Truth Behind the Headlines: Natalia Grace
Crime Salad
04/06/25
•41m
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Natalia Grace was once described as a child straight out of a horror movie — a Ukrainian orphan accused of lying about her age, abandoned by her adoptive family, and cast into a storm of suspicion and media frenzy. But behind the headlines is a real child who endured abuse, neglect, and deep betrayal. In this episode, we look past the sensationalism to tell Natalia’s story.
We explore how a vulnerable young girl became the subject of national speculation and what her case reveals about the systems that failed her.
Content warning: This episode includes discussions of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Listener discretion is advised.
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We explore how a vulnerable young girl became the subject of national speculation and what her case reveals about the systems that failed her.
Content warning: This episode includes discussions of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Listener discretion is advised.
Get ad-free episodes when you subscribe on Apple Podcasts or support us on Patreon.
Check out crimesalad.shop for Crime Salad Merch!!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Previous Episode
Justice for Sam Nordquist
March 29, 2025
•42m
What really happened in Room 22 of Patty’s Lodge in the quiet town of Canandaigua, New York?
When 24-year-old Sam Nordquist boarded a flight to meet someone he’d connected with online, he carried with him nothing but hope. Known by everyone who loved him as kind-hearted and genuine, Sam was looking forward to the possibility of something real — a new chapter in life and maybe even love.
But what was waiting for him in New York was not what it seemed. What unfolded next would become the most painful and unjust chapter of his life — and a nightmare his family is still trying to understand.
In this episode, we share Sam’s story: a young man led by trust and warmth, a family forever changed, and a search for truth that refuses to be silenced. This is a story of betrayal, heartbreak, and a community demanding justice.
Justice for Sam Nordquist
.
Important links supporting this case:
Justice for Sam Nordquist Gofundme: https://gofund.me/86190ffa
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is here to help. Connect with a trained advocate 24/7 for free, confidential support.
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When 24-year-old Sam Nordquist boarded a flight to meet someone he’d connected with online, he carried with him nothing but hope. Known by everyone who loved him as kind-hearted and genuine, Sam was looking forward to the possibility of something real — a new chapter in life and maybe even love.
But what was waiting for him in New York was not what it seemed. What unfolded next would become the most painful and unjust chapter of his life — and a nightmare his family is still trying to understand.
In this episode, we share Sam’s story: a young man led by trust and warmth, a family forever changed, and a search for truth that refuses to be silenced. This is a story of betrayal, heartbreak, and a community demanding justice.
Justice for Sam Nordquist
.
Important links supporting this case:
Justice for Sam Nordquist Gofundme: https://gofund.me/86190ffa
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is here to help. Connect with a trained advocate 24/7 for free, confidential support.
*Please be careful when accessing the website — it has a quick exit feature, but it may still appear in your browser history. If you're concerned for your safety, consider calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting "START" to 88788 instead.
🖥️ Chat online at thehotline.org
📞 Call 800.799.7233
📱 Text START to 88788
Help is always available. You deserve to be safe.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Kikoff: Build credit fast and get your first month for just a dollar at GetKikoff.com/crimesalad Thanks to Kikoff for sponsoring us!
Lume: Get 15% off your first order at LumeDeodorant.com with code CRIMESALAD—stay fresh, dry, and confident from head to toe!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Next Episode
The Silence That Failed Her: Kei’Mani Latigue
April 12, 2025
•42m
In this episode we investigate the heartbreaking disappearance and tragic fate of Kei’Mani Latigue, a 13-year-old girl from Toledo, Ohio, whose story devastated her family and community. As new information and interviews with Kei’Mani’s loved ones emerge, we explore critical questions: Could earlier intervention have saved her? What role did suspected abuse and potential failures by child protective services play in the events leading up to her death?
We trace the chilling timeline from March 17th, 2025—the day Kei’Mani vanished—uncovering the clues left behind and examining the actions of key individuals connected to her household.
Keywords: Kei’Mani Latigue, Toledo Ohio, missing teen, child abuse case, CPS failure, true crime podcast, March 2025, Ohio disappearance, vulnerable children, child safety, legal guardianship, emotional storytelling, investigative podcast.
Be sure to check out our amazing sponsor this week:
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References:
We trace the chilling timeline from March 17th, 2025—the day Kei’Mani vanished—uncovering the clues left behind and examining the actions of key individuals connected to her household.
Keywords: Kei’Mani Latigue, Toledo Ohio, missing teen, child abuse case, CPS failure, true crime podcast, March 2025, Ohio disappearance, vulnerable children, child safety, legal guardianship, emotional storytelling, investigative podcast.
Be sure to check out our amazing sponsor this week:
FUM: Head to: https://www.tryfum.com/salad and use promo code salad to kick your bad habit today!
References:
- https://people.com/keimani-latigue-cause-of-death-revealed-11703522
- https://youtu.be/6-k6XlSzXA0?si=wqMbvaSHNGZLnt2u
- https://booth.law/advocating-for-child-safety-how-communities-can-hold-cps-accountable/
- https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/media-room/national-statistics-on-child-abuse/
- https://youtu.be/Q2e32PLM4VA?si=f-KWGqS72OHNO1fI
- https://co.lucas.oh.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1891
- https://www.wtol.com/article/news/special-reports/keimani/lucas-county-children-services-addresses-keimani-latigue-case/512-5f2d366c-33b0-4b09-bf22-46cc786582cb
- https://www.13abc.com/2025/03/26/this-feels-preventable-keimani-latigues-former-teacher-speaks-out-community-vigil-toledo-teen/
- https://www.wtol.com/article/news/crime/keimani-latigue-toledo-buffalo-soldiers-ohio-news-local/512-00ea9544-4a17-44ec-b7af-47b6c23fb359
- https://www.13abc.com/2025/03/26/local-leaders-consider-task-force-look-into-children-services-details-about-keimani-latigue-come-light/
- https://www.13abc.com/2025/03/29/protestors-march-outside-lucas-county-children-services-keimani-latigues-birthday/
- https://youtu.be/RIwV7nmQ2So?si=xlYiYnCbthma_O7d
- https://youtu.be/TwyBGdWhB2o?si=BTme77c8TUd6hkxB
- https://www.wtol.com/article/news/crime/keimani-latigue-grandmother-not-arrested-police-say/512-dd4ed1e9-a471-4853-94cb-ca6d694f23a9
- https://www.13abc.com/2025/03/19/police-family-searching-missing-13-year-old/
- https://www.13abc.com/2025/03/24/father-missing-toledo-girl-charged/
- https://www.13abc.com/2025/03/22/search-party-gathers-look-missing-13-year-old-north-toledo/
- https://www.wtol.com/article/news/special-reports/keimani/qa-tpd-chief-troendle-on-the-keimani-latigue-missing-c...
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