Podcast Summary: The Deck
Episode: LaQuandra “Shavonne” Slater (4 of Clubs, Michigan)
Release Date: January 22, 2025

Introduction to LaQuandra “Shavonne” Slater's Disappearance

In this gripping episode of The Deck, host audiochuck delves into the mysterious disappearance of LaQuandra “Shavonne” Slater from Flint, Michigan, in December 2016. Known for her toughness and independence, LaQuandra's sudden vanishing left her family and community in deep distress, sparking a complex and ongoing investigation.

Timeline of Disappearance

December 8, 2016 marked the day LaQuandra was reported missing. Her cousin, Shimonia Wootton, noticed unusual behavior when LaQuandra stopped responding to Facebook messages—a departure from her typically responsive nature.

• 00:59 – 02:01: Shimonia reports LaQuandra's lack of communication and the peculiar blocking behavior observed on Facebook, leading her to attempt contacting her via phone without success.

Initial Investigation and Findings

Detective Lacey Lopez from the Flint Township Police Department took charge of the case around 2020, uncovering initial clues that painted a puzzling picture of LaQuandra's disappearance.

• 05:09: The maintenance man revealed that LaQuandra was late on her rent and hadn't been seen since Thanksgiving, raising immediate red flags.

• 05:43 – 06:22: A welfare check revealed that while LaQuandra's apartment was undisturbed, her two snakes had not been fed for days, suggesting she had not been there recently.

Interviews and Insights from Family and Friends

The episode features heartfelt interviews with LaQuandra's cousins, Latoya Brown and Shimonia Wootton, who provide personal insights into her character and the impact of her disappearance.

• 07:18: Latoya shares her intuition that something was wrong when LaQuandra's car was found abandoned:
  "So I knew something was wrong when they found her truck and not her. And after that I instantly knew something wasn't right. Like I know her. She cherished her thing."

• 13:21 – 13:35: Latoya describes LaQuandra's last moments, recalling her discussions about personal struggles and her desire to reconnect with her ex-boyfriend upon his release from prison.

Evidence Uncovered During Investigation

Detectives uncovered several pieces of evidence that both complicated and advanced the investigation:

• 07:50 – 08:30: A meticulous search of LaQuandra's apartment revealed it was well-maintained, with no signs of forced entry or disturbance, except for neglected pet snakes and unusual cleanliness around the toilets.

• 15:12 – 15:42: Investigation into LaQuandra's second apartment led to the discovery of a handwritten note stating "one deceased" taped to her mailbox, prompting further searches and analysis.

• 17:28 – 17:37: A container of expired raw chicken from her car suggested she might have been interrupted during her return from the liquor store, although no concrete timeline was established.

Leads and Suspect Information

The investigation identified key suspects and potential motives behind LaQuandra's disappearance:

• 22:22 – 22:44: LaQuandra had filed a restraining order against John, an ex-boyfriend, four months before her disappearance. Although he was later ruled out due to alibi confirmation and polygraph results, his threatening behavior remained a concern.

• 24:26 – 25:45: Another ex-boyfriend, Adam, emerged as a primary suspect due to his violent history and prior assault on LaQuandra's vehicle in 2012. Adam had a history of criminal behavior, including murder and stalking, making him a significant focus of the investigation.

Breakthrough and Ongoing Investigation

After three years of stagnation, a pivotal moment occurred with a domestic assault report in May 2020 that mirrored the circumstances of Adam's previous assault on LaQuandra.

• 25:31 – 25:45: The complainant's account matched Adam's pattern, leading detectives to solidify their suspicions against him. However, as the investigation remains active, definitive conclusions are yet to be drawn.

Current Status and Call for Public Assistance

As of the episode's recording, LaQuandra Slater remains missing. Detective Lopez emphasizes the need for public assistance, urging anyone with information to come forward through official channels.

• 28:25 – 28:52: Latoya Brown expresses the family's ongoing anguish and the perpetual uncertainty surrounding LaQuandra's fate:
  "No one deserves this and her family don't deserve this... We’re having to go through life and not know whatever happened to her. Just still wonder every day what happened."

• 28:52 – 29:45: The episode concludes with a heartfelt plea for tips, highlighting the importance of community involvement in solving cold cases.

Concluding Remarks

The disappearance of LaQuandra “Shavonne” Slater remains a haunting unresolved case. The Deck episode meticulously outlines the intricate web of circumstances, evidence, and personal testimonies surrounding her vanishing. As Detective Lopez continues to seek leads, the hope remains that someone, somewhere, holds the key to LaQuandra's fate, ensuring she receives the justice and closure her loved ones desperately seek.

Notable Quotes:

• Latoya Brown at 07:18:
  "So I knew something was wrong when they found her truck and not her. And after that I instantly knew something wasn't right. Like I know her. She cherished her thing."

• Latoya Brown at 14:08:
  "She's known for being tough. She's known for carrying herself in a manner like she ain't to be messed with. So people knew, like, they would have to take her with some force. This wasn't no, oh, she went willingly. This, it was a fight, I'm sure, because I know her."

• Latoya Brown at 28:25:
  "No one deserves this and her family don't deserve this... We’re having to go through life and not know whatever happened to her. Just still wonder every day what happened."

Call to Action:

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Laquandra Siobhan Slater in Flint, Michigan, please contact Detective Lacey Lopez at 810-600-3266 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-422-5245.

Produced by audiochuck with theme music by Ryan Lewis. For more information about The Deck and its advocacy work, visit thedeckpodcast.com.