December 5, 2024 • 21 mins
Tamara Greene, also known as "Strawberry" during her days as an exotic dancer, was fatally shot in 2003 - just months after she reportedly performed at a party held at the Manoogian Mansion in Detroit. While never officially confirmed, it was rumored that former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who had been elected the year prior, was in attendance.
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(00:00):
My mom was a very popular stripper in the early 2000s, and
as you can imagine, that industry meet a lot of powerful,
rich, famous people. My mom ended up having an affair
with the mayor of the city, who was married at the time.
So yeah, things got messy and the mayor of Detroit's wife
(00:25):
actually assaulted my mother. Instead of paying my mother hush
money, the mayor decided to pay off cops in the city to murder
my mother. Tamara Green burst onto the
scene on a frosty night in May of 76 in the gritty city of
Detroit, MI. Her mother, Brenda Green, toiled
(00:47):
as a solo provider for her offspring in their
underprivileged neighborhood on the rough east side of town.
Despite the hardships, young Tamara found solace and guidance
and Pastor Ken Hampton at Grace Bible Chapel.
But as she grew older and more aware of her family's struggles,
Tamara dreamt of escaping their impoverished lifestyle.
(01:09):
In high school, she became pregnant with her first child at
just 16 years old. But she persevered and graduated
in 1994, giving birth to anotherchild a year later.
Determined to break free from poverty, Tamara pursued a career
in nursing but needed money in the meantime.
(01:30):
That's when she turned to using her beauty to obtain material
possessions, a path that would lead her down a dangerous Rd.
According to T Jackson, the father of Tamara's daughter, she
fell into a life of drugs and fast money, running with
notorious dealers and spending time in strip clubs.
Little did she know this choice would ultimately cost her life.
(01:54):
She saw the easy money and it tempted her.
Welcome to No Tears for Black Girls, a true crime series
created, written and produced byaward-winning writer Jon
Reedberg and hosted by Samantha Paul.
With a naive disregard for her mother's warnings, Tamara
entered the world of exotic dancing.
(02:15):
She became known as Strawberry, a highly requested stripper in
Detroit's most popular clubs. But as her fame and fortune
grew, so did her clientele. Tamara's services were in high
demand, from local drug dealers to city officials and
politicians. Her boyfriend, Eric Biggie
Mitchell, was a local drug dealer who had no qualms about
(02:37):
her career. It has been rumored that one of
Tamara's prominent clients was the Attorney General and
gubernatorial candidate Mike Cox, who introduced her to a man
who would change her life forever.
Kwame Kilpatrick. An up and coming politician with
powerful parents and a promisingfuture, Kwame rose quickly
(02:57):
through the political ranks withhis mother, vacating her seat in
Congress to pave the way for hissuccess.
In 2001, he became a candidate for mayor of Detroit, facing off
against former police officer Gil Hill.
On New Year's Day 2002, Kwame Kilpatrick was sworn in as
mayor, but little did anyone know the scandals and corruption
(03:19):
that would soon be revealed During his time in office, as he
made his mark on the city, delivering fervent speeches to
the residents of Detroit and promising a brighter future as
their mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick seemed destined for political
greatness. He shared a similar trajectory
with a young Barack Obama, both seen as rising stars in the
(03:40):
Democratic Party. But in 2002, things took a dark
turn when Kwame began a torrid affair with Tamara Green, an
event that would go on to be oneof the most notorious scandals
in Detroit's history. It all started at the Minujian
Mansion, a grand home that had served as the residence for
(04:01):
mayors since the 1920s. Rumor has it that Kwame threw an
extravagant party there to celebrate his new role as the
city's youngest mayor, complete with drugs, alcohol and top
ranking strippers. During the wild festivities, all
eyes were on Kwame as he received a lap dance from his
(04:21):
favorite stripper, Strawberry, AKA Tamara Green.
But suddenly, the front door burst open and in walked Kwame's
wife, Carlita, who was supposed to be out of town at the time.
Enraged by what she saw, Carlitaattacked Tamara with a table leg
or some other blunt object. Security had to intervene and
(04:43):
escort Tamara out of the mansion.
But according to former Detroit EMS Lieutenant Michael Kearns,
things didn't end there. They received a call from a gas
station where a woman claiming to be Tamara Green reported
being attacked by the mayor's wife.
As paramedics treated her injuries.
