, investigators found a piece of paper with a positive pregnancy test result beside Brandy’s body, however when the autopsy report came back, it revealed that Brandy was not or had ever been pregnant.

More than 35 years have passed, and Brandy’s case remains unresolved. Her boyfriend at the time remains the person of interest in not only Brandy’s case but in 2 others from other states.

Lonene rogers

Lonene Ray Rogers was a woman who touched many lives with her contagious smile and charismatic demeanor. She was a deaf, and never made one single excuse for anything because of it. She married a troubled man in hopes that he was her Prince, but the relationship was always rocky. She gave birth to a daughter and then a son. After multiple arrests, endless arguments and mental and physical abuse, Lonene finally decided to leave her husband. The couple argued in the wee hours of the morning on Jan 7th, 1981... and the next morning she was gone without a trace. Her husband, Clinton "Buddy" Rogers claimed she ran away with another man. There are many clues in a thick Cold Case file that is now 40 years old, that indicates a very different story.

Jarrett Brooks

Jarrett Brooks was last seen on July 4, 2023, when he walked away from his Joseph City area home. Ther ehave been no leads or sightings of Jarrett since that day. He is described as 6 feet tall, 140 lbs, brown eyes and blonde hair.

Mason roberson

Mason Roberson left his Anchorage, Alaska, home on May 18, 2024 after an argument with his parents. He ran out of the house wearing shorts, a t-shirt, tennis shoes without socks, and his phone. Leaving behind his ID and money. He was last seen on a neighbor’s camera further down the street. Searches have been conducted, including search and rescue teams with dogs and community outreach. There has been no confirmed sightings since Mason walked away in May.

Dawn Caraveo

Dawn Caraveo was a 30-year-old mother of four fighting for a new life. A history of domestic abuse from her boyfriend fueled her desire to return to her hometown of Kokomo, Indiana. However, 9 days after her declaration of wanting to leave, Dawn was found deceased inside her bedroom from a gunshot wound in 1990. Law enforcement ruled her death as a suicide after little to no investigation.

Now her four children are left fighting for justice for their mother.

secoya williams

Secoya Williams was 25 years-old when her life was taken by a sensless act of gun violence on February 25, 2022. Secoya’s family is now advocating for others and pushing for legislative change within their community.

Susan Lund

Susan Lund, a 25-year-old wife and mother of three from Clarksville, Tennessee, vanished on Christmas Eve 1992 after leaving home to walk to a local grocery store. Despite extensive searches, the official case was closed, though her family never stopped looking. A month later, human remains were discovered in Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park in Ina, Illinois, but for 30 years, the woman remained unidentified as “Ina Jane Doe.” In 2022, forensic anthropologist Dr. Amy Michael and researcher Laurah Norton revisited the case, leading to a more accurate forensic sketch by artist Carl Koppelman. Simultaneously, DNA uploaded to GEDmatch provided a familial match, confirming the remains as Susan “Sue” Lund. Though her identity has been restored, her children remain committed to finding justice for their mother’s murder.

MORE FAMILIES WILL BE ADDED AS APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED