Box in the Basement
"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.
Box in the Basement
The Tragic Indigenous Murders of Rachel Sloan and Lakota Renville
Rachel Sloan and Lakota Renville were Indigenous women whose lives ended in violence, leaving their families searching for justice. Rachel’s burned remains were found in 2015 in Laytonville, California, and her case remains unsolved, overshadowed by systemic neglect that often surrounds cases involving Native women. Adding to her family’s pain, Rachel’s mother was also a homicide victim, marking a chilling pattern of violence.
In 2005, Lakota Renville’s body was discovered in a vacant lot in Independence, Missouri. Despite years of advocacy by her family and attention from Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women groups, her murder remains a cold case. Both families have tirelessly fought to keep their loved ones’ stories alive, holding vigils and pushing for leads.
These cases reflect the broader MMIW crisis, where Native women face disproportionately high rates of violence and systemic barriers to justice. Rachel and Lakota’s stories are calls to action, urging communities and policymakers to prioritize the safety and justice of Indigenous women.
Join Arlene and Leah as they share the stories of these women, the evidence, and where their cases stand today.
Show Notes:
- Mendocino County Homicide Victim's Mother Also Killed
- Scene Photo Released in Hopes of Generating Leads in Cold Case
- DNA Identifies Burned Remains as Missing Laytonville Woman
- Who Killed Rachel Sloan?
- Still Looking for Missing Persons in Mendocino County
- Native Woman's Killing Remains Unsolved,
- MMIP Series: 2005 Cold Case Murder of Indigenous Woman Lakota Renville
- Community Marks 18 Years Since Lakota Renville Was Found Murdered in Independence
- Relatives Search for Justice for Lakota Renville More Than 17 Years Later
- Lakota Renville: Unsolved Case on Kansas City Crime Stoppers
- Lakota Rae Renville
- Independence Police Seek Tips in 2005 Cold Case Murder
- Lakota Renville: Unsolved Homicide
Support Box in the Basement & Our Causes
- Leon Laurales: Website & GoFundMe
- Follow us on Facebook & Instagram
- Donate to Seasons of Justice
- Listen to Darkcast Network Shows
- Join Uncovered.com