Solved Murders - True Crime Stories - Crossing Into California A Journey of Hope, Music, and the Search for Tanya PART14 #14

Episode Date: August 30, 2025

#horrorstories #reddithorrorstories #ScaryStories #creepypasta #horrortales #missingpersonmystery #roadtripgonewrong #darksecrets #unsolvedtruths #mysterythriller  "Crossing Into California: A Journey of Hope, Music, and the Search for Tanya – PART 14"The search for Tanya takes a darker turn as secrets unravel in the dusty stretches of California. With music echoing from the past and paranoia growing with every mile, this chapter explores the haunting tension between hope and horror. What’s waiting at the next gas stop might not be human...  horrorstories, reddithorrorstories, scarystories, horrorstory, creepypasta, horrortales, mysterythriller, roadtripmystery, missingperson, psychologicalhorror, suspensefuljourney, hauntedencounters, darkpast, unsolvedcases, horrorfiction, truecrimevibes, travelhorrors, roadsidecreepiness, eerieencounters, musicandmadness

The California sign felt like a portal. As Alex guided the van across the state line, the dry, indifference heat of the Arizona desert seemed to recede, replaced by a palpable shift in the atmosphere. To break the tense silence that had followed their frantic departure, Josh and Alex plugged in Ella's phone and queued up her favorite band, Jungle. The funky bass lines and breezy synths filled the sienna, and as the band's entire discography played through, a genuine smile finally returned to Ella. his face. It was more than just the music. As soon as they crossed into California, she felt a lightness bloom in her chest, an unfamiliar buoyancy. I can't quite put my finger on it, Ella said, looking out the window at the changing landscape, but I feel as happy as I did when me and Tanya were at DFW Airport. Josh nodded from the passenger seat, a knowing look on his

face. It's because California is a much friendlier state than Arizona, he said. I feel feel it too. It's like I can breathe again. He stared out at the open road, a sudden realization dawning on him. This is it. I can't go back to Tucson. I need to leave, start a new life in another state. Alex, Ever the Joker, chimed in from the back. You're always welcome to be my roommate. I have an extra room for rent, if my cousin moves out one day. People in Arizona were just so rude and mean, Ella mused, the memories souring her newly found good mood for a moment. The attitudes in Phoenix, everyone is so grimy and harsh there. You're not wrong, Alex agreed, his tone's serious now. It's making me reconsider moving there. I think I'd rather live in Dallas.

People are so nice and kind there. Josh just smiled. I believe it. They pulled into the sun-bleached town of Blythe, the first real outpost of civilization, and decided to stop for food at a McDonald's. The difference was immediate and stark. The young woman at the counter greeted them with a wide, genuine smile. In Phoenix, we tried to order food, and we got stared at intentionally, like we were bothering them, Ella whispered to Priscilla as they waited. People in Arizona are really rude, Priscilla affirmed, shaking her head. As soon as all of our children leave for we are getting out of that state. It's why I love coming to California. It's awesome to experience nice people, they ordered, ate their food in a renewed sense of peace, and then continued on their way.

Back in the Sienna with Alex and Josh, Ella took over the music again. She put on a playlist that felt like the state itself, sun-drenched and full of wistful optimism. Samantha Fox says, Nothing's going to stop me now, blasted through the speakers, followed by the bittersweet chords of Chicago's hard habit to break. With each song, Ella felt the nod in her stomach loosen. I just feel happier, she confessed. Like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. As they descended from the high desert into the Coachella Valley, Ella's jaw dropped.

The rugged, brown mountains gave way to a sprawling oasis of palm trees and emerald green golf courses, all shimmering under a hazy blue sky. Wow, she breathed. California is so beautiful. This is just the beginning of it, Alex said with a proud grin. Remember what our purpose is, Josh gently reminded her. Ella's smile tightened. He was right. They weren't here for a vacation. But she held on to the hope that once they found Tanya, the fun would come later. Three hours later, they pulled onto a quiet, treeline street in Woodland Hills.

Ella stepped out of the car and took a deep breath. The air smells a lot cleaner than in Phoenix, she noted, just before letting out a massive, explosive sneeze. God bless you, Josh said automatically. Thank you. They walked up to a comfortable Spanish-style home where Alex's father and cousin were waiting. They welcomed the weary travelers inside. I am so happy to be away from Arizona, Richard said with a sigh of relief, sinking into a armchair. The group gathered in a spacious living room. Alex's father, a calm and kind-faced

man, listened patiently as Ella recounted the entire harrowing story of Tanya's running away to California. When she finished, he leaned forward, his brow furrowed in thought. Perhaps you should call one of her friends, he suggested. Someone she might confide in. Ella's eyes lit up. Amanda. She explained that Tanya's parents already knew everything. She pulled out her phone and dialed. Thousands of miles away, in Newcastle-upon-Lyme, Amanda and her best friend Lori were settling in for the night. Amanda's phone buzzed, and she answered, her heart plummeting as Ella's frantic voice filled her ear. Learning that Tanya had run off alone to Los Angeles, a massive city in another country, infamous for gangs and crime,

sent a wave of pure panic through her. She needs professional help, Amanda. Amanda insisted, her voice trembling. We have to make sure she gets it. I will, Ella promised. Even if I have to drag her to therapy myself. Then, Amanda's mind clicked. Wait. Ella, I just remembered something.

Tanya has another phone. What? Tanya has another phone. Ella asked, her voice rising in disbelief. Yes, she uses her other phone when she shuts down and doesn't want to talk to anyone. Wasting no time, Amanda found the number and called it. It rang. And then, a voice answered.

It was Tanya. Tanya was on the other side of the vast L.A. area, in Anaheim, near Disneyland. Playing her part perfectly, Amanda pretended she didn't know anything. Tanya, lonely and eager to talk, explained that she'd run off to L.A. for a new start. She'd heard in Arizona that California was a state-fellonel. for healing, and she believed it. She said she'd booked a hotel for a week to test the waters. Do you like it? Amanda asked, keeping her voice steady. I think it's a lovely city, Tanya replied, her tone surprisingly cheerful. The people are so nice, kind, not stuck up, and are genuinely friendly.

She then mentioned a new friend she'd made named Chris. I met him while riding the L.A. Metro, she explained. He's taking me around Orange County. Amanda's blood ran cold. Where are you staying, Tan? The Fairfield Inn in Orange County. The dam of Amanda's composure broke.

Tanya, what you did was not right. It was bonkers, she exclaimed, her voice thick with worry and frustration. Me and Lori, we still care about you. Choking back a sob, she said she had to go. Immediately, she called Ellen. Ella back, relaying all the information, the hotel, the vague location in Orange County,

and the alarming detail about some guy named Chris from the Green Line Metro. Ask for the room number. Ella urged. Amanda sent a quick text to Tanya, a simple, what room? A moment later, Tanya replied, 302. Okay, we have it. Room 302. We're going to the hotel, Ella announced to the room.

room, grabbing her purse. Wait, wait, oh wait, Alex's father said, holding up a hand. I have a suggestion. Why don't me and Alex go with you, but you talk to Tanya. We'll wait downstairs in the lobby. And everyone else can stay and chill here. I have food and snacks if you want to help yourself to anything. It was a sensible plan. Ella, exhausted but running on pure adrenaline, agreed immediately. Moments later, Ella, Alex, and his father were back in the car, speeding down the freeway toward Anaheim, a drive that would take an hour and 20 minutes, an hour and 20 minutes closer to Tanya. To be continued.