When a Killer Realizes His Victim Called for Help

Denise Amber Lee was a young mother living in Florida. However, in 2008, her husband came home and she was gone. Frantic 911 calls would soon flood in, including a call from herself, but mishap and incompetence led to a tragic ending.
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[@sharongrigg5336]

That Harold, the cousin should have faced charges.. wtf was he thinking? Who stands by & does nothing? It's like the universe was against this poor girl who did everything she could to survive.

[@doublethink5334]

Absolutely agreed and eloquently said.

[@combatepistemologist8382]

He was as addled as the murderer.

[@arkainin4638]

I don't know about that. People always like to think that they'd jump into overdrive and instantly do the right thing and react like a hero. 90% of people will sit their dumb stick for the entire incident and then doubt themselves after. I've been in a few bad situations in my life and you do not react how you think you will. Not to mention, a lot of people are scared of the police. I know I am. Too many cases where in the US where someone tries to do the right thing and ends up in their sights. I remember one time when I was in college me and my girlfriend were walking and some guy and a woman were arguing in their car. She was crying and obviously upset, he was getting upset, trying to keep her quiet. I debated calling the cops. Me and my GF hung out around the area for a while to keep an eye on things. It ended up with her seeming okay and them driving off. But for all I know she could have been in danger. Honestly, I probably should have called the cops, just to be safe. But I was young, the cops in my town were pretty well known to be corrupt and as bad as most criminals, and I did not want to make waves over what was probably just a couple having an argument. Point being, until you're in a situation like that, you really should not be judging so harshly. The guy told his daughter to call the cops, which she did. And then later when nothing happened about it he did as well. Ideally he would have saved her at his place, but like I said, most people don't think very well when faced with a situation like that. And self-doubt can be a bitch.

[@marioromano4039]

I agree..this poor girl and the other people who called 911 did everything right...this should never have happened...and how in this short time frame did this monster have the time to kill and bury this poor girl with a thousand people searching for her and countless tips pouring in...sad sad sad

[@PhreakyGimp]

Nah speak for yourself ive been in plenty of situations and its not hard to do the bare minimum in the face of obvious wrong. But keep justifying that to yourself ya do-nothing. ​@arkainin4638

[@dyannastevens4862]

Cousin Harold also sounds like a real winner. He could have stopped the whole thing but just didn’t.

[@Robin-xt7yo]

Wish there was a way they could charge lame cousin Harold for not doing anything despite witnessing the abduction.

[@Ashakat42]

He seems like an accessory after the fact.

[@lotorsempire90]

He absolutely should be charged

[@scrounder]

At one point the dispatcher asks if he thinks Michael is capable of hurting anyone and he's like "I don't know." Yet, despite apparently being so uncertain, he was scared to call 911 when he saw his cousin kidnap a young woman. What are you scared of if you don't believe he can hurt anyone? He was 100% a coward.

[@swada02]

He was probably scared of Michael

[@spencersydow7345]

Her blood is on Harold's hands too. What the hell.

[@bobthetitanic]

Should've been charged.

[@InvaderTee]

That's the bystander effect sadly

[@chrisdidonna7371]

​@@bobthetitanicno he shouldn't have

[@chrisdidonna7371]

The one and only person responsible for this was charged, brought to trial, convicted and sentenced to die.

[@rose_lotus831]

I love that the husband started the foundation in her name to provide better training for dispatchers, its a powerful way to honor her and try to make something good out of such a senseless tragedy.

[@chrisk5985]

This case is so upsetting. She had so many chances to be saved, and so many people gave helpful information, only for it to be all fruitless. It's so, so tragic.

[@denisehagwood4542]

The odds of literally everyone screwing up were so small. The fact that they all *did* is infuriating. Especially the scumbag who watched her get abducted and ignored her pleas for him to call the cops. What an absolutely useless piece of garbage.

[@tredjesongen]

Yes but that cowardly cousin guy takes the cake😡! Completely spineless.

[@Danica.Powell]

It's probably one of the most upsetting cases for me too. Poor darling. It shouldn't have happened. Or someone should have got off their butts and saved her.

[@kokoskokso]

This case is infuriating. I've seen it on other channels too and Denise as a cop's daughter did all the right things to maximize her chances to survive. Even left traces in his car and wherever they went (I remember her wedding ring specifically which she hid in the car so he cannot find it but she knew the cops would, as proof she was here and it was him who hurt her). There was also the issue of two neighboring counties incl. dispatchers in them not passing information to each other. When he crossed the county lines, he basically got them off his back a bit. Such a tragedy, 911 has Denise's blood on their hands. To think her Dad has served to protect his community his whole life only to be let down in such a major way the one time when his family needed help.. I hope he can live the rest of his days in some sort of peace. Not sure if I could. RIP Denise, what a remarkable woman at 21 already.

[@kylebarnette8277]

Yeah, I have a lot of respect for the family.... I can't imagine how hard it is to not only go through that, but also use it as fuel to fight for change

[@laurafuller8546]

I hate…*HATE*…cases where the victims do everything in their power to save themselves and still lose their lives. Smart girl. It’s so sad.

[@bradsanders407]

It does give credence to him having a low iq as she's stating her name and address asking him where they are while he's trying to figure out where his phone was. Not to mention driving around with an unbounded kidnap victim. I mean what does he think she's going to just not try to save herself. Cops should have let dad put his body in the grave he dug for her and just say he escaped.

[@felixlingelbach2758]

Thank you. Reading this after 5 minutes I am out.

[@scottcol23]

@@felixlingelbach2758 Well it is a true crime channel. Mike doesn't do happy endings...

[@felixlingelbach2758]

@@scottcol23 I overdid it with this Annie Elise, you know cutting out baby out of the womb and so on... Need a break.

[@ResinAlchemist2024]

​@@felixlingelbach2758 Same. The Taylor story in Texas? That was a rough watch. I can't imagine living it. She is now where she belongs. Scary how one lying, manipulative, selfish, evil person can so easily justify ending a life, stealing another, and destroying so many just to avoid admitting a lie.

