My Name Is Gloria (Gloria Pointer)

Summary

Anatomy of Murder: "My Name Is Gloria (Gloria Pointer)"

In the poignant and gripping episode titled "My Name Is Gloria (Gloria Pointer)" from the podcast Anatomy of Murder, hosts Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger delve deep into the tragic murder of 14-year-old Gloria Pointer in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1984. Released on March 11, 2025, this episode meticulously dissects the layers of the case—from the victim and her family to the intricate investigation and the relentless pursuit of justice.

1. The Tragic Loss of Gloria Pointer

The episode opens with Yvonne Pointer, Gloria's mother, sharing the profound impact of losing her daughter. Yvonne’s unwavering determination to seek justice for Gloria becomes the central narrative.

Yvonne Pointer [02:25]: “So until 29 years I didn't even get to grieve. When I say grieve, I mean just have a good cry.”

Gloria Pointer was a vibrant young girl, admired for her big almond eyes and bright smile. Her life was tragically cut short on a day she was set to receive a perfect attendance award, an event that should have been a proud moment for both her and her mother.

2. Yvonne Pointer’s Background and Early Struggles

Yvonne Pointer’s story is one of resilience and unwavering commitment. Growing up as one of ten siblings in Cleveland, Yvonne faced numerous challenges early on. At 16, her life took an unexpected turn when she became pregnant, forcing her to leave school and navigate the hardships of young motherhood.

Yvonne Pointer [04:53]: “Back then, you did not go to school pregnant. You enrolled in what we call the adult education system centers…”

Despite these challenges, Yvonne was determined to provide a better life for her daughter, Gloria. She worked tirelessly, often involving herself in community activities and ensuring her children had opportunities she never had.

3. The Day of the Murder: December 6, 1984

The morning of December 6, 1984, was meant to be a day of celebration for Gloria. However, it turned into a day of unimaginable horror. Yvonne discovered that Gloria had not returned home or attended the award ceremony as expected. Panic set in when the school reported Gloria missing, leading to the grim discovery of her body in a nearby abandoned building.

Yvonne Pointer [21:09]: “I kept looking at all these people screaming and falling out and it's almost like I was there, but I wasn't. And I'm thinking why? What is wrong with everybody?”

The initial investigation was fraught with frustration. Limited forensic technology in 1984 and the lack of concrete evidence made it difficult to identify Gloria's killer.

4. The Investigation: Initial Leads and Challenges

Detectives initially suspected Romel Broome, a man with a criminal background, linking him to multiple assaults around the same time Gloria was murdered. However, evidence was circumstantial, and Broome maintained his innocence.

Scott Weinberger [27:02]: “Broome had prior convictions for robbery, car theft and sexual assault. He had served an eight and a half year sentence before being paroled only six months earlier.”

Despite suspicions, there was insufficient evidence to connect Broome directly to Gloria's murder, prolonging Yvonne's agony and quest for answers.

5. Yvonne’s Relentless Pursuit of Justice

Refusing to accept the slow pace of the investigation, Yvonne took matters into her own hands. She wrote letters to Romel Broome in prison, believing he was her daughter's murderer, and became a regular speaker in prisons to seek information directly from inmates.

Yvonne Pointer [37:27]: “And I would say, romel, my name is Yvonne Pointer. They said you murdered Gloria. If you did, would you just let me know so that I could please put an end to the wondering?”

Her activism extended beyond personal grief; Yvonne became a beacon of hope and a force of change, helping other victims and advocating against community violence.

6. Breakthrough Through DNA Evidence

Advancements in DNA technology eventually played a pivotal role in the case. Years after the initial investigation, DNA testing on evidence from the crime scene linked a new suspect, Hernandez Warren, definitively to Gloria’s murder.

Scott Weinberger [50:08]: “In 2013, DNA evidence definitively linked Hernandez Warren to the murder of 14 year old Gloria Poynter, leading to his interrogation about the chilling crime.”

Warren's subsequent confession nearly 29 years after the crime brought a form of closure to Yvonne, though the prolonged struggle left lasting scars.

Yvonne Pointer [50:55]: “I know I had to kill her some kind of way. If, if I knew how I killed her, I would know I killed her.”

7. Yvonne’s Continued Activism and Legacy

Even after achieving a measure of justice, Yvonne did not rest. She continued her advocacy, contributing to organizations like Voices of Black Mothers and establishing scholarships in Gloria’s memory. Her efforts extended internationally, inspiring movements and educational initiatives in places like Ghana.

Yvonne Pointer [59:01]: “That single letter catapulted the Gloria Poynter teen movement in Ghana, West Africa, where we now have five schools…”

Yvonne’s work transformed personal tragedy into a powerful legacy, ensuring Gloria’s memory serves as a catalyst for positive change and support for other victims.

8. Reflections on a Mother’s Unyielding Love

The episode concludes with reflections on the extraordinary strength and love Yvonne exhibited throughout her journey. Her story underscores the profound impact of a mother's determination and the importance of advancements in forensic science.

Scott Weinberger [61:04]: “Now my final thought is how a mother's love is unstoppable. Yvonne's story is one of strength beyond measure.”

Yvonne’s unwavering belief in her daughter’s goodness and her relentless pursuit of justice exemplify the deep bonds and enduring spirit that define the human experience in the face of unspeakable loss.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience and Determination: Yvonne Pointer’s relentless quest for justice highlights the strength and resilience that can emerge from profound grief.

• Advancements in Forensics: The case underscores the critical role of forensic advancements, particularly DNA technology, in solving cold cases.

• Activism and Legacy: Yvonne transformed her personal tragedy into widespread advocacy, supporting victims and promoting community safety.

Notable Quotes

• Yvonne Pointer [03:42]: “If you did, would you just let me know so that I could please put an end to the wondering.”

• Yvonne Pointer [30:22]: “I didn't even get to grieve because it was so unfair.”

• Scott Weinberger [33:14]: “...some theories are worth to be left just with the investigators as theories kept in the squadroom.”

• Yvonne Pointer [40:22]: “I thought it would happen in the prisons. He was going to have to walk up to me and say, I murdered Gloria.”

• Yvonne Pointer [51:19]: “When I get to the hospital, they said there's one young lady in the room that does not have any family because nobody knew she was even missing. Would I mind sitting with her?”

