Podcast Summary: True Crime with Kendall Rae
Episode: They Never Programmed His GPS Monitor & Then He Killed… the Murder of Reagan Tokes
Date: February 12, 2026
Host: Kendall Rae
Main Theme & Purpose
This episode delves into the heartbreaking, senseless murder of Reagan Tokes—a college student abducted and killed in 2017. Host Kendall Rae explores how systemic failures enabled the perpetrator, Brian Golsby, a violent repeat offender wearing an unmonitored GPS ankle bracelet, to commit the crime. The episode is also a tribute to Reagan’s family’s advocacy for criminal justice reform in her memory, highlighting the ongoing fight for the Reagan Tokes Act. Kendall’s tone remains empathetic, focusing on awareness, accountability, and honoring the victim.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Who Was Reagan Tokes?
- [02:07] Kendall gives a heartfelt account of Reagan’s life:
- Born March 13, 1995, in Lucas County, Ohio, to Lisa and Toby.
- Known for her warmth, energy, and compassion: “Reagan was someone who always just wanted to help others.”
- Active in mission trips, volunteering, and aimed for a career in mental health.
- Attended Ohio State University, switched majors from pre-med to psychology.
- Had a close-knit family and a protective relationship with her younger sister, Mackenzie.
“Their family had an unwritten rule: if you have the power to make someone’s life better, then it’s your responsibility to do so. And I just love that.” – Kendall Rae [04:27]
2. The Night of Reagan’s Disappearance
- [07:41] Reagan’s routine shift at Bodega restaurant on Feb 8, 2017.
- Left work at 9:45 PM, never made it home.
- Parents sensed something wrong when Reagan didn’t text after work.
- [11:55] Efforts to find Reagan:
- Roommates and family searched and eventually, an employee called 911 to report her missing.
“Lisa said that Reagan’s job had to be the one to call and report her missing because they were the last ones to see her. Which is shocking to hear.” – Kendall Rae [11:39]
3. Discovery of Reagan’s Body
- [13:17] Reagan found deceased early the next morning at Scioto Grove Metro Park:
- Victim of an execution-style shooting, signs of sexual assault.
- Initially unidentified, later confirmed through jewelry and a tattoo.
- Family learned the news while living out of state; her uncle identified her body.
“Lisa described feeling like there had to be some kind of mistake… There is just no way that she could be gone.” – Kendall Rae [15:27]
4. The Investigation & Evidence
- [18:50] Police follow surveillance footage and ATM records:
- Reagan’s car missing, later found—smelling of gasoline, bearing burn marks, with ATM receipts and cigarette butts.
- [20:31] ATM and surveillance link a shadowy figure in passenger seat during forced withdrawals.
- Autopsy and timeline confirm assault, abduction, and eventual murder.
- [23:58] Cigarette butts provide crucial DNA evidence.
“A garbage truck is actually what found it… Some garbage trucks have license plate readers on them to help law enforcement identify missing or stolen cars.” – Kendall Rae [18:44]
5. Identifying and Arresting the Suspect—Brian Golsby
- [25:27] DNA on cigarette butts linked to Brian Golsby, recently released from prison for violent offenses.
- Golsby had served just 6 years for aggravated robbery and attempted rape—paralleling details of Reagan’s murder.
- Found to be wearing an unmonitored GPS ankle bracelet at the time.
“He was wearing an ankle monitor the entire time… nobody was monitoring the ankle monitor. Imagine that.” – Kendall Rae [36:46]
6. Interrogation Excerpts & Golsby's Confession
- [26:25–36:27] Highlights from the police interrogation:
- Golsby originally stonewalls, cooperating only when allowed a cigarette:
“He said, I give him some, you give me some. I haven’t got nothing.” – Detective [27:31]
- Admits being with Reagan, claims he dropped her off alive, denies violence.
- When pressed, shifts blame to a fictitious accomplice named “TJ.”
