Staff Reports
Josephine Wentzel’s story is one of unparalleled determination and courage, proving that the love of a mother knows no bounds. After her daughter Krystal Mitchell was tragically murdered in June 2016, Wentzel refused to let the case fade into obscurity. When Raymond McLeod, the prime suspect, fled the country, she took matters into her own hands, leveraging her experience as a retired detective and her unyielding “mama bear” instincts to track him down. Her relentless pursuit paid off in August 2022 when McLeod was captured in El Salvador after six years on the run. This extraordinary feat underscores the power of individual resolve in the face of bureaucratic inertia.
Wentzel’s journey wasn’t just about bringing her daughter’s killer to justice; it was also about ensuring her grandchildren could sleep at night knowing their mother’s murderer was behind bars. Her efforts involved exhaustive research, social media campaigns, and even outreach to hostels across Central America. Frustrated by the slow pace of law enforcement, Wentzel became a driving force in the investigation, earning recognition from the U.S. Marshals Service for her pivotal role in McLeod’s arrest. Her work highlights the growing need for families to play active roles in solving cold cases—a reality born out of an overburdened justice system struggling with nearly 346,000 unsolved homicides nationwide.
But Josephine Wentzel didn’t stop there. Recognizing that many families share her pain but lack the resources or expertise to fight for justice, she founded Angels of Justice in 2018. This nonprofit organization provides support and advocacy for families grappling with unresolved murder cases. Through education, empowerment, and collaboration with law enforcement, Angels of Justice aims to bridge the gap between grieving families and a system often bogged down by inefficiency. Wentzel’s leadership has transformed personal tragedy into a movement for justice that resonates with countless Americans who feel abandoned by their government.
Her advocacy also serves as a call to action for policymakers. Wentzel has emphasized that solving cold cases requires better funding for law enforcement agencies, more detectives on the ground, and investment in advanced forensic technologies. These measures could significantly reduce the staggering backlog of unsolved homicides and restore faith in the justice system. Conservatives have long championed law-and-order policies that prioritize public safety over bureaucratic waste, and Wentzel’s efforts align perfectly with this philosophy. Her work demonstrates how grassroots movements can complement government initiatives to make communities safer.
Ultimately, Josephine Wentzel embodies what it means to turn grief into purpose. Her fight isn’t just about her daughter—it’s about ensuring no family has to endure the anguish of unresolved murder cases. Her story is a testament to conservative values like personal responsibility, community engagement, and unwavering commitment to justice. As she continues her mission to “Make America Safe Again,” Wentzel reminds us all that even amidst tragedy, hope and determination can prevail—and that ordinary citizens can achieve extraordinary results when they refuse to give up.