She kept insisting that they couldn't get away with this and
(05:04):
that justice would be served. Despite Kwame's attempts to keep
the party under wraps, Secrets have a way of coming out in
politics. The media started investigating
reports of secret agreements andquestionable activities as they
delved into Kwame Kilpatrick's time as mayor of Detroit.
The controversy surrounding his notorious party was just one in
(05:27):
a series of scandals during his corrupt leadership.
But at first, all attention was on Tamara Green, a young woman
who had attended these wild gatherings at the historical
Manujian Mansion. Sandy Cardenas, a former police
dispatcher, recalled receiving numerous calls one night in 2002
about a disturbance at the mansion.
(05:49):
The responding officers were metwith locked doors and no
response from inside, despite hearing voices within.
Yet somehow, Kwame remained untarnished in the public eye,
painting himself as a devoted family man with a perfect image.
But those who were once close tohim knew the truth.
They saw the dark side of Kwame and feared that they might have
(06:12):
to resort to murder to keep his secrets hidden.
One such victim was police officer Harold Nelthrope, who
worked on Kwami's security team but soon realized he needed to
distance himself from the corruption.
While Kwami played up his charm and charisma on national TV
appearances, word spread throughout Detroit that he was
(06:34):
acting more like a ruthless mob boss than a mayor.
He used his power to extort money from local businesses and
funnel taxpayer dollars into hislavish lifestyle, buying
expensive cars, homes and trips for himself and his inner
circle. Corruption ran unchecked under
Kwame's rule. He controlled who received city
(06:54):
contracts and made millions off of it.
In short, if you wanted anythingdone in Detroit during Kwame
Kilpatrick's time as mayor, you had to pay him and pay him well.
He became drunk with power, believing he was above the law
and untouchable in his stronghold over the city.
It wasn't until years later thatthe full extent of his criminal
(07:17):
activities would come to light. Kwame was a powerful politician,
but he had a problem that could bring down his entire empire.
Tamara Green, an exotic dancer, demanded financial compensation
for her traumatic experience at the Manujian mansion.
She threatened to expose Kwame and others in his circle if he
(07:37):
didn't pay up. But as she shared her story with
family and friends, they warned her about playing a dangerous
game. Rumors circulated that Tamara's
baby girl, India, was fathered by none other than the mayor
himself. As their relationship
deteriorated, Tamara saw an opportunity to cash out on her
(07:58):
situation with the powerful politician.
However, this decision would ultimately lead to Tamara's
downfall. She began receiving ominous
threats via phone calls from unknown numbers.
Terrified for her life and no longer feeling safe in her own
home, she sought refuge with different family and friends.
(08:20):
Even the father of her child recalls being awoken multiple
times by Tamara seeking a safe place to stay.
Her pastor also received an urgent call from Tamara,
expressing how terrified she wasand desperately needing to meet
with him. Despite his suggestion to
involve the police, Tamara refused, claiming that those
(08:40):
threatening her had control overlaw enforcement.
But even with all of this turmoil in her life, Tamara
stayed focused on providing for her children.
She opened up a boutique dedicated to exotic dancer
attire and continued to make money through private parties
with her boyfriend, Eric Biggie Mitchell, by her side.
Little did she know, these ventures would ultimately lead
(09:02):
to her tragic demise. In the spring of 2003, Tamara
had a job working parties in Southfield, MI, but on this
particular night at the Residence Inn Hotel, things took
a dangerous turn. A short man with a dark past and
violent tendencies set his sights on Tamara, and when she
rejected him, he flew into a rage.
(09:25):
Her boyfriend, Eric Mitchell, came to her rescue, but it was
too late. The police were called but no
one was arrested and no report was filed.
Tamara's ex-boyfriend, Ernest Flagg would later recall how she
showed up at his door in the middle of the night, shaking
with fear and claiming to have been followed by an ominous van.
(09:47):
She confided in her mother abouther fears and premonitions, but
sadly they would come true on April 30th.
Leaving work at a club in the early hours of the morning with
Eric Mitchell, they pulled over to talk when a suspicious
vehicle approached them. Before they knew what was
happening, gunshots rang out andboth were hit multiple times.
(10:09):
Eric survived, but Tamara was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rumors began to spread about whocould have been behind the
vicious attack, but it became clear that Lil DA, notorious
drug dealer with a long standinggrudge against Eric Mitchell,
was responsible for Tamara's death.
