Invisible Choir

On the afternoon of March 19th, 2018, residents in Lake Wales, Florida were going about their usual day-to-day business. Adults were just getting off work, kids were returning home from school, and others were finishing up their errands. But, around 3 PM, that all changed when waves of police and paramedics made their way to a neighborhood on the south side of town, surrounding a small field near Caloosa Blvd and Lake Blvd. As public interest grew and residents watched on, they learned that just beyond that field, in a small but dense area of trees, lay the dead body of 15-year-old Giovanni Diaz. As for the suspect, 16-year-old Dillen Murray, he was already in custody, claiming that he had beaten the boy to death in self-defense. It just so happened that the community themselves had far more information than investigators initially realized, helping to piece together the puzzle of how a hang out between friends turned deadly. ***We originally covered this case in an abbreviated “Felony Friday” mini-episode back in 2020. This is a follow-up full length rewrite now that the perpetrator has been sentenced and all investigative reports have been made publicly available.*** Written by Trevor Pason, edited and engineered by Scott Ecklein, and executive produced by Michael Ojibway. View full episode source list at https://www.invisiblechoir.com/listen/secretproject  Support Our Sponsors:  Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and manage your expenses the easy way by going to https://www.rocketmoney.com/invisible.  StoryWorth: Go to https://www.storyworth.com/invisible to save $10 on your first purchase! Bilt Rewards: Earn points by paying rent right now when you go to JoinBilt.com/choir!  Masterclass: Visit Masterclass.com/choir to receive up to 50% off a Masterclass membership, where you can learn from over 200+ of the world’s best!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cloud 9 nightclub in Ocala, FL was a hotspot for young people seeking an unforgettable nightlife experience. The venue had become notable in the community for its raucous crowd and the constant illegal activities that occurred within. When 19-year-old college athlete Benetria Robinson returned home from college to Ocala to celebrate her aunt’s birthday at Cloud 9, neither she nor anyone else in attendance could have anticipated the dark turn the night would take when an argument started up in the middle of the club…  Written by John Garland Wells, edited and engineered by Scott Ecklein, and executive produced by Michael Ojibway. View full episode source list at https://www.invisiblechoir.com/listen/strengthnumbers   Support Our Sponsors:  Squarespace: Go to https://www.squarespace.com/choir for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, use offer code “CHOIR” to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain!  Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and manage your expenses the easy way by going to https://www.rocketmoney.com/invisible.  Bilt Rewards: Earn points by paying rent right now when you go to JoinBilt.com/choir!  Acorns: Visit acorns.com/choir or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the spring of 2022, Ashley Bocanegra found herself in an exciting new romantic relationship with Daniel Gonzalez… despite knowing it was a mistake. She was already in a committed long-term relationship and raising a young son. Daniel, too, was involved with someone else. But what Ashley never expected was how quickly things would spiral out of control when Daniel's fiancée discovered the affair… Written by Sam Foster, Edited and Engineered by Scott Ecklein, and Executive Produced by Michael Ojibway. “Surprise Attack - Intro” written, composed and performed by Scott Ecklein. View full episode source list at https://www.invisiblechoir.com/listen/surpriseattack    Support Our Sponsors:  Bilt Rewards: Earn points by paying rent right now when you go to JoinBilt.com/choir!  Ro Body: Sign up today at Ro.Co/Invisible and you’ll pay just $99 for your first month! Medication costs are separate. Masterclass: Visit Masterclass.com/choir to receive up to 50% off a Masterclass membership, where you can learn from over 200+ of the world’s best!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Have you ever seen a dead body?" It was a haunting question that marked the beginning of a gruesome discovery inside the Smylie family home in Brandon, MS, in March of 2024. A beloved high school teacher was found shot dead, and her husband narrowly escaped with his own life. Amid the chaos that followed, Heath Smylie recognized the killer—but if not for the footage captured on a home security camera in the family’s kitchen, no one might have believed him… Written by Sam Foster, Edited and Engineered by Scott Ecklein, and Executive Produced by Michael Ojibway. All original music written, composed and performed by Scott Ecklein. View full episode source list at https://www.invisiblechoir.com/listen/perfectstorm  Support Our Sponsors:  StoryWorth: Go to https://www.storyworth.com/invisible to save $10 on your first purchase! Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and manage your expenses the easy way by going to https://www.rocketmoney.com/invisible.  Squarespace: Go to https://www.squarespace.com/choir for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, use offer code “CHOIR” to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain!  Bilt Rewards: Earn points by paying rent right now when you go to JoinBilt.com/choir!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices