Honestly I didn’t know how I was going to react to this story initially. I find that the level of racism and intolerance by police is overwhelming for me, I can’t imagine how the people of this community face it daily, but I am so glad I listened to this podcast. It is genuine, thoughtful and necessary. At its core, it is heart breaking, but we can not attain change without feeling all of this and learning from the failures of the past.

This was the most compelling and gut wrenching podcast I’ve ever listened to. Hearing Shapearl’s pain during parts of this series is almost unbearable. RIP Courtney, you deserved so much more than the dumpster fire that is Chicago PD provided, both in life saving help and bringing your murderers to justice.

Thank you for sharing your son Courtney and your amazing mother strength with the world. 🩷

I was heart broken first hearing this story and have been waiting for an update. Thanks for the new info. Will keep following and waiting to hear of an arrest and prosecution!

I’ve listened to A LOT of podcasts, crime and murder type. I have NEVER heard police speak to a VICTIMS FAMILY the way these police speak to Courtney’s family. It’s disgusting to hear how combative and rude they speak to a grieving mother trying to find answers about her child’s death.

So heartbreaking. My heart goes out to Courtney’s mom. Here’s the thing that really struck me-it’s repeated many times that they were treating him like a suspect, and they probably were, but whether or not someone is a suspect should have no bearing on getting the injured person medical care as quickly as possible! Police are not judges or juries. Their first priority should be to help the injured regardless of who they may be.

Beautiful podcast. #justiceforcourtney

It’s absolutely disgusting. How bad she wants this to be because he was black how bad she wants this to be a race issue. So gross. I feel bad for anybody that she influences in her life, it’s horrible that her son died, but you can almost guarantee that it was black on black crime!

This is an intensely powerful podcast that everyone should listen to. Shapearl is a phenomenal woman, mother, advocate, human. Thank you for your bravery to share your story. I’m so sorry for your loss but I am on your side. I’ve shared this podcast with many. Hugs

Courtney’s Ride or Die! The police is not require to protect and serve! The ‘police’! They are a government sanctioned GANG! Alma…straight trash! He should have left her where he found her! She is fuh da streets! ‘Invisible’…awesome, awesome human beings! Every parent that experiences such trauma should have such an organization in their corner! I know it isn’t possible, but for those fortunate enough to get the help…fortunate indeed! Could have dine without ‘no talking cousin’! Altogether! Just didn’t need to hear her! Shapearl’s cry broke me! On a cellular, mother sprit level, it broke me!

Great story telling but hard to hear this story and Shapearl’s grief over Courtney.

Excellent. Great story telling… but tragic. I’m only a few episodes in and I feel disturbed at how defensive officers and EMT’s are with this mother.

Man!!!!! This is just amazing! This podcast had me invested emotionally… Shapearl you are so amazing a great example of going to the ends of the earth to get answers. I commend your hard work and dedication. Your family will stay in my prayers ❤️

This podcast is just WOW! I've never listened to a podcast where the victim's MOTHER takes the lead, conducts the interviews, hosts the show and narrates. This one will tug on your heartstrings and leave you in awe at this woman's strength. Incredible job, Shapearl! But more importantly, I am so sorry for your loss. Your son sounds like an amazing you man.

It’s amazing that you did all this for your son ! No one should have to go through anything like this, you are a strong woman. Thank you for sharing your story with us. One day those police officers will have to speak to a higher justice.

So sad the CPD didn’t do their job!!

CPD needs some looking into. Laziness in my eyes

This is a prime example of why family members shouldn’t investigate a loved one’s murder. Shapearl’s inability to determine friend from foe torpedoed her own hard work. There were people who seemed as if they wanted to help her, but she turned them off and, in turn, they refused to help. And those clowns who were assisting her, just got in her way. I feel for her.

Well done Mrs. Wells 👏🏼!

Love love love. Not just the moms vibe but the way she went about making this whole podcast. I could listen to her voice all day! I cried, laugh, cursed people out along with her and.. I prayed for her. Amazing lady with amazing spirits ❤️

Well did Queen! Your strength is gold and pure.