They were locked in a bitter feud, each one determined to
(10:30):
take down the other. And in a cruel twist of fate,
the Red King finally got his chance to strike at his rival.
But instead of killing him, he took the life of an innocent
woman, Tamara Green. The murder seemed like a
textbook case of Detroit St. violence gone too far and LED
Detective Mike Carlisle was quick to point the finger at the
(10:51):
Red King. With evidence from an informant
who claimed the shooter had confessed during their time in
prison, and testimony from witnesses who saw a white Chevy
Trailblazer matching the description of the Red King's
girlfriend's car at the scene ofthe crime, it seemed like an
open and shut case. But despite all this, Derek King
(11:12):
was never charged with Tamara's murder.
As Detective Carlisle continued to pursue the Red King on other
charges, Derek maintained his innocence and even passed a lie
detector test proclaiming it. Meanwhile, Sergeant Marianne
Stevenson took over the investigation and began
uncovering new evidence that pointed towards a larger
(11:34):
conspiracy involving high-ranking officials in the
city. But as she reported her findings
to her superiors, things only seem to get more complicated and
suspicious. When she went to review the
homicide file on Tamara Green's case, she discovered key pieces
of evidence were missing, including a videotape that
(11:55):
showed Mayor Kilpatrick's personal protection unit and
Detroit police officers attending Tamara's funeral.
Despite denying any knowledge ofher or involvement in her death,
it became clear that there was more at play here than just a
simple St. Beef turned deadly, and as
Sergeant Stevenson delved deeperinto the case, she realized she
(12:18):
might be up against powerful forces that wanted to keep the
truth buried. Sergeant Stevenson's accusations
fell on deaf ears as she was abruptly reassigned to Precinct
9, known for housing officers who had fallen out of favor.
Her superior, Lieutenant Jackson, suffered the same fate
and was sent to a different precinct.
(12:39):
In their place came Lieutenant Alvin Bowman, who took command
of Squad 8 Homicide Unit with gusto.
He too would be met with resistance from those in power,
but it only fueled his determination to solve the
Tamara Green case. Despite subtle warnings from
superiors not to dig too deep, Lieutenant Bowman persevered and
(12:59):
unearthed new evidence surrounding Tamara's death.
The local news caught wind of the story and it gained
momentum, prompting the MichiganState Police to get involved in
a meeting on March 9th, 2004 with the commander of his unit
present. Lieutenant Bowman shared his
findings, including evidence that pointed to the Manujian
(13:20):
Mansion party being real and another stripper who had been
murdered in similar circumstances in Georgia.
Text messages between Kwame Kilpatrick and his Executive
Protection Unit on the night of Tamara's murder were brought to
light, along with information about the bullets used being
linked to the Detroit Police Department.
But just one day later, Lieutenant Bowman was relieved
(13:43):
of his duties by those in power who saw him as a threat.
The Michigan State Police's investigation into the case was
also shut down by Attorney General Mike Cox at the behest
of Mayor Kilpatrick. It was eventually transferred to
a cold case homicide unit led bySergeant Odell Gabo, but he too
faced pushback and was unable tosolve the Tamara Green puzzle.
(14:06):
The year was 2005 and the city of Detroit was embroiled in a
scandal involving its mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick.
A former police officer, Lieutenant Alvin Bowman had come
forward with accusations of corruption and a cover up in the
investigation of Tamara Green's murder.
As if that wasn't enough, the family of Tamara Green had also
(14:29):
filed a massive lawsuit against the city and the mayor himself,
seeking justice for their loved one's death.
Meanwhile, the mayor's politicalcareer was on shaky ground as he
faced numerous allegations of cheating and low approval
ratings. Despite this, he managed to win
re election in November of 2005,but not without controversy and
(14:52):
accusations of voter fraud. But this was just the beginning
of Kilpatrick's troubles. A civil lawsuit had been filed
by two former members of his executive protection unit,
alleging that their careers wereruined because Kilpatrick wanted
to hide his extramarital affairsand other illegal activities.
(15:13):
As investigations continued intohis administration's corruption,
it became clear that Kilpatrick's second term would
be just as tumultuous as his first.
And as more secrets came to light, it seemed like there was
no escaping the shadow of his past actions.
In 2007, a scandal rocked the city of Detroit.
(15:34):
Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his chief of staff Christine Beatty
were awarded millions in damages, but it would ultimately
cost them their careers and reputations.
The scandal began when it was revealed that the mayor and
Beatty had lied underoath about their relationship.