Conclusion

"My Name Is Gloria (Gloria Pointer)" serves as a testament to a mother's unbreakable spirit and the enduring quest for justice. Yvonne Pointer’s story is not just about loss but also about transformation, advocacy, and the pursuit of meaningful change. Through meticulous investigation and heartfelt narration, Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger illuminate the profound layers of this tragic case, offering listeners both sorrow and inspiration.

For those seeking to understand the depths of such a tragic case and the resilience of the human spirit, this episode of Anatomy of Murder is an essential listen that underscores the vital importance of perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Transcript

[Kylie Lowe]

Hi, I'm Kylie Lowe, host of Dark Down East, a true crime podcast unlike any other. Why? Because every case I cover comes from the heart of my home, New England. From the rocky Maine coast to the historic streets of Boston to the quiet corners of Vermont and beyond, I investigate stories filled with untold twists, enduring questions, and voices that deserve to be heard. So if you're ready to explore the darker side of New England, join me every week for Dark Down East. Listen now, wherever you get your podcasts.

[Scott Weinberger]

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[Kylie Lowe]

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[Yvonne Pointer]

So until 29 years I didn't even get to grieve. When I say grieve, I mean just have a good cry. My name is Yvonne Pointer. They said you murdered Gloria. If you did, would you just let me know so that I could please put an End to the wondering.

[Scott Weinberger]

I'm Scott Weinberger, investigative journalist and former deputy sheriff.

[Kylie Lowe]

I'm Anna Sega Nicolasi, former New York City Homicide prosecutor and host of Investigation Discovery's True Conviction.

[Scott Weinberger]

And this is Anatomy of Murder.

[Kylie Lowe]

Mother knows best. It's a phrase that many believe to be true. Perhaps no one more so than mothers themselves.

[Scott Weinberger]

When Yvonne Pointer's daughter was murdered in 1984, she knew that eventually she would find her daughter's killer. It wasn't just a hope or a wish. It was a promise, a vow made in the depths of unimaginable grief and one she intended to to keep, no matter how long it took.

[Kylie Lowe]

As years stretched on, with little progress made, Yvonne's vow began to feel impossible. But a mother's promise and determination is a powerful force, and in this case, it proved to be unshakable.

[Scott Weinberger]

For today's episode, Yvonne shared her journey of loss, resolve, and the relentless pursuit of justice for her daughter. Born as one of 10 siblings in Cleveland, Ohio, family was always a dominant force in Yvonne's life.

[Yvonne Pointer]

I was a product of 10 children and one family, six boys and four girls. So needless to say, growing up was quite noisy. It was always loud and it was always disagreements, and it was always food cooking on the stove, and it was just a house that I wouldn't trade for anything.

[Kylie Lowe]

Yvonne worked hard, got good grades, and she dreamed of going off to college. But at age 16, her life took an unexpected turn when she became pregnant. She went from a student with straight A's to a student who was kicked out of school.

[Yvonne Pointer]

Back then, you did not go to school pregnant. You enrolled in what we call the adult education system centers, because now you are no longer a child. You're an adult, and they didn't want you infecting the other children, so you had to leave and go to the adult schools.

[Scott Weinberger]

The loss impacted Yvonne to her core. She mourned the things she would miss, like prom and the opportunity to pursue higher education.

[Kylie Lowe]

These changes were made all the harder by the lack of support from the person who mattered to her most, her mother.

[Yvonne Pointer]

I remember the disappointment with my mom with me being pregnant because she didn't want another baby. She had 10 kids. That was just an extra burden on her. So on the day that I went into labor, she took me to the hospital and she left.

[Scott Weinberger]

Yvonne endured 17 hours of labor alone. She was sick, in pain, and furious with her mother for leaving her. But that pain and anger led to something unexpected.

[Yvonne Pointer]

But I think that formed a bond between me and this baby because I Felt that all we had was each other. So I delivered her and the rest of it almost was like a blur because I don't remember life ever going back to normal.

[Kylie Lowe]

Yvonne's daughter was born on February 28, 1970. She named her Gloria, meaning glory in Latin. With her big almond eyes and wide smile, Gloria lived up to her name.

[Scott Weinberger]

From the moment she first held her daughter, Yvonne made a promise. Gloria's life would follow a very different path than her own.

[Yvonne Pointer]

That made me make a commitment to my baby at that time that she would not have to endure the disappointments that I was enduring. So as a 16 year old mother, I was committed to making sure that I found a way to navigate her around the derailment.

[Kylie Lowe]

Life as a young single mom was challenging for Yvonne. Her father was her saving grace and he stepped in when she needed support. He helped furnish an apartment for her and offered to babysit so Yvonne could continue her studies.

[Scott Weinberger]

But there were more surprises to come. Three years after having Gloria, Yvonne once again became pregnant. She felt like she was losing control over her life.

[Yvonne Pointer]

I felt like I was on a banana pill, sliding through the life trying to find out what was going on and how do I stop this slippery slope that I was on. It just kind of continued to spiral so much so until I just kind of hit a bottom.

[Kylie Lowe]

A few years later, Yvonne's life started to stabilize, something she credits with rediscovering her religion.

[Yvonne Pointer]

I was happy for that, for myself, my children, and we started a new direction. We were in the church, we were going to Sunday school, and you know, I was back on point that these children will not be subject to the life that I had endured. And so in my mind, everything was going along us perfectly.

[Scott Weinberger]

Yvonne became even more determined to build a better life for herself and her children. She wanted to give them opportunities that she never had, the kind of life she had always dreamed of.

[Yvonne Pointer]

We're going to go to school, we're going to get good grades, we're going to graduate, we're going to go to college, we're going to have a prom. You're going to do all of this stuff that I didn't get to do and then we're going to have this wonderful life. So I thought this was the projectory.

[Kylie Lowe]

Throughout every challenge, Yvonne's greatest cheerleader was her daughter, Gloria. With her sunny personality and unwavering optimism, she was a natural caretaker, always looking out for her younger brother and doing everything she could to keep her mother's spirits high.

[Yvonne Pointer]

She was more the mother than I Was. She was almost like my overseer and my protector. I remember one day crying over something. Whether it was bills or a bad relationship, I don't remember what it was. And she just kind of consolated me. And she said, you know, I'm gonna make life better for you. You won't have to cry your whole life. That. And so she was just always the one who seemed to say, I'm going to take care of you.

