7. UNSOLVED: The Murder of Rosie Tapia — A Child Stolen From Her Bedroom, 30 Years Without Justice episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 8, 2025 · 31 MIN

7. UNSOLVED: The Murder of Rosie Tapia — A Child Stolen From Her Bedroom, 30 Years Without Justice

from Darkly Speaking · host Alex Kern

In August 1995, six-year-old Rosie Tapia was taken from her Salt Lake City home in the middle of the night. By morning, she was found murdered in a nearby canal. This past August marked the 30th anniversary of Rosie’s death — a case that remains one of Utah’s most haunting mysteries, a story of innocence stolen and justice delayed. Over the years, the investigation has twisted through rumors, overlooked leads, and heartbreaking dead ends. Rosie’s family — especially her mother, Lewine — has never stopped fighting for answers. And now, three decades later, there is renewed hope. On August 25, 2025 — just two weeks before this episode’s release — Salt Lake City police announced a fresh appeal to the public. Detectives are actively seeking two men who may hold critical information about Rosie’s abduction and death, and advances in forensic genealogy have given the case new direction. In this episode, I walk through Rosie’s story from the night she vanished to the most recent developments in 2025, examining the investigation’s failures, the resilience of her family, and the community’s ongoing search for the truth. If you have any information about the kidnapping and murder of Rosie Tapia, please call 801-799-3000 or submit an anonymous tip through the CityProtect App, referencing case number 95-119190. TW: This episode includes discussion of crimes against children and sexual violence, and potentially distressing circumstances. Listener discretion is advised. Hosted by 🎙️: Alex Kern ⸻ 🖤 ABOUT DARKLY SPEAKING 🖤 Welcome to Darkly Speaking — where true crime, the paranormal and the crazy strange and unexplained converge. Every Monday, host Alex Kern unpacks stories that challenge our understanding of what’s real — from unsolved disappearances and psychological unravellings to encounters with the unexplained. Think: true crime, the paranormal, and everything in between. If you’re drawn to the strange, the hidden, or the stories that won’t sit quietly — you’re in the right place. Expect immersive storytelling, a dose of dark curiosity, and the occasional rabbit hole you didn’t plan to fall into. Because in the darkest corners of our reality… truth gets weird. ⸻ 🎧 LISTEN ON: Available wherever you get your podcasts! YouTube ⁠Spotify Apple Podcasts ⁠ ⸻ 📲 CONNECT WITH US: ⁠YouTube ⁠ ⁠Instagram ⁠ ⁠TikTok ⁠ ⁠Website ⁠(Sources, Show Notes & More!) Email us your stories! → [email protected] ⸻ ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This podcast explores real cases and sensitive subject matter. Listener discretion is advised. All research is grounded in publicly available sources and cited to the best of our ability. Opinions are those of the host unless otherwise stated. Copyright Disclaimer: Some audio/visual materials used may be protected under copyright law and are included under “fair use” for commentary, criticism, and educational purposes.

In August 1995, six-year-old Rosie Tapia was taken from her Salt Lake City home in the middle of the night. By morning, she was found murdered in a nearby canal. This past August marked the 30th anniversary of Rosie’s death — a case that remains one of Utah’s most haunting mysteries, a story of innocence stolen and justice delayed. Over the years, the investigation has twisted through rumors, overlooked leads, and heartbreaking dead ends. Rosie’s family — especially her mother, Lewine — has never stopped fighting for answers. And now, three decades later, there is renewed hope. On August 25, 2025 — just two weeks before this episode’s release — Salt Lake City police announced a fresh appeal to the public. Detectives are actively seeking two men who may hold critical information about Rosie’s abduction and death, and advances in forensic genealogy have given the case new direction. In this episode, I walk through Rosie’s story from the night she vanished to the most recent developments in 2025, examining the investigation’s failures, the resilience of her family, and the community’s ongoing search for the truth. If you have any information about the kidnapping and murder of Rosie Tapia, please call 801-799-3000 or submit an anonymous tip through the CityProtect App, referencing case number 95-119190. TW: This episode includes discussion of crimes against children and sexual violence, and potentially distressing circumstances. Listener discretion is advised. Hosted by 🎙️: Alex Kern ⸻ 🖤 ABOUT DARKLY SPEAKING 🖤 Welcome to Darkly Speaking — where true crime, the paranormal and the crazy strange and unexplained converge. Every Monday, host Alex Kern unpacks stories that challenge our understanding of what’s real — from unsolved disappearances and psychological unravellings to encounters with the unexplained. Think: true crime, the paranormal, and everything in between. If you’re drawn to the strange, the hidden, or the stories that won’t sit quietly — you’re in the right place. Expect immersive storytelling, a dose of dark curiosity, and the occasional rabbit hole you didn’t plan to fall into. Because in the darkest corners of our reality… truth gets weird. ⸻ 🎧 LISTEN ON: Available wherever you get your podcasts! YouTube ⁠Spotify Apple Podcasts ⁠ ⸻ 📲 CONNECT WITH US: ⁠YouTube ⁠ ⁠Instagram ⁠ ⁠TikTok ⁠ ⁠Website ⁠(Sources, Show Notes & More!) Email us your stories! → [email protected] ⸻ ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This podcast explores real cases and sensitive subject matter. Listener discretion is advised. All research is grounded in publicly available sources and cited to the best of our ability. Opinions are those of the host unless otherwise stated. Copyright Disclaimer: Some audio/visual materials used may be protected under copyright law and are included under “fair use” for commentary, criticism, and educational purposes.

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7. UNSOLVED: The Murder of Rosie Tapia — A Child Stolen From Her Bedroom, 30 Years Without Justice

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In August 1995, six-year-old Rosie Tapia was taken from her Salt Lake City home in the middle of the night. By morning, she was found murdered in a nearby canal. This past August marked the 30th anniversary of Rosie’s death — a case that remains one...

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