Text messages between the two were made public, leading to an
investigation and criminal charges.
(15:57):
Kilpatrick was convicted of perjury and obstruction of
justice and sentenced to four months in jail.
The pressure for him to resign grew, with even members of the
Detroit City Council calling forhis resignation.
But Kilpatrick refused to step down, even as more damning
revelations came to light. He was accused of assaulting a
(16:18):
Wayne County sheriff officer whoattempted to serve him with a
subpoena and behaving like a mobboss rather than a mayor.
As his political career crumbled, Kilpatrick gave a
defiant State of the City address on TV, declaring that he
wasn't going anywhere. But eventually, Governor
Jennifer Granholm became involved and worked to force him
(16:41):
out of office. Meanwhile, Tamara Green's family
continued to seek justice for her death.
Their lawyer claimed to have evidence that Kilpatrick ordered
her murder and covered it up. Later, in late 2011, Judge
Gerald Rosen ruled in favor of the city and all accusations
against Kilpatrick were dropped.Despite being found innocent,
(17:02):
both Kilpatrick and Beatty's reputations were tarnished
forever, and the pain caused by their actions would never be
forgotten by those affected. The case of Tamara Green had
finally received some semblance of justice in 2013, albeit
indirectly. The former mayor of Detroit,
Kwame Kilpatrick, who was forcedto resign in 2008 amid scandal
(17:26):
and corruption, found himself entangled in a web of legal
woes. Following numerous violations of
his federal probation, he was hit with an additional Rico
charge and sentenced to 28 yearsin prison.
His downfall from a promising politician to an inmate was
highly publicized, and even his once successful wife left him
(17:47):
while he served time behind bars.
But as the years passed, Kilpatrick's situation took a
turn for the unexpected when he received a pardon from President
Donald Trump thanks to lobbying from none other than celebrity
socialite Kim Kardashian. And as if that wasn't enough of
an insult to the family of Tamara Green, their hopes for
(18:08):
justice were slowly fading as all appeal options ran out.
Even offering a $100,000 reward for information on Greene's
death proved futile. After his release from prison,
Kilpatrick started a nonprofit organization and began preaching
as an ordained minister. But the shadow of his past crime
(18:29):
still loomed over him, and even after over 2 decades have passed
since Greene's mysterious death at the infamous Mnujian Mansion
party, her daughter Ashley Jackson has taken to social
media to share her story and demand answers.
With greed, lust, money and murder at its core, this case
(18:50):
continues to captivate the public's attention and could
easily be the plot of a Hollywood movie.
As the dust settled from the scandal ridden Minujian Mansion
incident, whispers of a deeper connection between Tamara Green
and Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick beganto surface.
Rumors swirled that Tamara had secretly given birth to the
(19:11):
mayor's child, threatening to destroy his carefully crafted
image as a family man. And when Tamara was brutally
murdered in a drive by shooting,many suspected it was not just a
random act of violence, but rather a targeted hit
orchestrated by the powerful politician.
But for Tamara's daughter, Ashley, the truth behind her
(19:33):
mother's death would remain elusive.
She lived with the constant reminder of her loss, bombarded
by media attention and false promises from journalists eager
for a story. While her siblings were
dispersed amongst different relatives after their mother's
passing, Ashley struggled to make ends meet and cope with the
(19:53):
knowledge that her life could have been so much different if
her mother were still alive. The circumstances surrounding
Tamara's death are shrouded in mystery, with various theories
circulating throughout Detroit. Some point to the infamous party
at the Minujian mansion as a possible motive.
While others believe it was related to the ongoing feud
(20:15):
between Eric Mitchell and the Red King Gang.
There is even speculation that Tamara's ex-boyfriend may have
played a role, especially after he disappeared with an expensive
BMW that Tamara helped him purchase.
But one thing is certain, TamaraGreen was a young woman caught
up in dangerous circles, pursuing wealth and happiness
(20:37):
for her family, and in the end, it cost her everything.
The case remains unsolved, leaving behind grieving loved
ones and a city haunted by yet another senseless tragedy.
Rest in peace, Queen Tamara Green, gone too soon at just 27
years old. Thank you for listening to No
(20:59):
Tears for Black Girls. Please download the Alive
Podcast app and follow us on allmajor podcast platforms to stay
updated with our latest content.If there is a topic or true
crime case that you would like us to cover, please send us an
e-mail at No Tears for blackgirls@gmail.com or visit
(21:20):
our website No Tears for blackgirls.com and leave us a
voice message through our contact page.
