The murder of Afrikka Hardy in October 2014 was a chilling catalyst for the investigation that ultimately exposed the heinous crimes committed by Darren Deon Vann. Afrikka, a 19-year-old woman, fell victim to Vann's predatory tactics, which targeted vulnerable women, particularly sex workers. Her murder led to Vann's arrest, and during the subsequent investigation, he confessed to the murders of at least seven women in Indiana. His method involved luring victims through online platforms, such as Backpage, strangulation, and abandoning their bodies in vacant structures in Gary, Indiana. The case also brought to light the potential of technology and data analysis in identifying patterns in unsolved crimes. Vann's conviction in May 2018 resulted in seven concurrent life sentences without parole, providing some closure to the families of his victims.