True Crime Garage: Kierra Coles /// Part 2 (Dec 2, 2025)

Hosts: Nic & the Captain
Case Covered: Disappearance of Kierra Coles, Missing Pregnant Woman from Chicago
Main Theme: An in-depth examination of the circumstances surrounding Kierra Coles' disappearance, the investigation's shortcomings, family efforts, and broader societal issues affecting similar cases.

Episode Overview

This episode is Part 2 of True Crime Garage's coverage of the mysterious disappearance of Kierra Coles—a pregnant 26-year-old postal worker from Chicago who vanished in October 2018. Nic and the Captain walk listeners through new investigative developments, the pain and advocacy of Kierra's family, and critical reflections on media attention and law enforcement's actions (or lack thereof). Woven throughout are sharp observations, personal appeals, and a comparison to a hauntingly similar case, underlining systemic issues around missing women of color.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Family’s Refusal to Give Up ([03:37–05:22])

• Strong focus on Kierra’s mother, Karen Phillips King, her tireless advocacy, and the annual “We Walk for Her” march.
• Direct quotes from Karen show her heartbreak but resolve.
  • "If you know something, say something. You know this is going on too long. And I just hope anybody out there that knows anything, have a heart and finally call in."
• Community pushes for attention on missing cases in black and brown communities.

2. The Boyfriend, "Josh": Actions & Police Focus ([05:22–09:09])

• In April 2019, Karen publicly admits growing suspicion toward Josh, Kierra’s boyfriend.
  • "I haven't heard anything from this guy since the day the police went to do the wellness check. I haven't seen him around town, haven't talked to him, nothing." (Nick recounting Karen, [05:22])
• Josh and his other partner—also pregnant—moved out of state soon after Kierra disappeared, evading further police contact.
• Family held vigils and press conferences demanding answers, particularly from Josh.
• "The crowd cheered when people questioned why, if Josh hadn't done anything, he was afraid to talk to the police." (Nick [08:20])
• Captain: "Yeah, pretty shady." ([05:58])

3. The Ongoing Investigation and Law Enforcement Critique ([09:10–12:43])

• Case reward increased to $46,000 by May 2019, but still no resolution.
• In July 2022, CPD announced the case was “suspended,” leading to community outrage.
  • "It's frustrating that it's going to be two years... and for you all... to say you all don't have enough to go on, it's really disappointing." (Nick quoting Karen, [11:00])
• Nic and the Captain criticize law enforcement for not pursuing Josh after he moved, calling it a "lazy job."
  • "Pick up a phone and call this guy. Fly down there and try to interview him."
• Case remains classified as high risk, foul play suspected.

4. Media Coverage Disparity ([13:08–14:38])

• Karen and community activists are vocal about the lack of media attention compared to cases like Gabby Petito’s.
  • "They will cover a black person's case, but you might see it one time; with a white woman you might see it all that week or even every week."
• Frustration at how missing Black women are de-prioritized.

5. 2022: Crucial New Surveillance Unveiled ([14:57–21:27])

• Release of eight-minute police video with multiple surveillance clips fundamentally changes the timeline.
  1. Kierra seen returning home with groceries on Oct 2 (evening).
  2. A man (“person of interest”—strongly suggested to be Josh) joins her, later leaves with her in Kierra’s car.
  3. At 10:43pm, Kierra withdraws $400 cash at Walgreens ATM—uncharacteristic for her, as per her mother.
     • "She was very conservative with her money…incredibly out of character." ([16:48])
  4. She is believed to give the cash to her boyfriend (Josh) immediately after ([18:17]).
     • "Old red flag." (Captain, [19:08])
  5. Car seen again, a man (not Kierra) exits passenger seat and walks off; no one else seen leaving.
  6. Later, man returns to Kierra's apartment, removes items, departs in his own vehicle.
• Speculation about possible small blood stains found in Kierra's car (not confirmed).