[@shaneecuevas7990]

Life is so unfair. This poor woman fought so hard to see her kids again. I hate how they try to make you feel bad for a killer.

[@wallygator1254]

Right? "A tragic sledding accident". Please.

[@shkottrendezvous6644]

Somehow this has to be the most distressing story you’ve told. Clearly a loving husband who took immediate action and to hear her voice on a desperate call followed by several people trying to save her - such a failure. Such a mess. So so sad.

[@ledhalenV]

As a father of two and my wife at hone right now, it definitely hits deep. Mostly because it was one of those cases that the husband had no control over what was to happen to his wife.

[@donvee2000]

I completely agree.... Was like watching a movie.

[@lisacoker1898]

As a 911 dispatcher, this case is one that is used as an example of how important it is to follow up with officers to make sure information gets to them. It's used as an example of what not to do.

[@NatureLover-62]

@lisacocker1898, I am so happy to hear this news!! Thank you so much for sharing it as I imagine that your profession never experiences the same call twice with all of the different scenarios and principals involved as well. You guys are our life line of matters that may alter our course of whether we live or die or if the fire department arrives to our homes in time. Thank you @lisacocker1898 for all of your hard, emotional, never ending, stressful sacrifices that you make each and every day in keeping us safe from harm and being there at the end of the line for us as you take control to manage our emergency. You guys are angels and hero’s and you should be very proud of the differences you make everyday!!! 👏👏

[@ElChuntyCabra]

In case people still haven't figured it out, dispatchers are terrible at their jobs and the women employees are only there to have a train run through them by all the male police officers.

[@jasperzatch610]

​@mmayhem11 YOU don't know them and will probably never have to, with a comment like this I hope you never have to call for help dude. Not all dispatchers are the same people we hear in this videos smfh

[@tck3041]

The countless 911 dispatchers I have heard on crime documentaries sound like they have had zero training. "Help, I am just going to be shot." "Oh, is there anyone in the house with you?", or "How long have you lived there?", "Do you think you'll need the Fire Brigade?".

[@ElChuntyCabra]

@@jasperzatch610 all dispatchers are trash. All the female dispatchers only get hired to have sex with all the male cops. Did you not know this?

[@daCubanaqt]

Good lord, how many 911 calls does it take to save someone. I’ve never heard a story like this one before in my life. They pretty much could track her via these 911 calls.

[@Kawiboy]

Unreal 😡

[@srbelnappa]

Like that operator who wouldn’t send help to that lady who got her car stuck in a flash flood and drowned on the line with the operator berating her in her in her last crying moments😭 they might be able to answer bc I certainly don’t know

[@jaymurray6051]

You don’t normally hear these stories, , cops usually cover up their failures

[@ChelseaBrooke]

The fact that there was a patrol car on that road but he was never given the information from Jane’s call… I’m livid

[@koriandr22]

@@srbelnappaomg for real? They need better training honestly. It’s ridiculous

[@_HimToo]

The dude's cousin should be held responsible too. It's insane knowing this guy still went thru with this insanity, knowing there was no way he could possibly get away with it.

[@DukeNauticus]

This is one time where I can't even finish the video, because I'm just so enraged by the sheer incompetence at display. This was like a dream scenario for everything to turn out alright, but it was all thrown out the window. I'm not much of a sports guy, but it seriously feels like I'm watching a world league sports team playing against a rugged team from the farm league. Watching how the superstars get off to a strong start and everything goes right for them, even more so than you'd expect... and then the key players just completely stumble and trip over themselves at the worst possible moments to lose it all.

[@MunKDaDDyy]

The brother who saw her screaming for help and then forced back into the car should be charged with something and be completely ashamed of himself

[@jumpingman6612]

100% what a despicable person

[@user-tk5nx7up1h]

Agree..150%¡

[@echolightning604]

It was his cousin not his brother

[@francispitts9440]

@@echolightning604I don’t care what he was. His freaking gardener, it doesn’t matter when you’re faced with a moment of truth you F-ing act. A world full of cowardice.

[@echolightning604]

@@francispitts9440 I was just saying chill out

[@jessicaahhhhh]

Imagine being Denise and thinking the police are surely on their way, I’ve called them, I’ve made sure witnesses saw me, I asked someone else to call 911. And just waiting and waiting. So sad.

[@VioletJoy]

Gut wrenching.

[@mememefinally]

I know, this is just so wrong.

[@dawnsully88]

I actually can't finish this video. I've seen another video of this and it's very upsetting. She did everything right and so many people failed her

[@tw9991]

Yes that’s so sad to know that when she passed she KNEW she did all the proper things and still wasn’t saved 😢😢😢

[@VioletJoy]

@@dawnsully88 I had heard about this case a couple of years back and am still haunted by it. Another KZbinr posted about it the other day, and I couldn't make it through that one either. It's maddening but especially heartbreaking.

[@kstar2222]

The most painful case I've ever heard, May God punish this man's soul

[@1.21gigawatts2]

"I'm sorry, I just want to see my family again". Knowing how this story ends, that sentence hits me like a truck.

[@back_in_thyme]

Kudos to the teenage daughter that had the thought to actually call 911 right away after hearing her fathers story.

[@doctorshell7118]

How the cousin did not intervene is beyond me.

[@flspacebear]

She was told to call 911 by her father. It wasn't something she overheard.

[@MattGOG666]

​@@doctorshell7118shock is a hell of a thing. If your close cousin came by and something like this happened, you'd probably struggle to come to the obvious conclusion.

[@turkeyman631]

Yeah, I'm glad the operator was thankful to her

[@sammygirl6910]

​@flspacebear That's what the OP said "hearing her father's story." Not overhearing.

[@divinedevil]

This case signifies the importance of having competent people on 911. This girl could've been alive today if not for the incompetence of the operator. RIP Denise!

[@alannatodd7183]

Let's not forget the family member that witnessed the girl screaming for help, being pulled back into the car on his own property and did nothing. What a useless piece of shyte that one was.

