Ep 4. No Ride Home

In season 1 episode 4 of Unsolved Mysteries, titled "No Ride Home," viewers are taken on a journey through the mysterious disappearance of Alonzo Brooks. On April 3, 2004, Alonzo attended a party in rural Kansas with a group of friends. He was one of the only Black men in attendance and he acted as the designated driver for his friends. However, towards the end of the night, Alonzo's friends lost track of him and he did not return home.

The episode begins with interviews from Alonzo's family members and friends who describe him as a loving, caring, and outgoing young man. They recall how he had a passion for basketball and was always willing to help others. Alonzo's mother, Maria Ramirez, discusses her unwavering determination to find out what happened to her son. She recounts how the police initially dismissed Alonzo's disappearance as a case of him simply having left on his own, but she knew that something was wrong.

As the investigation into Alonzo's disappearance continues, it becomes clear that there are many unanswered questions. Why did his friends not report him missing until the following morning? Why did they leave the party without giving him a ride home? And why did they claim to not have seen anything suspicious despite later admitting that there were racial tensions at the party?

The episode also explores the wider cultural and historical context of Alonzo's disappearance. It delves into the history of lynching and racial violence in the United States, highlighting how these injustices are still prevalent today. It raises questions about the role of law enforcement in protecting Black lives and whether or not Alonzo's disappearance was investigated thoroughly and fairly.

Throughout the episode, Alonzo's family members share their struggles to find answers and closure. They recount how they conducted their own search parties and distributed flyers, ultimately leading to the discovery of Alonzo's body weeks after his disappearance. The episode concludes with Alonzo's loved ones still seeking justice for his death and hoping that the truth will finally be revealed.

Overall, "No Ride Home" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that sheds light on the ongoing issue of racial violence in the United States. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking justice for those who have been harmed and how the fight for social justice is far from over. The episode also highlights the crucial role that media and investigative journalism play in uncovering the truth and holding those in power accountable.