And always remember, stay loved,stay blessed and be safe.
My mom was a very popular stripper in the early 2000s, and
as you can imagine, that industry meet a lot of powerful,
rich, famous people. My mom ended up having an affair
with the mayor of the city, who was married at the time.
So yeah, things got messy and the mayor of Detroit's wife
(00:25):
actually assaulted my mother. Instead of paying my mother hush
money, the mayor decided to pay off cops in the city to murder
my mother. Tamara Green burst onto the
scene on a frosty night in May of 76 in the gritty city of
Detroit, MI. Her mother, Brenda Green, toiled
(00:47):
as a solo provider for her offspring in their
underprivileged neighborhood on the rough east side of town.
Despite the hardships, young Tamara found solace and guidance
and Pastor Ken Hampton at Grace Bible Chapel.
But as she grew older and more aware of her family's struggles,
Tamara dreamt of escaping their impoverished lifestyle.
(01:09):
In high school, she became pregnant with her first child at
just 16 years old. But she persevered and graduated
in 1994, giving birth to anotherchild a year later.
Determined to break free from poverty, Tamara pursued a career
in nursing but needed money in the meantime.
(01:30):
That's when she turned to using her beauty to obtain material
possessions, a path that would lead her down a dangerous Rd.
According to T Jackson, the father of Tamara's daughter, she
fell into a life of drugs and fast money, running with
notorious dealers and spending time in strip clubs.
Little did she know this choice would ultimately cost her life.
(01:54):
She saw the easy money and it tempted her.
Welcome to No Tears for Black Girls, a true crime series
created, written and produced byaward-winning writer Jon
Reedberg and hosted by Samantha Paul.
With a naive disregard for her mother's warnings, Tamara
entered the world of exotic dancing.
(02:15):
She became known as Strawberry, a highly requested stripper in
Detroit's most popular clubs. But as her fame and fortune
grew, so did her clientele. Tamara's services were in high
demand, from local drug dealers to city officials and
politicians. Her boyfriend, Eric Biggie
Mitchell, was a local drug dealer who had no qualms about
(02:37):
her career. It has been rumored that one of
Tamara's prominent clients was the Attorney General and
gubernatorial candidate Mike Cox, who introduced her to a man
who would change her life forever.
Kwame Kilpatrick. An up and coming politician with
powerful parents and a promisingfuture, Kwame rose quickly
(02:57):
through the political ranks withhis mother, vacating her seat in
Congress to pave the way for hissuccess.
In 2001, he became a candidate for mayor of Detroit, facing off
against former police officer Gil Hill.
On New Year's Day 2002, Kwame Kilpatrick was sworn in as
mayor, but little did anyone know the scandals and corruption
(03:19):
that would soon be revealed During his time in office, as he
made his mark on the city, delivering fervent speeches to
the residents of Detroit and promising a brighter future as
their mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick seemed destined for political
greatness. He shared a similar trajectory
with a young Barack Obama, both seen as rising stars in the
(03:40):
Democratic Party. But in 2002, things took a dark
turn when Kwame began a torrid affair with Tamara Green, an
event that would go on to be oneof the most notorious scandals
in Detroit's history. It all started at the Minujian
Mansion, a grand home that had served as the residence for
(04:01):
mayors since the 1920s. Rumor has it that Kwame threw an
extravagant party there to celebrate his new role as the
city's youngest mayor, complete with drugs, alcohol and top
ranking strippers. During the wild festivities, all
eyes were on Kwame as he received a lap dance from his
(04:21):
favorite stripper, Strawberry, AKA Tamara Green.
But suddenly, the front door burst open and in walked Kwame's
wife, Carlita, who was supposed to be out of town at the time.
Enraged by what she saw, Carlitaattacked Tamara with a table leg
or some other blunt object. Security had to intervene and
(04:43):
escort Tamara out of the mansion.
But according to former Detroit EMS Lieutenant Michael Kearns,
things didn't end there. They received a call from a gas
station where a woman claiming to be Tamara Green reported
being attacked by the mayor's wife.
As paramedics treated her injuries.
She kept insisting that they couldn't get away with this and
(05:04):
that justice would be served. Despite Kwame's attempts to keep
the party under wraps, Secrets have a way of coming out in
politics. The media started investigating
reports of secret agreements andquestionable activities as they
delved into Kwame Kilpatrick's time as mayor of Detroit.
