Welcome back to Black and Unsolved: True Crime Chronicles on the NBG Podcast Network, where host AI Jackson delves into unsolved cases within the Black community. In this episode, we explore the mysterious disappearance of Phoenix Colden, a bright and ambitious young woman from St. Louis, Missouri, who vanished on a cold December day in 2011.
Phoenix Colden, a University of Missouri student, was last seen driving her black 1998 Chevrolet Blazer. Her vehicle was later discovered abandoned in East St. Louis, Illinois, raising numerous questions and theories about her sudden disappearance. Did she leave voluntarily, or was she a victim of foul play?
Join us as we examine Phoenix's life, the investigation's shortcomings, and the theories that have emerged over the years, including the possibility of abduction or human trafficking. Despite the challenges and lack of media attention, Phoenix's family continues their relentless search for answers, hoping to one day uncover the truth behind her disappearance.
Tune in to understand why Phoenix Colden's case remains one of the most perplexing unsolved mysteries and how her story sheds light on broader issues of race and media coverage in missing persons cases.
If you enjoyed this episode, hit that like button, leave a comment, and share it with your friends. We’d love to hear your thoughts, so don’t forget to write a review! And for more amazing shows, head over to NBGPodcastNetwork.com and check out our complete lineup offer. Stay connected, stay empowered, stay vigilant and we’ll catch you next time!”
00:00:00 --> 00:00:07 Welcome back to Black and Unsolved, True Crime Chronicles on the NBG Podcast
00:00:07 --> 00:00:12 Network, where we shine a light on unsolved cases from the Black community.
00:00:12 --> 00:00:15 I'm your host, AI Jackson.
00:00:16 --> 00:00:21 Today, we're diving into a case that remains a haunting mystery,
00:00:21 --> 00:00:23 the disappearance of Phoenix Colden.
00:00:23 --> 00:00:29 What happened to the vibrant, smart young woman who vanished from St.
00:00:29 --> 00:00:34 Louis, Missouri on a cold December afternoon in 2011?
00:00:35 --> 00:00:42 Did she leave on her own? Was she taken? Or is there something even more sinister at play?
00:00:43 --> 00:00:46 We'll walk through the final moments before Phoenix disappeared,
00:00:46 --> 00:00:52 examine the search for answers and explore the many theories that continue to surround this case.
00:00:53 --> 00:00:56 This is the story of Phoenix Colden.
00:00:58 --> 00:01:05 Phoenix Colden was born on May 23, 1988, to Goldia and Lawrence Colden.
00:01:06 --> 00:01:11 Described as an energetic and determined young woman, she had a bright future ahead of her.
00:01:12 --> 00:01:17 Phoenix excelled academically and athletically, particularly in fencing,
00:01:17 --> 00:01:20 which she competed in at a high level.
00:01:21 --> 00:01:25 She played the piano at church, was active in her community,
00:01:25 --> 00:01:29 and was a student at the University of Missouri, St. Louis.
00:01:29 --> 00:01:33 Phoenix had a lot going for her, but like many young adults,
00:01:33 --> 00:01:36 she was also navigating the complex transition into adulthood.
00:01:37 --> 00:01:40 By all accounts, Phoenix's life seemed normal.
00:01:41 --> 00:01:45 She was living at home with her parents in St. Louis, and though her family
00:01:45 --> 00:01:50 said she had been a bit more withdrawn in the months leading up to her disappearance,
00:01:50 --> 00:01:54 they could never have imagined the nightmare that was about to unfold.
00:01:55 --> 00:02:00 It was December 18, 2011, a cold, wintry day in St. Louis.
00:02:01 --> 00:02:06 Phoenix Colden left home, driving her black 1998 Chevrolet Blazer.
00:02:07 --> 00:02:11 Goldia Colden, Phoenix's mother, described the day her daughter disappeared
00:02:11 --> 00:02:13 as a normal Sunday for her family.
00:02:13 --> 00:02:19 They attended church, did some shopping, and the USML student departed around
00:02:19 --> 00:02:20 3 p.m., never to be seen again.
00:02:21 --> 00:02:25 Phoenix didn't mention where she was going, but her family thought she was likely
00:02:25 --> 00:02:27 running errands or meeting up with friends.
00:02:28 --> 00:02:31 Hours passed, and Phoenix didn't return.
00:02:32 --> 00:02:37 As the evening went on, worry set in. Phoenix hadn't called and it wasn't like
00:02:37 --> 00:02:40 her to stay out so late without letting someone know where she was.
00:02:41 --> 00:02:45 Her parents called her phone several times, but it went straight to voicemail.
