Welcome to Black and Unsolved: True Crime Chronicles on the NBG Podcast Network. In this episode, host A.I. Jackson delves into the perplexing and tragic case of Joseph Smedley, a promising biochemistry student at Indiana University, who was found dead under suspicious circumstances in 2015. Joseph's mysterious disappearance and subsequent death have left his family with haunting questions and a relentless fight for the truth.
Joseph, known for his vibrant personality and academic ambitions, had a bright future ahead of him. But everything changed on the night of September 28, 2015, when he was last seen leaving his apartment. Cryptic messages claiming he was leaving the country and his eventual discovery in Griffey Lake with a backpack full of rocks have only deepened the mystery.
The investigation ruled his death as a suicide, but Joseph's family believes otherwise. Join us as we explore inconsistencies in the police investigation, potential foul play, and uncover more about Joseph's life and his family's ongoing quest for justice. This episode is a poignant reminder of the often overlooked cases within the Black community and the struggle for accountability and closure.
00:00:00 --> 00:00:05 Welcome back to Black and Unsolved, True Crime Chronicles on the NBG Podcast
00:00:05 --> 00:00:11 Network, where we shine a light on unsolved mysteries in the Black community.
00:00:11 --> 00:00:13 I'm your host, A.I.
00:00:14 --> 00:00:20 Jackson, and today we're diving into the chilling and heartbreaking case of
00:00:20 --> 00:00:25 Joseph Smedley, a young man with a bright future ahead of him,
00:00:25 --> 00:00:28 whose life ended under mysterious circumstances.
00:00:29 --> 00:00:33 This is a story about unanswered questions, a grieving family,
00:00:34 --> 00:00:37 and a quest for justice that remains incomplete.
00:00:37 --> 00:00:41 Let's unravel the details step by step.
00:00:42 --> 00:00:46 Joseph Smedley was a 20-year-old college student attending Indiana University
00:00:46 --> 00:00:47 in Bloomington, Indiana.
00:00:47 --> 00:00:54 A biochemistry major, Joseph was described as intelligent, funny, and full of potential.
00:00:54 --> 00:00:59 His family and friends recall him as a deeply caring individual with an infectious
00:00:59 --> 00:01:03 laugh and a love for science and exploration.
00:01:03 --> 00:01:08 Joseph was a good student, getting A's and B's in his freshman year,
00:01:08 --> 00:01:15 who was interested in a career as a pharmacist, and he had recently joined the Sigma Pi fraternity.
00:01:15 --> 00:01:21 But on September 28, 2015, Joseph's promising life took a tragic turn.
00:01:22 --> 00:01:27 He was last seen alive around midnight, leaving his apartment after reportedly
00:01:27 --> 00:01:30 telling his roommate he was leaving the country.
00:01:30 --> 00:01:35 The next day, Joseph's family also received a cryptic text message stating he
00:01:35 --> 00:01:40 was leaving the country and not to look for him, but he would get in touch after
00:01:40 --> 00:01:41 he was settled overseas.
00:01:41 --> 00:01:45 This message, however, raised more questions than answers.
00:01:45 --> 00:01:50 It was completely out of character for Joseph, who was close to his family.
00:01:50 --> 00:01:56 And within days, a search would begin, one that would end in a devastating discovery.
00:01:57 --> 00:02:02 Six days after Joseph was reported missing, on October 2nd, 2015,
00:02:03 --> 00:02:06 his body was found in Griffey Lake, just outside Bloomington,
00:02:07 --> 00:02:09 which is approximately three miles north of the campus.
00:02:10 --> 00:02:15 He was submerged in the water, with a backpack full of rocks strapped to his back.
00:02:15 --> 00:02:21 The cause of death was ruled as drowning, but the circumstances surrounding
00:02:21 --> 00:02:23 his death were anything but straightforward.
00:02:24 --> 00:02:26 Let's break down the details.
00:02:27 --> 00:02:31 Joseph's sister, Vivian, received a strange text from her brother on September
00:02:31 --> 00:02:36 28th, claiming he was leaving the country to protect her and asking her not to call him.
00:02:37 --> 00:02:41 Assuming it was a prank, as Joseph didn't even have a passport,
00:02:42 --> 00:02:47 Vivian dismissed the message and reminded him to pay their prior landlord a
00:02:47 --> 00:02:52 fee for ending the lease early, which they had talked about the day before.
00:02:52 --> 00:02:57 When the landlord later reported that Joseph hadn't paid, Vivian became concerned.
00:02:57 --> 00:03:01 Indiana University Bloomington Police conducted a welfare check,
00:03:01 --> 00:03:05 discovering Joseph hadn't attended class or been home.
