Podcast Summary: Going West: True Crime – Episode 462: Selena Mays
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Produced by: Dark West Productions
Introduction to the Case
In Episode 462 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Heath Merryman and Daphne Woolsoncroft delve into the harrowing disappearance of Selena Mays, a 12-year-old girl from Palmyra, New Jersey. Released on December 20, 2024, this episode uncovers the disturbing circumstances surrounding Selena's disappearance, the insular and controlling environment of her family’s religious community, and the subsequent investigations that have left many questions unanswered over the past decades.
Family Background
Selena Jeanette Mays was born on May 21, 1984, in Miami, Florida, to Lynn Vitale and Crizanzo "CJ" Mays. She had an older half-brother, Robert, from her mother's previous relationship. Her father, CJ, was a rock musician, while Lynn worked as an exotic dancer. Both parents struggled with substance abuse during Selena's early childhood, leading to a tumultuous family environment marked by CJ's physical abuse and multiple incarcerations. This instability forced Lynn and Selena to seek refuge in women’s shelters multiple times before settling back in Palmyra, New Jersey, in 1990 after CJ and Lynn divorced. According to Lynn's family, their life together post-divorce was harmonious, with Lynn dedicated to providing a stable and loving environment for Selena.
Heath Merryman notes at [04:14]:
"Kind of flipped the script as a mother there."
The Gospel of Christ Church
After the divorce, CJ moved in with his sister, Sarita Smith, and became deeply involved in her church, the Gospel of Christ Ministries Incorporated. Sarita led a tight-knit community in a dilapidated red brick former Catholic Church in Mount Holly, New Jersey, and a family home in Willingboro. The church, guided by Sarita's authoritarian leadership, enforced strict rules, isolating members from the outside world and discouraging any interactions beyond the congregation. Activities included intense religious services, fundraising efforts, and multi-level marketing ventures like Mary Kay cosmetics. Children were homeschooled with curricula centered solely around church teachings, limiting their social interactions and personal development.
Daphne Woolsoncroft observes at [06:37]:
"Yeah. And be very, very controlling."
Former members described the church as a cult, with Sarita maintaining control through fear and manipulation. Legal disputes and accusations of brainwashing plagued Sarita's leadership, culminating in the disbandment of the church over a decade ago.
Selena's Disappearance
On the night of December 15, 1996, after attending a Sunday service, Selena was reported missing. According to Tawana, a teenager in the house, Selena had been subjected to repeated sexual abuse by Sean Smith, Sarita’s son. Selena had confided in Tawana about her pregnancy, resulting from these assaults. Despite Selena's distress and the severity of her situation, the family delayed reporting her disappearance for 24 hours, raising suspicions about their involvement.
Heath Merryman expresses frustration at [26:15]:
*"Well, in an interview months later, CJ remarked, quote, she made some bad choices... I want to punch this guy in the face."
CJ’s dismissive attitude towards Selena’s disappearance and his initial belief that she had run away without seeking help exacerbated concerns about the family's role in the case.
Investigation and Police Response
The police investigation into Selena’s disappearance was hampered by the family's lack of urgency and reluctance to cooperate fully. CJ eventually reported Selena missing but did so with a calm demeanor, minimizing the seriousness of the situation. Investigators discovered that Selena was not only missing but also nine months pregnant, raising immediate concerns about possible foul play within the family and church community.
Daphne Woolsoncroft emphasizes at [24:29]:
"So Tawana headed upstairs to check for herself and couldn't find any sign of Selena."
Despite suspicions, obtaining a search warrant was challenging due to Sarita's refusal to grant access to the church premises. The police faced obstacles in gathering evidence, as family members and church representatives remained largely uncooperative, often diverting blame away from themselves.
Heath Merryman critiques at [28:22]:
"True. And he also initially declined to reveal that Selena was an extremely vulnerable victim..."
Suspected Culprits
Central to the case is Sean Smith, Sarita’s son, who allegedly raped Selena, resulting in her pregnancy. Sean had a history of abusing young girls within the church, including Tawana. In January 1998, Sean was arrested for sexually assaulting two girls aged 13 and 14. Although charges were eventually dropped, Sean’s predatory behavior and subsequent death in 2020 leave lingering suspicions about his involvement in Selena’s disappearance.
Heath Merryman states at [43:16]:
"Naturally the most pervasive theory is that Selena was murdered by a member or members of her own family..."
The family's attempts to protect their reputation and conceal Sean's actions are evident in their treatment of Selena and the delayed police response. Additionally, investigations into Lynn’s family, who were protective of Selena, did not yield any substantial leads, further pointing towards internal family dynamics as a potential motive for Selena’s disappearance.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
Over the years, numerous leads and theories have emerged, but none have definitively resolved Selena’s case. The involvement of the FBI and national media attention, including a feature on America's Most Wanted, failed to uncover concrete evidence. The disbanded church and the deaths of key family members have left the case stagnant, with Detective Monica Pogarzelski continuing to pursue new leads.
Daphne Woolsoncroft reflects at [42:35]:
"I could understand maybe having the theory that she ran away for the safety of herself and her baby..."
Selena’s mother’s side of the family has consistently denied any involvement, emphasizing their efforts to shield Selena from the oppressive church environment. Their claims contrast sharply with CJ’s accusations against them, highlighting the deep-seated tensions and mistrust within the extended family.
As of December 2024, Selena would be 40 years old, and her child 28. The lack of closure has left enduring pain and unresolved questions for those who know Selena and her story.
Reflections and Conclusions
The Selena Mays case exemplifies the devastating impact of abusive family dynamics and the manipulative control exerted by authoritarian religious groups. The hosts emphasize the urgency of keeping Selena’s story alive to seek justice and raise awareness about the systemic issues that enabled her disappearance.
Daphne Woolsoncroft urges at [49:09]:
"Please share the missing poster that we're gonna make and post for Selena. It's just so important to keep spreading the word on her story..."
Despite the passage of time, Selena’s disappearance remains a haunting mystery, underscored by the failure of those meant to protect her. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to remain vigilant and continue advocating for Selena’s case.
Key Quotes
- Heath Merryman [04:14]: “Kind of flipped the script as a mother there.”
- Daphne Woolsoncroft [06:37]: “Yeah. And be very, very controlling.”
- Heath Merryman [26:15]: “I want to punch this guy in the face.”
- Daphne Woolsoncroft [24:29]: “So Tawana headed upstairs to check for herself and couldn't find any sign of Selena.”
- Heath Merryman [28:22]: “True. And he also initially declined to reveal that Selena was an extremely vulnerable victim...”
- Heath Merryman [43:16]: “Naturally the most pervasive theory is that Selena was murdered by a member or members of her own family...”
- Daphne Woolsoncroft [42:35]: “I could understand maybe having the theory that she ran away for the safety of herself and her baby...”
- Daphne Woolsoncroft [49:09]: “Please share the missing poster that we're gonna make and post for Selena. It's just so important to keep spreading the word on her story...”
Conclusion
The Selena Mays case serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children in oppressive and abusive environments. Going West: True Crime meticulously unpacks the layers of this unresolved mystery, urging the public to remain engaged and supportive in the quest for answers and justice for Selena.
For more information or to report any details related to Selena Mays’ disappearance, please contact the Willingboro Police Department at 609-877-2200.