Investigation Discovery’s three-part series “Lost Women of Alaska” centers on the cases of Kathleen Jo Henry and Veronica Abouchuk, two Alaska Native women killed by serial killer Brian Steven Smith, who is currently serving a 226-year sentence. The program, narrated and executive produced by Spencer, explores the circumstances that made these women vulnerable to predation, including geographic isolation, systemic racism, and discrimination against sex workers.
The series addresses a significant public safety concern in Alaska, where approximately 1,300 individuals are listed as missing persons, though only around 100 cases are actively under investigation. Spencer emphasized in a recent Q&A that the disproportionate vulnerability of indigenous women and communities of color reflects broader systemic failures in law enforcement prioritization and cultural attitudes toward marginalized populations.
Smith remains a subject of ongoing investigation for potentially additional crimes both in Alaska and in his native South Africa. Spencer indicated that the pattern of his criminal behavior and his selection of Alaska as a location suggest a broader pattern of victimization that may extend beyond documented cases.
Spencer distinguished the series from typical true crime programming, stating that the project aims to restore dignity to the victims and their families rather than sensationalize criminal activity. She characterized her involvement as driven by a commitment to justice and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of community awareness, reporting, and legal protections. Spencer received an Emmy nomination for best narrator for her work on the series, which she described as a recognition of the victims’ stories rather than her personal contribution.
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