Ladonna Humphrey Arkansas

LaDonna Humphrey, a prominent true crime author and advocate from Arkansas, has received several notable awards and nominations for her work. True Crime Awards (2023) : Humphrey was nominated for "Best New True Crime Writer" and "Best Indie Podcast," recognizing her contributions to true crime literature and podcasting​. Public Safety Writers Association : Her book "The Girl I Never Knew" won second place in the Non-Fiction Book Published category​​. For more details -  https://aymag.com/intriguing-women-2022/ladonna-humphrey/ Film Festival Circuit : Her documentary "Uneven Ground: The Melissa Witt Story" garnered multiple accolades: Best Female Director at the South Film and Arts Academy Festival Best Documentary at the 8 & Halfilm Awards and the Paris International Short Festival Semi-finalist at several festivals including the Dallas Movie Awards Festival and the Nashville Independent Filmmakers Festival​​. Humphrey's work extends be...

  In a gripping trilogy of investigative works, LaDonna Humphrey delves deep into the haunting mystery surrounding the unsolved murder of Melissa Witt in 1994. Through meticulous aresearch, compelling storytelling, and unwavering determination, Humphrey sheds light on the tragic events that forever changed the lives of those involved.​ ​ “ The Girl I Never Knew ”: In this poignant first installment, LaDonna Humphrey introduces readers to the enigmatic figure of Melissa Witt and the circumstances surrounding her untimely death. Through vivid prose and intimate details, Humphrey paints a vivid portrait of a young woman whose life was tragically cut short, leaving behind a legacy of unanswered questions and unresolved grief.​ “ Strangled ”: Building upon the foundation laid in “The Girl I Never Knew,” LaDonna Humphrey delves deeper into the investigation surrounding Melissa Witt’s murder in “Strangled” based on a tip received from an interesting source. (Please note: Strangled has bee...

I wanted to take a moment to assure everyone that I am well aware of the smear campaign focused on my life right now. Legal action, both civil and criminal, takes time, but both efforts, I assure you, are well underway. Until that time, I will, unfortunately, have to deal with a hate-filled mob that spews lies and half-truths. One example of this can be found in the way my mugshot is being used out of context for this campaign. It is no secret that a judge sentenced me to ten days for civil contempt of court in 2019 for not turning over my phone and other documents during the discovery phase of a civil suit.  I was unable to turn anything over because my purse, phone, and other items were stolen out of my car. What is not being shared with you is that the judge based her decision on inaccurate information.  What you are not being told, is that after a full investigation, a detective determined that my phone had not been used after it was reported stolen, as was incorrectly pre...

Connected by Fate is book written by LaDonna Humphrey of Arkansas. This book is all about the unresolved murder of Melissa Witt. Connected by Fate unfolds against the haunting backdrop of the Ozark National Forest, where the unresolved murder of Melissa Witt has cast a long shadow over the dense woodlands for almost three decades. The mystery, woven into the fabric of the remote mountaintop, has become a part of the lore of the land, with the true identity of the murderer eluding capture, concealed by the forest’s imposing presence. Enter  LaDonna Humphrey , driven by a profound sense of justice and a personal commitment to uncovering the truth, despite never having met Melissa Witt. LaDonna’s connection to the case transcends the ordinary, fueling her with a relentless determination that has defined her life for almost a decade. LaDonna’s investigation is a riveting narrative of courage, resilience, and an unwavering pursuit of truth in the face of overwhelming odds. Each breakthr...

LaDonna Humphrey is an award-winning writer, filmmaker, investigative journalist, and executive director of Oasis of Northwest Arkansas, known for her tireless advocacy for crime victims. Her passions encompass supporting missing adults, crime victims, children in foster care, and women in recovery. She is the co-founder of All the Lost Girls and True Crime Fest NWA, and she co-hosts the Deep Dark Secrets Podcast and the Legends in Blue Podcast. LaDonna, along with her husband Danny, is a parent to seven children, and they reside in Northwest Arkansas. True Crime Fest NWA As the co-founder of True Crime Fest NWA, LaDonna Humphrey  has created a significant event that brings together renowned true crime authors, podcasters, law enforcement, and advocates. This event focuses on highlighting cold cases, sharing stories of the missing and unidentified, and honoring those working to raise awareness about crime victims across the United States. Her dedication to justice and her ability t...

Unraveling the mystery of Melissa Witt’s murder piece by piece, Connected By Fate lays out the relentless pursuit of justice amidst a storm of threats and unforeseen obstacles. In December 1994, 19-year-old Melissa Witt stood on the cusp of adulthood. Her life was brimming with dreams and aspirations. Her future in Fort Smith, Arkansas was bright and full of hope. Yet this beautiful young woman would not see Christmas that year or any other year. Her life met a terrifying end at the hands of someone she likely knew. “Like a predator carefully stalking his prey, he watched and waited. His eyes intensely focused on her every move ….. His sharp eyes are locked on the target. He is ready to strike. And then, it happens. The hunter makes his move.” – LaDonna Humphrey Unexpected challenges and unsettling threats would not deter this group of remarkable individuals. LaDonna Humphrey, former Captain of the Fort Smith Major Crimes Unit Jay C. Rider, and former Fort Smith Detective Chris Boyd ar...