Pushing Up Lilies

With permission from Allie's friend, we're sharing a brief excerpt from Allie's Husband, Andrew Hummel, talking about waiting on the toxicology report.

What happens when a young, healthy woman is found dead in her own home... and the questions begin long before the investigation has answers? This week on Pushing Up Lilies, I'm taking a closer look at the life and death of Alexandra "Allie" Hummel, a 36-year-old licensed nurse from Missouri whose unexpected death remains under investigation. Based on publicly available information, I walk through the timeline of events leading up to her death, including a documented domestic violence incident that occurred less than a year earlier and why that history is significant in any death investigation. From the 911 call to the pending toxicology results, I'll explain what investigators look for when responding to an unexpected death in the home, how prior incidents become part of the investigative process, and why every piece of evidence matters. As a forensic death investigator, I also share my professional perspective on scene documentation, autopsy findings, toxicology testing, and the importance of remaining objective while allowing the facts to determine the outcome. Most importantly, this episode is about Allie, a dedicated nurse, mother, daughter, sister, and friend whose loved ones continue to seek answers. While this investigation is still ongoing, her story also shines a light on the realities of domestic violence, the challenges victims often face, and why support systems are so important. Next week, I'll be joined by Allie's close friend, Kelsey, who will share personal memories of Allie and offer additional insight into the woman behind the headlines. If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, please know that help is available. You are not alone.

With permission from Allie's friend, we're sharing a brief excerpt from Allie's Husband, Andrew Hummel, talking about when he discovered Allie.

What happens when someone disappears... after they've already died? In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I'm exploring one of the most unusual and heartbreaking cases I've ever researched, the disappearance of Julie Mott's remains from a San Antonio funeral home following her memorial service. Julie was just 25 years old when she passed away after a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis. Her family gathered to honor her life, believing they would soon receive her ashes after cremation. Instead, they were met with an unimaginable nightmare: Julie's embalmed body had vanished. I'll walk you through the timeline of events, from Julie's courageous life and memorial service to the shocking discovery that her remains were missing. We'll examine the police investigation, the role of a former boyfriend who became a person of interest, the civil trial that revealed serious security concerns within the funeral home, and why this mystery remains unsolved nearly a decade later. As a forensic death investigator, I'll also share my professional perspective on the handling of human remains, chain of custody, funeral home security, and why cases like this are extraordinarily rare. We'll discuss what the evidence tells us, what it doesn't, and why preserving the dignity of the deceased is one of the most important responsibilities in death care. No one has ever been criminally charged in connection with the disappearance, and Julie's remains have never been found. This episode is a sobering reminder that even after death, families deserve answers, transparency, and the assurance that their loved ones will be treated with dignity and respect. Join me as we examine one of the most perplexing and emotionally devastating mysteries in modern death investigation.

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I'm examining the heartbreaking murder of 32-year-old Caroline Piña Cairo, a mother of five whose life was taken in a brutal daylight attack that stunned the Del Rio, Texas community. When Caroline arrived at the hospital suffering from multiple stab wounds, medical teams fought to save her life. Despite their efforts, she later succumbed to her injuries. Three women were arrested and charged with her murder, but many questions surrounding the case remain unanswered as the investigation continues. As a forensic death investigator and former emergency room nurse, I walk through what happens in the critical moments after a stabbing victim arrives at the hospital, why injuries like these can be far more severe than they first appear, and how investigators begin reconstructing a violent crime through witness statements, surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and medical findings. I also discuss why it's so important to separate verified facts from speculation while a case is still unfolding. But more than anything, I want to remember Caroline. She wasn't simply the victim in a headline. She was a mother, a friend, and someone remembered for her generosity and the kindness she showed others, even during difficult times in her own life. Behind every investigation is a family whose world has been forever changed, and five children who will grow up without their mother. This episode contains discussion of homicide, stabbing violence, and death. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m covering the heartbreaking case involving Amy Steadman and the tragic family deaths that shook the community of Mechanicville, New York. Cases involving multiple family members are among the most emotionally difficult for investigators, first responders, and the communities left searching for answers. As details emerged, investigators were faced with the complex task of piecing together what happened inside a home where several lives were lost, while loved ones struggled to make sense of an unimaginable tragedy. As a forensic death investigator, I discuss the investigative process behind cases like this, the importance of carefully documenting the scene, evaluating the evidence without assumptions, and understanding how investigators work to reconstruct the events that led to such devastating outcomes. I also explore the emotional toll these cases can have, not only on surviving family members, but on the professionals responsible for uncovering the truth. But beyond the investigation, I want to remember the people at the center of this story. Behind every report are individuals whose lives mattered, families forever changed, and a community left grieving. Every death investigation is about more than determining what happened, it's about honoring those who can no longer speak for themselves and seeking answers with compassion, professionalism, and respect. This episode contains discussion of family violence, homicide, and death.  Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I'm examining the disturbing case of Shawn Michael Grate, a serial killer whose crimes spanned a decade across northern Ohio and left multiple families forever changed. What makes this case especially unsettling is not only the length of time the murders continued, but how many opportunities there may have been to stop the violence sooner. As investigators pieced together the evidence, a clearer picture emerged of a predator who targeted vulnerable women, leaving behind unanswered questions and unimaginable heartbreak. As a forensic death investigator, I walk through the timeline of the investigation, the evidence that ultimately connected the cases, and the forensic and investigative techniques that helped bring long-awaited answers to the victims' families. We'll also discuss how missing persons investigations, crime scene evidence, and victim identification play critical roles in solving complex serial homicide cases. But as with every case I cover, I want to keep the focus where it belongs. On the victims. Each woman had a life, a story, and people who loved her. Behind every headline was someone whose future was stolen far too soon. Their lives deserve to be remembered with dignity, not simply as part of a criminal's history. This episode explores the realities of serial homicide investigations while honoring the individuals whose stories might otherwise be overshadowed by the person responsible. This episode contains discussion of homicide, sexual violence, and serial murder. Listener discretion is advised.

