True Crime with Kendall Rae

Episode: She Served Her Country & They Failed Her: Justice for Angelina Resendiz

Date: August 28, 2025
Host: Kendall Rae | Mile Higher Media & Audioboom Studios

Main Theme & Purpose

Kendall Rae dives into the tragic and recent case of Angelina Resendiz, a young Navy seaman who disappeared from Naval Station Norfolk in late May 2025 and was later found dead. With empathy and attention to systemic failures, Kendall examines not just the facts of the case, but also broader issues of military accountability, the treatment of women (especially women of color) in the armed forces, and the determined quest for justice led by Angie's mother, Esmeralda Castle.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Who Was Angelina "Angie" Resendiz? (03:10–10:20)

• Background: Born October 31, 2003, in Harlingen, Texas.
• Personal Traits: Described as shy at first, blossomed into an “unforgettable” person, deeply loving, hardworking, selfless, and passionate about helping others.
• Motivation for Service: Inspired by family who’d served, Angie joined the Navy as a culinary specialist, aspiring to one day cook for the president and world leaders.
• Pride in Service: Loved her work; “you can just tell by looking at her that she was proud of her service and that she loved what she did.” (09:01, Kendall Rae)

2. Timeline & Circumstances of Disappearance (19:45–29:30)

• Last Contact: Angie stopped communicating with family on May 29, 2025, noted immediately by her mother, who was alerted by a friend from the Navy.

• Navy's Account:

  • Angie was on “authorized liberty” (off-duty) May 29.
  • A wellness check at 5:45am in her barracks found her absent; she was reportedly seen later in another sailor’s room.
  • Failed to report for duty May 30—a major red flag for those who knew her.

• Family’s Perspective: Navy’s timeline did not match their own; mother struggled to get any real information and was told she was "overdramatic" (43:10, Esmeralda Castle).

• Official Response Delays: Angie was only listed as AWOL, not as a missing person, for several days. The Navy began a formal investigation only after friends went to local police (May 31).

• Critical Oversight: No urgent procedures initiated despite two sailors being missing.

  “Clearly there is something very wrong here, but wrong. It wasn’t until Angie's friends reported her missing to the Norfolk Police Department on Saturday the 31st, that the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, or NCIS, was alerted.” (26:20, Kendall Rae)

3. Discovery & Aftermath (32:50–37:00)

• Body Found: Angie was discovered June 9, 2025, in a wooded area near Broad Creek, Norfolk—12 days after she was last seen.
• Mother's Ordeal: Esmeralda received little help or communication, often learning crucial details from non-official sources or the media.
• Navy Response: A sailor, later identified (by the family lawyer) as Jeremiah Copeland, was placed in pretrial confinement.
• Charges Pending: As of recording, no formal charges filed; legal processes in the military are slow, and families must wait up to 120 days for arraignment.

4. Systemic and Procedural Failures (30:40–37:20; 39:15–46:40)

• Delayed Response: The process to issue a missing persons alert took six days.

• Mishandling Notification: Esmeralda was not properly notified by Navy officials.

• Family’s Public Statement:

  “The family demands accountability for oversight that put her life at risk and for mishandling that delayed justice.”

• Congressional Attention: Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine publicly advocate for transparency and investigation.

  “If there was anybody dropping the ball on the timeliness of letting the family know that the soldier had disappeared, that needs to be corrected.” (Mark Warner, 41:12, paraphrased by Kendall Rae)

5. Advocacy and LULAC Involvement (34:30–39:10)

• LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens): Supporting the family, calling for a transparent investigation, and systemic Navy reform, much like their role in the Vanessa Guillén case.

• Demands Submitted to Navy & DoD (36:40):

  • Transparent investigation and public timeline.
  • Accountability for failures to act.
  • Review of sexual assault/harassment policies—especially for women of color.
  • Confirmation of any NDAs service members were compelled to sign.
  • Formal apology and Freedom of Information Act access for the family.

  “They actually wrote out a list of what they demand happens moving forward...” (36:30, Kendall Rae)

6. Mother’s Heartbreaking Testimony (34:41, 37:31–39:08)

• Notable Quote (Mother, Esmeralda Castle, 34:42):

  “Her life was taken by another, a sailor, someone that she knew, someone that worked with her. And all the things leading up to her missing for 12 days was the tragedy ... it does not work. And I don't know if it's ever worked … it is in our face and it will continue to happen if nothing changes.”