“If I didn’t bring any money back… he was going to kill me. So did he tell you to go and get a girl?… It wasn’t to specifically get a specific person. To get money? Yes.” – Brian Golsby [32:21]
- Eventually, for two cheeseburgers, tells police where to find the murder weapon.
- Golsby originally stonewalls, cooperating only when allowed a cigarette:
7. Systemic Failures: The Unmonitored GPS Bracelet
- [36:47] Golsby’s post-release conditions shock investigators and the public:
- He was supposed to be monitored, but the bracelet was never programmed.
- For months, no one tracked his movements despite a series of robberies and assaults in the area, carried out while wearing the device.
- Parole violations ignored; “three strikes” protocol was not enforced.
“This was entirely preventable, which makes my blood boil… for three months, this violent sex offender was free to roam the streets doing whatever the hell he wanted.” – Kendall Rae [36:51]
8. The Trial and Aftermath
- [41:00] Golsby charged with aggravated murder, rape, kidnapping, and robbery.
- Trial begins March 2018:
- Two women testify he confessed to pulling the trigger.
- Stuck to the “TJ” story, but ultimately convicted.
- Sentenced to life without parole + 66 years (jury deadlocked on the death penalty).
- Family’s wrongful death suit alleging state negligence dismissed; state held to have “no duty to protect” Reagan.
“Nothing about it was sincere… Don't forget that Reagan's last words were, ‘I just want to live’, which is… so heartbreaking.'” – Kendall Rae [45:44]
9. Reform: The Reagan Tokes Act & Lasting Legacy
- [48:10] Reagan’s family pushes for reform:
- Reagan Tokes Act (Part 1, passed): Judges can give sentence ranges; offenders with infractions in prison can have sentences extended. Would have kept Golsby incarcerated longer.
- Part 2 (pending): Push for real-time GPS monitoring, better parole supervision, state-wide standards, and reduced parole officer caseloads.
- Their foundation sponsors self-defense training and has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships.
- A garden built in Reagan’s memory; her family accepted her diploma posthumously.
“The silver lining at the end of the day is they've really taken all their anger and turned it into action, which is really inspiring.” – Kendall Rae [50:38]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “What happened to Reagan absolutely outraged me… But what her family has since done in her honor is what really has inspired me.” – Kendall Rae [02:55]
- “I did not have her take her clothes off… Was somebody with you? No.” – Brian Golsby, police interrogation [29:53]
- “He told them that it was in a storm sewer in a different part of town. So once they got that, Brian’s arrest was a given.” – Kendall Rae, on the murder weapon [36:38]
- “It makes my blood boil… At several key points, a violent criminal could have and should have been taken off the streets, and that didn’t happen.” – Kendall Rae [45:25]
- “Lisa has said that grief is a slippery slope, but for them, falling apart isn’t an option.” – Kendall Rae [54:28]
- “Reagan wanted to make this world a better place, and we have the power to do that for her.” – Kendall Rae [55:45]
Important Timestamps
- 02:07 – Reagan Tokes’ background and personality
- 07:41 – The night Reagan disappeared
- 13:17 – Discovery of Reagan’s body
- 18:44 – Key evidence & the investigation process
- 25:27 – Arrest and criminal history of Brian Golsby
- 26:25–36:27 – Police interrogation audio
- 36:46 – The GPS monitor failure
- 41:00 – The trial, verdict, and sentencing
- 48:10 – Legal reforms: The Reagan Tokes Act, family’s advocacy, and memorial foundation
- 54:28–55:45 – Final reflections on grief, call to kindness, and carrying Reagan’s legacy forward
Tone and Language
Kendall Rae’s delivery is heartfelt, empathetic, and advocacy-driven. She maintains respect toward the victim, frustration with the system's failings, and hope inspired by the Tokes family’s activism.
For More Information
Listeners are encouraged to visit the Reagan Delaney Tokes Memorial Foundation and consider supporting their work. Kendall also invites acts of kindness in Reagan’s honor, especially around the anniversary of her passing.
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