The controversy surrounding his notorious party was just one in
(05:27):
a series of scandals during his corrupt leadership.
But at first, all attention was on Tamara Green, a young woman
who had attended these wild gatherings at the historical
Manujian Mansion. Sandy Cardenas, a former police
dispatcher, recalled receiving numerous calls one night in 2002
about a disturbance at the mansion.
(05:49):
The responding officers were metwith locked doors and no
response from inside, despite hearing voices within.
Yet somehow, Kwame remained untarnished in the public eye,
painting himself as a devoted family man with a perfect image.
But those who were once close tohim knew the truth.
They saw the dark side of Kwame and feared that they might have
(06:12):
to resort to murder to keep his secrets hidden.
One such victim was police officer Harold Nelthrope, who
worked on Kwami's security team but soon realized he needed to
distance himself from the corruption.
While Kwami played up his charm and charisma on national TV
appearances, word spread throughout Detroit that he was
(06:34):
acting more like a ruthless mob boss than a mayor.
He used his power to extort money from local businesses and
funnel taxpayer dollars into hislavish lifestyle, buying
expensive cars, homes and trips for himself and his inner
circle. Corruption ran unchecked under
Kwame's rule. He controlled who received city
(06:54):
contracts and made millions off of it.
In short, if you wanted anythingdone in Detroit during Kwame
Kilpatrick's time as mayor, you had to pay him and pay him well.
He became drunk with power, believing he was above the law
and untouchable in his stronghold over the city.
It wasn't until years later thatthe full extent of his criminal
(07:17):
activities would come to light. Kwame was a powerful politician,
but he had a problem that could bring down his entire empire.
Tamara Green, an exotic dancer, demanded financial compensation
for her traumatic experience at the Manujian mansion.
She threatened to expose Kwame and others in his circle if he
(07:37):
didn't pay up. But as she shared her story with
family and friends, they warned her about playing a dangerous
game. Rumors circulated that Tamara's
baby girl, India, was fathered by none other than the mayor
himself. As their relationship
deteriorated, Tamara saw an opportunity to cash out on her
(07:58):
situation with the powerful politician.
However, this decision would ultimately lead to Tamara's
downfall. She began receiving ominous
threats via phone calls from unknown numbers.
Terrified for her life and no longer feeling safe in her own
home, she sought refuge with different family and friends.
(08:20):
Even the father of her child recalls being awoken multiple
times by Tamara seeking a safe place to stay.
Her pastor also received an urgent call from Tamara,
expressing how terrified she wasand desperately needing to meet
with him. Despite his suggestion to
involve the police, Tamara refused, claiming that those
(08:40):
threatening her had control overlaw enforcement.
But even with all of this turmoil in her life, Tamara
stayed focused on providing for her children.
She opened up a boutique dedicated to exotic dancer
attire and continued to make money through private parties
with her boyfriend, Eric Biggie Mitchell, by her side.
Little did she know, these ventures would ultimately lead
(09:02):
to her tragic demise. In the spring of 2003, Tamara
had a job working parties in Southfield, MI, but on this
particular night at the Residence Inn Hotel, things took
a dangerous turn. A short man with a dark past and
violent tendencies set his sights on Tamara, and when she
rejected him, he flew into a rage.
(09:25):
Her boyfriend, Eric Mitchell, came to her rescue, but it was
too late. The police were called but no
one was arrested and no report was filed.
Tamara's ex-boyfriend, Ernest Flagg would later recall how she
showed up at his door in the middle of the night, shaking
with fear and claiming to have been followed by an ominous van.
(09:47):
She confided in her mother abouther fears and premonitions, but
sadly they would come true on April 30th.
Leaving work at a club in the early hours of the morning with
Eric Mitchell, they pulled over to talk when a suspicious
vehicle approached them. Before they knew what was
happening, gunshots rang out andboth were hit multiple times.
(10:09):
Eric survived, but Tamara was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rumors began to spread about whocould have been behind the
vicious attack, but it became clear that Lil DA, notorious
drug dealer with a long standinggrudge against Eric Mitchell,
was responsible for Tamara's death.
They were locked in a bitter feud, each one determined to
(10:30):
take down the other. And in a cruel twist of fate,
the Red King finally got his chance to strike at his rival.
