Celina Mays // 462
Going West: True Crime
Deep Dive
Why did Selena Mays' disappearance raise immediate suspicions about her family?
Selena's family took 24 hours to report her disappearance and weeks to publicize it. They also operated a religious cult, and it was later revealed that Selena was pregnant, which raised further concerns about her safety and the family's involvement.
Why did Selena Mays' mother, Lynn, not want her to live with her father, CJ?
Lynn was wary of CJ's involvement in a cult-like church and described it as a dangerous environment. She even told her family and friends that if anything happened to her, she did not want Selena to end up in CJ's care.
Why did Selena Mays move into her father's house in 1994?
Selena's mother, Lynn, died suddenly from a brain aneurysm in 1994. Despite Lynn's family's objections, CJ won full custody of Selena and moved her into the communal home where he lived with his new wife and her extended family.
Why did Selena Mays confide in Tawana about her pregnancy?
Selena confided in Tawana, a teenager living in the same communal home, that she was afraid she was pregnant. Tawana was one of the few people Selena trusted and had a close relationship with.
Why did the police initially face difficulties in investigating Selena Mays' disappearance?
The police faced difficulties because CJ and Sarita, the leader of the church, were uncooperative. CJ initially did not reveal Selena's pregnancy, and Sarita refused to allow police to search the communal home and the church property.
Why did the church and Selena's family seem uninterested in finding Selena after her disappearance?
The church and Selena's family appeared uninterested in finding her, as they moved on quickly and did not discuss her disappearance. They also discouraged members from talking to the police, suggesting they were more concerned with protecting their own interests.
Why did Selena Mays' family and the church refuse to allow a search of their property?
Selena's family and the church, led by Sarita, refused to allow a search of their property because they were likely covering up illegal and abusive activities. They were concerned that the police might find evidence of their wrongdoing.
Why did Selena Mays' disappearance remain unsolved for so long?
Selena's disappearance remained unsolved due to the lack of cooperation from her family and the church, the absence of concrete evidence, and the reluctance of community members to come forward with information. The case also faced legal and logistical challenges, such as the denial of search warrants.
Why did Sean Smith, Selena's cousin, become a key suspect in her disappearance?
Sean Smith became a key suspect because he was the only adult in the house who had access to Selena and had a history of sexually abusing young girls, including Tawana. He was also the most likely candidate to be the father of Selena's baby.
Why did Selena Mays' aunt, Cindy Cram, believe that the church was involved in her disappearance?
Cindy Cram, Selena's aunt, believed that the church was involved in her disappearance because of the church's history of abusive and controlling behavior, the family's lack of cooperation with the police, and the suspicious circumstances surrounding Selena's disappearance.
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