First & most important, my heart goes out to this mother who knows in her heart that something isn’t right. How horrible for a parent to lose a child. Even worse to have to go hunt down the truth. Truly disgusting that those who vow to serve & protect are only protecting their own many times. From a podcast addict’s perspective, I must say I absolutely LOVE that it’s Mama Bear herself going out there to call the guilty out & put together this amazing production. It is a heart-breaking hunt told by a masterful storyteller. I’ve heard many podcasts, and this is by far one of the absolute best. You go UGH!!!!!

Kudos to a dedicated mom and activist. First heard about this crime against this young man and his family on the Dateline podcast.

This had the potential to be a great podcast but Courtney’s mother and the reporter that she travels around with are the most disrespectful people I have ever listened to. It is very obvious that she is only interested in getting her version of the truth. If she interviews someone that does not tell her what she wants to hear or does not feel comfortable sharing what they witnessed or heard she is extremely disrespectful towards them. There was one point where they were interviewing an EMT and asked him the same question over and over again expecting a different answer! I am all for black rights, but this woman takes it to be an absolute extreme that becomes very ignorant and disrespectful. We can’t let a handful of bad police officers determine how we view all police officers. Quite frankly I’m sorry that Courtney lost his life, but when someone handles things in the way that this woman has I cannot respect what she is doing.

I pray you find justice for your son. A mother’s love is strong and unwavering. Your strength amazes me. Thank you for allowing the world to follow in your journey for the truth! My prayers are for your son and your family and your pursuit for justice.

This mother’s pain is palpable. It was heartbreaking to listen to. I felt her grief in my bones. But I pose this question-what if he hadn’t ended up at a police station seeking help and had instead died immediately in the parking lot? That’s how this “investigation” should have began-as if any and everyone was a suspect. It was immediately assumed that he was harmed by the police officers on scene. With that said, I do feel like the police investigation was piss poor, with little effort exerted. It seems, however, that there are bigger issues in the community that are leading to a high rate of crime that makes it nearly impossible for there to be adequate resources to properly investigate crimes. That was not at all addressed in the podcast. Overall, I found the podcast emotionally charged, engaging, and tragic, if not misdirected. I do truly hope that the killer in this murder is brought to justice.

I just heard your story on Dateline and immediately ran to find this podcast! I am so sorry for your loss and also sorry that Chicago PD dropped the ball completely! This is unacceptable. I’m praying for you and your family.

Thank you for sharing your journey! I pray this case finds closure.

I listened to your podcast during Covid shutdown. It struck a huge cord in my heart. Last night I saw you & your son’s story on Dateline. Dateline did a good job in shedding light on your story and I’m so glad that you finally the nationwide platform you deserve. The more people that know, the better. I urge anyone who saw NBC’s Dateline episode on June 25, 2021 titled “Somebody” to listen to this podcast. Hopefully this will put pressure on CPD to take more action and be more proactive. Also, so much of the gray surrounding police behavior could have been answered if all those cameras had been working (you mention these in the podcast). I’m so proud of you for recording all those interviews. That’s how we all should take action. You’ve gotta cover your bases.

Prayers with you and your family!

Heartbreaking story, but so powerful. My heart goes out to Courtney’s mother, but the strength she has to share her story to bring awareness to others is unbelievable. I’m the worst and never give reviews,but this story touched me so much I wanted to review to make sure other people take the time to listen to this podcast.

Listening to this is so horrifying. I hope those police are so embarrassed for how abusive they were, interrupting, talking over and mocking a parent of a victim. Sigh.

💔so sorry

I started listening to this podcast knowing nothing about the case. It’s heartbreaking and double heartbreaking to know what Shapearl went through trying to solve Courtney’s murder. That is not her job. No mother or family should be treated this contemptuously. The police didn’t seem to even attempt to follow through. I thought his murder would have been solved. To Shapearl, I’m so so so sorry you lost your beloved son. Your grief is so raw, so profound, it cuts through the podcast and into all of our souls. It’s good you’ve done something positive with your grief, but it shouldn’t have cost you this much.

