Welcome to another gripping episode of Black & Unsolved: True Crime Chronicles on the NBG Podcast Network. Join your host, A.I. Jackson, as we delve into the perplexing case of Noah Donohoe, a talented 14-year-old whose mysterious disappearance and death in Belfast, Northern Ireland, have left a community shattered and searching for answers.
In this episode, we explore the timeline of events leading to Noah's vanishing, examine the strange circumstances surrounding his tragic end, and discuss the various theories that have emerged. From potential mental health crises to suspicions of foul play, the layers of this case continue to perplex investigators and listeners alike.
Furthermore, we shed light on the systemic challenges Noah faced as a mixed-race teenager in a predominantly white society, sparking discussions on racial inequality and justice. Hear from passionate voices fighting for truth and transparency, and learn about the ongoing campaign led by Noah's mother, Fiona Donahoe, who tirelessly seeks answers and justice for her son.
Tune in as we shine a light on this enigmatic case, standing in solidarity with those demanding accountability and change. Discover how you can join the conversation and support the cause by visiting our website and engaging with the #RememberMyNoah movement. Stay informed and vigilant as we continue to uncover stories that demand to be heard.
00:00:00 --> 00:00:06 Welcome back to Black and Unsolved, true crime chronicles on the NBG Podcast Network.
00:00:07 --> 00:00:14 I'm your host, A.I. Jackson, and today we're diving into a case that left an
00:00:14 --> 00:00:21 entire community reeling, a case that remains shrouded in mystery and unanswered questions.
00:00:22 --> 00:00:29 This is the story of Noah Donahoe, a 14-year-old boy whose life came to a tragic
00:00:29 --> 00:00:35 and bewildering end in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in June 2020.
00:00:36 --> 00:00:42 Noah's story is heartbreaking, confounding, and steeped in controversy.
00:00:42 --> 00:00:46 To this day, his death has left more questions than answers.
00:00:47 --> 00:00:51 What happened to Noah in those critical hours leading up to his disappearance?
00:00:52 --> 00:00:57 Why was his body found in circumstances that defy easy explanation?
00:00:58 --> 00:01:01 And why has there been so much silence around the case?
00:01:02 --> 00:01:08 We're here to examine the details, explore the theories, and shine a light on
00:01:08 --> 00:01:13 the systemic issues that may have played a role in this tragic outcome.
00:01:13 --> 00:01:16 Noah Donahoe was more than just a bright student.
00:01:16 --> 00:01:23 He was a beacon of promise. Born to Fiona Donahoe, a single mother who adored
00:01:23 --> 00:01:28 him, Noah was of mixed race, with his father hailing from South Sudan and his mother from Ireland.
00:01:29 --> 00:01:36 This unique heritage made Noah stand out, but it also meant he faced challenges
00:01:36 --> 00:01:39 others might not fully understand.
00:01:39 --> 00:01:43 Noah was academically gifted, attending St.
00:01:43 --> 00:01:47 Malachi's College Grammar School in Belfast, where he excelled in his studies.
00:01:48 --> 00:01:54 He was also deeply creative, with a love for music and a talent for playing the guitar.
00:01:54 --> 00:02:00 His friends and family described him as kind, gentle, and wise.
00:02:01 --> 00:02:05 Beyond his years, a young man with a bright future ahead.
00:02:06 --> 00:02:11 But on June 21st, 2020, Father's Day, Noah left home on his bike,
00:02:12 --> 00:02:13 heading toward Cave Hill Park.
00:02:14 --> 00:02:17 He told his mother he was meeting friends to study for exams.
00:02:17 --> 00:02:21 It was an ordinary plan for an extraordinary boy.
00:02:21 --> 00:02:25 But Noah never came home. To understand what happened to Noah,
00:02:25 --> 00:02:29 we have to piece together the timeline of his last known movements.
00:02:29 --> 00:02:33 It's important to note that Noah's disappearance occurred during the height
00:02:33 --> 00:02:38 of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the streets were quieter than usual and tensions were high.
00:02:39 --> 00:02:44 5.41 p.m. Noah leaves his South Belfast home.
00:02:45 --> 00:02:50 Noah was wearing a black skateboard helmet, a khaki green North Face jacket,
00:02:50 --> 00:02:54 gray sweatshorts with an emblem on one leg, a tie-dye blue hoodie,
00:02:54 --> 00:02:57 and Nike sneakers with a khaki backpack containing his phone,
00:02:57 --> 00:03:03 a book, and his laptop to work on getting extra credits for his Duke of Edinburgh award.
00:03:04 --> 00:03:07 He was traveling on his black Apollo bike. 5.
00:03:08 --> 00:03:14 42 p.m. seen traveling up Ormo Avenue. The expected route.
00:03:14 --> 00:03:20 5.49 p.m. cycling through the city center on his expected route.
00:03:20 --> 00:03:25 Seen in Victoria Square. Between 5.50 p.m.
00:03:26 --> 00:03:31 And 5.53 p.m. seen on Royal Avenue and York Street outside the university.
00:03:32 --> 00:03:36 At this point, he appears to be in control and alone.