[Scott Weinberger]

Inspired by gloria, Yvonne worked hard to make sure her children were taken care of. Even when money was tight. She always found ways to make ends meet.

[Yvonne Pointer]

When we didn't have money for the popsicle trucks that came down the streets in the summer, I did have sugar and butter and flour, and I would bake cookies and have Gloria and Raymond sell them to the children in the community that had money. And with that money, they can now buy a popsicle for themselves. So they always saw me as the provider, in spite of it was difficult financially, but they didn't know it.

[Kylie Lowe]

Yvonne made it a priority to be deeply involved in her children's lives, A presence so constant that even Gloria's friends took notice as she grew.

[Yvonne Pointer]

Everybody knew me in the school as Gloria poynter's mother. Why? Because I was present. I was going to make sure that when the snafus hit in her life, that I was going to be there to divert them.

[Scott Weinberger]

As Gloria entered ninth grade, Sometimes her mother's attention was a little too noticeable.

[Yvonne Pointer]

I was there in the auditorium, and I saw her on the stage, and she said, hello, people. How do you do? Check me out. My name is Gloria. And I jumped up, and I screamed, yay, Gloria. And she would always say I'd embarrass her. But then she knew that I was present.

[Kylie Lowe]

School hadn't been easy for Gloria, and academics were often challenging. But things started to change after she joined the cheerleading squad. She formed a close bond with the squad's coach, A relationship that not only boosted her confidence. But also helped turn around her grades.

[Scott Weinberger]

Joining the squad had a positive ripple effect. Gloria set her sights on another goal. And soon earned a spot on the school's basketball team.

[Yvonne Pointer]

She was that Thursday, she was quadruple filled with joy that she had made the basketball team. And, oh, was she excited.

[Kylie Lowe]

The first week of December in 1984 was a week Gloria was really looking forward to. That Friday would be her basketball team's first game. And the day before that, she was going to be presented with an award for having perfect attendance in school.

[Scott Weinberger]

The ceremony was set For Thursday, December 6, Gloria wanted to look her best and put extra care into her appearance before leaving on the short walk to school. But the weather outside had other plans. A snowstorm was rolling through, and Yvonne insisted that that Gloria wear a hat.

[Yvonne Pointer]

Well, she didn't want to do that because she would mess up her hair. And she was excited about getting the perfect attendance award. So we had a little discussion about you will dress for the element. And so she left for school.

[Kylie Lowe]

Yvonne got ready for work. Her car was piled high with newspapers that she was scheduled to deliver. As she started to make her morning rounds, she unexpectedly ran into her daughter who had cut through a back street on her way to school.

[Yvonne Pointer]

And I saw her while we were on the route walking. And I kind of screamed, why are you walking this back way? You know, sometimes kids tend to take cuts or shortcuts. And she said, well, I'm going to Misha's house to get something. Misha was her girlfriend. And I said, well, hurry up and get to school.

[Scott Weinberger]

It was still early and dark outside, so Yvonne was annoyed that Gloria had taken a short shortcut, potentially compromising her safety.

[Yvonne Pointer]

I just felt that if you stayed on the main streets, you'd be visible. And I mean, sure, this is the way you cut through to get to the house or cut through to get to the schools, but it just was something about that morning that I didn't want her going that way.

[Kylie Lowe]

Yvonne thought about turning around and driving Gloria the rest of the way to school, but her car was full, full of newspapers and there wasn't really a place for Gloria to sit.

[Yvonne Pointer]

And so I said, oh, she'll be okay when I see her later, I'm going to really give her an earful about cutting through this back street.

[Scott Weinberger]

Yvonne finished her route and returned home and started getting her son dressed and ready for the day. Then the phone rang. It was Gloria's school.

[Yvonne Pointer]

And they're asking, where's Gloria? And I'm like, what do you mean, where's Gloria? She's at school. And they said no. They had this huge assembly where the children were getting the awards. They called her name to come on stage to get her award, and she didn't come up. And they were calling me to see if she was still at home.

[Kylie Lowe]

The no show was completely out of character. Remember, Gloria was set to receive a perfect attendance record that day. Each Yvonne who had seen her daughter walking was certain that the school was mistaken and that Gloria must be in the building somewhere. She suggested they continue to look.

[Scott Weinberger]

So the school made an announcement over the loudspeaker asking if anyone had seen Gloria. Multiple people had seen her walking to school, but no one recalled seeing her on the school grounds or inside. Twenty minutes after the first phone call, the principal called Yvonne back.

[Yvonne Pointer]

And he said these words, call the police. And I said, call the police for what? He said, she's not here. So because she had a reputation for being on time, never absent, they knew something was wrong.

[Kylie Lowe]

Gloria was known to be responsible and Yvonne was certain that she would show back up. And when she did, Gloria was ready to give her daughter a talk.

[Yvonne Pointer]

There's absolutely nothing wrong. This will all resolve itself in a few minutes. And the only thing I'm thinking is when I see her, she's going to be in trouble. She's going to be in trouble.

[Scott Weinberger]

But an hour later, things took a devastating turn. Police showed up at Avon's apartment door. They asked to come in and they told her to sit down.

[Yvonne Pointer]

And I said, sit down for what? And they just kept saying, sit down. I was determined to be defiant. I'm not sitting down. What do I need to sit down for? And they said, we have found a body. Well, with that said, I didn't have to sit down. The floor kind of ruined, reached up and grabbed me and pulled me close to it. I just collapsed.

[Kylie Lowe]

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[Scott Weinberger]

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[Kylie Lowe]

On the morning of December 6, 1984, a maintenance worker in Cleveland, Ohio had heard repeated banging coming from an abandoned building about 500ft from Gloria Poynter School.

[Yvonne Pointer]

So they called the owner of the building and said, somebody's trying to kick the door in and the owner was eating breakfast at his home. He says, when I'm done with breakfast, I'll come.

[Scott Weinberger]

When the building owner arrived, he headed towards the basement. At the bottom of a staircase, he made a gruesome discovery. A motionless body lay on the ground and the man quickly dialed 911.

