Snapped: Women Who Murder – Episode Summary: Felicia Blakely

Introduction In the gripping episode titled "Felicia Blakely" from Oxygen's "Snapped: Women Who Murder," listeners are taken through a harrowing true crime story that unfolded in Atlanta's vibrant club scene in the early 2000s. This detailed account explores the brutal murders of three men, the subsequent investigation, and the eventual arrest and confession of Felicia Blakely and her accomplice, Amisha Irvin.

Background Atlanta in the late 1990s and early 2000s was a hotspot for nightlife, particularly within the adult entertainment industry. The city’s booming club scene attracted celebrities and affluent individuals, creating an environment where large sums of cash circulated freely. Ray Goodwin, a 30-year-old Atlanta resident, was a well-known figure in this scene. Raised in Birmingham, Alabama, by a single mother, Ray was beloved by his siblings, especially his sister Carlita Knox.

The Crimes Unfold On August 15, 2002, the tranquility of Atlanta was shattered when Ray Goodwin and his friend, Claudell "Doc" Christmas, were found murdered in Ray's apartment. Detectives quickly identified the murders as part of a growing crime spree targeting affluent men in the club scene.

• Discovery of the Murders Carlita Knox recounts the tragic discovery:

  "Finding my brother dead, that changed my life forever. Everything was rushing through my head. Who, what, when, why? I just broke down crying." ([06:59])

  The crime scene showed no signs of forced entry or struggle, suggesting that the victims knew their assailants. Both men had been shot multiple times with .32 caliber bullets, a detail that would later prove crucial.

• Expansion of the Crime Spree Just two days later, on August 17, 2002, another man, Lamitrius Michi Twitty, was found dead under similar circumstances. The consistency in the modus operandi—executed style shootings with the same caliber firearm—led investigators to suspect a single perpetrator or a closely linked group.

Investigation Intensifies As detectives delved deeper, they uncovered that both Ray and Doc frequently carried large amounts of cash, making them prime targets for robbery. Additionally, witness statements pointed towards potential female suspects involved in these robberies, a notable departure from the typical profiles of such crimes.

• Emergence of Suspects Carlita Knox took an active role in the investigation, conducting her own inquiries to identify the suspects. Her efforts led her to identify two dancers, known by the nicknames Peaches and Snow, who had been present at Ray's apartment on the night of the murders.

  "I got a bad vibe from her. I said, man, Ray, I don't like these girls." ([18:02])

  Through permit books at various strip clubs, Carlita identified Felicia Blakely as Peaches, linking her to the crime scenes.

Arrest and Confession On August 25, 2002, Felicia Blakely and Amisha Irvin were apprehended at a Mrs. Winters restaurant in Atlanta after a series of armed robberies. The discovery of a .32 caliber handgun in the bathroom corroborated the evidence linking them to the murders.

• Felicia's Admission During her initial interview, Felicia confessed to the murders without hesitation:

  "I killed Michi and Ray and Doc." ([34:35])

  Her straightforward admission shocked investigators, who had not anticipated such candidness.

• Amisha's Involvement Amisha Irvin's statement aligned with Felicia's account, detailing their coordinated efforts to rob and murder their victims. Together, they were charged with three counts of malice murder, armed robbery, felony murder, and theft.

Unveiling the Motive and Manipulation Further investigation revealed that Felicia Blakely was allegedly under the control of Mike Berry, her pimp, who manipulated her into committing the crimes. Felicia claimed that Mike coerced her into targeting Ray and Doc for their financial assets.

"She explains Mike Berry was her pimp. She was forced to do it due to Mike Berry and that he was the one that really wanted the money and put her and Amisha up to these crimes." ([42:30])

However, detectives found no concrete evidence linking Mike Berry to the murders, and without Amisha corroborating her claims fully, the prosecution focused solely on Felicia and Amisha's direct involvement.

Trial and Sentencing In 2004, Felicia Blakely accepted a plea deal to avoid the death penalty, receiving three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. Amisha Irvin also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to concurrent life terms with the possibility of parole in 2027.

Carlita Knox expressed mixed emotions regarding the outcomes:

"Phylicia could have made different choices... it doesn't make me feel better about what happened. I miss him. I miss him a lot." ([46:45])

Additional Crimes and Broader Implications Post-arrest investigations linked Felicia to an attempted murder in Orlando, Florida, raising questions about the extent of her criminal activities. Despite her claims, she was never charged for the Orlando incident, as prosecutors deemed she would remain incarcerated for her already severe sentences.

Conclusion The episode of "Snapped: Women Who Murder" detailing Felicia Blakely's case underscores the complexities of criminal motivations and the potential for manipulation by influential figures like Mike Berry. Felicia's actions, driven by desperation and alleged coercion, led to a series of tragic murders that shook Atlanta's social fabric.

Carlita Knox's relentless pursuit of justice highlights the profound personal impact of such crimes on families and communities. While Felicia and Amisha face significant prison terms, the emotional scars and unanswered questions linger for those left behind.

Notable Quotes:

• Carlita Knox on discovering her brother:

  “Finding my brother dead, that changed my life forever. Who, what, when, why?... I just broke down crying.” ([06:59])

• Felicia Blakely’s confession:

  “I killed Michi and Ray and Doc.” ([34:35])

• Carlita on seeking justice:

  “I wasn’t just going to sit there and be scared. Nobody want to talk to the police. So that’s where I came in at.” ([26:02])

This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching effects of crime and the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of justice.