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LaDonna Humphrey - Writer, Filmmaker, Investigative Journalist and an advocate for Victims of Crime

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...

LaDonna Humphrey - Oasis of Northwest Arkansas prepares new office space to reach more women

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A sober living community for women in Northwest Arkansas is getting a new space to help more people. It looks like a work in progress, but Oasis of Northwest Arkansas sees limitless potential for this space. “Really our idea is that you walk in through the door and everything that you need is right here and you don’t have to try and catch a ride. Most of these women don’t have transportation,” executive director LaDonna Humphrey said.  As of now, Oasis works completely out of its sober living homes for women. For the first time, it will have its own office space in this spot in Rogers. “The demand for services at Oasis of Northwest Arkansas is at an all-time high. We have over 215 women on our waiting list for transitional living at any given time,” LaDonna Humphrey said. The goal is a one-stop shop for women in recovery with all resources like case management, legal services, mental health services and more. Community partners like Speak Up Against Drugs are excited to jump on bo...

LaDonna Humphrey - Unmasking The Brutal Killer of Melissa Ann Witt

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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...

LaDonna Humphrey - Uneven Ground & Behind the Scenes

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  “I will carry this experience with me for the rest of my life.” When it comes to advocacy, LaDonna Humphrey is the blueprint. Not many people dedicate years of their life to the relentless search for answers in a cold case. But,  LaDonna Humphrey  has done just that, spending nearly every waking moment of the last eight years dedicated to figuring out who killed  Melissa Witt  — a 19-year-old college student living in Fort Smith, Arkansas. While she’s written a book series on the case, and has organized the  Who Killed Missy Witt Facebook page  and  official website , Humphrey knew her work was far from over.  Uneven Ground: The Melissa Witt Story (True Crime Documentary) is the latest deep-dive for answers. As an award-winning writer, podcaster, documentarian, investigative journalist, private investigator and an advocate for victims of crime, it comes as no surprise that her investigative documentary team has left no stone unturned. ...

LaDonna Humphrey - Uneven Ground: The Melissa Witt Story

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LaDonna Humphrey is an award-winning writer, documentarian, investigative journalist, private investigator, executive director and an advocate for victims of crime. Her passions include advocating for missing adults, crime victims, children in foster care, and for women in recovery.  LaDonna is the co-founder of All the Lost Girls and True Crime Fest NWA, as well as the co-host of the Deep Dark Secrets Podcast and the Legends in Blue Podcast. Notably, LaDonna was shortlisted by the 2023 True Crime Awards in two categories: Best New True Crime Writer and Best Indie Podcast. Watch the following video as well for more details - https://vimeo.com/853730906 Who is LaDonna Humphrey LaDonna Humphrey is a writer, documentarian, investigative journalist, private investigator and an advocate for victims of crime. And for the past six years, LaDonna has found herself passionately entangled in seeking justice for 19-year-old murder victim, Melissa Ann Witt. On December 1, 1994, Melis...

LaDonna Humphrey - Executive Director, Oasis of Northwest Arkansas

Juggling multiple careers is not for the faint of heart, but LaDonna Humphrey has channeled her desire to make a difference into everything she does – from writing to podcasting to directing a sober living home for women. Her passions include advocating for missing adults, crime victims, children in foster care and women in recovery. In April 2022, Humphrey’s debut book, The Girl I Never Knew , was published by Genius Book Publishing, and she has a second soon to be released. Outside of her advocacy work, Humphrey enjoys reading, taking walks with her husband and attending concerts. What other woman do you admire most? I admire strong, courageous women who bounce back from impossible odds. What lessons have you learned from working in your field? I have learned to approach life at all times with an attitude of gratitude. It makes the sweet moments in life even sweeter, and it gives me strength during trials and tribulations in life. What is your proudest achievement? Walking alongside ...

LaDonna Humphrey, Arkansas Author, Releases Final Installment in Series on the 1994 Melissa Witt Case

" Connected by Fate ," the final installment in   LaDonna Humphrey 's riveting series about the 1994 murder of Melissa Witt from   Fort Smith, Arkansas   was released on April 5, 2024. This deeply moving and meticulously researched saga has captured the hearts and minds of readers nationwide. "Connected by Fate" not only revisits the haunting details of the unsolved case but also explores the profound impact it has had on the community, law enforcement, and particularly the relentless pursuit of justice by those closest to the case. LaDonna Humphrey, with her unique access and insight, has crafted a narrative that intertwines despair with hope, and resignation with resilience. In her dedication to the memory of Melissa Witt, Humphrey has been a tireless advocate, seeking answers in a case that has remained cold for too long. "With each book, and every piece of information uncovered, we are one day closer to finding justice for Melissa," says Humphrey. ...