“The Day Akia Disappeared”: Dateline Reports on Akia Eggleston Homicide September 13 2024
On Friday, September 13, 2024, at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT, Dateline will air a new episode titled “The Day Akia Disappeared.” This episode delves into the heartbreaking case of Akia Riddick, a young pregnant woman who mysteriously vanished from Baltimore, Maryland, just days before her baby shower. The case captivated the nation as Akia’s disappearance raised questions about whether this was merely a missing person case or something far more sinister.
Throughout the episode, Josh Mankiewicz will report on the intense investigation led by the Baltimore Police Department and the FBI. Akia’s family, heartbroken by her sudden disappearance, joins forces with the Black and Missing Foundation in their relentless pursuit of justice. The episode also features insights from law enforcement officials who tirelessly worked to piece together the puzzle of Akia’s fate.
Contents
Akia Riddick: A Joyful Expectant Mother
At 22 years old and eight months pregnant, Akia Riddick was excitedly preparing for the arrival of her baby boy. Her life seemed full of promise, with plans to move in with her boyfriend, Michael Robertson, the father of her unborn child. Akia was looking forward to her baby shower, a celebration that was just days away, when her family suddenly lost all contact with her.
On May 7, 2017, Akia failed to attend her own baby shower, which immediately raised concerns for her family. Friends and relatives desperately tried to reach her, but their calls went unanswered. By that evening, Akia was officially reported missing, and the search for her began. Detectives learned that Akia had been last seen on May 3, 2017, making a cash withdrawal from a local BB&T Bank. This was the last confirmed sighting of Akia before her disappearance.
The Investigation Begins: Missing or Murder?
From the moment Akia was reported missing, her family suspected that foul play was involved. Akia had been in regular contact with her family and friends, making her sudden silence even more alarming. The police immediately launched an investigation, and as the days passed, they uncovered disturbing clues suggesting that her disappearance was not voluntary.
The investigation focused on Michael Robertson, who had been in a relationship with Akia and was the father of her unborn child. Although Robertson initially claimed that he had plans to move in with Akia, his statements did not align with other evidence uncovered during the investigation. Detectives began to suspect that Robertson may have been involved in her disappearance, but with no body or direct evidence, building a case would prove challenging.
Michael Robertson Arrested for Murder
It wasn’t until 2022 that the investigation took a significant turn. After years of painstaking efforts, investigators were able to gather enough circumstantial evidence to arrest Michael Robertson. In February 2022, Robertson was apprehended in Muskegon, Michigan, where he had moved after Akia’s disappearance. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one for Akia and the other for their unborn child.
The case against Robertson was built largely on circumstantial evidence, but investigators were able to construct a strong narrative. Financial records, telephone communications, and internet searches revealed that Robertson had likely misled Akia into believing they would move in together. Furthermore, he had searched for information about landfill sites and trash collection schedules, suggesting a possible attempt to dispose of her body.
The Trial and Conviction
The trial of Michael Robertson began in July 2023, more than six years after Akia’s disappearance. The prosecution’s case was based on the theory that Robertson had lured Akia into withdrawing money for a down payment on a home they never intended to share. Prosecutors presented evidence that he had been the last person to see her alive and that his suspicious behavior and internet searches pointed to his involvement in her death.
On July 27, 2023, after 13 days of testimony, the jury found Robertson guilty of two counts of first-degree murder. He was convicted for the deaths of both Akia and her unborn child, Anubis. The conviction brought a measure of relief to Akia’s grieving family, who had waited six long years for justice.
Aftermath and Reflections on the Case
While the conviction of Michael Robertson provided some closure for Akia’s family, the pain of her loss remains. Despite the guilty verdict, Akia’s body has never been recovered, leaving her family without the opportunity to properly lay her to rest. Her stepfather, Shawn Wilkinson, expressed his continued grief, stating that while the family is grateful for the conviction, they are still heartbroken by her absence.
The case of Akia Riddick serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the vulnerability of pregnant women in abusive relationships. Advocacy groups like the Black and Missing Foundation have used Akia’s case to raise awareness about the many missing women of color whose disappearances often receive less media attention.
Conclusion: A Tragic End
“The Day Akia Disappeared” sheds light on a tragic and complex case that shook the city of Baltimore. The episode not only recounts the personal loss experienced by Akia’s family but also highlights the determination of law enforcement and community organizations to seek justice for victims of violence. Michael Robertson now faces the possibility of two life sentences, ensuring that he will be held accountable for the pain and suffering he caused.
While the conviction brings a sense of justice, Akia’s family continues to mourn her loss, and the mystery of her final resting place remains unsolved. “Dateline” offers a poignant look into a case that, though resolved in court, leaves many emotional scars behind.
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