00:03:37 --> 00:03:41 He still has his bag, all his clothing, and his helmet.
00:03:41 --> 00:03:44 This chosen route is a bit odd.
00:03:45 --> 00:03:49 This route to Cave Hill is longer and requires him to travel near the shore
00:03:49 --> 00:03:54 road, an unsavory part of Belfast for a mixed-race Catholic.
00:03:54 --> 00:03:58 His family has also questioned why he went this way.
00:03:58 --> 00:04:05 Between 5, 53 p.m. and 5, 57 p.m., he is seen traveling towards Yorkgate.
00:04:06 --> 00:04:11 He is no longer carrying his bag. His bag is found by a person who takes it
00:04:11 --> 00:04:14 and was being investigated for stealing it.
00:04:14 --> 00:04:19 They are later confirmed to be several miles away when Noah was last seen with the bag.
00:04:20 --> 00:04:24 5.57 p.m., traveling along North Queen Street.
00:04:25 --> 00:04:29 Later, his phone was discovered here, close to a children's play park.
00:04:30 --> 00:04:35 6.00 p.m., cycling toward the Grove Wellbeing Center, he fell from his bicycle
00:04:35 --> 00:04:37 just before the junction with the shore road.
00:04:38 --> 00:04:43 A motorist stopped to assist, but Noah got back on his bicycle at 6, 1 p.m.
00:04:43 --> 00:04:46 And continued along the shore road without his green jacket,
00:04:46 --> 00:04:47 which was never recovered.
00:04:48 --> 00:04:53 6.2 p.m. enters the Northwood Crescent from Skeganell Avenue.
00:04:54 --> 00:04:59 He is still wearing his helmet and all his clothes apart from his jacket.
00:04:59 --> 00:05:04 His helmet was found between 17 and 23 Northwood Road.
00:05:04 --> 00:05:10 His bicycle was also found on the road. Some of the remaining clothes were lying
00:05:10 --> 00:05:13 on a wall at 63 Northwood Road.
00:05:13 --> 00:05:19 No, CCTV or eyewitnesses report seeing Noah remove his clothing.
00:05:20 --> 00:05:28 6, 10 p.m. Seemed going between two houses, numbers 89 and 91, on the Northwood Road.
00:05:29 --> 00:05:33 C.C. TV showed Noah naked at this stage.
00:05:34 --> 00:05:42 Six days later, on June 27, Noah's body was discovered in a storm drain near Cave Hill Park.
00:05:43 --> 00:05:50 He was naked, his clothes nowhere to be found. Cornanna later ruled his cause of death as drowning.
00:05:50 --> 00:05:53 But how did Noah end up in such a precarious situation?
00:05:54 --> 00:05:59 The circumstances surrounding Noah's death are nothing short of baffling.
00:06:00 --> 00:06:06 His behavior before his disappearance was erratic, yet those who knew him insist
00:06:06 --> 00:06:08 it was completely uncharacteristic.
00:06:09 --> 00:06:15 This has led to numerous theories about what could have happened to Noah in those final hours.
00:06:15 --> 00:06:22 One theory suggests that Noah may have experienced a sudden and severe mental health crisis.
00:06:22 --> 00:06:26 Could he have been disoriented or panicked, leading him to discard his clothes
00:06:26 --> 00:06:29 and belongings and ultimately enter the storm drain?
00:06:29 --> 00:06:35 While this is a plausible explanation, it doesn't account for the broader context of the case.
00:06:35 --> 00:06:39 Another theory points to the possibility of foul play.
00:06:40 --> 00:06:45 There were reports of suspicious individuals in the area where Noah was last seen.
00:06:45 --> 00:06:51 Some witnesses claim they saw someone chasing him, though these accounts remain unverified.
00:06:52 --> 00:06:57 Could Noah have been the victim of a targeted attack or hate crime?
00:06:57 --> 00:07:05 In June 2021, a man behind bars stated that his cellmate admitted to killing Noah Donahoe.
00:07:05 --> 00:07:11 Saying that he bundled the boy into a car and took him to a flat in a predominantly
00:07:11 --> 00:07:16 loyalist area of Belfast, where he was further assaulted before being killed.
00:07:16 --> 00:07:23 Police later stated there was no evidence available, which provides any credence to the allegation.
00:07:24 --> 00:07:29 Lastly, many have argued that systemic issues may have played a role in Noah's
00:07:29 --> 00:07:33 tragic end. As a mixed-race teenager in a predominantly white area,
00:07:34 --> 00:07:36 NOAA faced unique challenges.
00:07:36 --> 00:07:42 Activists and community members have criticized the lack of urgency in the initial
00:07:42 --> 00:07:47 search efforts, suggesting that racial bias may have influenced the response.
00:07:48 --> 00:07:52 NOAA's death has sparked outrage and heartbreak in Belfast and beyond.
00:07:52 --> 00:07:58 His mother, Fiona Donahoe, has been a tireless advocate for justice,
00:07:59 --> 00:08:03 raising questions about the investigation and demanding greater transparency.