[Kylie Lowe]

Investigators arrived to a tragic scene. The body was that of a young woman with extensive injuries, including a severe head wound. We do want to warn that the details are disturbing and may be triggering.

[Scott Weinberger]

For some her pants were down by her ankles, which together with the injuries, suggested that a sexual assault had likely taken place. Nearby lay a piece of iron, 45 inches long and which weighed about 8 pounds, and it appeared to be the murder weapon.

[Kylie Lowe]

Investigators processed the scene and the body was taken to a local morgue. Yvonne's memories of that day are hazy.

[Yvonne Pointer]

So I know that there's a place that you go to that kind of removes you from the moment, if that makes sense. You're in the moment, but you're not in the moment.

[Scott Weinberger]

Police had told Yvonne that the body they found was yet to be definitively identified. But Yvonne's apartment was filling with friends and family and people were concerned.

[Yvonne Pointer]

I kept looking at all these people screaming and falling out and it's almost like I was there, but I wasn't. And I'm thinking why? What is wrong with everybody? And so I still was not comprehending.

[Kylie Lowe]

The police news of the unidentified body the reactions of her friends and family. Yvonne's brain was swirling and was having trouble deciphering all that was happening.

[Scott Weinberger]

Yvonne kept insisting that everyone should just wait until the end of the school day. She was certain that Gloria would come home like she always did.

[Yvonne Pointer]

She normally gets out, I think it was about 2:45. And I said just wait, the door is about to open. Just watch. And I just sat there looking at the door. And at 3:00 I think it was no Gloria. 3:15, no Gloria. And I got up and I walked on the porch and I kind of looked both ways and I didn't see her coming. There was no, no way that she was not going to come home on time. It just wasn't going to happen. And that's when I said it was her.

[Kylie Lowe]

Yvonne's brother went to the morgue to make the identification. They wouldn't let him view the actual body, but they showed him items that had been found nearby at the crime scene. He relayed the information to his sister.

[Yvonne Pointer]

He described the items that were brought in. Did she have this? Was this her book bag? Was this her comb? Was this? And I said yes.

[Scott Weinberger]

One of the items was a school ID card. It belonged to Gloria. Yvonne's brother confirmed that this was his niece.

[Kylie Lowe]

Yvonne was in shock and filled with questions. How could her daughter, so full of life just that morning, have ended up like this just hours later? Who could have done this to her?

[Scott Weinberger]

Because of Gloria's extensive injuries, Yvonne was advised not to see her daughter until she had been prepared for burial.

[Yvonne Pointer]

They had her cleaned up and in the casket. They would not let me see her prior to that.

[Kylie Lowe]

The morning of the funeral, Yvonne had a few last minutes alone with her daughter. It was during that heartbreaking visit that Yvonne made a promise. She would uncover what happened to Gloria and bring her killer to justice. In that moment, her grief took a backseat to her determination.

[Yvonne Pointer]

And I said, I'll find out, don't worry, I'll find out.

[Scott Weinberger]

Police shared Yvonne's mission. They were under pressure to find Gloria's killer for more than just the most of obvious reasons.

[Yvonne Pointer]

Her case was like high profile because there was four homicides of 14 year old girls in a three month period in Cleveland. And so they were trying to hurry up and close somebody's case.

[Kylie Lowe]

But there were limitations on the investigative tools that police had at their disposal. This was 1984 after all, the year that the process for developing a DNA profile was first discovered. It would be years before it could be used to effectively solve crimes.

[Scott Weinberger]

In Gloria's case, there was fortunately a significant amount of evidence collected and then prepared to preserve. They took her clothing as well as samples of bodily fluids that were found on her body.

[Kylie Lowe]

Investigators began working with traditional policing methods. They canvassed the area of the school and spoke to multiple witnesses who had seen Gloria walking that morning.

[Scott Weinberger]

One person they spoke with was a teacher who said she had seen Gloria walking with a man. Several other witnesses had also reported seeing a man with Gloria. But between the snowfall and the man's bulky winter clothing, a description was hard to come by. Was he heavy? Thin? Police were left only with a vague description, a critical lead, but one frustratingly short on specifics.

[Kylie Lowe]

The first potential break in the case came in around 6pm the same day of the murder. Cleveland police had responded to an attempted kidnapping in another part of the city.

[Scott Weinberger]

An 11 year old girl was walking home from the store when she noticed a car following her. A short time later, a man grabbed her from behind.

[Yvonne Pointer]

Her brother was looking out the window and he saw the man push her in the car. Well, because that day it was that horrible snowstorm. When he tried to take off, the car got stuck in the snow. So by this time the mother runs out of the house, snatches the car to open and gets her daughter out of the car.

[Kylie Lowe]

Two bystanders saw what was happening and called police. The car drove away, but they managed to copy down the license plate. Police traced the car to a 53 year old man named Romel Broome. A quick background check revealed he had a dark past.

[Scott Weinberger]

Broome had prior convictions for robbery, car theft and sexual assault. He had served an eight and a half year sentence before being paroled only six months earlier. Following the attempted kidnapping of the young girl, Broome was arrested.

[Yvonne Pointer]

And so the homicide detectives in Gloria's case felt, oh, wait a minute, this is the same day that Gloria Poynter was murdered. So he did. Gloria Poynter too.

[Kylie Lowe]

Detectives started developing a theory. Perhaps Broome had tried to strike twice in one day. The first attack being Gloria's murder. And Scott, you know, like you hear that. So obviously I think about like oh my gosh, this person is at it more than once. But again, we are talking about a big city with hundreds of thousands, likely millions of people. And just in the most unfortunate of ways, it could easily just be a.

[Scott Weinberger]

Coincidence from a detective's perspective. Beyond the clear effort to connect these crimes through physical evidence, location or similar attack patterns, there's another layer that demands Anasega some attention. The psychological profile. And that's where things get really Interesting. There's compelling data and behavioral analysis suggesting that some serial sexual offenders don't just strike once and retreat. In fact, certain offenders, particularly those driven by compulsion, may attack multiple times in a single day. When their first assault is so called successful, it may reinforce their behavior, heightening their sense of control and fueling their drive to strike again. And here they also looked at a potential connection between Broom and the murders of another young woman from around the same time. It occurred just a few months earlier in the same area as the attempted kidnapping of that 11 year old child.

