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
Justice for Leon part 3: The Day of the Murder
In this gripping continuation of Box in the Basement, host Arlene shares what happened in the days leading up to and the night of her uncle Leon Laureles unsolved murder on May 10th, 1996, outside Brownwood, Texas.
Through witness accounts, community stories, and her own exhaustive research, Arlene pieces together the timeline of events—red flags, threats, a suspicious red sports car, the chilling final 911 calls, and the appalling mishandling of the investigation by local law enforcement and the Texas Rangers.
This episode reveals:
- Leon’s fears and threats made against him before his death
- The mysterious cars seen at the scene and possible hate crime motives
- The gross mishandling of evidence, including the destruction of his car, failure to preserve the bullet, and lies about missing case files
- The deeper corruption and neglect that plagued small-town law enforcement in 1990s Texas
Arlene bravely confronts her own guilt, shares the trauma felt by witnesses and coworkers, and pleads for renewed attention to Leon’s case.
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