2025 Scholarship Recipients

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Roger Aguirre

Roger Aguirre is a Hispanic male who was last seen in Chicago, Illinois on November 20, 1975. On the day of his disappearance, Roger was last seen in front of his apartment building speaking with a man in a red car. Roger's family grew worried after several days went by without any contact from him. As his family’s concerns grew, they then went to his apartment only to find all the lights and the TV still on, however, there was no sign of Roger and he has never been seen again.

At the time of his disappearance, Roger was described as 5’9-5’11” tall with black hair and brown eyes. He worked at Commercial Solvents on Fullerton Street in Chicago and often frequented the local establishments on Clark and Diversey Streets. Roger had a friend named Ernest whom his family is eager to reconnect with. If you are Ernest or know how to contact him, please reach out.

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Amber Arnett

Amber Arnett disappeared on June 25, 2023, in Lansing, Michigan. Amber was last seen at a Dollar Tree on South Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Lansing. She has several distinct tattoos, including "Beautiful Disaster" on her upper thigh. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a black tank top with white lettering, blue jeans, and black tennis shoes.

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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.

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Danielle Bell

Danielle Bell was a bright and ambitious 14-year-old who dreamed of becoming a lawyer before she vanished in September 2001. More than two decades later, her sister, Bonnie—continues the relentless fight for answers.

Danielle was full of life, but behind her smile was a troubling connection to a 24-year-old male named Alfredo Sanchez. When Danielle disappeared, law enforcement listed her as a runaway, hindering immediate investigations.

In the nearly two decades Bonnie has been seeking answers for her sister, unsettling details of Danielle's history, home life, and pregnancy that Danielle had shared with friends and her mother have come alight.

Bonnie's dedication, mainly through social media, has reignited interest in Danielle’s case, proving that love and persistence can keep a story alive.

If you have any information, please contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

Danielle deserves to be found. Bonnie deserves answers.

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Jarrett Brooks

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

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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.

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Blake Chappell

Blake Tyler Chappell was born on February 7, 1994. He loved skateboarding and riding dirt bikes, and he was always the first to help anyone in need. On the evening of October 15, 2011, Blake attended his East Coweta High School homecoming dance with his girlfriend, Rion. Later, during a phone call with his mother, he shared that it had been the best night of his life, filled with fun, dancing, and time spent with friends.

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Norman Grasser

Norman John Christopher "Norm" Grasser, born on March 20, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, was reported missing on January 20, 1980. On March 19, 1980, his body was discovered in a field off Highway 17 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, with no identification, and his death was attributed to hypothermia. Despite efforts, he remained unidentified for over four decades. In 2023, students from Ramapo College's Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center utilized advanced DNA testing and genealogical research to identify the remains as those of Grasser. This breakthrough provided long-awaited closure for his family, particularly his brother, who had been searching for him for more than 40 years. Grasser's case underscores the profound impact of investigative genetic genealogy in resolving cold cases and bringing solace to families of the missing.

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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.

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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.

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Jason Marous

On January 6, 2023, Jason “Jay” Marous was discovered in his vehicle, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound outside his home in the 800 block of NE 14th Place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Surveillance footage released by police captured a person of interest walking in the area around the time of the shooting. The individual was seen wearing a beanie, face mask, long-sleeve shirt, and pants. To date, no arrests have been made, and Jason’s case remains unsolved.

Jason’s family continues to adovcate for answers and justice in his memory.

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John Cornelius McGhee

John Cornelius "J.C." McGhee was fatally shot in the doorway of his Belmont County, Ohio, home on July 11, 2002. At the time, his daughter, Madison McGhee, was just six years old. Initially told her father had died of a heart attack, Madison discovered the truth at age 16. In 2023, driven by a desire for justice, she launched the "Ice Cold Case" podcast to investigate her father's unsolved murder. The podcast delves into J.C.'s past as a former drug dealer turned confidential informant and explores the circumstances surrounding his death. 

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Armani Dante Morgan

Armani Dante Morgan, a 27-year-old man from Dallas, Texas, disappeared on June 3, 2017. His skeletal remains were discovered on July 24, 2017, in a vacant field near his home. Before his disappearance, Armani had been subjected to multiple violent incidents, including a shooting into his mother's apartment on May 31, 2017, and physical assaults by known individuals. Despite these circumstances, his case remains unsolved, and his family continues to seek justice and answers regarding his death.

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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.

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Wilma June Nissen

Wilma June Nissen was 23 years old when she was murdered and discarded in a ditch in Northwest Iowa in 1978. For almost 30 years, Wilma was unidentified until a lab technician was able to match her left thumbprint to a print card from the Los Angeles Police Department.

Wilma’s murder remains unsolved and her daughter is tirelessly fighting for answers.

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Cristian Rangel

Monday, April 8, 2024, between 1:27 pm and 1:30 pm, Cristian Rangel was seen on surveillance cameras at Walmart at 5017 Hwy 290 in Austin, Texas. Footage shows a white GMC Terrain entering the parking lot, a short time after a blue Mustang (or similar) parked nearby. The Terrain is seen leaving the parking lot at a high rate of speed with the passenger door opening as the vehicle speeds away. Kamery Wooldridge, the driver of the Terrain, was arrested and charged with tampering and disposal of Cristian’s body. She is currently out on bail.

Cristian’s body was found 11 days later near the 5800 block of Spring Meadow Road in a greenbelt wooded area.

April 8th, many people were outdoors at this time, specifically in the Austin area, due to the peak window of the solar eclipse. If you or anyone you know has any information about Cristian, or the blue vehicle please contact Capital Area CrimeStoppers.

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Lonene “Lonnie” 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.

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Layla Santanello

Layla Santanello was last seen at the Americourt Hotel in Kinsport, TN on June 27th, 2023. Her hair color was bleach blonde with dark roots at the time of her disappearance. She was last seen wearing black leggings and a white tank top. She has multiple tattoos, most noticeable are the Roman numerals on her collarbone and her daughter’s name “Nova Grace” written down her left forearm. Her family and friends are concerned for her well-being.

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Cieha Taylor

Cieha Taylor, a 28-year-old woman from Plant City, Florida, went missing on February 6, 2020. Her car was found abandoned with the engine running and hazard lights on near railroad tracks, but she was nowhere to be found. Despite searches and ongoing investigations, no solid leads have surfaced. Her family continues to fight for answers, keeping her case in the public eye in hopes of finding justice and bringing Cieha home.

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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.

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