Summary of "Young Mother & Daughter Still Missing 20 Years Later: Where Are Jennifer & Adrianna Wix?"

Podcast: True Crime with Kendall Rae
Host: Mile Higher Media & Audioboom Studios
Episode: Young Mother & Daughter Still Missing 20 Years Later: Where Are Jennifer & Adrianna Wix?
Release Date: October 10, 2024

Introduction

In this poignant episode of True Crime with Kendall Rae, host Kendall delves into the heart-wrenching case of Jennifer and Adrianna Wix, a mother-daughter duo who have been missing for over two decades. Kendall emphasizes her empathetic approach, aiming to shed light on the family's relentless pursuit of justice and the myriad challenges they've faced.

Background of Jennifer and Adrianna Wix

Kendall Rae sets the stage by introducing Jennifer K. Wix, born on August 16, 1982, in Springfield, Tennessee. Jennifer, a devoted sister and mother, was deeply involved in her community and passionate about horses. Despite financial constraints, she demonstrated remarkable determination, securing horse lessons in middle school by negotiating with a local barn owner.

Jennifer became a single mother at 19 when her daughter, Adrianna Nicole, was born on January 14, 2002. The Wix family rallied around Jennifer, providing unwavering support and creating a nurturing environment for Adrianna. Kathy Wicks, Jennifer’s sister, shares heartfelt memories:

"[Jennifer] was like an Indian princess... strong, regal, silent type with flowing dark hair and deep brown eyes."
— Kathy Wicks (04:27)

Casey Wicks, another sister, echoes the sentiment, illustrating Jennifer’s compassionate nature and her aspirations to work in equestrian therapy for children with disabilities.

The Relationship with Joey Benton

In the summer of 2003, Jennifer was introduced to William Joseph Benton, commonly known as Joey. Initially, their relationship appeared loving, with Joey even building a rocking horse for Adrianna. However, red flags soon emerged—Joey exhibited volatile behavior, kept weapons and drugs accessible, and had an uncontrollable temper. Despite these warning signs, Jennifer's affection for Joey led her to reconnect with him after a brief separation, bringing Adrianna into the Benton household.

By December 21, 2003, tensions peaked when Joey threatened Jennifer and Adrianna with a gun during an argument. This alarming incident prompted Jennifer’s mother, Kathy, to move back to Cross Plains to safeguard her daughters, establishing strict boundaries to protect them from Joey's unstable influence.

The Night of Disappearance

Kathy recounts the events leading up to the disappearance on March 25, 2004. On that fateful day, Jennifer and Adrianna were last seen after a series of distressing encounters with Joey and his family. Key moments include:

• March 22, 2004: Jennifer expresses concerns about Adrianna's health, leading to a visit to the ER where Adrianna is diagnosed with vaginitis. Jennifer suspects possible abuse but lacks concrete evidence.

• March 24, 2004: Jennifer shares alarming details about Joey's parents, Cindy and Joe, who were verbally abusive and hostile towards her parenting. Despite offers of help from Aunt Lisa, Jennifer refuses assistance, determined to handle the situation independently.

On March 25, 2004, Jennifer and Adrianna went missing. This remains the last confirmed sighting of the duo.

Investigations and Suspicions

The initial response to the disappearance was fraught with inconsistencies and questionable actions by law enforcement:

• Joey Benton's Statements: Joey provided conflicting accounts of the girls' whereabouts, mentioning they were at a friend's house or dropped off at a gas station. Notably, he inaccurately described the type of vehicle involved:

  "Jennifer left my house in a white four-door Mustang... then a white four-door Camaro."
  — Joey Benton (19:43)

  Neither a four-door Mustang nor Camaro exists, casting doubt on his credibility.

• Police Handling: Deputy Mike Campbell documented Joey's unreliable testimony, but subsequent actions by the Robertson County Sheriff’s Department were criticized for lack of urgency and thoroughness. Searches of the Benton property yielded no results, and critical evidence, such as Adrianna's car seat, was inconsistently reported.