00:08:04 --> 00:08:09 Fiona's campaign, known as Remember My Noah, has garnered widespread support.
00:08:10 --> 00:08:17 She has called for access to withheld police files, claiming that critical information
00:08:17 --> 00:08:20 about the case remains undisclosed.
00:08:20 --> 00:08:25 The police have cited national security concerns as the reason for their secrecy,
00:08:26 --> 00:08:29 but this explanation has only fueled public suspicion.
00:08:29 --> 00:08:36 The case has also highlighted broader societal issues, including racial inequality
00:08:36 --> 00:08:41 and the treatment of marginalized communities in Northern Ireland.
00:08:41 --> 00:08:46 Noah's story has become a rallying cry for change, with activists demanding
00:08:46 --> 00:08:48 accountability and systemic reform.
00:08:49 --> 00:08:54 As we look back on Noah's story, we're left with a series of haunting questions.
00:08:55 --> 00:09:00 What caused Noah's sudden behavioral change on the day of his disappearance?
00:09:00 --> 00:09:05 Why were certain items of his clothing and belongings found scattered,
00:09:05 --> 00:09:07 and why has there been no clear explanation?
00:09:09 --> 00:09:14 What is the true reason behind the police's refusal to release all the files related to his case?
00:09:14 --> 00:09:21 And most importantly, will Noah's family ever receive the closure they so desperately seek?
00:09:22 --> 00:09:23 Despite the official ruling of
00:09:23 --> 00:09:27 accidental drowning, many believe that the full story has yet to be told.
00:09:29 --> 00:09:34 In 2021, police began investigating suspected corporate manslaughter related
00:09:34 --> 00:09:40 to how the Department for Infrastructure, DFI, in North Belfast managed storm drain access.
00:09:40 --> 00:09:47 By 2022, Northern Ireland Police submitted a case to the Public Prosecution
00:09:47 --> 00:09:52 Service, which initially decided against prosecution due to insufficient evidence.
00:09:53 --> 00:09:57 After a review requested by Noah Donahoe's legal team, the prosecutor reaffirmed
00:09:57 --> 00:10:01 this decision on October 25, 2024.
00:10:01 --> 00:10:09 They assured an exhaustive review, including independent legal counsel and expert input.
00:10:10 --> 00:10:15 Meanwhile, the inquest into Noah's death, delayed due to jury inclusion,
00:10:15 --> 00:10:19 is now set to proceed under Justice Rooney.
00:10:19 --> 00:10:24 Recent discussions reveal the photo from Noah's phone, raising questions about its possession.
00:10:25 --> 00:10:30 Progress on expert reports depends on further responses from police,
00:10:30 --> 00:10:34 with a case review planned before Christmas to ensure readiness,
00:10:34 --> 00:10:39 though the provisional February 2025 court date appears unlikely.
00:10:39 --> 00:10:47 The death of Noah Donahoe is a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on his community and beyond.
00:10:47 --> 00:10:54 While the questions surrounding his case remain unresolved, one thing is certain, Noah's life may be.
00:10:55 --> 00:10:59 As we conclude this episode, let's remember the vibrant young man he was.
00:11:00 --> 00:11:05 A boy with dreams, talent, and a future that was stolen far too soon.
00:11:05 --> 00:11:12 Let us also stand in solidarity with his mother, Fiona, and all those who continue
00:11:12 --> 00:11:14 to fight for justice on his behalf.
00:11:15 --> 00:11:20 If there's one thing Noah's story teaches us, it's the importance of accountability,
00:11:21 --> 00:11:23 transparency, and compassion.
00:11:23 --> 00:11:29 It's a call to action for all of us to do better, to demand justice,
00:11:29 --> 00:11:34 and to ensure that no family has to endure this kind of heartbreak again.
00:11:34 --> 00:11:41 Thank you for joining me on this episode of Black and Unsolved, True Crime Chronicles.
00:11:42 --> 00:11:46 If you have any information about the case of Noah Donahoe, or if you'd like
00:11:46 --> 00:11:50 to support the ongoing fight for justice, follow the hashtag RememberMyNoah.
00:11:51 --> 00:11:57 As always, if you have a case you'd like us to cover, reach out to us through our website.
00:11:57 --> 00:12:03 Together, we can shed light on the stories that deserve to be told.
00:12:03 --> 00:12:07 If you enjoyed this episode, hit that like button, leave a comment,
00:12:08 --> 00:12:10 write a review, and share it with your friends.
00:12:10 --> 00:12:17 For more amazing shows from Black creators, visit nbgpodcastnetwork.com and
00:12:17 --> 00:12:18 check out our complete lineup.
00:12:18 --> 00:12:25 Stay tuned for our next episode, where we will continue to explore unresolved
00:12:25 --> 00:12:28 cases and the stories behind them.
00:12:28 --> 00:12:33 Remember, stay connected, stay empowered, and stay vigilant.
00:12:33 --> 00:12:42 Until then, I am your host, AI Jackson, and this is Black and Unsolved,
00:12:42 --> 00:12:46 True Crime Chronicles on the NBG Podcast Network.
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