[@nibordiabla7493]

​@@alannatodd7183Then to add insult to injury, he calls 911 and does not give this guy's name or address, just a general area where it could be happening. My guess is that he only reason he even called was because he new his daughter called 911, and he was afraid of some sort of charges coming down on him for not helping when that poor girl begged him to. He should be charged, but I am sure there is not enough proof to convict him. Total piece of dog shyte.

[@kokoskokso]

This case is infuriating. I've seen it on other channels too and Denise as a cop's daughter did all the right things to maximize her chances to survive. Even left traces in his car and wherever they went (I remember her wedding ring specifically which she hid in the car so he cannot find it but she knew the cops would, as proof she was here and it was him who hurt her). There was also the issue of two neighboring counties incl. dispatchers in them not passing information to each other. When he crossed the county lines, he basically got them off his back a bit. Such a tragedy, 911 has Denise's blood on their hands. To think her Dad has served to protect his community his whole life only to be let down in such a major way the one time when his family needed help.. I hope he can live the rest of his days in some sort of peace. Not sure if I could. RIP Denise, what a remarkable woman at 21 already.

[@donaldrobinson7063]

@@kokoskokso dawm..i did not know she was trying to save her life and leave clues in case of her violent demise. I mean after he took her to his home and fed her grapes he put her back in the car and so it makes sense she started to realize she would not make it back home. Hense "Just let me see my family again please!" So painful to hear.

[@LP-jn4tw]

The blame lies with the killer's male relative who did nothing to help her when she screamed for it. Also, she was a woman, not a "girl."

[@leeleesaysorry]

This one really got me. That 911 call was too much after knowing how that operator dropped the ball. That just felt too real. She did everything right.

[@shelaakaumi]

I've been subscribed to That Chapter since the beginning and it is still one of the best true crime show around. Thanks Mike for always delivering and congratulations on your show being featured on Tubi. You're amazing!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@georgezimmerman1490]

Dispatch should have said "if you can follow at a safe distance please do I'm alerting officers in your area please stay on the line with me"

[@occupiedaustralia9952]

your hired!

[@superwildside4585]

Inner city fo ol, for diversity.

[@harrypottah8889]

@@superwildside4585what?

[@Time_Is_Left]

@@superwildside4585 I’m sorry you turned out this way

[@SuzanneIYN]

You’d think they would have naturally done that without a prompt. I’m willing to follow someone home for cutting me off, I’ll follow someone home who has a screaming woman as a passenger. I have that kind of time 😅

[@Spitfirephotographs]

She also left behind a precious ring that she never took off her from her husband and placed it in his car ! She really is the hero of her own story- RIP TO this amazing woman who tried everything to save herself from evil

[@foxybrown1g]

You can tell she was raised by a cop. :) Smart girl and excellent father because he taught her well!

[@witchdocwayne1462]

@@foxybrown1gif only her father had taught his department well.

[@ChroniclerAether]

Not only that, she made sure to rip out some of her own hair (with the roots attached, since the roots are what contain DNA) and wrap it around the ring so that it could be definitively tied to her and let investigators know that she was there in his car. At that point she clearly knew her fate, and wanted to do everything she could to bring this monster down.

[@juliecooper3989]

Poor girl was let down badly. it's absolutely heartbreaking and shocking.

[@AJF66OG]

This is so sad. When they pulled him in for questioning, they should of had the husband and father come in to question him with the shovel from evidence in the room.

[@ChelseaBrooke]

Oh my god. I’ve never been so angry and upset listening to a story. She had SO many chances to be saved. I have no other words

[@kokoskokso]

This case is infuriating. I've seen it on other channels too and Denise as a cop's daughter did all the right things to maximize her chances to survive. Even left traces in his car and wherever they went (I remember her wedding ring specifically which she hid in the car so he cannot find it but she knew the cops would, as proof she was here and it was him who hurt her). There was also the issue of two neighboring counties incl. dispatchers in them not passing information to each other. When he crossed the county lines, he basically got them off his back a bit. Such a tragedy, 911 has Denise's blood on their hands. To think her Dad has served to protect his community his whole life only to be let down in such a major way the one time when his family needed help.. I hope he can live the rest of his days in some sort of peace. Not sure if I could. RIP Denise, what a remarkable woman at 21 already.

[@iamdamore]

Exactly!!!!

[@michelleveronikas4779]

Same. I am so pissed and ???. They had so many chances. 😢

[@billbillinger2117]

Same, absolutely fuming. I know they have a script of sorts they have to adhere to...but it was more rhan obvious how much distress and fear the woman was exhibiting. I can only hope the dispatch lost her job and any further employment in the field.

[@cherryexpressions]

😢

[@DueWhatThouWilt]

That cousin not calling right away is absolutely baffling!

[@burialdrip723]

Yeah I think he should be charged with something. Not only did he see the struggling screaming woman, he gave him tools to bury her.

[@BigfootBottler-rc8te]

Especially after he borrowed a flashlight , a gas can and a shovel.

[@ashleytrytsman3545]

​@@burialdrip723...seems like aiding and abetting a criminal, he should have faced serious jail time...

[@GilesWendes]

criminal

[@ashkebora7262]

The ONLY thing I could even possibly think of to excuse is if he had _severe_ anxiety issues, but... I mean, if he's out and about and _eventually_ making phone calls, maybe some weird OCD-like thing where he HAD to finish other things before he could even process an emergency? Otherwise complete and utter negligence. Even if he does have some explanatory issue, he should definitely get some court-mandated meds so he can freaking help someone literally screaming at him for it...

[@kristendigioia4152]

This case has always haunted me more than any others. She did everything she possibly could to save herself, multiple people called 911 and gave significantly helpful leads, and she still didn't make it. Absolutely haunting

[@ResinAlchemist2024]

The 911 call of Nate telling his child " I don't know where Mommy is" is heartbreaking. Just a father deeply worried trying to report his wife missing, while trying to maintain as much of an unalarming tone as he can in order to not scare their child. Yet let 911 know this is serious.

[@mcoofannoyingperson7069]

This may be controversial, but the guy who let him drive away with the kidnapped women screaming for help should be charged with something. If he had called the police straight away she would likely still be alive. It’s like letting a drunk person drive but only reporting it after they have crashed.