00:03:05 --> 00:03:11 A brief moment of relief came when police mistakenly said he was in jail,
00:03:11 --> 00:03:15 but by September 29th, Joseph was officially declared missing.
00:03:15 --> 00:03:21 The lake where Joseph's body was found is about a 15-minute drive from his apartment.
00:03:22 --> 00:03:24 A fisherman found the badly decomposed
00:03:24 --> 00:03:29 body of a male with binoculars tied around his neck. It was Joseph.
00:03:29 --> 00:03:35 Investigators reported no visible injuries on his body and no signs of struggle
00:03:35 --> 00:03:41 at the scene, and an initial autopsy report listed his cause of death as drowning.
00:03:41 --> 00:03:47 The presence of the backpack filled with rocks immediately raised suspicions,
00:03:47 --> 00:03:50 as it suggested someone may have tried to weigh him down.
00:03:51 --> 00:03:56 Two months later, the completed autopsy had a shocking determination for cause
00:03:56 --> 00:03:58 and manner of death, suicide by drowning.
00:03:59 --> 00:04:01 A toxicology report showed that
00:04:01 --> 00:04:06 Joseph had both THC and alcohol in his system at the time of his death.
00:04:06 --> 00:04:10 And not only had Joseph's body been in the lake, he had apparently been weighed
00:04:10 --> 00:04:14 down with a backpack full of 66 pounds of rocks.
00:04:14 --> 00:04:18 The authorities initially treated the case as a possible suicide.
00:04:18 --> 00:04:23 But Joseph's family wasn't convinced, and for good reason.
00:04:24 --> 00:04:30 Joseph's sister, Vivian Smedley, became the primary voice for the family's fight for answers.
00:04:30 --> 00:04:37 She publicly rejected the theory of suicide, pointing out several inconsistencies in the case.
00:04:37 --> 00:04:41 First, there was the cryptic text message.
00:04:41 --> 00:04:46 Joseph's family insisted it didn't sound like him. The phrasing,
00:04:46 --> 00:04:52 the abrupt nature of the message, and the lack of follow-up communication were all deeply suspicious.
00:04:53 --> 00:04:57 Second, there was no evidence to suggest that Joseph had been planning to leave
00:04:57 --> 00:05:00 the country, or that he was in any kind of distress.
00:05:01 --> 00:05:05 He had made plans with friends, had been actively attending classes,
00:05:06 --> 00:05:08 and was engaged in his studies.
00:05:08 --> 00:05:12 There were no warning signs that he was struggling with mental health issues,
00:05:13 --> 00:05:15 to the extent that he would take his own life.
00:05:16 --> 00:05:21 And then there was the backpack. Vivian and the family couldn't understand why
00:05:21 --> 00:05:28 Joseph, if he intended to end his life, would go to such lengths to weigh himself down.
00:05:28 --> 00:05:35 The act seemed unnatural, something more indicative of foul play than self-harm.
00:05:35 --> 00:05:39 There was no indication that her brother was depressed or suicidal.
00:05:40 --> 00:05:42 There weren't even that many rocks available at Griffey Lake.
00:05:42 --> 00:05:47 She tried to collect 66 pounds of rocks herself and couldn't find enough.
00:05:48 --> 00:05:53 For the suicide by drowning theory to work, it meant Joseph would have needed
00:05:53 --> 00:05:58 to walk 45 minutes from his house, load a backpack full of rocks,
00:05:58 --> 00:06:01 and then step off a bridge into 5 feet of water.
00:06:02 --> 00:06:07 Joseph was 5 foot 7 inches tall and could have easily stood on the bottom of the lake.
00:06:08 --> 00:06:13 Imagine losing someone you love in such a shocking way, only to be met with
00:06:13 --> 00:06:16 theories that don't align with what you know about them.
00:06:17 --> 00:06:22 Joseph's family has been vocal in their belief that the investigation into his
00:06:22 --> 00:06:25 death was rushed and incomplete.
00:06:25 --> 00:06:30 The Bloomington Police Department conducted an investigation into Joseph's death,
00:06:30 --> 00:06:34 but many believe it fell short of uncovering the truth.
00:06:34 --> 00:06:37 Here are some key issues with how the case was handled.
00:06:38 --> 00:06:40 1. Lack of forensic evidence.
00:06:41 --> 00:06:46 Despite the suspicious circumstances, there was little forensic analysis done
00:06:46 --> 00:06:49 to determine whether Joseph's death involved foul play.
00:06:50 --> 00:06:55 For example, there was no publicized investigation into whether Joseph's phone
00:06:55 --> 00:07:01 records or GPS data could provide clues about his movements on the night he disappeared. 2.