But instead of killing him, he took the life of an innocent
woman, Tamara Green. The murder seemed like a
textbook case of Detroit St. violence gone too far and LED
Detective Mike Carlisle was quick to point the finger at the
(10:51):
Red King. With evidence from an informant
who claimed the shooter had confessed during their time in
prison, and testimony from witnesses who saw a white Chevy
Trailblazer matching the description of the Red King's
girlfriend's car at the scene ofthe crime, it seemed like an
open and shut case. But despite all this, Derek King
(11:12):
was never charged with Tamara's murder.
As Detective Carlisle continued to pursue the Red King on other
charges, Derek maintained his innocence and even passed a lie
detector test proclaiming it. Meanwhile, Sergeant Marianne
Stevenson took over the investigation and began
uncovering new evidence that pointed towards a larger
(11:34):
conspiracy involving high-ranking officials in the
city. But as she reported her findings
to her superiors, things only seem to get more complicated and
suspicious. When she went to review the
homicide file on Tamara Green's case, she discovered key pieces
of evidence were missing, including a videotape that
(11:55):
showed Mayor Kilpatrick's personal protection unit and
Detroit police officers attending Tamara's funeral.
Despite denying any knowledge ofher or involvement in her death,
it became clear that there was more at play here than just a
simple St. Beef turned deadly, and as
Sergeant Stevenson delved deeperinto the case, she realized she
(12:18):
might be up against powerful forces that wanted to keep the
truth buried. Sergeant Stevenson's accusations
fell on deaf ears as she was abruptly reassigned to Precinct
9, known for housing officers who had fallen out of favor.
Her superior, Lieutenant Jackson, suffered the same fate
and was sent to a different precinct.
(12:39):
In their place came Lieutenant Alvin Bowman, who took command
of Squad 8 Homicide Unit with gusto.
He too would be met with resistance from those in power,
but it only fueled his determination to solve the
Tamara Green case. Despite subtle warnings from
superiors not to dig too deep, Lieutenant Bowman persevered and
(12:59):
unearthed new evidence surrounding Tamara's death.
The local news caught wind of the story and it gained
momentum, prompting the MichiganState Police to get involved in
a meeting on March 9th, 2004 with the commander of his unit
present. Lieutenant Bowman shared his
findings, including evidence that pointed to the Manujian
(13:20):
Mansion party being real and another stripper who had been
murdered in similar circumstances in Georgia.
Text messages between Kwame Kilpatrick and his Executive
Protection Unit on the night of Tamara's murder were brought to
light, along with information about the bullets used being
linked to the Detroit Police Department.
But just one day later, Lieutenant Bowman was relieved
(13:43):
of his duties by those in power who saw him as a threat.
The Michigan State Police's investigation into the case was
also shut down by Attorney General Mike Cox at the behest
of Mayor Kilpatrick. It was eventually transferred to
a cold case homicide unit led bySergeant Odell Gabo, but he too
faced pushback and was unable tosolve the Tamara Green puzzle.
(14:06):
The year was 2005 and the city of Detroit was embroiled in a
scandal involving its mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick.
A former police officer, Lieutenant Alvin Bowman had come
forward with accusations of corruption and a cover up in the
investigation of Tamara Green's murder.
As if that wasn't enough, the family of Tamara Green had also
(14:29):
filed a massive lawsuit against the city and the mayor himself,
seeking justice for their loved one's death.
Meanwhile, the mayor's politicalcareer was on shaky ground as he
faced numerous allegations of cheating and low approval
ratings. Despite this, he managed to win
re election in November of 2005,but not without controversy and
(14:52):
accusations of voter fraud. But this was just the beginning
of Kilpatrick's troubles. A civil lawsuit had been filed
by two former members of his executive protection unit,
alleging that their careers wereruined because Kilpatrick wanted
to hide his extramarital affairsand other illegal activities.
(15:13):
As investigations continued intohis administration's corruption,
it became clear that Kilpatrick's second term would
be just as tumultuous as his first.
And as more secrets came to light, it seemed like there was
no escaping the shadow of his past actions.
In 2007, a scandal rocked the city of Detroit.
(15:34):
Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his chief of staff Christine Beatty
were awarded millions in damages, but it would ultimately
cost them their careers and reputations.
The scandal began when it was revealed that the mayor and
Beatty had lied underoath about their relationship.
Text messages between the two were made public, leading to an
investigation and criminal charges.
(15:57):
Kilpatrick was convicted of perjury and obstruction of
justice and sentenced to four months in jail.