[@arkainin4638]

I said this in another comment, in much more detail, so I'll be more brief here. Most people like to think that when faced with a situation like that they'd launch into action and be the hero. They'd make the right moves, not doubt themselves, and save the day. Simple truth is that 90% of us would stand there stuck dumb, and then self-doubt ourselves into not doing anything. Until you've been in a situation like that, I don't think it's right to judge it. The guy had his daughter call the cops right away. He then called later as well to make sure. Yeah, I wish he had acted faster. I bet he does too. But we're only human and self-doubt and fight or flight can make one rationalize all sorts of things.

[@kenw2225]

Well considering how bad dispatch blew it. I doubt anything changes if he does call. They'd have been like oh , I'll blunder this 100% as bad as I possibly can. They had so many chances already. Information wasn't lacking.

[@NatureLover-62]

@mcoofannoyingpe, I agree wholeheartedly!! The father provided the tools to kill Denise Amber Lee so he IS an accessory. As for what the general public would, I believe that most people would step in and take action as the cousins daughter did as she knew something was not right and made that call to 911. The cousin didn’t act for hours later due to King being a relative, most likely. I think that the general public would act and not stand by and do nothing.

[@dae4444]

Yes what he did or didn't do is so wrong but what would be the charge? He didn't do anything illegal

[@e4m7g6]

I wouldn't have done anything. It's called minding my own business.

[@iminyourhousebro]

Havent been this disappointed from a case in awhile, how do you not save her with a damn near live play by play of her locations

[@no_peace]

And they had helicopters looking for her??

[@kokoskokso]

This case is infuriating. I've seen it on other channels too and Denise as a cop's daughter did all the right things to maximize her chances to survive. Even left traces in his car and wherever they went (I remember her wedding ring specifically which she hid in the car so he cannot find it but she knew the cops would, as proof she was here and it was him who hurt her). There was also the issue of two neighboring counties incl. dispatchers in them not passing information to each other. When he crossed the county lines, he basically got them off his back a bit. Such a tragedy, 911 has Denise's blood on their hands. To think her Dad has served to protect his community his whole life only to be let down in such a major way the one time when his family needed help.. I hope he can live the rest of his days in some sort of peace. Not sure if I could. RIP Denise, what a remarkable woman at 21 already.

[@scottnito2640]

What about the guys brother that just stood there and watched him throw her back in the car. This is very upsetting

[@VioletJoy]

​@@kokoskoksoIt doesn't really make any difference, but it was her promise ring that he had given her when they were younger. She had never taken it off, even after getting married. 😥

[@kokoskokso]

@@VioletJoy oh yeah you're right, it was a promise ring! I've seen her case a while ago so I didn't remember exactly.. Thanks for that! There was a story around the promise ring and how she used it and other stuff to convict the creeper, I wish Mike had included those details too.

[@whilewereaway]

As a mother, this one hit so hard. She fought with everything she had to save herself. In the end she knew she wasn't going to see her children again. Devastating.

[@videovedo36]

This is one of those that are unacceptably enraging. I have no words.

[@westleyjay]

The 911 cluster aside, DAMN it Harold! WTF were you thinking?!!

[@boathousejoed1126]

F Harold,he'd be receiving some special attention if it were one of mine.

[@alekhidell3644]

It makes me wonder if Harold had had a few run-ins with the law (possibly even an outstanding warrant) and didn't want to bring attention to himself.

[@rabbitttz]

@@alekhidell3644this is exactly it, I’m sure. I’d hope they wouldn’t be worried about his warrants at a time like this but you never know with these people. Edit: not that him going to jail matters, I’m js. He should’ve gone to jail anyways.

[@TheMissuz82]

As a man with a daughter himself, how could the cousin not call the police IMMEDIATELY….or stop him from leaving or try to get her from him….he had the best opportunity to save her out of everyone else and he chose to be pathetic instead. RIP 😢

[@knowyourlove5613]

It felt like I heard it in the daughter’s voice. Like I don’t really have a dad, I don’t have a protector. It was probably terrifying for her. I hope she’s doing well.

[@TheMissuz82]

@@knowyourlove5613 absolutely…. I would be disgusted and would probably never speak to my father ever again if it was me.

[@cuppycakey5013]

Exactly, he was a coward and could have saved a young mother’s life, but he did NOTHING.

[@M8ze879]

He should be prosecuted for aiding his cousin in the murder

[@burialdrip723]

I think he should get charged, he literally saw his family member abduct a woman and aided him.

[@sleepycanna]

So heartbreaking. But it goes to show how powerful women can be; Denise, the teenager, and the female 911 caller all held up this case and got justice for someone who should still be here.

[@squirrelmanning7889]

The 911 operator was rubbish!

[@christinapaterno5585]

I am a woman. Everyone in my life who has shown me mercy, helped me to achieve something, given me some kind of break or help in some instance, believed in me, etc have 95% been women. We are amazing. Women are amazing.

[@magzzzzers]

This is my greatest fear, I'm so heartbroken for Denise! And her poor family! What a tough woman, though. She fought so hard. It's awful that none of her efforts were enough to save her. RIP Denise 🩷

[@011KiKi]

I loudly gasped when I heard how it ended. I was fully expecting her to be saved as so many people called 911 with useful details. Wow, this is such a tragedy :(

[@buschovski1]

Me too. I was thinking it would turn out ok. God what a dirty monster.

[@linda51464]

​@@buschovski1I did too for a second...... until I considered that I was listening to "That Chapter." Then I realized her fate 😔

[@CrimsonCrowess]

I could see it coming, unfortunately. with all of the bullshit happening around the case - Harold just stands by and watches it happen, the dispatcher who couldn't handle the situation - I couldn't see it ending any other way.

[@dena81]

Same. I feel my heart drop. It was like watching a movie, hoping the good people helping would be in time to find her alive.

[@maryinsanfrancisco]

Same. Audibly gasped in my car. Now I feel sad and angry.