Who am I, and how did I end up investigating death for a living? In this very first episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I'm sharing my story, from my path into nursing to becoming a Forensic Nurse Death Investigator. I'll talk about what drew me to this unique profession, what it's really like to investigate deaths, and why I felt called to create this podcast. Over the years, I've responded to countless death scenes, worked alongside law enforcement, medical examiners, and families experiencing unimaginable loss. Those experiences have taught me that every death has a story, and understanding that story requires compassion, science, careful investigation, and sometimes asking difficult questions. Pushing Up Lilies was created to give listeners an honest look behind the scenes of death investigation. Whether you're fascinated by forensic science, curious about how cases are solved, or simply interested in the realities of this profession, I hope this podcast helps educate, inspire, and answer questions you've always wondered about. If you're new here, welcome. This episode is the perfect place to begin. If you've been listening for a while, thank you for being part of this journey. I'm so glad you're here. Join me as I share the story behind the microphone, and the path that led me to Pushing Up Lilies.

In last week's episode, I explored the tragic death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf and the events that unfolded during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas. This week, I'm following the case into the courtroom as we examine The State of Texas vs. Karmelo Anthony. During this episode, I'll walk through the key moments of the trial, the arguments presented by both the prosecution and defense, and the jury's ultimate decision. We'll discuss the self-defense claim raised by the defense, the testimony presented during the proceedings, and the factors that may have influenced the outcome. I'll also review the sentencing phase and the emotional victim impact statements delivered by Austin's family. As always, my goal is not to sensationalize tragedy, but to help listeners better understand the investigative and legal processes that follow a violent death. Cases like this often generate strong opinions and intense public discussion, but inside the courtroom, decisions must be based on evidence, testimony, and the law. Join me as we take a closer look at one of the most closely watched criminal trials in recent Texas history and examine the legal journey from a fatal encounter to a murder conviction.