00:07:02 --> 00:07:10 No clear timeline. The timeline of Joseph's last known movements remains murky. Who saw him last?
00:07:11 --> 00:07:13 What exactly happened after he left his apartment?
00:07:13 --> 00:07:19 These questions remain unanswered, leaving significant gaps in the narrative.
00:07:19 --> 00:07:21 3. Limited witness interviews,
00:07:22 --> 00:07:27 Investigators spoke with Joseph's fraternity roommates, who claimed they last
00:07:27 --> 00:07:35 saw him on the night of September 27, 2015, during a trip to Griffey Lake to view a lunar eclipse.
00:07:36 --> 00:07:40 Unable to see the eclipse due to clouds, they returned to the fraternity house
00:07:40 --> 00:07:43 before midnight, after which everyone went to their rooms.
00:07:44 --> 00:07:48 In Joseph's room, investigators found most of his belongings intact,
00:07:48 --> 00:07:50 except for his cell phone.
00:07:51 --> 00:07:56 A handwritten note, signed with Joseph's nickname, Smedley, mirrored the cryptic
00:07:56 --> 00:08:02 text he sent to his sister, saying he was leaving the country and asking not to be contacted.
00:08:03 --> 00:08:09 After seeing the note, Vivian stated that she didn't think it looked like Joseph's handwriting.
00:08:10 --> 00:08:13 She noted that it appeared to be written by a left-handed person,
00:08:13 --> 00:08:15 but Joseph was right-handed.
00:08:15 --> 00:08:23 It is also notable to mention again that Joseph did not have a known passport
00:08:23 --> 00:08:28 at the time, so international travel would have been difficult.
00:08:28 --> 00:08:33 In addition, according to Viviane, it was out of character for Joseph to skip
00:08:33 --> 00:08:38 out on responsibilities such as his college studies and the rent payment he
00:08:38 --> 00:08:42 owed on a previous residence, for which Vivian had co-signed.
00:08:42 --> 00:08:46 The roommate's official statements were never released to the public.
00:08:46 --> 00:08:50 Did they notice anything unusual in the days leading up to his disappearance?
00:08:51 --> 00:08:55 Were there any conflicts or issues that could have contributed to his death?
00:08:56 --> 00:09:02 4. The Roll of the Backpack The backpack filled with rocks is one of the most
00:09:02 --> 00:09:05 perplexing aspects of this case. Was it Joseph's backpack?
00:09:06 --> 00:09:13 If so, when and why was it filled with rocks? If not, who placed it on him?
00:09:14 --> 00:09:20 Investigators never provided a clear explanation. These gaps in the investigation
00:09:20 --> 00:09:23 have fueled speculation and frustration.
00:09:24 --> 00:09:28 Joseph's family has repeatedly called for the case to be reopened,
00:09:28 --> 00:09:32 believing that vital evidence may have been overlooked.
00:09:33 --> 00:09:37 When a case like this remains unsolved, theories begin to emerge.
00:09:37 --> 00:09:43 Let's explore some of the possibilities that have been discussed over the years. Suicide?
00:09:44 --> 00:09:49 This was the initial conclusion drawn by authorities, but as we've discussed,
00:09:49 --> 00:09:51 the evidence doesn't fully support it.
00:09:51 --> 00:09:56 Joseph's family believes he had no reason to take his own life,
00:09:56 --> 00:10:00 and the backpack complicates this theory significantly. 2.
00:10:01 --> 00:10:07 Foul Play Many believe Joseph may have been the victim of foul play.
00:10:07 --> 00:10:12 Vivian said it was odd that Joseph could have drowned in such shallow water
00:10:12 --> 00:10:14 because he was a strong swimmer.
00:10:14 --> 00:10:18 The presence of the backpack in the cryptic text message suggests that someone
00:10:18 --> 00:10:19 else could have been involved.
00:10:20 --> 00:10:25 There's also the fact that Joseph's Twitter account profile displays this description
00:10:25 --> 00:10:29 if found dead in police custody. It wasn't suicide.
00:10:30 --> 00:10:35 It's unclear when the description was posted or by whom, but if Joseph himself
00:10:35 --> 00:10:41 published the message, did he have reason to suspect he might be a target or
00:10:41 --> 00:10:43 was it merely an eerie coincidence?
00:10:44 --> 00:10:51 Was he lured to Griffey Lake by someone he trusted? Could he have been threatened or coerced? 3.
00:10:52 --> 00:10:58 Hazing Incident Joseph was a member of the Sigma Pi Fraternity at Indiana University.
00:10:59 --> 00:11:04 Some have speculated that his death could have been the result of a hazing incident gone wrong.