[@aramirez320]

What's even more sad is Denise hid her ring that she was known to always wear in his car. She knew it was going to end badly. This case always frustrated me. Much love to an amazing Mom & Wife Denise

[@stephenmoerlein8470]

Those negligent dispatchers should be held culpable. Thanks for remembering Amber Lee and her tragic, avoidable ending.

[@WKellyJW]

This is the reason why I respect Mike. He has respect and cares about the feelings of all of us especially the family. So Sad.

[@WKellyJW]

When the other inmates find out what he did they will take care of him.

[@MiraLee53]

Her husband started The Denise Amber Lee foundation speaks at 9-1-1 trainings and confrences to help stop this from happening to others. I have seen him many times at them. Still to this day! Very kind man.

[@blazefairchild465]

So sad for her family especially two boys who missed out on their mother.

[@marshaklein8425]

I've been an emergency call taker and radio controller for two UK police forces. It can be difficult getting relevant information from, understandably, hysterical callers but the female driver wasn't hysterical in any way, she was calm and giving good information. It's not an easy job, the training I had for both police forces was extensive. One for for a small regional force and the other was for the British Transport Police. Even once training was over we always sat with an experienced buddy for some time after. Obviously policing in the UK has some major differences from the USA. UK forces will normally just have one central control room, possibly two at most, you don't just have a couple of people working out of a police station. It can be stressful, it takes experience to take a deep breath, cut out everything around you and ask who? what? where?, when? why? and how? Everything you need lies in those questions but it can be difficult to keep people on track. You need to be able to do all of this in 90 seconds. At the same time your mind is thinking, what will we need? Dogs, helicopter, TFU? It's not for everyone, there is usually a high turnover rate of staff because you need to put it all out of your mind and do it all over again the next day. If you allow yourself to think too much, to become invested then you just couldn't do it. I think it can be easy to be critical of call handlers but you don't know their level of experience or training. The 911 handler wasn't great but I've heard much worse whilst listening to this channel. It still remains the best job I ever had. I'm glad to hear that this dreadful case has led to better advice and training for 911 operators in the USA, it's just sad that it took something like this to make it happen. My advice would always be to seriously consider whether you can handle a call from someone whose having the most horrific day of their life. If you hesitate or think "yeah, maybe" then don't even apply for the job.

[@MiraLee53]

@@marshaklein8425 i have been a police/fire/ems dispatcher for almost two decades, so i have some understanding of the matter as well. i also have have sat through the Denise Amber Lee training. There was alot of mistakes made from multiple agencies, the perfect storm .. we must review calls like this and others , including our own so we can be better trained.

[@cynthiaadkins-zj9ut]

@@marshaklein8425, I've listened to a lot of 911 calls from both the US and the UK over the years and am always very impressed with the UK emergency call handlers compared to the ones here in the US. They seem particularly adept with children who call for help remaining calm and comforting while obtaining the information needed to get help ASAP.

[@cUser691]

@MiraLee53 That her husband speaks at conferences is important. Presenting at conferences for 911 operators is meaningful as they’re [they are] frontline. Denise fell through the cracks in this case. Sad.

[@BertLensch]

I find it absolutely laughable that someone who brutally murders anyone has the balls to call death by lethal injection a cruel and painful punishment. I don't think his victim had any say in how she spent her last moments, so why would he even think that plea would get any sympathy? Absolutely loving the podcast by the way!

[@cesarincamendozaloyola4407]

It is, in fact, less cruel than gas asphyxiation.

[@miad5392]

I agree...she was in terror her last hours.

[@m1ssjuju]

Exactly! I suppose these POS pull at everything they can for leniency. Tragic case..

[@FuhrerHeisen]

@@Uomo_Universale for real in Japan they don't ever tell you and there are no appeals

[@roxyamused]

bert. bert bert bert bert bert bert bert bert lols bert bert bert

[@MrAwesomeone]

The cousin is practically an accomplice, i wish he could be charged for not stepping in

[@perkyperkins7456]

This woman was surrounded by angels that kept trying divine intervention. So sad 😢

[@steinarlarsen9899]

No, she was surrounded by incompetence

[@perkyperkins7456]

@@steinarlarsen9899 I don’t disagree

[@CrabbyEmpath]

I used to be a 911 operator and this is so upsetting. Even with the first call it was obviously a time to just be quiet and listen to everything said vs asking that many questions. Disturbing the lack of training and common sense.

[@lisabelle7553]

And she lacked human decency. Zero compassion in her tone, just repeatedly demanding, "ma'am what is your address?"

[@TerryD5000]

99% of the times we see this happening with the 911 operator it is usually an older white or black woman. maby its not a good job for women.

[@mitzloo1933]

@@TerryD5000The 911 dispatcher who told someone whose friend had been shot to deal with it herself after she cussed due to the horrible situation was a dude. I’ve heard many terrible 911 calls - a lot of zombies doing that job unfortunately, but it is a job women with souls are very capable of doing.

[@lauralishes1]

US dispatchers are notoriously incompetent

[@erockstoenescu6171]

Women shouldn’t be allowed to be 911 dispatchers, they are not built to handle stressful life & death situations. I’ve seen so many cases where they get flustered and/or do the bare minimum when victims could’ve been saved. Makes me so upset

[@saraseveryn8650]

How ironic... this was the best case scenario in terms of a kidnapping and the possibility of being saved! It was playing out in real time... so many chances to help save this woman... and yet the events played out tragically.

[@kpal2946]

This one hit hard. May Denise rest in peace.

[@jenniferb2763]

You're a wonderfully compassionate man and it shows so well in your episodes. Thanks Mike

[@jennsem476]

I'm currently in school for 911 training and they speak of this case and the foundation. Very impactful. Tragic case. Her family has honored her in the best of ways.

how do you think the dispatcher should’ve responded other than alerting the cops in the area?

[@tomoda7602]

What stupid question should you have asked other than this one?@

how about you chill for a second? I was genuinely curious how a dispatcher is instructed during training to respond when a witness asks if they should follow the perpetrator or not. hope you enjoy the plethora of smart questions you come up with in your life. @@tomoda7602

[@mnschoen]

Oh, do schools give out 911 degrees now? Interesting.