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m covering the heartbreaking case of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, a high school student whose life was tragically cut short during what should have been an ordinary day at a track meet. In April 2025, a confrontation between two young men at a Frisco, Texas, athletic event ended in an act of violence that shocked a community and made headlines across the country. What began as a disagreement escalated in a matter of moments, leaving one family grieving the loss of a son, brother, friend, and teammate. As a forensic death investigator, I walk through the known timeline of events, the investigation that followed, and the legal proceedings involving Karmelo Anthony. I also discuss the difficult realities surrounding youth violence, split-second decisions, and the devastating consequences that can follow. But as with every case I cover, I want to keep the focus where it belongs. On Austin. On the life he lived, the people who loved him, and the future that was taken from him far too soon. This episode is approached with compassion and respect for everyone affected by this tragedy. Beyond the headlines, this is the story of a young life lost and a community forever changed. This episode contains discussion of violence, homicide, and the death of a minor.  Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m covering the heartbreaking case of Rachel Castillo, a young mother whose disappearance in Southern California led investigators to a devastating discovery, and ultimately, the conviction of her estranged husband, Zarbab Ali. Rachel vanished during what should have been a routine custody exchange involving her children. But almost immediately, investigators began uncovering signs that something was terribly wrong. What followed was an intense investigation involving surveillance footage, blood evidence, digital tracking, and a search that ended with Rachel’s body being found buried in a remote area. As a forensic death investigator, I walk through how cases like this begin to unfold behind the scenes, how small pieces of evidence start forming a timeline, how investigators interpret behavioral patterns, and how critical those early investigative decisions become when someone suddenly disappears under suspicious circumstances. This episode contains discussion of domestic violence, homicide, and burial concealment.  Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m covering the mysterious death of Spencer Irwin, a 30-year-old Fresno City College student whose body was discovered behind a business loading dock in Fresno, California, in August of 2024. What initially appeared to authorities to be a tragic but straightforward case quickly became something far more complicated. Spencer was found naked, with no obvious signs of trauma, and early assumptions pointed toward a drug overdose or transient-related death. But toxicology reports later came back clean. No overdose. No clear explanation. And despite the unanswered questions surrounding his death, the coroner ultimately ruled it “natural causes.” What makes this case especially unsettling is what didn’t happen. No autopsy was performed. And Spencer’s body was cremated. As a forensic death investigator, I discuss the difficult reality of cases that fall into gray areas, where evidence is limited, assumptions are made early, and families are left searching for answers long after a case is considered closed. Because sometimes the hardest part of an investigation… is not what we know. It’s what we don’t. This episode contains discussion of death, investigative uncertainty, and unresolved circumstances surrounding the case. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m covering the tragic and deeply disturbing case of Sonia Exelby, a 32-year-old woman from Portsmouth, England, who traveled to the United States in October of 2024… and never made it home. According to investigators, Sonia flew into Gainesville, Florida, after connecting online with a man named Dwain Hall through a fetish website. She was expected to return to the UK just three days later, but she never boarded her flight. What followed became an international homicide investigation that shocked both sides of the Atlantic. As I walk through the timeline of Sonia’s final days, I do so with compassion and care, because beneath the headlines was a real woman whose life mattered. A woman who trusted someone she believed she knew… and whose story ended in unimaginable tragedy. From an investigative standpoint, I also discuss the complexities of cases involving online relationships, long-distance travel, digital evidence, and how quickly missing person cases can escalate into homicide investigations. This episode is not about judgment or sensationalism. It’s about understanding the vulnerability that can exist in human connection, the realities investigators face in cases like this, and honoring the victim at the center of the story. This episode contains discussion of violence, homicide, and sensitive themes involving online exploitation. Please take care of yourself while listening.

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I continue Inside the Crime That Shook a Community with Part Three, focusing on the trial of the man responsible for the death of 7-year-old Athena Strand. This is the part of the story where the legal process begins… but that doesn’t make it any easier. As I walk through the courtroom proceedings, I do so with the same care and intention, because behind every testimony, every piece of evidence, and every legal argument is a family still living with unimaginable loss. Trials are meant to bring answers. They’re meant to bring accountability. But they don’t always bring peace. From an investigative perspective, I also share insight into what happens when a case moves from the scene into the courtroom, how evidence is presented, how timelines are reconstructed, and how the justice system works to piece together the truth in a way that can be understood by a jury. And while this part of the story focuses on the trial… I want to be very clear about something. This is not about the man who committed the crime. It is still about Athena. Her life. Her memory. And the impact she left behind. This episode contains discussion of child violence, courtroom testimony, and sensitive details surrounding the case. Please take care of yourself while listening, and step away if you need to.

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I continue the heartbreaking case of 7-year-old Athena Strand. This is Part Two of a story that is as heavy as it is important. As we move forward, I walk through what happened after Athena’s disappearance, the investigation, the critical moments that unfolded, and the pieces that began to come together in a case that gripped so many people. This part of the story brings more clarity, but it also brings a deeper understanding of just how quickly lives can change forever. I approach this episode with the same care and intention, honoring Athena, respecting her family, and being mindful of the weight this story carries for listeners. From an investigative standpoint, I also share insight into how cases evolve once key information is uncovered, how law enforcement works against time, how decisions are made in real-time, and how those early hours can shape everything that follows. But even as more details emerge… I want to keep the focus where it belongs. On Athena. On her life, her light, and the love that surrounds her. This episode continues discussions of child abduction and violence. Please take care of yourself while listening, and step away if you need to.

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m covering a case that is incredibly difficult to talk about, the kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand, and the man responsible, Tanner Lynn Horner. This is one of those stories that stays with you. Athena was just a child, full of life, curiosity, and innocence, and her disappearance quickly turned into something far more devastating than anyone could have imagined. What makes this case even more unsettling is how ordinary the circumstances seemed at first… and how quickly everything changed. As I walk through the timeline of what happened, I do so with great care, for Athena, for her family, and for anyone listening who may find this story especially heavy. This episode is not about sensationalizing tragedy. It’s about acknowledging it, understanding it, and honoring a life that should have had so much more time. From an investigative perspective, I also touch on how cases like this unfold, how quickly information moves, how critical those first hours are, and the realities behind scenes that most people never see. But at the center of this episode is not the perpetrator. It’s Athena. Her story matters. Her life matters. This episode contains discussion of child abduction and violence, and I encourage you to take care of yourself while listening.

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