00:11:05 --> 00:11:10 While there's no concrete evidence to support this theory, it's not uncommon
00:11:10 --> 00:11:15 for college fraternities to face scrutiny in cases involving mysterious deaths.
00:11:15 --> 00:11:21 An interesting note about the Sigma Pi fraternity that Joseph had pledged.
00:11:21 --> 00:11:28 As of April 2021, the Indiana University chapter was suspended until about August
00:11:28 --> 00:11:32 2023 for hazing, endangering others,
00:11:33 --> 00:11:38 dishonest conduct, and failure to comply with university and county directives.
00:11:38 --> 00:11:42 There is no evidence that Joseph's death had anything to do with his involvement
00:11:42 --> 00:11:46 in the fraternity, but the recent pattern of disregard for basic safety by the
00:11:46 --> 00:11:49 Fraternity chapter is noteworthy.
00:11:49 --> 00:11:51 4. Accidental death.
00:11:52 --> 00:11:56 Another possibility is that Joseph's death was the result of an accident that
00:11:56 --> 00:11:58 someone tried to cover up.
00:11:58 --> 00:12:03 This theory raises even more questions. Who would go to such lengths to make
00:12:03 --> 00:12:06 it appear intentional? And why?
00:12:06 --> 00:12:11 Each of these theories has its own set of unanswered questions.
00:12:11 --> 00:12:17 And without more evidence, it's impossible to say which, if any, is correct.
00:12:17 --> 00:12:22 Nearly a decade later, although law enforcement has closed the case,
00:12:22 --> 00:12:25 Joseph Smedley's death remains unsolved.
00:12:25 --> 00:12:31 His family continues to advocate for justice, raising awareness about his case
00:12:31 --> 00:12:34 through social media, interviews, and community events.
00:12:35 --> 00:12:40 A forensic pathologist hired by the family conducted a second autopsy,
00:12:40 --> 00:12:45 finding hemorrhaging in Joseph's back that appeared inconsistent with suicide.
00:12:46 --> 00:12:51 However, the pathologist cannot complete the report without additional information
00:12:51 --> 00:12:56 from police files, which the Bloomington Police Department has so far refused to provide.
00:12:57 --> 00:13:00 They believe someone out there knows what happened to Joseph,
00:13:00 --> 00:13:03 and they're determined to find the truth.
00:13:03 --> 00:13:10 This case is a stark reminder of how often cases in the black community go unsolved
00:13:10 --> 00:13:13 or receive insufficient attention.
00:13:13 --> 00:13:19 Joseph's family has faced not only the pain of losing him, but also the frustration
00:13:19 --> 00:13:25 of fighting for answers in a system that often fails to prioritize cases like his.
00:13:26 --> 00:13:29 Joseph Smedley was more than just a name and a headline.
00:13:29 --> 00:13:34 He was a brother, a son, a friend, a young man with dreams and aspirations.
00:13:35 --> 00:13:40 His story deserves to be told, and his family deserves closure.
00:13:40 --> 00:13:46 Thank you for joining me on this episode of Black and Unsolved True Crime Chronicles.
00:13:47 --> 00:13:51 If you or anyone you know has information about the death of Joseph Smedley,
00:13:52 --> 00:13:53 I urge you to come forward.
00:13:54 --> 00:13:57 Even the smallest detail could make a difference.
00:13:57 --> 00:14:03 Contact the Justice for Joseph Facebook page or the Bloomington Police Department
00:14:03 --> 00:14:08 or reach out to Joseph's family through their other social media platforms.
00:14:08 --> 00:14:13 And if you want to support their fight for justice, consider sharing his story,
00:14:14 --> 00:14:20 signing petitions, or donating to causes that advocate for unsolved cases in
00:14:20 --> 00:14:21 marginalized communities.
00:14:22 --> 00:14:26 If you enjoyed this episode, Hit that like button, leave a comment,
00:14:27 --> 00:14:30 write a review, and share it with your friends.
00:14:31 --> 00:14:37 For more amazing shows from Black creators, visit nbgpodcastnetwork.com and
00:14:37 --> 00:14:39 check out our complete lineup.
00:14:39 --> 00:14:45 Stay tuned for our next episode, where we will continue to explore unresolved
00:14:45 --> 00:14:47 cases and the stories behind them.
00:14:48 --> 00:14:53 Remember, stay connected, stay empowered, and stay vigilant.
00:14:53 --> 00:14:58 Until then, I'm your host, A.I.
00:14:58 --> 00:15:06 Jackson, and this is Black and Unsolved, True Crime Chronicles on the NBG Podcast Network.
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