6. Law Enforcement’s Person(s) of Interest, Disputed Timelines & Possible Accomplices ([25:51–30:05])

• Detective Will Savlar confirms belief Kierra was killed shortly after the ATM withdrawal ([25:59]).
• Police have consistently declined to name Josh publicly, but implications are clear.
• Discussion about possible involvement of Josh’s other partner, who also worked for USPS and may have called in “sick” for Kierra to work.
  • "Is she the one that calls off for our missing person?...have to give voice, a woman's voice and call off for her?" (Nick [29:42])

7. Family’s Continued Advocacy and Despair ([30:13–33:58])

• Reward increases to $63,000 in March 2023.
• Family holds public events, shares identifying information on tattoos, etc.
  • "Very young woman here with her whole life ahead of her, and she had everything in place."
• Captain laments: "I've seen this for years—the sexier story comes out and some cases just don't get the coverage they deserve." ([31:56])

8. Parallels to the Akia Eggleston Case ([33:58–39:23])

• Another missing pregnant Black woman: almost identical circumstances; last seen withdrawing cash, boyfriend had another pregnant girlfriend, moved out of state.
• In Akia's case, after four years, boyfriend Michael Robertson was convicted on circumstantial evidence and without a body.
  • "It took four and a half years, Captain, but... he was arrested and charged with two counts of murder... may provide a glimmer of hope for Kiera’s family." ([37:50])
• Police traced Robertson’s movements and search history for trash collection/landfills.

9. Reflections, Pressure, and Calls to Action ([40:01–44:00])

• Nic and the Captain urge those with information—especially Josh’s current partner—to come forward for the substantial reward, or simply to do the right thing.
• "This is why Kiera's mother, Karen is so correct. You need to shine light and bring attention to these cases. It puts pressure on law enforcement... on eyewitnesses... on Josh, on Josh's current girlfriend..." (Captain, [41:31])
• Stark condemnation of Josh’s behavior:
  • "He dated her for six years and he didn't search for her, he didn't put up flyers, he didn't knock on doors, he lied to the family, he lied to law enforcement, he changed his story..." ([43:31])

10. Resources and Social Advocacy ([43:52–45:02])

• Photos of Kierra and case details on the True Crime Garage website and missingpersonscenter.org.
• Encourage contacting Chicago PD or U.S. Postal Inspection Service with tips: 877-876-2455
• Reference to HBO documentary "Black and Missing" covering similar cases and media inequity.

Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Karen Phillips King (Kierra’s Mother):

  • "You could be the one to help bring Kierra home.” ([03:59])
  • "I can't let her down. I got to do all that I can to bring her and her child home safe.” ([04:52])
  • "As the years go on, it gets harder and harder. Definitely with the police not doing what they're supposed to do, it makes it even harder." ([30:38])

• Nic & Captain Reflections:

  • "Pick up a phone and call this guy. Fly down there and try to interview him." (Nick [11:13])
  • "Old red flag." (Captain, [19:08])
  • "If you have avenues to pursue, which I think they do... I just don't like the status of suspended on this case." (Nick [39:36])
  • "He (Josh) dated her for six years and didn't search for her... He's a real piece of shit." (Captain, [43:32])

Timeline & Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Key Topic | |:-------------:|:----------------------------------------------| | 03:37–05:22 | Family’s plea, surveillance footage, community events | | 05:22–09:09 | Focus on boyfriend Josh; his disappearance, suspicions | | 09:10–12:43 | Reward money, investigation ‘suspended’, police critique | | 13:08–14:38 | Media coverage disparity & racial bias | | 14:57–21:27 | New 2022 surveillance: ATM, car, timeline shift | | 25:51–30:05 | Detective Savlar: cash handoff, police skepticism | | 33:58–39:23 | Parallel case: Akia Eggleston | | 40:01–44:00 | Urging witnesses (esp. girlfriend) to come forward | | 43:52–45:02 | Resources, social advocacy |

Resources Mentioned

• MissingPersonsCenter.org — Photos, case updates, links to video.
• Report Tips: Chicago Police Department or U.S. Postal Inspection Service (877-876-2455)
• HBO/Max: Documentary “Black and Missing” (features similar cases)
• Recommended: The Missing Persons Podcast & “Aftermath” by Bill Gilmore

Tone and Takeaway

Nic and the Captain combine empathy, outrage, and humor—all with an armchair-detective’s rigor and personal accountability. The episode is a powerful plea to break the silence around underreported missing persons cases, particularly Black women, and to hold both law enforcement and communities to higher standards of attention and care.

Final message:
"Be good, be kind, and don't litter."
—True Crime Garage