Island Noir: Beyond the Palm Trees
Island Noir Podcast, hosted by Nya Starr, dives into impactful crimes affecting marginalized people around the world—past and present. Every episode honors the victims, uncovers truth, and amplifies resilience. Unseen victims. Untold truths. Uncovered resilience.
Episodes
In our Pride special, Island Noir: Beyond the Palm Trees revisits the suspicious death of Marsha “Pay It No Mind” Johnson, the Black trans activist who, alongside her friend Sylvia Rivera, co-founded STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries) and helped lay the foundation for what we now recognize as Pride.
In 1992, Marsha’s body was found in the Hudson River. The NYPD called it suicide.
Noir Seekers drop your thoughts below.
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Five members of the Lin family are killed overnight—no forced entry, no warning. The only survivor is miles away when it happens, only to find out in the most unexpected way. In this episode, we unravel one of Australia’s most brutal family murders and follow the journey of the sole survivor, Brenda Lin, who transformed her trauma into advocacy by co-founding The Survivor Hub, a peer-led organization supporting sexual assault survi...
Jaliek Rainwalker was just 12 when he disappeared from Greenwich, New York, in 2007.
Labeled "troubled" and shuffled between adoptive homes, Jaliek left behind a cryptic note—and vanished.
This episode explores the unanswered questions, shifting stories, and haunting behaviors that followed.
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Just days after marching in Obama’s inauguration, 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton was shot and killed in a park near his home—an unintended victim of gang violence in Chicago. Her story shows how innocent lives are caught in the crossfire of gang rivalries while highlighting how her legacy sparked nationwide activism against gun violence.
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A night out. A brutal attack. A country forced to face its privilege.
When Fernando Báez Sosa—a son of immigrants—was killed by a group of rugby players, Argentina erupted. What started as a fight outside a nightclub became a national reckoning around race, class, and justice.
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This episode explores the heartbreaking cases of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind and Araceli Camacho-Gomez, both victims of fetal abduction. It delves into the tragic circumstances surrounding their disappearances, the impact on their families, and the broader issues of violence against Indigenous and immigrant women. The narrative highlights the urgent need for justice and systemic change to protect vulnerable women.
On February 14, 2000, 9-year-old Asha Degree disappeared from her home in the middle of the night. For 25 years, her case has remained one of North Carolina’s most haunting mysteries. Now, in 2025, new developments have brought investigators closer than ever to the truth.
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A charismatic leader. A rising revolutionary. A midnight "raid." In 1969, the FBI and Chicago police stormed Fred Hampton’s apartment, calling it self-defense. But what really happened? In this season premiere, we reveal the truth behind his assassination, the cover-up that followed, and the enduring impact of his legacy.
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Larry King, a young LGBT individual, faced severe bullying and discrimination throughout his life, leading to a tragic event at his school. The case highlights the rise in violent hate crimes against young LGBT individuals and the failure of the educational system to protect vulnerable students.
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Uncover the tragic story of Patrick Dorismond, a Haitian-American security guard killed by NYPD officers in a flawed undercover operation. This episode delves into systemic issues of racial profiling and police misconduct, the grand jury's controversial decision, and the violent clash between mourners and police officers.
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Asha Degree, a nine-year-old girl, mysteriously disappeared one stormy night from Shelby, North Carolina in February 2000. This episode explores the impact of her disappearance, the theories surrounding it, and the ongoing search for answers.
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Paulo Paulino Guajajara, an Indigenous activist, was tragically killed while defending the Amazon rainforest from illegal loggers. Join us as we delve into his life, the impact of his death, and the ongoing fight for environmental justice and Indigenous rights.
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In this episode of Island Noir, we delve into the tragic death of Emidio Josias ‘Mido’ Macia, a Mozambican taxi driver whose brutal mistreatment and death at the hands of South African police. We explore the intense trial of the officers involved, the outcry for justice, xenophobia and the broader implications for police accountability.
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This episode delves into the heart-wrenching story of Junko Furuta, a young woman whose life was tragically cut short by a horrifying act of cruelty. We explore the events leading to her abduction, the relentless torment she endured, and the subsequent trial of her captors.
Join us as we reflect on Junko's legacy and the ongoing debate over justice and accountability.
This episode, "London's Lost Son: Remembering Stephen Lawrence," delves into the heartbreaking story of Stephen Lawrence, whose life was tragically cut short in a racially motivated attack. We explore the profound impact of his murder on society, the relentless fight for justice led by his family, and how their efforts reshaped policing and public consciousness in the UK. Join us as we honor Stephen's legacy and...
In this episode, we delve into the tragic honeymoon of Anni Dewani, whose life was cut short in a senseless act. As her family seeks solace in her memories, we explore the aftermath, including Shrien Dewani's acquittal and life thereafter. This story, a blend of love, loss, and legal drama, invites us to reflect on justice, healing, and the enduring strength of family bonds.
For the debut episode of "Island Noir: Beyond The Palm Trees," we reveal the heart-wrenching story of Elisa Izquierdo, a young soul whose tragic end unveils a chilling tale of neglect and systemic failure. This episode uncovers the tragic tale of Elisa Izquierdo, a bright, vibrant six-year-old whose life was cut short by unimaginable cruelty.
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