Nationwide — LaTania “Janell” Carwell, an African American teen from Georgia who went missing on her 16th birthday, was later found dead in a shallow grave. Her parents allegedly tried to hire a hitman to kill her three times years before. Both faced murder charges and the death penalty.
Janell celebrated her birthday on April 16, 2017, which also fell on Easter Sunday. That night, her stepfather, Leon Tripp, persuaded her to ride with him to help a friend with car trouble. She never came home. Her mother, Tanya Tripp, reported them missing almost a day later, according to Atlanta Black Star.
In the weeks that followed, authorities uncovered troubling inconsistencies in the Tripps’ story. Tanya went on Facebook Live, appealing for sympathy and funds while falsely claiming she had cancer. Meanwhile, police tracked Leon to Atlanta without Janell, whose phone activity had stopped entirely. Investigators also learned Leon had prior charges for child cruelty and assault.
Janell’s body was discovered in March 2018, buried near her home. Leon was charged with malice murder, and Tanya initially faced second-degree murder, later upgraded to match his charges. Court filings later revealed prosecutors’ shocking claim that the couple allegedly tried to hire a hitman to kill Janell at least three times, starting when she was just 14.
The Tripps were arrested in May 2017 after police located Leon in Atlanta, with Tanya present. Their trial has faced repeated delays, including disputes over whether statements Leon gave to police could be used in court. Both were jailed, with bonds over $500,000, as judges ruled they are a flight risk and a threat to the community.