Four-year-old Samiah Downing was visiting with her father and his girlfriend in Adelanto, California in December of 2012 when police received a report from a witness that something very bad had happened to Samiah. Police interviewed the couple, and within hours, authorities received information that led them to a shallow grave in the California desert, where they discovered Samiah’s body with unimaginable injuries. The story that emerged was a horror of daily beatings, confinement, and diabolical torture, including the water deprivation that ultimately led to Samiah’s death, and later, the arrest and conviction of three people.
In this episode, I will tell you the story of Samiah’s life, her death, and the nearly nine-year criminal case that ensued. Next week, you’ll hear my interview with the prosecutor in Samiah’s case, San Bernardino County Deputy District Attorney Justin Crocker, who spent years pushing toward justice for the sweet, happy four-year-old girl with the big brown eyes. 
This is part 1 of the tragic story of Samiah Downing.
To watch the segment about Samiah on Gina Silva’s Fox 11 investigative series The Children Are Dying, click here.
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Smile Brilliant provides teeth whitening and oral care products customized just for you! Visit their website here.
Shout-out also to the Stolen Lives podcast, whose promo you heard at the top of the episode! 
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This podcast is written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine. 
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