Gone South: S4|E23 - Finding Angie Part 1

Introduction

In Season 4, Episode 23 of Gone South, Audacy Podcasts delves into the mysterious disappearance of Angie Reed, a 24-year-old woman from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Hosted by Jed Lipinski, this episode uncovers the troubling circumstances surrounding Angie's vanishing and the suspicions that point toward her husband, Joey Smith. Through firsthand accounts and investigative insights, the episode paints a chilling picture of deception, abuse, and possible serial offenses.

Background

Angie Reed, known for her vibrant personality and independence, was married to Joey Smith, a wealthy man significantly older than her. Angie’s transformation from a joyful and self-sufficient individual to a diminished shell of herself raised immediate concerns among her family.

Suzanne Reed [01:43]: "So Monday, November 13, 1989, I was at work. My mother called me mid-afternoon and said that she couldn't find my sister."

Angie and her husband owned a small costume jewelry store at the local mall. Two years before her disappearance, Angie had married Joey, whose affluent background starkly contrasted with hers. Joey had been previously married twice, with his second wife, Sheila, brutally murdered in 1985. His first wife and a girlfriend were both found dead under suspicious circumstances, initially ruled as suicides.

Suzanne Reed [07:08]: "She just was independent, hardworking, joyful spirit, always... until she met Joey Sness. And I would say within two years of, he was probably not in her life much more than two years from beginning to end. He was abusing her."

The Disappearance

On Monday, November 13, 1989, Angie failed to return home after an urgent showing arranged by her colleague, Lindsay Buziak. An hour after the showing, Lindsay was found dead in the master bedroom with multiple stab wounds, a case that remains unsolved to this day.

Suzanne and her mother noticed Angie’s absence after several days of no communication. Joey Smith reported Angie missing four days later, claiming she had left after an argument. This delay, coupled with Joey's history, immediately raised red flags for Suzanne and her mother.

Suzanne Reed [04:21]: "And I would say by Monday night we were convinced that my brother-in-law had something done to her or done something personally himself."

Suspicions on Joey Smith

Joey’s previous marriages and the suspicious deaths of his former wives and girlfriend created a perilous web around his character. The additional discovery that Joey was connected to local drug dealers, some of whom had been murdered, further deepened the mystery.

When detectives began to question Suzanne and her mother, they revealed Joey's dark past:

Case Details:

• Sheila Smith's Death (1985): Shot in a burglary-like scene with significant jewelry missing. Joey benefited from a half-million-dollar life insurance policy.
• First Wife's Death: Officially ruled a suicide, though circumstances suggested otherwise.
• Girlfriend's Death (1987): Found dead in Joey's apartment, also ruled a suicide amidst suspicions.

These connections led detectives to suspect Joey as the primary suspect in Angie’s disappearance.

Investigations and Red Herrings

Suzanne and her mother initially maintained a facade of sympathy towards Joey, hoping to uncover the truth without direct confrontation. However, inconsistencies in Joey's story began to emerge:

1. Angie's Alleged Departure:

   • Joey's Claim: Angie left after a fight, packing her suitcase.
   • Suzanne's Observation: Angie's new suitcase was still in the attic, contradicting Joey's statement.

2. Car at New Orleans Airport:

   • Joey's Statement: Found Angie's car at the airport shortly after her disappearance.
   • Police Findings: The parking ticket inside the car lacked Angie's fingerprints, and airport security records indicated the car arrived a day later than Joey claimed.

Suzanne Reed [16:03]: "They found that there were no fingerprints anywhere, like in the car, inside, outside the steering wheel. There were no fingerprints on that parking ticket that my sister had allegedly pulled."

These discrepancies suggested that Joey might have tampered with evidence to fabricate Angie’s departure.

Introduction of Mary Jane Marcantel

With the investigation stalling and suspicions mounting against Joey, Suzanne and her mother sought external help. They connected with Mary Jane Marcantel, a unique paralegal renowned for her hands-on investigative approach.

Suzanne Reed [25:18]: "First impression of Mary Jane Marcantel. Super smart, wicked smart, just on her toes, and an absolute... an absolute pit bull."

Mary Jane, the first licensed female paralegal in Louisiana, brought a fresh perspective and determination to the case. Her extensive experience with high-profile cases and strong connections within law enforcement made her an invaluable ally.

Mary Jane Marcantel [23:33]: "I do murders, I do street crime. I do white collar. That's what I do. I am in the private sector, exactly."

Her commitment to uncovering the truth promised a new direction in the search for Angie.

Conclusion

As the investigation progresses, the intertwining of Joey Smith's potentially criminal activities and Angie's disappearance forms the crux of this episode. With Mary Jane Marcantel stepping in, the path toward uncovering the truth becomes clearer, yet the shadows of past crimes loom large.

Suzanne Reed [23:44]: "I am the only paralegal in Louisiana or anywhere else, by the way, that does what I do."

Gone South leaves listeners on a gripping cliffhanger, setting the stage for continued exploration in the following episode.

Notable Quotes

• Suzanne Reed [07:08]: "She just was independent, hardworking, joyful spirit, always... until she met Joey Sness."
• Suzanne Reed [16:03]: "They found that there were no fingerprints anywhere..."
• Mary Jane Marcantel [23:33]: "I do murders, I do street crime. I do white collar. That's what I do."

Final Thoughts

Episode 23 of Gone South meticulously unravels the layers of Angie's disappearance, highlighting the complexities of personal relationships intertwined with potential criminal motives. Through Suzanne Reed's heartfelt account and the investigative prowess of Mary Jane Marcantel, listeners gain an in-depth understanding of the case's intricacies and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where further developments promise to shed more light on the fate of Angie Reed and the true nature of Joey Smith.

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Gone South is an Odyssey original podcast, crafted and narrated by Jed Lipinski, with executive production by Jenna Weiss Berman, Maddy Sprung Kaiser, Tom Lipinski, Lloyd Lockridge, and Jed Lipinski himself. Special thanks to our dedicated team and contributors who bring these compelling stories to life.