This is a great podcast that delves into the reality of losing a child, let alone a black one who wasn’t taken as important due to a number of things. I really appreciate Shapearl and her family sharing their story and pain. It was needed. Thank you and I am so sorry. RIP Corey.

Wow wow wow! I don’t think I’ve ever cried through an entire season! Such a sad story! Strong mother! I have ONE SON...God forbid anyone take my son from me...I will be just as determined/strong as this mother! God Bless you and your family 💞

This was an excellent listen. It was also extremely hard to hear how broken this momma is. But her strength and courage and story is going to change so many. The world needs humanity. But it needs the kind of humanity that understands that some things have been going badly for some time (if they've ever been going well). The kind of humanity that emerges in interaction and which keeps us going, even if it is challenging, because it is important. Her story is SO IMPORTANT. Courtney’s story is so important because he is important, his life was important. Blessings and peace to this family. Thank you for your bravery, honesty and for sharing this very important story.

Riveting and revolting. Cowardice, meet courage. Shapearl, the mother of slain Courtney, brings us into her world as she records her astonishing exchange with disgraced Chicago police officers, and we emerge with a better understanding that race and policing are inseparable. Episode 3 is hands down this podcast’s hook.

I had such a hard time listening to this wonderful podcast. Just breaking my heart at every turn. Gave me nightmares too. This mother’s love can change the world. I wish her peace

I normally don’t write reviews and I’m unsure how to write this one with the appropriate sensitivity. But my heart is with this momma in a way I can hardly explain. The way she allows you to meet her son and to feel her experience seems almost sacred. I usually half listen to podcasts while doing something but this feels like it deserves my undivided attention.

I’m only in episode three and had to stop to write I’m shaking the insanity this mother had to sit listen to uneducated-ignorant- narcissistic police in a room shook me to my core! I will write more after I’m done but just at #3 episode and I’m hooked this woman is fearless

Your incredible investigation to find out what happened to your baby is so inspiring. I cried my way through this podcast, it’s scary sending our young black sons out into this crazy world. I just know your son is looking down on you saying “That’s my Mom!!”

So very brave and tough, a woman gets to the bottom of what exactly happened to her son the day he died in front of a police station surrounded by officers who should have been trained in empathy.

Superb and riveting. Inspiring story of a mother’s love, grit, courage and determination. Also a sad reflection on the inequalities built into our justice system, policing and reporting. Infuriating and appalling, and yet somehow warm and upbeat. Beautifully crafted.

Just wanted to say that I was truly inspired by the love you have for your son. I cannot imagine going through what you have and still remain on course to find the truth behind your son’s murder. God bless you and your family. Thank you for telling your son’s story!!

Somebody is an exemplary tale of how we judge by measures no one should be judged on...whether it’s skin color or profession, everyone deserves to be judged by who they are, not what they are. I believe this is crucial in helping others recognize these feelings in themselves, which is the first step. Bravo...

Please everyone and anyone, take the time to finish this podcast. It’s truly a beautiful story. Your an amazing woman and have touched my heart. I love you, your strength, and your bravery! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for telling your story! God Bless!

The podcast was well done and put together, not too drawn out. My biggest complaint is that Chicago gang activity is barely mentioned. It was obviously gang members that were responsible but the entire focus is on what police didn’t do. It should at least be 50/50 instead of such a hyper focus on just the police. It comes across wanting to blame white police instead of the minority who actually did the killing. Condolences for your loss.

I cried, I smiled and I confronted my grief. Thank you so much.

The podcast is very well done but I’m surprised they didn’t cover the obvious angle that Courtney was working for an MLM. World Ventures is an MLM pyramid scam that’s illegal in several countries. Perhaps someone was angry that they hand been unintentionally scammed by a world ventures marketer.