[Kylie Lowe]

In that case, another 14 year old, a young girl named Trena Middleton, was walking home from a football game with two girlfriends.

[Yvonne Pointer]

And this car pulls up, grabs one of them, threw her in the car and takes off.

[Scott Weinberger]

After Trina was taken away in the car, her two friends ran to a neighbor's house and called for help. And while they were able to describe what the kidnapper and his car looked like, it was too late.

[Kylie Lowe]

Just two hours later, Trina's body was found in a parking lot. She had been sexually assaulted and stabbed to death. In the months that followed, Trina's friends looked at hundreds of police photos, attempting to identify the man from the car.

[Scott Weinberger]

No one in the pictures stood out until they saw a photo of Romel Broome. The friends were certain this was the man who had grabbed Trena during their walk. Broome, who was awaiting trial for the attempted kidnapping, was also then charged with the aggravated murder of Trena Middleton.

[Kylie Lowe]

In fact, their investigation was floundering. Besides the lack of evidence against Broome, other potential leads were going nowhere. They looked at multiple people, including Gloria's boyfriend and even her stepfather. But both had solid alibis.

[Yvonne Pointer]

They even had a young man in Los Vegas who went to school with her. That rumored they were boyfriend and girlfriend. And they were talking to him.

[Scott Weinberger]

A year passed with no answers. The following year, in 1985, Broome was found guilty of murdering Trina Middleton. He was sentenced to death. Justice for Gloria Poynter remained elusive as the years continued to pass by.

[Yvonne Pointer]

I didn't even get to grieve because it was so unfair. When I say grieve, I mean just have a good cry because I was so busy fighting a system that was killing her twice.

[Kylie Lowe]

Yvonne dealt with the slow wheels of justice and the lack of answers in the only way she knew how. She made it her mission to try and prevent what happened to her daughter from happening to anyone else.

[Scott Weinberger]

In the years that followed, she told Gloria's story to anyone who would listen. Her devotion gained her community wide and national attention. She appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show, won awards from Essence magazine and former president George W. Bush named her his 988th point of light.

[Yvonne Pointer]

No, I was not going to be quiet. I was named the Federal Bureau of Investigations Community Leader Award twice. Nobody in history has ever received that award. So I wasn't just sitting down, twiddling my thumbs. I was doing what I could to make the world a better place.

[Kylie Lowe]

She also stayed in touch with the detectives work in Gloria's case. And she pushed them to find the killer.

[Yvonne Pointer]

I went through five chiefs of police, every new prosecutor, every new homicide detective. I was a thorn in the flesh of the system.

[Kylie Lowe]

During Yvonne's interview, she told us that she had become disillusioned with the investigation and the way her daughter's case was initially handled.

[Yvonne Pointer]

And it was unfortunate for Gloria that she was, if I may be honest, an African American, a black girl in the inner city because that's the way the investigation proceeded.

[Scott Weinberger]

Yvonne tells us the things that were said to her she will never forget. She said that investigators even suggested to her that perhaps Gloria had consensual sex on her way to school before running into the person who ended her life.

[Yvonne Pointer]

Now she's bloodied and wounded at the bottom of the stairwell, semen protruding from her vaginal area. What do you mean this person didn't rape her? It's obvious she was raped.

[Kylie Lowe]

And Scott, I have to say of course I'm right with Yvonne. I mean we are talking about this young woman who doesn't sound anything like what is being even questioned by police. But that's one of those things that if they're even thinking about that stays like inside your head rather than to the victim's mom. But you also have the weather, right, A snowstorm was coming in. This young woman, this young girl is on her way to school to get an award. Like nothing fits with this being anything other than the brutal attack we see that it was.

[Scott Weinberger]

So honestly this is not our case and we weren't privy to the evidence in real time as the investigators were. But coming from an experienced, let's say 10,000 foot view, just the victimology of Gloria just doesn't fit the theory that she may have chosen to have sex consensually. And you know, as you just said Anasega, some theories are worth to be left just with the investigators as theories kept in the squadroom. Unless you're trying to obtain confirmatory evidence. I could see any family would struggle with this kind of information and personally I believe it lends absolutely nothing, nothing at all, to finding a killer and.

[Kylie Lowe]

Be as outraged and hurt as Yvonne clearly was and still is when she thinks back to that time. And according to Yvonne, police continued to pursue Romel Broome as a suspect in Gloria's case, despite the lack of evidence connecting him to it.

[Yvonne Pointer]

So that's the way that investigation flowed. We gotta find somebody she was sexually active with so we can put this on Romelu.

[Scott Weinberger]

Yvonne found the entire theory deeply offensive. She was vocal about questioning the direction the investigators were headed.

[Yvonne Pointer]

Why is this the way this investigation is going? Why are you trying to find someone she was sexually active with? Why are you trying to smear and tarnish her? Let's find the killer.

[Kylie Lowe]

Frustrated with the still open investigation, Yvonne Poynter decided to take matters into her own hands. If police were so certain that Romel Broome was behind her daughter's murder, then Yvonne would do what seemed to her like the most obvious thing in the world. She would go ask him herself.

[Scott Weinberger]

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[Kylie Lowe]

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[Scott Weinberger]

One day, Yvonne Poynter picked up a pen and paper and wrote Romel Broome a letter in prison.

[Yvonne Pointer]

And I would say, romel, my name is Yvonne Pointer. They said you murdered Gloria. If you did, would you just let me know so that I could please put an end to the wondering?

[Kylie Lowe]

One letter turned into many. Broome never responded. But that did not stop Yvonne from continuing to be proactive. If the police weren't able to find Gloria's killer, perhaps she would be able to. She decided to search in the one place that she believed that most killers eventually lived. Prisons.

[Yvonne Pointer]

So I thought for sure that he was imprisoned. So I would do my victims impact statements in the preno system. I would volunteer for programs and I'd give me a room full of rapists and murderers and let me tell my story.

[Scott Weinberger]

She had a feeling that Gloria's killer was, would be in there. She could not fathom that he could potentially be walking around in the community still free.

[Yvonne Pointer]

Well, because in order for somebody to do something this heinous, they had to be a heinous person and they had to be institutionalized, period. There can't be anybody walking around on the street. Or so I thought.

