"Daniel had been charged with attempting to kill another woman and that he wouldn't fail again." — Ashley Flowers (describing text messages from Daniel)
"The key to solving this case may be in that SUV. Because of that, finding the vehicle is one of the top priorities." — Ashley Flowers
"He says that he's not going to speak to them without his attorney present, though he doesn't actually seem to have a lawyer." — Ashley Flowers (describing Cedric's refusal to speak with police)
This episode of Crime Junkie details the perplexing disappearance of Donita Wilkerson, a 44-year-old mother of six from Indiana. The investigation highlights a pattern of escalating threats and abuse from her ex-boyfriend, Daniel, and his nephew, Cedric. Donita's family reported her missing on June 22nd, 2020, after being unable to contact her since Sunday night, June 21st. Concerns were amplified by her medical conditions, lack of medication, and a history of volatile behavior from Daniel, who had previously been charged with assaulting Donita multiple times, including an incident where she was hospitalized.
The investigation encountered significant challenges, including Daniel's evasiveness and contradictory statements, and Cedric's refusal to cooperate with authorities without an attorney. A crucial breakthrough occurred when Donita's phone records indicated her phone was near a motel in Evansville on June 21st, and later pinged in southern Illinois. Surveillance footage from the motel revealed Donita checking in and later leaving with Cedric in his silver 2004 Chevrolet Suburban. Further complicating matters, Cedric later reported the SUV stolen in Georgia, a claim investigators deemed false.
Despite the evidence, including surveillance footage showing Donita entering Cedric's vehicle, official suspect status remained elusive for a considerable period. The family expressed frustration with the pace and transparency of the investigation, while law enforcement cited ongoing investigative methods. The case continued with Donita's family actively searching and raising awareness, facing misinformation and personal tragedies. The disappearance of Donita's phone and the SUV remain central to the investigation, with authorities believing the vehicle holds the key to finding answers.