Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie
"She's an adult. She's going to be back when she's ready." — Philadelphia Police Department (regarding initial response to missing person report)
The podcast episode chronicles the perplexing disappearance of Francesca Alvarado, a 22-year-old pregnant woman, who vanished during a weekend trip to Atlantic City in March 2012. Her sister, Mia, initiated a search when Francesca became unreachable, a search that was initially met with a dismissive response from local police. Key individuals in Francesca's life, including her roommate Tara and an older acquaintance named Tracy Williams, provided conflicting accounts of her last known movements. Tracy Williams, who accompanied Francesca to Atlantic City, claimed she left him to find her own way back to Philadelphia.
As the investigation unfolded, Francesca's family and supporters, forming "Team Checa," actively campaigned for information, distributing flyers and creating a social media presence. This period also highlighted tensions with Francesca's boyfriend, William "Will" Coit, who had a history of abuse and a criminal record, and whose whereabouts and knowledge of Francesca's plans were questioned. The case took a darker turn as it became linked to a broader human trafficking investigation, primarily due to information uncovered through subsequent legal proceedings involving other victims.
The discovery of Francesca's skeletal foot in Corson's Inlet State Park nearly a year and a half after her disappearance, followed by other remains, confirmed her death, though the cause remained undetermined. Later, new investigators brought forth the name Jarelle "Jinx" Jackson, linking him and Will Coit to a human trafficking operation. Court records and victim testimonies suggested Francesca may have been involved in sex work, potentially as a victim of trafficking herself, with Will Coit allegedly acting as her "pimp." While Jarelle Jackson was convicted and sentenced for sex trafficking, Will Coit and Tara faced legal scrutiny but were not charged with trafficking offenses related to Francesca. The case remains active, with the family still seeking accountability and answers, amplified by the recent disappearance and overdose death of Tara, who was considered a potential source of information.