00:02:46 --> 00:02:48 They figured she might have stayed out longer than expected,
00:02:49 --> 00:02:52 but as the night wore on, their concern turned into panic.
00:02:54 --> 00:02:57 By the next day, the family's worst fears were confirmed.
00:02:57 --> 00:03:02 Phoenix's mother and father contacted the police to report her missing,
00:03:02 --> 00:03:07 but the nightmare only deepened when later that day, they discovered that Phoenix's
00:03:07 --> 00:03:09 vehicle had been found abandoned.
00:03:10 --> 00:03:15 Just hours after Phoenix disappeared, her black Chevy Blazer was found.
00:03:16 --> 00:03:20 Initial reports said her car was still running, with the keys in the ignition,
00:03:21 --> 00:03:23 but that was later proven to be false.
00:03:24 --> 00:03:27 Her car was parked on a quiet street in East St.
00:03:27 --> 00:03:32 Louis, Illinois, just a 25-minute drive from the Colden family home.
00:03:33 --> 00:03:38 East St. Louis has a reputation for crime and the location immediately raised
00:03:38 --> 00:03:40 red flags for the Coldens.
00:03:40 --> 00:03:45 The car was found in an area known for drug activity, but there were no signs
00:03:45 --> 00:03:51 of struggle and Phoenix's belongings, her phone, purse, and other personal items,
00:03:51 --> 00:03:53 were nowhere to be found.
00:03:53 --> 00:03:57 Despite this discovery, there was little urgency from law enforcement.
00:03:57 --> 00:04:03 The East St. Louis Police Department did not notify Phoenix's parents of the
00:04:03 --> 00:04:05 vehicle's discovery for over a week.
00:04:06 --> 00:04:10 This delay in communication was crucial time lost in the early stages of the investigation.
00:04:12 --> 00:04:16 By the time the Colden family found out about the car, any potential clues left
00:04:16 --> 00:04:18 in or around it had vanished.
00:04:19 --> 00:04:24 The authorities seemed to be treating Phoenix's disappearance like a typical runaway case.
00:04:24 --> 00:04:30 But to her family and friends, it was clear that something far more sinister had happened.
00:04:31 --> 00:04:35 Golbia and Lawrence Colden were determined not to let their daughter's case
00:04:35 --> 00:04:37 fall through the cracks.
00:04:37 --> 00:04:43 They launched their own investigation, distributing flyers, holding vigils,
00:04:43 --> 00:04:48 and appearing on local news stations, pleading for anyone with information to come forward.
00:04:48 --> 00:04:52 They even hired private investigators to assist in the search.
00:04:53 --> 00:04:58 Yet, despite their tireless efforts, Phoenix's case struggled to gain national
00:04:58 --> 00:05:04 media attention. The lack of media coverage led many to question whether Phoenix's
00:05:04 --> 00:05:07 race played a role in how her disappearance was treated.
00:05:08 --> 00:05:14 In cases involving missing white women, there is often widespread media attention and public outcry.
00:05:15 --> 00:05:19 But in Phoenix's case, the media response was muted at best.
00:05:20 --> 00:05:25 This pattern has become so familiar that it's often referred to as Missing White
00:05:25 --> 00:05:27 Woman Syndrome. syndrome.
00:05:27 --> 00:05:31 Even as the Coldens fought for coverage, the question lingered.
00:05:31 --> 00:05:36 Why wasn't the disappearance of a bright, young black woman like Phoenix Colden
00:05:36 --> 00:05:38 garnering the same level of attention?
00:05:39 --> 00:05:43 The early investigation revealed little about what might have happened to Phoenix.
00:05:43 --> 00:05:48 Friends and family noted that she had seemed more withdrawn in the weeks leading
00:05:48 --> 00:05:52 up to her disappearance, but they didn't believe she was planning to run away.
00:05:52 --> 00:05:57 However, as investigators When investigators dug deeper into Phoenix's life,
00:05:57 --> 00:05:59 they uncovered some puzzling details.
00:06:00 --> 00:06:05 In the months before her disappearance, Phoenix had been acting secretive.
00:06:05 --> 00:06:10 Her parents later discovered that Phoenix had a second cell phone that they didn't know about.
00:06:11 --> 00:06:16 Phoenix had also reportedly been involved in a relationship that she hadn't
00:06:16 --> 00:06:21 shared with her family, a relationship that, according to some, may have been trouble.
00:06:21 --> 00:06:24 There were rumors that Phoenix had been living a double life,
00:06:24 --> 00:06:29 balancing her responsibilities as a dutiful daughter with something more clandestine.
00:06:24 --> 00:06:30 Music.
00:06:29 --> 00:06:35 However, none of this provided a clear lead on where she might have gone or why.
