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 Unsolved Murder of Leon Laureles: Crying For Justice
In this powerful episode of Box in the Basement, Arlene is joined by her life partner, Leah, and podcast producer Bree to discuss the latest developments in the unsolved 1996 murder of Leon Laureles in Brownwood, Texas.
💔 Arlene shares the emotional toll of losing Leon and introduces new findings from the private investigator's files that were hidden for decades, including a suspect list and shocking crime scene photos.
🕵️ Leah shares her chilling connection to true crime: she attended the same church as Jeffrey Dahmer’s father and grew up hearing stories of a local unsolved murder. Bree, with family roots in law enforcement, reflects on how true crime shifted from passive interest to active advocacy.
🧾 The team exposes:
- Mishandled crime scene protocol and possible corruption
- A mysterious civilian in crime scene photos
- Questions around Sheriff Donahue’s recusal
- Autopsy findings prove Leon’s execution-style murder
- Speculation on the weapon and accelerant used
- The burning of Leon’s car and the deliberate destruction of evidence
🎯 This episode also explores Brownwood’s dark undercurrent of discrimination and systemic failure in handling LGBTQ+ hate crimes.
🕯️ You're invited:
Join us on May 31, 2025, for a memorial honoring Leon's life.
📍 11 AM–2 PM | Common Grounds Coffee House, 809 Main St, Brownwood, TX
🔗 Support Justice for Leon
📜 Sign the petition at Change.org
💵 Donate at GoFundMe – Search “Leon Laureles”
🌐 Visit justiceforleon.com for updates, FOIA info, and anonymous tip submission
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