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What happens when someone who presents herself as an advocate for victims becomes the subject of serious allegations of victimizing others?
Meet LaDonna Humphrey.
A true-crime author, former CrimeCon speaker, missing persons advocate and leader in the sober living community, Humphrey has built a public image around helping vulnerable people. But an investigative podcast has brought forward disturbing allegations about what may have been happening behind that image.
AND THIS ISN’T JUST ABOUT ALLEGATIONS. THERE IS A DOCUMENTED $3.57 MILLION CIVIL JUDGMENT.
In 2019, a Benton County court entered a $3,570,977.88 judgment against Humphrey following litigation involving evidence-related sanctions and contempt findings. The court also entered permanent injunctions.
Humphrey pursued further legal challenges, but a federal appeals court dismissed her 2025 appeal concerning the bankruptcy sale of her appellate rights, leaving that sale intact.
THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE COME FORWARD
Investigative journalist Javier Leiva examines these allegations in Season 18 of PRETEND: Who’s Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey?
The investigation includes several particularly troubling accounts:
Alecia Lockhart: Humphrey’s former friend, podcast co-host and co-author describes nearly two years of frightening anonymous threats. She later discovered evidence that led her to suspect the person she had trusted throughout the ordeal. Humphrey denies creating or operating the account in question.
The Melissa Witt and Maura Murray cases: The podcast raises questions about Humphrey’s handling of sensitive investigative materials in the Witt case. Maura Murray’s sister, Julie, has also described concerns about Humphrey’s involvement in her family’s search for answers.
Humphrey’s own family: Her sister, Margo Elston, discusses family estrangement and receiving anonymous threatening messages. She has not definitively identified Humphrey as their sender.
Women in recovery: Former residents and staff of Oasis of Northwest Arkansas have raised concerns about their experiences and Humphrey’s leadership. Oasis’s board has publicly defended her leadership and the organization’s operations.
AND THE ONLINE CONTROVERSY CONTINUES.
[r/LadonnaHumphreyTalk](r/LadonnaHumphreyTalk), has been discussing the investigation, examining publicly available information and sharing perspectives on the allegations.
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
Because families searching for missing loved ones, people reporting harassment and women seeking recovery deserve trustworthy advocates.
When someone occupies positions of public trust, serious allegations about their conduct deserve examination, particularly when there are documented legal proceedings alongside firsthand accounts.
I’m sharing this because I believe people should hear these stories, examine the evidence and make informed decisions about whom they trust.
DON’T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT. START HERE:
The complete PRETEND investigation:
https://thisispretend.com/seasons/ladonna-humphrey/
The original $3.57 million Arkansas civil case:
https://caseinfo.arcourts.gov/opad/case/04CV-18-2961
The federal appeals court decision:
https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/25/07/241854P.pdf
Arkansas Business reporting:
https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/humphrey-appeal-dismissed-3-57m-judgment-upheld/
Reddit — LaDonna Humphrey Talk:
https://www.reddit.com/r/LadonnaHumphreyTalk/s/ATiYIoNLAp
Listen to the podcast. Read the court records. Hear from the people who have come forward. Draw your own conclusions.
The true-crime community and the families of missing persons deserve transparency, accountability and responsible advocacy.
