Welcome to Already Gone. I'm your host, Nina Instead. And before we dig into this week's story, I want to let you know about an event coming up in Chicago this summer,

the True Crime Podcast Festival on Saturday, July 13th in Chicago, Illinois.

I'll be there, along with hosts from shows like The Vanished, Canadian True Crime,

empty frames, trace evidence, Generation Y, and True Crime all the time, as well as many, many others.

Attendees can spend the day with their favorite hosts in a casual setting,

as well as sit in on live shows, enjoy panel discussions,

and participate in other special programming.

I've posted a link to the event in the show notes,

and I hope to see you there.

Now, on with the show.

When you conjure up the image of a tough person, what do you see? Are they tall and

built, muscular? Are they covered in tattoos? Do they have a certain glint in their eye or carry themselves a certain way?

Or is it that they're smart, focused, accomplished?

Their skill, their willpower, and their determination leaves you awestruck when you realize how tough they really are.

At first glance, Alexandra Nicolette Bruger may not strike you as tough and capable.

The only child of parents Nicky and Franz Bruger, she was known as Ali to those close to her.

Ali doesn't fit the stereotype of tough,

standing only four foot nine inches tall,

with short brown hair and luminous blue eyes.

Ali was an educated and a common sense. short brown hair and luminous blue eyes.

Allie was an educated and accomplished young woman.

Described as serious, but with a great sense of humor.

...