The pressure for him to resign grew, with even members of the
Detroit City Council calling forhis resignation.
But Kilpatrick refused to step down, even as more damning
revelations came to light. He was accused of assaulting a
(16:18):
Wayne County sheriff officer whoattempted to serve him with a
subpoena and behaving like a mobboss rather than a mayor.
As his political career crumbled, Kilpatrick gave a
defiant State of the City address on TV, declaring that he
wasn't going anywhere. But eventually, Governor
Jennifer Granholm became involved and worked to force him
(16:41):
out of office. Meanwhile, Tamara Green's family
continued to seek justice for her death.
Their lawyer claimed to have evidence that Kilpatrick ordered
her murder and covered it up. Later, in late 2011, Judge
Gerald Rosen ruled in favor of the city and all accusations
against Kilpatrick were dropped.Despite being found innocent,
(17:02):
both Kilpatrick and Beatty's reputations were tarnished
forever, and the pain caused by their actions would never be
forgotten by those affected. The case of Tamara Green had
finally received some semblance of justice in 2013, albeit
indirectly. The former mayor of Detroit,
Kwame Kilpatrick, who was forcedto resign in 2008 amid scandal
(17:26):
and corruption, found himself entangled in a web of legal
woes. Following numerous violations of
his federal probation, he was hit with an additional Rico
charge and sentenced to 28 yearsin prison.
His downfall from a promising politician to an inmate was
highly publicized, and even his once successful wife left him
(17:47):
while he served time behind bars.
But as the years passed, Kilpatrick's situation took a
turn for the unexpected when he received a pardon from President
Donald Trump thanks to lobbying from none other than celebrity
socialite Kim Kardashian. And as if that wasn't enough of
an insult to the family of Tamara Green, their hopes for
(18:08):
justice were slowly fading as all appeal options ran out.
Even offering a $100,000 reward for information on Greene's
death proved futile. After his release from prison,
Kilpatrick started a nonprofit organization and began preaching
as an ordained minister. But the shadow of his past crime
(18:29):
still loomed over him, and even after over 2 decades have passed
since Greene's mysterious death at the infamous Mnujian Mansion
party, her daughter Ashley Jackson has taken to social
media to share her story and demand answers.
With greed, lust, money and murder at its core, this case
(18:50):
continues to captivate the public's attention and could
easily be the plot of a Hollywood movie.
As the dust settled from the scandal ridden Minujian Mansion
incident, whispers of a deeper connection between Tamara Green
and Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick beganto surface.
Rumors swirled that Tamara had secretly given birth to the
(19:11):
mayor's child, threatening to destroy his carefully crafted
image as a family man. And when Tamara was brutally
murdered in a drive by shooting,many suspected it was not just a
random act of violence, but rather a targeted hit
orchestrated by the powerful politician.
But for Tamara's daughter, Ashley, the truth behind her
(19:33):
mother's death would remain elusive.
She lived with the constant reminder of her loss, bombarded
by media attention and false promises from journalists eager
for a story. While her siblings were
dispersed amongst different relatives after their mother's
passing, Ashley struggled to make ends meet and cope with the
(19:53):
knowledge that her life could have been so much different if
her mother were still alive. The circumstances surrounding
Tamara's death are shrouded in mystery, with various theories
circulating throughout Detroit. Some point to the infamous party
at the Minujian mansion as a possible motive.
While others believe it was related to the ongoing feud
(20:15):
between Eric Mitchell and the Red King Gang.
There is even speculation that Tamara's ex-boyfriend may have
played a role, especially after he disappeared with an expensive
BMW that Tamara helped him purchase.
But one thing is certain, TamaraGreen was a young woman caught
up in dangerous circles, pursuing wealth and happiness
(20:37):
for her family, and in the end, it cost her everything.
The case remains unsolved, leaving behind grieving loved
ones and a city haunted by yet another senseless tragedy.
Rest in peace, Queen Tamara Green, gone too soon at just 27
years old. Thank you for listening to No
(20:59):
Tears for Black Girls. Please download the Alive
Podcast app and follow us on allmajor podcast platforms to stay
updated with our latest content.If there is a topic or true
crime case that you would like us to cover, please send us an
e-mail at No Tears for blackgirls@gmail.com or visit
(21:20):
our website No Tears for blackgirls.com and leave us a
voice message through our contact page.
And always remember, stay loved,stay blessed and be safe.
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