“The Girl Who Looked Like Me”: 20/20 Reports on Tamika Huston Homicide September 27 2024

ABC’s “20/20” is set to air a two-hour investigative report focusing on the disappearance and murder of 24-year-old singer Tamika Huston. This case, which gripped Spartanburg, South Carolina, and the nation, centers around the emotional and exhaustive search for Huston, led by her family, particularly her aunt, Rebkah Howard. The episode will feature new police interviews and accounts from family members, along with notable figures who contributed to keeping Tamika’s story alive, despite the lack of initial national media attention. Co-anchor Deborah Roberts leads the investigation, airing Friday, Sept. 26, from 9:01-11:00 p.m. EDT on ABC.

This feature dives into the complexities of Huston’s case, shedding light on the troubling disparities in media coverage of missing persons cases, particularly those involving women of color. The investigation also brings viewers face-to-face with the man behind the tragedy—Christopher Lamont Hampton, Tamika’s ex-boyfriend—whose confession ultimately led authorities to her remains.

The Early Days of Tamika’s Disappearance

Tamika Huston was last heard from in May 2004, sparking immediate concern among her friends and family. When her dog, Macy, was found emaciated and having given birth to puppies without anyone to care for her, it was clear that something was terribly wrong. Tamika’s family, especially her aunt Rebkah Howard, quickly mobilized to search for her, but they faced challenges in gaining national media attention. Rebkah’s background in public relations should have been an asset in raising awareness, yet she struggled to break through the noise dominated by other high-profile cases involving missing white women.

Despite the family’s relentless efforts to get the media’s attention, the case remained largely underreported, highlighting the racial bias often present in the coverage of missing persons. This led to discussions around “missing white woman syndrome,” a term coined by journalist Gwen Ifill, which pointed out how the cases of missing Black women often received far less attention than those of white women.

A Break in the Case: The Discovery of Tamika’s Car

The first significant development in the search for Tamika came when her car was discovered abandoned. Inside, police found a set of keys that led investigators to further evidence. Tamika’s disappearance garnered renewed attention, particularly in the local community, but it still lacked the national spotlight her family desperately sought.

As police continued their investigation, suspicions began to focus on Tamika’s ex-boyfriend, Christopher Lamont Hampton. Hampton had a tumultuous relationship with Tamika, and although they had broken up, he was one of the last people known to have seen her. Hampton’s volatile behavior, along with inconsistencies in his statements, eventually placed him under close scrutiny.

Christopher Hampton’s Confession and the Search for Closure

In 2005, more than a year after Tamika Huston was reported missing, Christopher Hampton confessed to her murder. He admitted to killing her during a heated argument over money in his apartment, where he struck her with a hot iron, causing her death. In a panic, Hampton disposed of Tamika’s body, burying her in a secluded wooded area near Spartanburg. His confession finally led authorities to her remains, bringing an end to the search but not the heartache of her family.

Hampton’s trial in 2006 resulted in a life sentence without the possibility of parole. While justice was served, the emotional scars left by the loss of Tamika were profound. Her family, especially her father Anthony Huston and aunt Rebkah Howard, struggled to cope with the tragedy. The case had a lasting impact on the local community and opened up broader conversations about the media’s role in reporting on missing persons cases.

Media Disparity: The Struggle to Gain National Attention

One of the most significant aspects of Tamika Huston’s case was the striking disparity in the media’s response to her disappearance. Despite being a young, vibrant woman with close family ties, Tamika’s case didn’t receive the same level of national coverage as other missing persons cases, such as that of Laci Peterson or Natalee Holloway, both white women whose stories dominated headlines at the time. The episode of “20/20” delves into this troubling pattern, with Rebkah Howard expressing her frustration at the media’s reluctance to cover her niece’s case.

This phenomenon, often referred to as “missing white woman syndrome,” became a pivotal talking point in discussions surrounding Huston’s disappearance. The stark difference in the way missing Black women are treated by the media and law enforcement became more apparent as her case went unsolved for over a year. Huston’s case is now frequently referenced in conversations about racial bias in media coverage, sparking broader awareness about the issue.

The Aftermath: The Impact on Tamika’s Family and Community

The emotional toll of Tamika’s disappearance and death was immense, especially for her father, Anthony Huston. In 2018, he was involved in a tragic murder-suicide with his wife, Joanne, further compounding the heartbreak experienced by the family. Friends of Anthony Huston described him as a loving, kind-hearted man who struggled to recover after the loss of his daughter.

Tamika’s aunt, Rebkah Howard, continued to speak out about the need for equity in media coverage of missing persons cases. Howard’s efforts have helped bring greater attention to the issue, but for Tamika’s family, the pain of losing her has never fully subsided. The case, while officially closed with Hampton’s conviction, left deep wounds in the Huston family and raised important questions about justice, race, and the media.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Advocacy and Awareness

The upcoming episode of “20/20” offers a detailed look into the tragic disappearance of Tamika Huston, shedding light on both the crime itself and the broader societal issues it underscores. Through interviews with family members, law enforcement, and activists, the program seeks to honor Tamika’s memory while also calling attention to the systemic problems that affect how missing persons cases are handled.

While Tamika’s family finally received answers about her fate, the legacy of her case lives on, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of fair and equal media representation for all victims, regardless of race.