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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
He Left His Diner Unlocked to Feed People in Need… Then Someone Murdered Him on Memorial Day Weekend
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On Memorial Day weekend in 2011, beloved New Jersey diner owner Shafiq “Steve” Ezzedine was finishing up another long shift at the family restaurant he’d spent decades building. Known throughout Roxbury Township for his kindness, generosity, and tireless work ethic, Steve often left the diner unlocked after closing in case someone hungry needed help.
Hours later, his wife Amal returned from church and found the diner dark, the phone off the hook, and Steve stabbed to death in the kitchen.
Nearly 15 years later, the murder of Steve Ezzedine remains unsolved.
Investigators believe the killing may have started as a robbery, but the timeline raises troubling questions. Was this a random crime of opportunity? Did someone know Steve’s habits and wait for the perfect moment? Or was there something deeper happening behind the scenes that nobody knew about?
In this episode, we explore Steve’s journey from Lebanon to New Jersey, the tight-knit community surrounding the Kenvil Diner, the strange details surrounding the investigation, and the lingering mystery that still haunts Morris County investigators today.
🔗 Show Notes & Sources
https://www.nj.com/morris/2016/05/five_years_after_kenvil_diner_owner_killed_in_restaurant_murder_still_unsolved.html
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/police-seek-help-solving-2011-murder-of-new-jersey-diner-owner/
https://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/crime/2016/05/27/kenvil-diner-owner-murder-unsolved/85048762/
https://morriscountynj.gov/prosecutor/major-crimes-cold-cases/
https://patch.com/new-jersey/roxbury/10-years-later-murder-roxbury-diner-owner-remains-unsolved
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/70483162/shafiq-ezzedine
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