Episode 466: Ylenia Carrisi
Going West: True Crime
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman (Teeth)
Produced by: Dark West Productions

Introduction and Network Announcement

In this episode, Daphne and Teeth begin by sharing exciting news about their podcast joining the Unwell Network. They express enthusiasm about the collaboration and assure listeners that the show's format and schedule will remain unchanged. Daphne mentions, “Going west is officially Unwell” (01:02) and invites listeners to follow their social media for additional content related to the case.

Background on Ylenia Carrisi

The episode delves into the mysterious disappearance of 23-year-old Italian actress Alenya (Ylenia) Carrisi. Ylenia vanished in January 1994 while exploring New Orleans with the intention of writing a novel. Her disappearance remains unsolved, marked by suspicious circumstances and eerie connections to local figures and practices.

Family Lineage and Early Life

Ylenia hailed from a prominent entertainment family. Her parents, Romina Power and Albano Carrisi, were a beloved singing duo often compared to Sonny and Cher. Daphne notes, “They were especially beloved in Europe and Central America and even came to be known as the Sonny and Cher of Italy” (06:09). Ylenia's grandmother, Linda Christian, was the first Bond girl, adding to the family's illustrious background. Raised amidst show business, Ylenia led a cultured and nomadic childhood, frequently traveling between Italy, the United States, and Mexico.

Educational Pursuits and Personal Aspirations

After high school, Ylenia pursued higher education at the University of London, studying literature with outstanding academic performance. Despite her academic success, she yearned for real-life experiences, leading her to sell her belongings and embark on a solo journey in 1993. Daphne highlights Ylenia's independence, stating, “she always preferred to have her own money and to pay her own way” (07:16).

Arrival in New Orleans and Influences

Ylenia first visited New Orleans during a family holiday and was captivated by the city's vibrant artistic community and its darker undercurrents. She maintained detailed notes on the people she met, including musicians and street performers. A significant figure in her story is Alexander Masakela, a 54-year-old street musician whom Ylenia became fascinated with, despite concerns from her mother about his potentially malevolent influence. Daphne mentions, “She would camp out in Jackson Square... but she was also aware of the darker side of the city” (07:05).

The Mysterious Alexander Masakela

Alexander Masakela, described by both Ylenia and her mother as someone with hypnotic influence and rumored voodoo practices, became a central figure in Ylenia's life. Daphne notes, “she believed Alexander was trained in voodoo and mused that he had cast a spell on her” (12:38). Alexander's unsettling history, including accusations of sexual violence and drug use, raises suspicions about his role in Ylenia's disappearance.

Final Days and Disappearance

On January 1, 1994, Ylenia checked into the Ladale Hotel in New Orleans, sharing a room with Alexander. Her parents last heard from her on this day, observing a change in her demeanor: “she walked with her head down, her hair in front of her face, and she only spoke when spoken to” (17:37). On January 6, 1994, she checked out of the hotel and was last seen. Cindy Dale, the hotel owner, reported that Ylenia had left abruptly, leaving behind personal belongings and uncashed traveler's checks.

Investigation and Suspicious Activities

Investigators discovered that Alexander attempted to cash Ylenia's unsigned traveler's checks, contradicting his claims of innocence. Teeth remarks, “he accused her employees of stealing the checks which had ultimately been stolen from Alenya” (20:26). This behavior further implicates Alexander as a person of interest in Ylenia's disappearance. Despite these red flags, authorities struggled to gather concrete evidence linking him directly to the case.

Possible Sightings and Theories

Two significant sightings emerged after Ylenia's disappearance:

1. Potential Drowning Incident:
   On the night of January 6, 1994, security guard Albert Cordova reported seeing a woman resembling Ylenia jump into the Mississippi River and drown. However, Cordova later expressed doubts about the identification: “Based on the photographs the police showed me, I'd say it wasn't her, but it could have been” (29:38).

2. Encounter with an Italian-speaking Woman:
   A Croatian fisherman claimed to have seen a beautiful woman speaking fluent Italian, whom he identified as Ylenia after recognizing her photos (33:02). Daphne and Teeth express skepticism about both sightings, noting the lack of definitive evidence.

Police Response and Family Efforts

The New Orleans Police Department treated Ylenia's disappearance as a missing persons case, primarily due to the absence of a crime scene. Her parents enlisted the help of a psychic and offered a substantial reward for information, which remained unclaimed. Albano Carrisi, Ylenia's father, implored the FBI to take over the case, but cooperation was minimal. As Daphne states, “the New Orleans Police Department... seemed to be leaning towards closing the case because there was just no evidence of a crime” (33:56).

Continued Search and Legal Proceedings

Despite relentless searching efforts by her family and the community, no substantial leads surfaced. In 2013, nineteen years after her disappearance, Albano filed to have Ylenia declared legally dead. The case remains open with no definitive closure:

• Physical Description:
  Ylenia was last seen wearing a white jacket and a floral print dress, standing 5ft 7 inches tall, weighing approximately 120 pounds, with blonde hair and green eyes.

• Final Call to Action:
  The hosts urge listeners to provide any information to the New Orleans Police Department, emphasizing the ongoing mystery and the family's enduring hope for answers.

Conclusion and Reflections

Daphne and Teeth reflect on the haunting nature of Ylenia's case, highlighting the lack of closure and the eerie circumstances surrounding her disappearance. Daphne muses, “I feel it will have a happy ending and soon, I hope” (35:40), underscoring the enduring hope that Ylenia may still be found. The episode concludes with a heartfelt plea for listeners to share the story, keeping Ylenia's memory alive in the collective consciousness.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Teeth (01:02): "Going west is officially Unwell."
• Daphne (06:09): "They were especially beloved in Europe and Central America and even came to be known as the Sonny and Cher of Italy."
• Teeth (20:26): "He accused her employees of stealing the checks which had ultimately been stolen from Alenya."
• Daphne (29:38): "I have a hard time believing it was her. If even he is saying he really didn't think so."
• Daphne (35:40): "I feel it will have a happy ending and soon, I hope."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Going West: True Crime meticulously unpacks the perplexing disappearance of Ylenia Carrisi, interweaving family history, personal aspirations, and the enigmatic presence of Alexander Masakela. Daphne and Teeth provide a comprehensive overview, enriched with personal insights and critical analysis, making it a compelling listen for true crime enthusiasts and those intrigued by unresolved mysteries.

If you have any information about Ylenia Carrisi's disappearance, please contact the New Orleans Police Department at 504-658-5315.

For more details and photos related to the case, follow Going West on Instagram @goingwestpodcast and Facebook.

Thank you for tuning into Going West: True Crime. Join us next Tuesday and Friday for more haunting and intriguing true crime stories.