In this episode ofLost Girls, hosts Amy Smith and LaDonna Humphrey delve into the heartbreaking and unsolved case of Kimberly Rena Jones, a young woman whose life was tragically cut short.

Kimberly was a vibrant 25-year-old living in Birmingham, Alabama, described by those who knew her as kindhearted, hardworking, and full of life. But on the night of September 19, 1999, Kimberly vanished after leaving work, only to be found murdered the next morning in an alleyway less than a mile from her home. With little forensic evidence and no clear leads, her case quickly went cold.

Despite decades passing, Kimberly’s family continues to seek justice. Investigators remain hopeful that advancements in forensic technology—such as DNA testing and genealogy tracing—could finally bring them the answers they desperately need.

Join us as we shine a light on Kimberly’s case, explore the circumstances surrounding her murder, and discuss how you can help bring justice to a life taken too soon. If you have any information about Kimberly Rena Jones, please contact the Birmingham Police Department or Crime Stoppers.

Every lost girl deserves to be found. Every girl deserves justice.

The Lost Trail: The Murder of Shari Lynn Roth

The trail to Sawyer Pond was one of Shari Lynn Roth’s favorite escapes—a place of peace and solitude, nestled within the White Mountain National Forest. The 22-year-old had always felt a deep connection to nature, balancing her love for the outdoors with a compassionate career dedicated to helping others. As a recent graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, she had settled into the scenic town of North Conway, New Hampshire, where she worked tirelessly as a counselor and advocate for her community.

But on August 21, 1977, that same beloved trail became the scene of a chilling tragedy. Shari set off alone for an afternoon hike, just as she had done many times before. When she failed to return that evening, her friends’ concern quickly turned into panic. They reported her missing, igniting a massive search effort across the rugged terrain.

Three days later, on August 24, searchers made a heartbreaking discovery. Shari’s body was found off the Sawyer Pond Trail, stripped of clothing, her life stolen in a brutal act of violence. The autopsy confirmed what investigators feared—she had been strangled to death, likely on the very day she disappeared.

The investigation began with urgency, with authorities pleading for information from the public. Witnesses recalled seeing a red Volkswagen Beetle with New Hampshire plates near the trail around 5 p.m. on the day of Shari’s disappearance. The occupants of the vehicle were never identified, and as the years passed, leads dwindled.

Over four decades later, Shari’s murder remains unsolved. The weight of unanswered questions still lingers for her family and friends, who continue to seek justice. Someone, somewhere, may hold the key to unlocking the mystery of her death.

The White Mountains still whisper with the stories of those who have walked their paths. Among them is Shari’s—a life dedicated to helping others, tragically cut short. And though time has passed, her case is not forgotten. Justice is still within reach.

If you have any information regarding the murder of Shari Lynn Roth, please contact the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit at (603) 271-2663, email coldcaseunit@dos.nh.gov, or submit a tip through the Cold Case Unit Tip form.

Because every girl deserves justice.

Justice Denied – The Tragic Case of Taylor Barksdale

In the quiet town of Huntsville, Arkansas, a devastating story unfolded—one of neglect, systemic failure, and a tragic loss that should have never happened.

Taylor Barksdale was a vibrant 30-year-old woman with dreams, loved ones, and a future ahead of her. But in the summer of 2024, she vanished. Her family desperately searched for answers, but instead of support from the very institutions meant to protect her, they were met with silence.

Despite being reported missing, Taylor’s name was never entered into a national database. There was no public appeal for help, no Amber Alert—no widespread effort to bring her home. It was as if, to the system, she had never existed.

Then came a moment that should have changed everything.

On August 5, 2024, a desperate 911 call was placed from Kingston, Arkansas. A local resident, disturbed by the chilling sound of a woman’s screams—screams that could only be described as torture—reached out for help. The call was their plea for intervention, their attempt to prevent an unspeakable crime.

But no help came.

Deputy Hassell, assigned to respond, never did. No officers arrived. No one checked. Taylor’s fate was sealed by inaction.

More than a month later, on September 9, Taylor’s remains were discovered. By then, any chance of rescue had long passed. Evidence that could have led to justice was lost to time and the elements.

The sheriff’s department admitted failure. Staffing shortages were cited, an apology was issued, and the deputy resigned. But a resignation does not equate to justice. Taylor’s life was stolen, and the very system meant to protect her let her slip through the cracks.

The question now is—will Taylor’s case finally receive the attention it was denied from the beginning? Will those responsible be held accountable? And how many more lives must be lost before change is demanded?

Taylor Barksdale was more than a name in a case file. She was a daughter, a friend, and a woman who deserved better.

If you have any information about Taylor’s disappearance or murder, please come forward. Her story deserves to be heard, and she deserves more than to be forgotten.

Justice must not be denied any longer.