00:06:35 --> 00:06:41 Then came a discovery that added a new layer of complexity to the case.
00:06:41 --> 00:06:46 In a video diary Phoenix recorded before she disappeared, she expressed feelings
00:06:46 --> 00:06:48 of isolation and confusion.
00:06:49 --> 00:06:55 In the video, Phoenix said, I just want to start over. I want to be free.
00:06:55 --> 00:07:00 These haunting words have led some to wonder if Phoenix was planning to leave
00:07:00 --> 00:07:01 her life behind voluntarily.
00:07:02 --> 00:07:08 But even Even if she had, where would she have gone, and why leave without her
00:07:08 --> 00:07:10 car, which was one of her most prized possessions?
00:07:11 --> 00:07:16 Despite these questions, investigators were no closer to finding Phoenix.
00:07:17 --> 00:07:20 The case seemed to hit a dead end.
00:07:21 --> 00:07:25 Over the years, there have been numerous theories about what happened to Phoenix Colden.
00:07:25 --> 00:07:29 Some believe she was abducted, possibly by someone she knew.
00:07:29 --> 00:07:33 Others speculate that she may have been caught up in something more dangerous
00:07:33 --> 00:07:39 than she realized, perhaps a criminal enterprise in East St. Louis.
00:07:39 --> 00:07:44 There are even theories that Phoenix is still alive, having left voluntarily
00:07:44 --> 00:07:46 to start a new life somewhere else.
00:07:46 --> 00:07:51 But none of these theories have been substantiated, and Phoenix remains missing.
00:07:52 --> 00:07:57 One of the most disturbing theories is that Phoenix may have fallen victim to human trafficking.
00:07:57 --> 00:08:03 The location where her car was found, East St. Louis, has been linked to human
00:08:03 --> 00:08:04 trafficking activity in the past.
00:08:05 --> 00:08:10 Some advocates believe that young black women like Phoenix are especially vulnerable
00:08:10 --> 00:08:14 to trafficking, but are often overlooked in missing persons investigations.
00:08:15 --> 00:08:19 Could Phoenix have been abducted and forced into a life she never anticipated?
00:08:19 --> 00:08:26 It's a terrifying possibility, but one that her family cannot dismiss as they
00:08:26 --> 00:08:27 continue to search for answers.
00:08:28 --> 00:08:34 As the years pass, Phoenix Colden's family remains steadfast in their belief
00:08:34 --> 00:08:38 that someone, somewhere knows what happened to her.
00:08:38 --> 00:08:42 Goldia and Lawrence Colden have never stopped searching for their daughter,
00:08:42 --> 00:08:46 and they've never stopped pushing for more attention to be given to her case.
00:08:46 --> 00:08:52 To them, Phoenix was and is more than just a missing person.
00:08:53 --> 00:08:59 She is their daughter, a vibrant young woman with dreams and ambitions,
00:08:59 --> 00:09:03 whose life was suddenly and inexplicably interrupted.
00:09:04 --> 00:09:09 Phoenix Colden's disappearance remains one of the most mysterious and frustrating
00:09:09 --> 00:09:12 unsolved cases in recent memory.
00:09:12 --> 00:09:18 Without concrete evidence or credible witnesses, her family is left with only
00:09:18 --> 00:09:21 questions, and the world is left without answers.
00:09:21 --> 00:09:29 If you have any information about the disappearance of Phoenix Colden, please contact the St.
00:09:29 --> 00:09:32 Louis Metropolitan Police Department or your local authorities.
00:09:33 --> 00:09:38 Colden family still holds out hope that one day, Phoenix will be found,
00:09:39 --> 00:09:43 or, at the very least, that the mystery of her disappearance will be solved.
00:09:44 --> 00:09:48 Remember, we won't stop telling these stories until justice is served.
00:09:49 --> 00:09:54 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to hit that like button,
00:09:54 --> 00:09:57 leave a comment, and share it with your friends.
00:09:58 --> 00:10:02 We'd love to hear your thoughts, so don't forget to write a review.
00:10:03 --> 00:10:10 And for more amazing NBG Podcast Network shows, head over to nbgpodcastnetwork.com
00:10:10 --> 00:10:13 and check out our complete lineup.
00:10:14 --> 00:10:19 Stay tuned for our next episode, where we will continue to explore unresolved
00:10:19 --> 00:10:25 cases and the stories behind them. Remember, stay connected,
00:10:25 --> 00:10:27 stay empowered, and stay vigilant.
00:10:28 --> 00:10:36 Until then, I'm your host, AI, Jackson, and this is Black and Unsolved,
00:10:36 --> 00:10:40 True Crime Chronicles on the NBG Podcast Network.
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