[@efereiro5809]

Do you know if she was fired?

[@billybigbollox]

As soon as I heard the emergency call handlers voice I knew they weren’t taking it seriously. I’ve been there, brings back memories. I called the police once to report an unusual, gruesome fight. They laughed at me. 3 months later murder detectives were calling me to ask what I had seen.

[@katraylor]

"Hello?... Hello?...Hello?...What's your address?" What the hell kind of person must that operator have been?

[@marshaklein8425]

That's horrifying, I'm so sorry. I did this job in the UK and the idea of laughing at any caller is just unforgivable. Policing here is different in some ways to the USA but it seems that in some situations it's just a couple of people in a police station whereas , in the UK, most forces will have one, at most two central control rooms. I received really good, intensive training and one of the first things I was taught was, "what if this was you that was calling? How would you want to be treated?" I don't think all forces are equal. I didn't have great experiences dealing with the Metropolitan police in particular, and I was calling from another police force so God alone knows what they were like with the public

[@lainiwakura1776]

At that point I've be asking for a name and their supervisor and if that didn't work, I'd contact the media.

[@audreymuzingo933]

I had a similar situation just a couple weeks ago, when I called because a woman or child was screaming in terror outside late at night. I don't believe the police ever arrived, even after I called a second time (about 20 minutes after my first call). The second dispatcher snottily said, "Okay, Ma'am? Do you realize it is Mardi Gras season?" -I'm in Mobile, AL, of course I fuh king know it's Mardi Gras season. Oh by the way there's a police academy only a block away. But a human being in clear distress takes zero prioritiy compared to protecting PROPERTY. That's what the police are really for, in case anyone didn't know.

[@JenOween]

​@@lainiwakura1776 you'd all for their name and supervisor from the backseat of a car while you were on your kidnapper's phone, huh?

[@tracey8698]

I cant imagine how terrified she must of been,getting taken from her house and knowing her kids were left alone at home,this is all so terrible from start to finish she tried everything she could to survive this and to be found but still ended up deceased,rip

[@dswilliams2686]

Amazing how many people tried to help while the people being paid to help did pretty much nothing but make things worse. I hope none of them sleep at night.

[@GGaemer]

this girl is a soldier, the phone call thing was brilliant.

[@miffypiku1539]

Agreed. There were so many chances for her to be saved and nothing was done.

[@LittlelauraMJ]

Also, what a damn relationship! They knew each other so well that he immediately knew there was a problem when he walked in and called 911 right away

[@lauralishes1]

Um yeah, the babies were left alone, it was kind of obvious

[@macabrejae1814]

​@@lauralishes1he said before he entered the house he knew something was wrong. The kids being alone were his last sign to call.

[@thecatatemyhomework]

Because the windows were closed and earlier she said she would open them. That's the first thing I would notice too and say what's going on here.

[@user-ms6zy6qj8i]

That chapter is the best thing on youtube, excellent research, excellent format and an outstanding presenter with Mike..highlight of my week this channel. I have tried other similar channels, but none come close to this..imo

[@The_Crab_Whisperer]

That was infuriating to listen to. She should have been saved.

[@helenwright6840]

This one hit hard. Those who did all they could and those that didn't. Heart goes out to her family.

[@courtney7027]

It hit very hard. So so sad!!

[@Sara.Rose.]

Yes, very very sad. Poor girl, she tried everything possible - again and again. It was so close, yet so far. When the caller said, “he’s turning on Toledo Blade...”, I was so hopeful about the outcome

[@Momoftwoboysandonecat]

This case is BEYOND frustrating and infuriating.

[@Gemma2269]

Horrifying how so many people failed her.

[@iameileen___6689]

Devastating. I hoped til the last minute she made it... it's heartbreaking

[@NecrOphelia747]

Oh my god. I can’t imagine. Seeing people trying to help you, knowing you’ve been seen and heard and still you end up dead. Truly a horrific nightmare.

[@livingauthenticallyonmyownterm]

Denise tried SO hard to survive and go home to her family. People had SO many times to help her and save her life. The Uncle and the 911 Dispatcher will have to live with what they did for the rest of their life. Thank God for the lady driving and hearing Denise crying for help. I’m glad she stepped up. Rest in Power Denise! I admire your strength to fight so you wouldn’t die. You did everything right, and I’m so sorry people dropped the ball and contributed to your death. I hope the children are healing. ❤️‍🩹😪🥺

[@litlgiblet]

Just so gut wrenching to hear all those calls. Heartbreaking.

[@stephannielee2182]

Sounds like you need to do some forgiving for the “people who dropped the ball and contributed to her death”. I don’t know what “rest in power” means and I don’t know any one named power. I do hope she was a Christian because she then will be with Jesus her Savior, and with God. Please pray for the ones you say “contributed to her death and please pray for the Uncle and the 911 operator”. Everyone makes mistakes. Every one deserves forgiveness. They deserve to be able to forgive themselves. Hopefully, they will receive help, prayers, training, counseling, and forgiveness. I hope when you mess up really badly and you will, every one does at some point in their life, that you will also receive forgiveness. If you don’t forgive others then you will not be forgiven. Matthew 6:14,15 “If you forgive people when they sin against you, God will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive people their sins, God will not forgive your sins”.

[@susanmiller6023]

Mike, I am thankful for your delivery of cases like this 😢

[@tiffanylouise8705]

Okay this case really pissed me off. This could have had a different outcome and it infuriates me that this sick pos was able to murder this poor young woman. My heart breaks for her husband, father and kids and the rest of the people in her life. So heartbreaking.

[@xensonar9652]

I swear to god, if that was my daughter, Harold would need witness relocation.

[@tomsinter2869]

My thoughts exactly!

[@boathousejoed1126]

I would find out the biggest,baddest dude in that prison and let him know his commissary account would never be empty.

[@RillaGorilla420]

@@boathousejoed1126Harold was the brother of the killer. The one who did nothing to save this woman who was clearly is great distress at the hands of his own brother.