[Kylie Lowe]

Yvonne became a regular speaker in prisons, sharing Gloria's story with countless inmates. Each time she asked for their help in identifying the person responsible for her daughter's murder. Even if one of them was that.

[Yvonne Pointer]

Person, if you did it, just say it. That was my favorite mind.

[Scott Weinberger]

It was an unconventional approach to put it mildly. But for Yvonne, it was a way to turn her pain into purpose and keep her promise to Gloria.

[Kylie Lowe]

Like Scott, we just have to stop for a second. Cause I don't know, I just smile when I say, just picture her just like marching into these prisons, right? And just saying like here I am and telling obviously this story that has impacted her life in the worst of ways and just such strength. But I also think it's like, I don't even know the word for it, but it's just this incredible power that she is going to figure this out one way or the other. And as you said, like, it's unconventional to put it mildly.

[Scott Weinberger]

When I was trying to picture the scene after hearing her in your interview, Anasega actually getting in there and determining that somebody within these walls likely killed my daughter. And I'm going to find Them. I mean, talk about determination.

[Yvonne Pointer]

I went into the prisons not for the purpose that I'm there now, but I went looking for Gwe's killer because I made a commitment to her when I finally got to see her body three days later, that I would find her killer, and I was willing to go wherever that path led.

[Kylie Lowe]

It was also a way to counteract the lack of faith she was feeling about the investigation, but. But primarily she hoped it would bring her the answers she was so desperate to receive.

[Yvonne Pointer]

I thought it would happen in the prisons. He was going to have to walk up to me and say, I murdered Gloria. That was the only thing that was going to bring consolation to me, that to hear it come out of his mouth, because I no longer could trust the system.

[Kylie Lowe]

What Yvonne got in response from prisoners surprised her.

[Yvonne Pointer]

We had inmates who said things to me like, I never one time thought about the mother of the person I murdered. Until you started coming to these prisons. I never one time thought about the person had a mother and the pain that the mother must be going through.

[Scott Weinberger]

While Yvonne channeled her grief into activism, unbeknownst to her, investigators continue to actively work on Gloria's case. In the early 2000s, they were able to take advantage of the advances in DNA technology and test some of the evidence.

[Kylie Lowe]

Initially, that testing was inconclusive. In 2008, a new round of testing was done, analyzing hairs collected following the murder. Now that testing positively identified Gloria's DNA, it allowed them to distinguish her profile from any other profile that might be found amongst the evidence.

[Scott Weinberger]

But when they tested her clothing, they continued to get only an inconclusive profile, a frustrating setback in their pursuit of justice. For years, Yvonne continued to write Rommel Broome right up to the date set for his execution in September of 2009. Leading up to that event, Yvonne decided to send him one last letter questioning if he, in fact, had killed Gloria.

[Kylie Lowe]

When the time came, his execution was rescheduled. After what's been called in various articles I've read as a botched execution attempt, Broome was ultimately executed in 2020. A short time after that original execution date, Yvonne received a letter in the mail.

[Yvonne Pointer]

After 25 years. One day I went to my post office box and there was a letter from Romel Broome.

[Scott Weinberger]

Broome had written with what he thought were his last breaths and that he claimed he did not murder Gloria all those years ago.

[Yvonne Pointer]

And the letter went on to say, by the time you get this letter, I will no longer be on the face of the earth. But he was encouraging me not to give up my fight. He had been watching me all of that time.

[Kylie Lowe]

The letter answered that one question from but if not Broome, then who had killed her child? Yvonne remained steadfast that eventually the killer would be found.

[Yvonne Pointer]

I never, ever, ever lost hope. I knew that with my dying breath I was going to continue my search, no matter where that took me.

[Scott Weinberger]

The investigation into Gloria's murder changed hands and was passed to different detectives as the many years passed by. In 2010, they did further testing on Gloria's clothing using even a more advanced process for extracting DNA. This time they were at least somewhat successful.

[Kylie Lowe]

They were able to identify a DNA profile with nine genetic markers. And for context, DNA profiles entered into a national database typically have between 10 to 13 genetic markers. Here, investigators decided to err on the side of caution. Rather than add the incomplete profile into the database, they decided to test the profile they found against former people of interest in this case, including Gloria's boyfriend at the time and her stepfather.

[Scott Weinberger]

But the work in finding those people and getting consent for the testing turned into a years long process. By 2013, they were still not finished.

[Kylie Lowe]

That same year, Yvonne's sister noticed an article in the local newspaper that outlined DNA testing being done on old sexual assault kits. She called the journalist and told her about Gloria's case.

[Yvonne Pointer]

There was all those unsolved rape kits and there was a push to test them. My friend Rachel Desell, who worked as a Republic reporter, my sister said, well ask Rachel, would they just test Gloria's kit? And I said, they don't have to test it. They've tested it. It's done.

[Scott Weinberger]

When the reporter contacted the medical examiner's office to ask about the status of Gloria's case, it set off a chain reaction. And not long after Yvonne remembers, the DNA profile obtained from Gloria's clothing was finally entered into a statewide database. Now this is a pattern I've seen from both sides of the aisle, so to speak, as a member of law enforcement and as a journalist. And this is what we call the spotlight effect in investigative circles. It's because a case has gone cold, whether sidelined, shelved or placed on the back burner due to limited leads or strained resources, all of a sudden to spring back to life when media attention applies the heat. This isn't uncommon. In fact, it's often referred to as reactive policing.

[Kylie Lowe]

And when the profile obtained from Gloria's clothing was entered into the database, there was a match. The DNA was connected to a 58 year old man named Hernandez Warren. A quick background check Into Warren revealed several pieces of relevant information.

[Scott Weinberger]

He had grown up in the same neighborhood as Gloria, and his father had owned a local candy shop. They had even attended the same junior high school, but at different times. Warren was 15 years older than Gloria at the time of the murder. He had nieces and nephews that were friends with Gloria and her brother.

[Kylie Lowe]

Warren also had a criminal past. And even more striking was the reason that his DNA had ended up in that database. Nine months after Gloria's murder, Warren had attacked multiple women, sexually assaulting one of them. He was arrested and convicted of sexual assault, burglary, and felony assault. He had served 17 years in prison. Warren was now free and living in Cleveland.

