After the Argument: Akeera Shanks

In this episode of Hunting 4 Answers: On a dark October night in 2017, 29-year-old Akeera “Kee Kee” Shanks walked alone down a dimly lit road in Lehigh Acres, Florida after a heated argument with her ex-boyfriend. She stepped out of the car and disappeared into the night—unaware that she was moments away from tragedy. Akeera had been struck in a cold and callous hit-and-run, left abandoned on the side of the road. Who was behind the wheel? And why has no one come forward? Anyone with information about Akeera's case should contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). 

This is the story of Akeera Shanks. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Speaks to the Plannet.

Speaker 2 (00:01):
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(00:23):
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Speaker 1 (00:46):
Hunting for Answers is a production of the Black Effect
Podcast Network and iHeartRadio. Welcome to Hunting for Answers, a
true crime podcast. I'm your host, Hunter and today's case
takes us to floor a heartbreaking mystery that began on
a dark October night in twenty seventeen, a young woman

(01:08):
was struck down in a devastating hit and run. Who
was behind the wheel and why hasn't justice been served?
This is the story of Akira Shanks. It was the
night of October twenty second, twenty seventeen, and Lehi Acres, Florida,

(01:29):
twenty nine year old Akira Shanks, known to her loved
ones as Kiki, was walking home alone, unaware that every
step was bringing her closer to a tragic fate. Moments earlier,
in argument with her ex boyfriend had abruptly changed the
course of the night. Whatever was said in those heated

(01:51):
moments remains unknown, but what we do know is that
Akira made a pivotal decision. She got out of the
car and walked away on the dimly lit road with
her headphones in. She was lost in the music, unaware
of the danger that was closing in. When Akira's mother

(02:11):
couldn't reach her, panic set in a mother's instinct told
her something was wrong. She drove up and down the roads, searching, calling,
and desperate for any sign of her daughter, but the truth,
the horrifying truth, was in front of her the whole time,

(02:33):
and she had no idea. Akira's lifeless body was found
laying face down on the pavement for over a day
and a half before she was finally discovered by a
bicyclist on the side of the road. Her mother had
absolutely no clue. She had already driven past her daughter

(02:56):
several times. A driver had struck her and fled, leaving
Akira alone on the cold asphalt. The investigation started with urgency,
but hope faded just as quickly leeds dried up, no

(03:17):
witnesses came forward, the case turned cold, leaving a grieving
family with no closure. Akira's older sister, Tiana, refuses to
accept the silence. She remembers the last phone call Akira
made to their mother that night. Her and investigators hold

(03:37):
onto the belief that someone out there knows exactly what
happened to Akira, that someone holds the missing piece that
could bring closure to her case. However, tips are still
needed to help bring that person responsible to justice. Anyone
with information about Akira's case to contact the Southwest Florida

(04:00):
Crime Stoppers or their local authorities. A three thousand dollars
reward has been offered for any tip leading to the
arrest of Akira's killer. Their contact information can be found
in the description box below. My thoughts and prayers are
with the family and friends of Akira Shanks, especially as

(04:22):
they continue to fight for justice. As we wrap up
this episode, don't forget to hit the follow button to
stay updated on this case and others like it. Also,
be sure to subscribe to Hunting for Answers on YouTube
and stay connected with us on Instagram and TikTok. Thank
you so much for joining us on another episode. Until

(04:46):
next time. Hunting for Answers is a production of the
Black Effect Podcast Network. For more podcasts from the Black
Effect Podcast Network, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or

(05:10):
wherever you listen to your favorite shows.