[@Hollylivengood]

That's what I was thinking too. It's Florida man, there's always a lake.

[@Robin-xt7yo]

@@RillaGorilla420 Cousins, Harold was a cousin to the killer. But yeah he did nothing to help despite witnessing the abduction.

[@PepitoBadHat]

She did everything she could. So many things that should have saved her. But everyone else let her down. She fought so hard to live

[@Eye2Sky4U]

Wow, so many people could've saved her life 😢 this story is so sad. Thanks Mike for always bringing us great cases as sad as they may be. You're the best!

[@shellieschenck1539]

Ive been binge watching your stories since i subscribed and Liked this morning. So far every story completes what i have heard on 911 calls online as well as bits of true stories. You are by far THEE BEST 👌 👍 ThankYou

[@HanktheWonderDog]

My heart goes out to Denise's family, her husband and children. I cannot imagine their anguish, God love her, such a brave lady.

[@AnnaPayne994]

This is one of the first true crime stories I remember hearing about. Honestly, I don’t know why, but I can never listen to this story. She did everything she could to save herself. It’s so heartbreaking.

[@denisehagwood4542]

They need to charge the braindead 911 operator *and* the POS loser who stood there and just watched her get abducted like it was a fucking TV show. She begged him to call the cops and instead he called his daughter and told her about it like it was town gossip. "I just saw a woman being violently abducted and she begged me to call the cops, so crazy right?? I dunno, I should probably call 911 but I'm not super comfy with that so... Eh, she'll be fine, whatever. I'm going to the store later, you need anything?"

[@benmcreynolds8581]

Yeah this one got to me the first time I heard it. It really makes you feel like you can do everything right if you've been abducted and so can bystanders YET it all means NOTHING because 911 officer's fail at utilizing such useful info. It made me so mad at the failures of the 911 systems and feel hopeless that if someone else was in that situation it would happen again and that's gut wrenching

[@kokoskokso]

@@benmcreynolds8581 This case is infuriating. I've seen it on other channels too and Denise as a cop's daughter did all the right things to maximize her chances to survive. Even left traces in his car and wherever they went (I remember her wedding ring specifically which she hid in the car so he cannot find it but she knew the cops would, as proof she was here and it was him who hurt her). There was also the issue of two neighboring counties incl. dispatchers in them not passing information to each other. When he crossed the county lines, he basically got them off his back a bit. Such a tragedy, 911 has Denise's blood on their hands. To think her Dad has served to protect his community his whole life only to be let down in such a major way the one time when his family needed help.. I hope he can live the rest of his days in some sort of peace. Not sure if I could. RIP Denise, what a remarkable woman at 21 already.

[@user-gr6og9dj7l]

This guy is good. Dead Bug Says, That Chapter and Coffee House Crime. Top three.

[@WillRoan]

Amazing storytelling, Mike. What a gut wrenching tragedy.

[@thirdlegstalliano]

My wife of 19 years passed away in January at the age of 49 from a rare form of heart failure. I still can't believe she's gone. She and i have followed and subscribed to your channel since you started and I know she'd be in total agreement with me when I say I love you, bro. Keep being the best true crime content creator on KZbin.

[@victoriastone2975]

Oh I’m sorry. Did she have a history of heart issues? If not, I hope it wasn’t vaccine related. Not the point though (I’m vaccinated). I’m just so sorry - 49 is young!

[@siobhanrose1680]

I’m so sorry for your loss ❤

[@lordrosemount]

Very sorry to hear about this. You are right, though, that this is a channel that can bring families together. Mike has the right takes and doesn't get political. I hope you are grieving in as much comfort as would be reasonable. You will meet again.

[@pattycatbeebop]

❤

[@HealingHappyAli]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing a bit about her with us.

[@mothermayhem1566]

I forgot just how bad the cops screwed this up. This broke my heart all over again listening to her begging for help. She should still be here

[@richardluck]

i’ve never wanted to pull the switch on someone more than this guy

[@stephannielee2182]

Nathan, I am so very sorry for the your loss of your wife Denise - I am so sorry what your precious wife went through. I am proud of you for the things you are doing to help 911 operators. My son became a 911 operator for about two years before becoming a Police Officer for the City of Cincinnati in Ohio. Thank you for all your work. May God bless you and your boys.

[@natashiam7021]

Imagine doing everything right in this situation and still your failed! This is so sad. Shout out to everyone that tried their best by calling 911 to help this poor girl!

[@blackout6919]

Im surprised he didn't mention how the husband and her father sued the sheriff's office for their mess up and won. Which is what helped start the foundation for her.

[@El_Ophelia]

Is this how they were able to start the foundation? Were they awarded a payment or judgment from the county against the police department?

[@blackout6919]

@El_Ophelia yes they were awarded a settlement, and it helped start the foundation.

[@shelleynobleart]

Fitting tribute to this extraordinary young woman from her loved ones.

[@Arly_deconstructs]

This case frustrates me to no end! The incompetence of the operators, both the one that took her call and the witness’s is staggering, truly mind boggling. She did everything right and created all possible opportunities for herself to get help and no one came. Truly horrific that a mom at home with her babies is a target. She’s a year younger than me and it hurts my heart that she didn’t get to raise her babies and live out her life.

[@wanimalus]

It's incredibly frustrating and heartbreaking when systems designed to help fail those in need, especially when someone like Kelsey did everything she could to seek assistance and protect herself and her children. The tragic outcome highlights the urgent need for improvements in emergency response protocols and support systems for victims of domestic violence.

[@zippityzoop1478]

@@wanimalus her name’s Denise

[@tomfromoz8527]

@@zippityzoop1478 It looks like that comment is about a whole different video! *Pam*

[@lynsaysutcliffe]

​@@wanimalusplus the poor lady, who called 911 as she'd driven accidentally into a river flooding. That dispatcher literally took the mick out of her and she drowned. That dispatcher is still working her "job" (she was delivering papers....the driver and she couldn't swim. That call (urmaker) is harrowing and vile.

