Podcast Summary: MURDERED: Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind

Podcast: Clues with Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore
Host Network: Crime House
Episode Date: November 5, 2025
Case: The 2017 murder of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind
Summary by: [Expert Podcast Summarizer]

Overview of the Episode

This episode dives deeply into the tragic 2017 disappearance and murder of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, a 22-year-old member of the Spirit Lake Nation who was eight months pregnant at the time of her killing in Fargo, North Dakota. Hosts Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore methodically dissect the investigation, highlight systemic failures and bias, explore the forensic clues, and examine the lasting impact of Savanna’s murder, especially within the context of violence against Indigenous women.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Savanna’s Life and Background

• Savanna was born August 9, 1995, on the Turtle Mountain Reservation, North Dakota. Her family moved to Fargo due to economic reasons (04:08).
• She was deeply connected to her family, often helping raise her siblings (04:08–05:00).
• She had been planning a life with her boyfriend Ashton Matheny, who was also the baby’s father, including saving for an apartment and planning a baby shower (05:00–05:50).

2. Disappearance: The Day Savannah Vanished

• On August 19, 2017, Savanna was lured to her upstairs neighbor Brooke Crews’ apartment under the guise of modeling a dress (04:08–05:50).
• Within an hour, her family became worried; she failed to return or answer messages, which was unusual (05:50).
• Despite efforts to involve law enforcement quickly, the police initially suspected a runaway (06:30–13:20).

3. Systemic Failures and Law Enforcement Response

• The initial searches of the suspects’ apartment were half-hearted, with officers failing to obtain warrants or thoroughly search (13:29–16:45).
  • Notable Quote:
    “He just kind of browses around in a cursory way. Doesn’t really search through anything for evidence. When he enters the bedroom, he sees William lying casually... ‘Well, you’re not Savannah.’” – Morgan (14:36)
• Officer reports downplayed the suspects’ behavior and focused on the family’s distress (15:15).
• The police even stopped recording 911 calls from Savanna’s mother, Norberta (16:15).
• The family and Native community felt dismissed and had to mobilize their own search parties (18:24).

4. Key Clues and Missed Opportunities

• Repeated instances where the police ignored clues or failed to act decisively:
  • Failure to track Savanna’s phone immediately—window missed (19:25).
  • Not searching suggested hiding places; not adequately interviewing suspects.
  • Three failed searches in the suspects’ apartment—the baby was present, but undetected (24:07–28:00).
• Notable Quote:
  “I just find it completely baffling how police failed to notice an infant in three different searches and not looking in one of the closets, like, not checking anywhere.” – Morgan (62:23)

5. The Suspects: Brooke Crews and William Hoehn

• Both have disturbing pasts: multiple abusive relationships, criminal history, and concerning psychological profiles (27:49–32:41).
• Brooke lied about a pregnancy to keep William from leaving her, setting the stage for the crime (40:15–44:39).
  • “The whole thing was a lie.” (44:28)
• William’s interview reveals contradictions and lack of remorse (34:21–47:32).
  • Quote:
    “She’s eight months pregnant and all of a sudden you have a tiny Native American baby in your house and she's gone. This is pretty straightforward...” – Detective to William (46:41)

6. Discovery and Forensics

• Discovery of the newborn baby in the suspects’ apartment days after Savanna’s disappearance (38:12–41:00).
• The discovery of Savanna’s body in the Red River, with a clear C-section and forensic clues tying William to duct tape used in disposal (49:38–52:28).
  • Quote:
    “Investigators that found her described it as being sliced open from hip to hip, which shows that her daughter had been removed…” – Kaelyn (49:38)
• DNA testing confirmed maternity and paternity for the infant.

7. Legal Proceedings and Trials

• Both suspects were charged; Brooke confessed and provided a detailed, gut-wrenching account of the murder (55:22).
• Her confession revealed Savannah was alive during the forced C-section, which was performed with a utility knife and no anesthesia (55:58).
  • Brooke: “She would wake up and pass out... I did cut her, and then I took the baby out of her.” (56:15)
• William’s trial ended with a not-guilty verdict for conspiracy to commit murder but 20 years for lesser charges due to technical legal reasons. Sentence was later reduced by the North Dakota Supreme Court on appeal (60:31–61:51).

8. Broader Social Impact and Legacy

• The case fueled advocacy around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), leading to the passage of Savannah’s Act in 2020, aimed at improving law enforcement response and data collection on MMIP (66:29).
  • Despite the Act, compliance and effective implementation remain in question (66:29–67:30).
• Family members, especially Ashton Matheny, now have custody of Savanna’s daughter and continue to honor her legacy (65:17–66:29).

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On police incompetence and bias:
  “Botched. Botched. So let’s go.” – Morgan & Kaelyn, repeatedly (Throughout, e.g., 27:46)
  “They just wanted to dismiss Savannah as a runaway because she was a young, pregnant Indigenous woman.” – Morgan (64:35)

• On the emotional cost:
  “The outcome isn’t necessarily just the sentencing. The outcome is also the trauma that you inflict upon innocent families.” – Kaelyn (64:06)

• On advocacy:
  “Savanna has had a huge impact on the missing and murdered Indigenous women movement.” – Kaelyn (66:29)
  “If you want to see more cooperation, hopefully less botched investigations… support organizations like the Indian Law Resource Center and the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center.” – Morgan (67:30)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Savanna’s background and disappearance: 04:08–06:30
• Law enforcement response & initial searches: 13:29–19:25
• Three failed apartment searches: 24:07–28:00
• Suspects’ backgrounds: 27:49–32:41
• William and Brooke’s false stories: 44:39–47:32
• Discovery of Savannah’s baby & body: 38:12–49:38
• Legal proceedings and verdicts: 55:22–62:16
• Aftermath, impact and legislation: 66:29–67:30

The Hosts’ Tone & Approach

Morgan and Kaelyn are passionate, honest, and occasionally exasperated with the systemic failures in the case and the overwhelming injustice. They mix detailed forensic and investigative analysis with advocacy and personal commentary, always centering the humanity of Savanna and her family.

Conclusion: Justice, Reform, and Unanswered Questions

The episode ends with a call for continued advocacy for justice for MMIP, emphasizing that while Savanna’s individual case was “botched” in many respects, her legacy continues to drive change. The hosts urge listeners to remain vigilant and support legal reforms, while honoring Savanna through remembrance and action.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand the intersection of crime investigation, systemic injustice, and the movement for missing and murdered Indigenous women.

For more detailed photographs and resources discussed, the hosts recommend the episode’s Instagram: @CluesPodcast.

Missing Person of the Week: Courtney Stouffer (69:00–70:03)
If you have information: Detective Jared Henry (717-838-8189) / FBI (800-634-4097)