[Scott Weinberger]

The previous sexual assault conviction seemed an unlikely coincidence to police. They decided to approach him and see if he was willing to speak about Gloria. And when they did, he agreed. Agreed to sit with them. Here is a portion of that interview.

[Yvonne Pointer]

What about Gloria? Do you remember even seeing Gloria? How many times have you seen Glory? Let me ask you that. Back in the day.

[Scott Weinberger]

Once.

[Yvonne Pointer]

Once. And where did you see her at?

[Scott Weinberger]

I remember where I seen her.

[Yvonne Pointer]

Might have been in the game room, to my recollection.

[Scott Weinberger]

But she had on glasses, as I recall.

[Kylie Lowe]

Claimed to have done a lot of drugs at that time in his life. And he also said he'd been sexually active with multiple women. He went so far as to claim that it was even possible that Gloria had been one of his partners.

[Scott Weinberger]

The information let investigators know that they were on the right path. They decided to give him a polygraph test where they asked him more directly about Gloria's murder. He failed the polygraph. Now Warren was taken for a second round of questioning. And the tone of that interview began to change.

[Yvonne Pointer]

I'm just coming to you today. No polygraph, no nothing.

[Scott Weinberger]

Okay. Just you and me.

[Yvonne Pointer]

And overnight, I'm thinking and I'm thinking and I'm thinking how you get yourself in this situation.

[Kylie Lowe]

The detective next showed Warren pictures of Gloria and the crime scene from that morning, images that clearly unsettled him. Their strategy worked. Warren began to talk. And with each word, he slowly began to implicate himself in Gloria's murder.

[Scott Weinberger]

You know, you were there. You made a comment. You said, I raped and killed Gloria Pointer. How'd you do it? This isn't something that you can just.

[Yvonne Pointer]

Make up and expect it to go.

[Scott Weinberger]

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[Kylie Lowe]

As the multi hour interview continued, Warren eventually told police terrifying details about the day Gloria was killed. He said that he saw Gloria walking to school and decided to lure her into the building where she was later found. It was there that he admitted to sexually assaulting her and then he said he turned to leave.

[Scott Weinberger]

She was laying there.

[Kylie Lowe]

Go back down there.

[Yvonne Pointer]

I walked away.

[Scott Weinberger]

He told investigators that when he noticed Gloria also attempting to leave, he pushed her down down the stairs. Then he beat her with a nearby brick or pipe.

[Yvonne Pointer]

She got killed down there.

[Scott Weinberger]

That's where she got killed.

[Yvonne Pointer]

That's where you killed her. So why did you kill her? I don't know.

[Scott Weinberger]

I don't know what happened.

[Yvonne Pointer]

I know I had to kill her some kind of way. If, if I knew how I killed her, I would know I killed her.

[Kylie Lowe]

That confession from Warren, which came nearly 29 years after Gloria's murder, led to his arrest that same day. Yvonne was busy working on behalf of the victims of a more recent high profile case that had also taken place in Cleveland.

[Scott Weinberger]

Three women had been kidnapped a decade earlier and were held for all of those years in their captor's home. One of the women managed to escape which led to the rescue of the other two women.

[Kylie Lowe]

Yvonne was called to be a victim advocate at the hospital where the women were staying after their rescue.

[Yvonne Pointer]

When I get to the hospital, they said there's one young lady in the room that does not have any family because nobody knew she was even missing. Would I mind sitting with her?

[Kylie Lowe]

Yvonne was escorted into the woman's room.

[Yvonne Pointer]

So I sit down next to her. I'm holding her hand. Her name is Michelle Knight. Her Little body is so frail.

[Scott Weinberger]

Yvonne was moved by her time with Michelle. Earlier that very morning, she had been in church, having a challenging moment related to her own anger and grief.

[Yvonne Pointer]

And I just was so mad at God, I said, do you even care? Are you real? Why don't you do something now? This is not about Gloria. This is just period. I'm fed up with all these homicides. Do something.

[Kylie Lowe]

She says that she then heard a.

[Yvonne Pointer]

Voice, a simple, quiet voice said, I am going to set the captives free. Just like that. And so I left the church, telling everybody, proclaiming, guess what? I was in prayer this morning. God said he's going to set the captives free.

[Kylie Lowe]

Yvonne felt like it was a sign from God that she was sitting there with this young woman, a captive who was now free.

[Scott Weinberger]

As Yvonne sat with her, Michelle said that she really would like a slice of cheesecake. Yvonne promised she was going to make it happen. But before she could, her time with Michelle ended and she was escorted out of the room.

[Kylie Lowe]

In typical Yvonne fashion, she spent the next week trying to get a slice of cheesecake to the young woman. When police asked Yvonne to go to the station a week later, Yvonne assumed it was to bring Michelle the cheesecake.

[Yvonne Pointer]

So I get to the office and there's the chief of police, the homicide detective, and I said, where's Michelle? Where's Michelle?

[Scott Weinberger]

The detectives got right to the point. This was not about Michelle.

[Yvonne Pointer]

They said, we've made an arrest in Gloria's case. And they slid a picture across the desk and they said, do you know this person? I said, no. And I said, are you sure? That's all I said. They said, it's him.

[Kylie Lowe]

Detectives had decided to withhold the news of Warren's arrest for a few days so it wouldn't be overshadowed by the release of the women hostages. Now it would be public knowledge. Yvonne was the first in line to get the news. It was finally her turn to receive justice for her daughter.

[Yvonne Pointer]

And when Gloria's arrest was announced, it was like pandemic. Pandemonium broke out in the city because everybody was happy for Ms. Boynter, the mayor, the inmates. They shut down our office at City hall and they brought everybody outside, and it was almost like a celebration.

[Scott Weinberger]

In the lead up to the trial, Yvonne learned more about Warren, including what he looked like. Something that took her by surprise.

[Yvonne Pointer]

I remember thinking how petite of a man he was. I thought he was a monster for so many years and that he loomed as high as the sky. And here he was, this frail little old man looking person. And I Thought I could probably beat him up if I tried, you know, so he was nothing like what I thought a killer would look like, if that makes sense.

[Kylie Lowe]

Before the trial was set to begin, Hernandez Warren pled guilty to murdering Gloria Poynter. At his sentencing, Yvonne took notice of everything, including the courtroom.