[@michaelcro2941]

It's like the 911 operator had around the same IQ as the killer it's just infuriating

[@Keirnoth]

we need the same kind of scrutiny on 911 dispatchers as we do with police officers. That dispatcher who dropped the ball on this whole thing needs to be held accountable for her screw-ups. This is not the first time something like this happened, this is not going to be the last either. dispatchers need to be placed on the same level accountability as first responders because they're screw-ups can cost innocent lives.

[@sweetcorn8166]

I have been loving your channel lately...almost have watched all of the episodes...and I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your personality

[@erikamccarthy1457]

2/22/24 You nailed it “This Dark Ass Tale Started” lack of communication btwn 911 & LE not knowing connected may of been saved, dispatcher didn’t write any info down. Love to Family!!

[@aaronwatson6183]

Classic Dispatch when someone is screaming for their life. "Hello? HeLLO? HELLLLLOOOOOOO? "

[@kokoskokso]

Eejits. Clearly Denise could not talk freely and the dispatcher shouldn't have shouted her lame HELLOOO because the kidnapper could've heard her and ended the call. But you'd need brains to come to that realization.

[@lynnb5726]

The dispatcher who answered her call was horrible!

[@Tim-57]

She came around and realized what was happening, it was the last one who totally botched it.

[@andrewknaff9220]

“I’m not intelligent enough to be held account for my actions” is a really odd defense tactic.

[@donnajoyner8907]

Thanks! I love your videos! Been a subscriber for quite a while now. Keep up the good work!!

[@yosephmayfield8]

I said this the first time i heard about this case, that 911 operator thinking others were writing stuff down or taking action and they didn’t input anything enrages me. To the lady that was trying to keep an eye out on the road. Thank you most wouldn’t have even done that today

[@vanessadacenzo5764]

This story is devastating. 21 yrs old and mom of 2. So many opportunities to get help, so many balls dropped. Hurts my heart.

[@matthallett4126]

Some of these 911 operators are so terrible at their jobs, they'd be fired after a week working at a drive through.

[@sweetmissypetuniawilson9206]

I would've quit had my incompetence ended another person! So tragic!

[@MamaTriedSolo]

But because she works for the police department, she was promoted.

[@CowToes]

Yup... thin blue line of stupidity.​@@MamaTriedSolo

[@flspacebear]

Really? You've obviously never had fast food. It's always garbage people working there.

[@EnfvntTerrible]

@@flspacebear someone's gotta feed your fat@ss, no need to talk down on fast food workers they're just trying to make a living dude.

[@Joycie]

Greetings Mike. This is the toughest one I’ve listened to in a long time. So many chances for her to be saved. Absolutely heartbreaking. I appreciate you bringing awareness to this case 😢

[@sardonicapple5369]

I remember watching someone else's take on this story and at the time, I thought it was so horrific. But with you I could only get halfway through because I already knew the outcome. So i took a break and watched the second half a few days later. I was just horrified by all the incompetence in the story by all parties involved. Such a tragic loss that could have been prevented five times over. Great job.

[@thatswhatshesold2368]

This is one of the stories that actually brought tears to my eyes. Hearing her 911 call just made it so real. Absolute tragedy 😢

[@kerrir5402]

This made me cry! I have been thinking about this all day. I cant believe his cousin was “uncomfortable” calling the cops, like WTF? The universe provided so many opportunities and individuals to help her and bring her back home to her babies! 😢

[@shoddypockets9666]

This is so distressing. All the close calls , all of the contact with the police during it all. That kind of real time progress reporting from the public is so rare! Harrowing story.

[@mothermayhem1566]

O shite!! I live right down the road from where this happened and I grew up in Englewood. Her dad used to arrest me when I was young and I hated him for it. After this though I felt so bad for him I couldn't hate him anymore. I also grew up and stopped getting in trouble. This was really hard on everyone here.

[@BLACNWYTE]

That poor woman having so many incompetent people involved, one not getting a eye withness to follow, one just keep saying hello when hearing the kidnapped person calling, a man who ignored seeing a woman screaming for help! what a awful excuse of so called emergency services!

[@alexatedw]

The eye witnesses are all idiots. Non of them are the type to jump into action. Weak

[@Kristie_H]

I heard of this case years ago & it’s always stuck with me. It’s heartbreaking. She tried SO hard to get help & get back home to her babies.😢 I can’t believe that despite her calling 911 herself AND the other calls, they still couldn’t save her.

[@shishkebab5306]

I wasn't notified of this video for some reason. I've checked and the notifications are still on?? Great video as always.

[@LeonardeMarco]

It's so aggravating to hear the unraveling of this case. Emergency Services' Dispatchers should be well trained and intellectually well-equipped to handle textbook situations as well as obscure situations such as this one. Denise didn't deserve to be let down the way she was.

[@kokoskokso]

Sometimes dispatchers are downright mocking people and not believing them. I remember the one time where a lady was drowning in her car in a flash flood and the dispatcher was mocking her while she was dying, and die she did. I know it's a hard job but there's too much at stake to allow the standards to drop this low.

[@Jo-vb9tm]

⁠​⁠@@kokoskoksomocking her? 😳 what was she saying? Is this from a series or where did you see this?

[@kokoskokso]

@@Jo-vb9tm type the following into the KZbin search, but be warned, it is disturbing: 911 dispatcher mocks drowning woman in her final moments

[@TheCGAILSMITH]

I seen it here on KZbin. It was truly sickening as well. They didnt take her serious until she was actualy drowning. If I were these dispatchers, I would never beable to live with myself. ​@Jo-vb9tm

[@ScalesOfLife]

12:47 absolutely love your narrative of Harold after hearing her say, call 911. How he would be thinking, “Huh call 911, what did she mean by that🤔 is it some kind of code?” Absolutely ridiculous he didn’t he didn’t help her or AT MINIMUM call 911 and tell them what he just saw!!!!

[@passionsquietrage]

How was he supposed to know it was actually a serious situation and that she had been kidnapped if his cousin had no history of violence or crime? How was he supposed to know that his cousin wasn't messing around with him? Harold did absolutely nothing wrong.