84: Cherish Perrywinkle

In this episode of 'Stolen Lives,' the host discusses the heartbreaking case of Cherish Perrywinkle, an eight-year-old girl who faced a tragic fate. Her chaotic childhood was marked by a custody battle between her parents, which ultimately granted her mother, Rain Perrywinkle, custody. Excited about a visit to see her father, Cherish disappeared just hours before her departure.
The night before her disappearance, Rain took Cherish and her sisters to a Dollar General store, where they encountered a man named Donald Smith. Posing as a helpful stranger, Smith offered a $150 gift card but lured Rain and her children to Walmart, where he gained Rain's trust. As the night progressed, suspicions arose about Smith's intentions when he suggested inappropriate items for Cherish and took her to the change rooms alone.
After suggesting to go to McDonald's for dinner, Cherish was last seen willingly leaving with Smith. Rain, panicked, alerted authorities when she realized Cherish was missing. An Amber Alert was issued several hours later, leading to a manhunt.
Smith was apprehended, and tragically, Cherish's body was found nearby. The autopsy revealed the horrific details of her murder, including signs of sexual assault and mechanical asphyxia. Smith had a history of sex offenses and was charged with multiple counts, including first-degree murder. During the trial, overwhelming evidence led the jury to convict Smith, who was sentenced to death. The case sparked public debates about parental responsibility and led to the removal of Rain's other children by social services, resulting in ongoing family struggles and public scrutiny. The episode concludes with a powerful commentary on the impact of Cherish's murder on her family and the community.