• Impact on Family and Fellow Sailors:
  • Angie’s body was handled without dignity upon return (described as “covered in maggots”—a detail her mother felt compelled to reveal to illustrate ongoing mishandling, 47:18).
  • Multiple services and vigils held, both by family and Angie's command at Norfolk.

7. Military Culture & Gendered Hazards (45:00–47:00)

• Broader Issues:

  • Angie had faced sexism and racism but was reluctant to report incidents, fearing retaliation.
  • The military system often protects its own rather than the vulnerable or victimized.
  • Importance of “I Am Vanessa Guillén Act” and possible future legislation.

  “Sexism, racism and homophobia are just some of the issues that absolutely plague our military. And the fact that people who are choosing to serve their country have to deal with that... is just unacceptable.” (45:12, Kendall Rae)

8. Final Remarks & Call for Justice (52:49–end)

• Jeremiah Copeland’s Record:
  • Prior allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence; dismissed by authorities, yet joined Navy.
  • “Is this the kind of people we want serving our country? I don’t think so.” (53:00, Kendall Rae)
• Family's Hope: Justice means more than punishment—it’s about restoring safety and changing broken systems.
• GoFundMe & Support: Listeners encouraged to help Esmeralda’s ongoing fight for justice; details in show notes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Angie’s Character:
  “Her laughter filled every room she entered, and her spirit was both contagious and unforgettable.” (04:50, Kendall Rae)
• On Systemic Failure:
  “Knowing that her daughter, a service member, had disappeared, she was horrified to realize that she was not properly notified through official channels...” (32:40, family statement read by Kendall Rae)
• On the Need for Reform:
  “It is absolutely vital that our military has systems in place that protect people who serve—not only from outside sources, but also from the dangers within…” (33:50, Kendall Rae)
• Mother’s Address to Judge:
  “Angie was more than a service member. She was a light in this world. She was brave, kind, devoted to her shipmates and her country, and full of promise … Angie deserves justice. Our family deserves peace. And our community deserves protection.” (29:10, Esmeralda Castle)
• On Military Accountability:
  “If the Navy cannot notify families properly and instead relies on unofficial sources, then Congress must investigate what has gone wrong. The Navy's failures threaten all families and the integrity of our military system.” (32:50, family statement)
• On Gendered Risks:
  “The violence in the military, specifically against women is just shocking and inexcusable … They can’t be promised safety, … and then swift justice if something goes wrong.” (33:46, Kendall Rae)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | | -----------|---------------------------------------------------------| | 03:10 | Introduction to Angie Resendiz’s life & motivations | | 19:45 | Detailed disappearance timeline; Navy vs. family accounts| | 26:20 | Navy's inaction following reports of two missing sailors | | 32:40 | Family’s official statement for accountability & reform | | 34:41 | Esmeralda Castle’s press conference statement | | 37:31 | Kendall’s response to Esmeralda’s pain & systemic issues | | 39:15 | LULAC involvement & advocacy demands to the Navy | | 41:12 | Senator Mark Warner's statement on investigation | | 43:10 | Esmeralda recounts her call with Navy officials | | 47:18 | Graphic handling of Angie’s body & funeral aftermath | | 52:49 | Description of shipboard memorial service; hugs & healing| | 53:00 | Allegations about Jeremiah Copeland, military acceptance |

Conclusion

This episode is an urgent call to recognize the vulnerability of those serving in the armed forces—not just to outside threats, but also to violence from within and systemic neglect. By sharing Angie's story and centering her mother’s fight, Kendall Rae highlights the need for immediate reform, transparency, and above all, justice—not just for Angie, but for all who serve.

Justice for Angie is the only option. And I hope for the sake of everyone, it comes soon. (54:38, Kendall Rae)

Further steps for listeners:

• Support Angie's family via the GoFundMe (linked in show notes).
• Share the episode to raise awareness.
• Watch for legislative and policy changes—demand accountability.

“We owe it to Angie, her family, and others like her, not just to remember, but to act.” (Closing sentiment woven throughout Kendall Rae’s discussion)