• Family's Doubts: Casey Wicks expresses skepticism towards Joey's narratives, highlighting the absence of logical motives for Jennifer to leave voluntarily, especially without essential items like Adrianna’s favorite stuffed toy, "Melmo."

  "There was nothing found on the Benton computer that would suggest that she was making an exit plan."
  — Casey Wicks (53:30)

Family's Pursuit of Justice

Undeterred by the lack of progress, the Wix family has tirelessly sought answers through various means:

• Legal Efforts: The creation of the Higher Hope Foundation and the awarding of HOPE Grants aim to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the case and support the family’s ongoing efforts.

• Public Awareness: Initiatives like vigils, balloon releases, and community events such as the "Chain of Hope" motorcyclist ride help keep Jennifer and Adrianna's memories alive.

• Media Involvement: The Wicks family co-produced the podcast Missing in Hush Town and utilized platforms like America's Most Wanted to garner attention and encourage community support.

• Recent Interactions with Joey Benton: In July 2024, Kathy had a significant phone conversation with Joey, where he claimed that Jennifer and Adrianna had died, refuting his long-held stories about their disappearance. Kathy remains skeptical, believing the truth lies elsewhere.

  "Whenever he said that, I knew immediately. Like, that's another contradictory statement with the final story..."
  — Kathy Wicks (75:23)

Recent Developments (2024)

Advancements in the case have emerged over the past year:

• Raid on Benton Residence: On March 27, 2024, a search warrant led authorities to discover incriminating evidence against Joey's father, Joe Benton, including bomb-making materials and weapons—elements that further implicate the Benton family in the ongoing mystery.

• Communication from Joey's Sister, Amy: Amy, Joey's sister, contacted the Wicks family with urgent information, revealing that Joe Benton possessed illegal materials and potentially more information related to Jennifer and Adrianna's disappearance. These revelations have intensified the family's suspicion towards the Benton family.

• Law Enforcement's Continued Inaction: Despite these developments, the Robertson County Sheriff's Department has been criticized for their inadequate response and inability to unearth substantial evidence, leaving the case unresolved.

Conclusion

The disappearance of Jennifer and Adrianna Wix remains an unsolved mystery 20 years later. The Wix family's unwavering determination, coupled with emerging evidence against the Benton family, underscores the complexities and challenges in achieving justice. Kendall Rae highlights the critical need for continued public support and awareness to keep the search for Jennifer and Adrianna alive. The recent interactions with Joey Benton and the legal troubles faced by Joe Benton present new avenues for investigation, yet the truth remains elusive.

Kendall encourages listeners to support the Wix family through donations, petitions, and spreading awareness, emphasizing that collective effort is essential in bringing closure to this enduring case.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Kathy Wicks on Jennifer's Character:

  "Jennifer was like an Indian princess... strong, regal, silent type with flowing dark hair and deep brown eyes."
  — Kathy Wicks (04:27)

• Casey Wicks on the Impact of Disappearance:

  "Since the day Jennifer and Adrianna disappeared, I've been living in pure hell... I'm stuck with one foot in 2004 and one foot in the present."
  — Casey Wicks (57:54)

• Kathy Wicks on Joey's Final Story:

  "Whenever he said that, I knew immediately. Like, that's another contradictory statement with the final story..."
  — Kathy Wicks (75:23)

Supporting the Wicks Family

Listeners are encouraged to support the Wix family through the following actions:

• Follow on Social Media:
  Justice for Jennifer and Adrianna Wicks on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

• Donate:
  Visit higherhope.org or contribute to their GoFundMe.

• Sign Petition:
  Join the Change.org petition advocating for a thorough search of the Benton property.

• Spread Awareness:
  Share the story through word of mouth, social media, or by promoting this podcast episode.

For more detailed information, listeners can explore the co-produced podcast Missing in Hush Town and stay updated through Kendall Rae’s YouTube channel and social media platforms.