[Yvonne Pointer]

Our side of the courtroom could have sent the earth on topsy turvy because it was a million people, and on his side was his sister. And I kept thinking, where's his family? Why somebody here to support him? And my. My family was like, what do you care about that? And I was like, well, why isn't anybody here?

[Scott Weinberger]

Warren was sentenced to life in prison, and Yvonne took the unusual step of visiting him. She didn't want to speak to him about Gloria like she did with the other prisoners. This time, she had a different goal in mind.

[Yvonne Pointer]

What I wanted him to help me, me to understand was the mindset of people like him. So if we're going to prevent this from happening to another child, what is it we should be looking for? And I said to him, if you help me, you will be known for more than the man who murdered Gloria. You would be known also as the man who helped Gloria, Gloria's mother.

[Kylie Lowe]

But the meeting didn't go the way Yvonne expected. Warren cried and told Yvonne that he no longer had a reason to live.

[Yvonne Pointer]

I said, I understand what it feels like to not want to live. And I told him about the night that I begged God to come and get me because I could not take it anymore. And I said these words, I don't even have a reason to live. And God, who is a present help, said that, then I will be your reason.

[Scott Weinberger]

Yvonne said she prayed with Warren, but he hadn't told her what she had hoped. And she ended their visit shortly after that. Warren had taken so much from Yvonne. He had taken her daughter, who can never be replaced. And he also had taken her sense of safety and security in the world.

[Yvonne Pointer]

You know, even after the killers apprehended, I still look over my shoulder. I still check doors. I still look out windows.

[Kylie Lowe]

The weight of waiting 29 years for justice took its obvious toll on her. The relentless pursuit of answers, the fight to keep Gloria's story alive, it was exhausting.

[Yvonne Pointer]

What I felt was the weariness of the journey. You know, like you. Like when you run in a marathon and you collapse when you cross the finish line. I was just glad I made it to the finish line.

[Kylie Lowe]

Rather than allowing her grief to leave her bitter or closed off to the world, Yvonne chose the opposite path. It hasn't been easy, but she continues to channel her pain into activism, turning tragedy and grief into forward moving, positive purpose evidence.

[Scott Weinberger]

She remains unwavering in her mission to end violence and prevent other families from enduring the same heartbreak she has. In fact, the work Yvonne has done in Gloria's name could fill an entire episode. Here are just a few highlights.

[Kylie Lowe]

Yvonne serves as the Ohio State lead for Voices of Black Mothers, an organization dedicated to eradicating intercommunity violence. She also established a scholarship in Gloria's name for victims of violence, ensuring Gloria's legacy is one of hope, not just loss.

[Scott Weinberger]

In 2003, Yvonne was contacted by a boy in Ghana who had found an article talking about Gloria's homicide. He wrote Yvonne a letter expressing empathy for Yvonne's situation, and the two struck up a friendship that turned into a movement.

[Yvonne Pointer]

That single letter catapulted the Gloria Poynter teen movement in Ghana, West Africa, where we now have five schools. We've got orphanages, we've got a library, we've got churches, we've got all kind of things in her name. So I travel frequently back and forth to Ghana and work with children there to help feed and educate them.

[Kylie Lowe]

Yvonne is proud of the work she has done, but she also believes that it was this activism work that helped save her during her darkest of days.

[Yvonne Pointer]

The service is what saved my life. Service to others gave me a reason to get out of the bed, a reason to get up when I started seeing that there's something that I can do with all of this grief.

[Scott Weinberger]

With Gloria's death, Yvonne was left with a lifetime of unknowns. What would Gloria be like today? What kind of life would she have built for herself?

[Kylie Lowe]

One thing remains clear. Gloria's unwavering, strong belief in her mother, Yvonne. As a child, Gloria had an absolute faith in her mother. Whenever there was a need in the community or classroom, she would proudly say, my mother will do it.

[Yvonne Pointer]

And I would say to her, would you stop volunteering me for everything? We need someone to bake cookies. We need somebody to bring cupcakes. We need somebody to bring. She would say, my mother would do it. So if she was alive, she would say, see, I told you my mother would do it.

[Scott Weinberger]

Yvonne's faith gives her comfort, reassuring her that one day she will see Gloria again. And when that moment comes, Yvonne knows exactly what Gloria will say to her.

[Yvonne Pointer]

Yeah, and one day I'll see her and she'll receive me with open arms and she'll say, ah, okay, ma, it's my turn to take care of you.

[Scott Weinberger]

Now my final thought is how a mother's love is unstoppable. Yvonne's story is one of strength beyond measure. Instead of letting her daughters murder destroy her, she turned that grief into action. Mentoring young people, working with at risk youth and advocating for victims families. She proved that tragedy does not have to define you. What you do in response does. This case underscores once again the importance of forensic advancements and the need for law enforcement to keep revisiting unsolved crimes. It's a reminder that there are countless other families still waiting for answers, still hoping for that one break in their case. A complete step towards justice.

[Kylie Lowe]

One of the things I love about AOM is that as we share the unnerving cases of homicide week after week, you also get to know about either their families or people that worked on their behalves. Especially part of the reason why I'm still so drawn to these cases and this work. After what now amounts to more than three decades, it is clear that Yvonne shared a special bond with both her children, Gloria and her younger brother. She has shared her loss and the years of anger and pain with us. So honestly, we've also gotten a glimpse of her strength as she carries on. Gloria's Name and legacy in all the amazing work she has done. Gloria Poynter lost her life the day that she was set to win a perfect attendance award. How fitting that part of her legacy is helping educate children both here and as far away as Africa. The Gloria Poynter foundation is an organization that is an advocate for abused, neglected and abducted children. That Gloria Pointer is an amazing woman. For your legacy to thrive and your memory to live on, tune in next week for another new episode of Anatomy of Murder.

[Scott Weinberger]

Anatomy of Murder is an audio Chuck.

[Kylie Lowe]

Original produced and created by Weinberger Media and Frasetti Media.

[Scott Weinberger]

Ashley Flowers is executive producer.

[Kylie Lowe]

This episode was written and produced by Tracy Levy, researched by Kate Cooper, edited by Ali Sierra and Phil Jean Grande. So what do you think, Chuck?

[Yvonne Pointer]

Do you approve.