Disappearances

Sarah takes a look at three cases that changed the landscape of missing person investigations. Charley Ross disappeared from Germantown, Pennsylvania in June 1874. Amber Hagerman was abducted from a parking lot in Arlington, Texas in 1996. Adam Walsh went missing from a Sears department store in July 1981.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

20-year-old pilot Fred Valentich disappears during a flight over Australia's Bass Strait in 1978 — in the midst of a radio transmission. Effectively narrating the moment of his disappearance, Fred says he sees something flying over him at great speeds…something he believes is no ordinary aircraft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1996, a doting mother and budding journalist named Susan Walsh left her home and never returned. Her career ambitions had taken her into some underground worlds filled with rich characters. Was any of it connected to her disappearance? Or did investigators draw connections that were never there? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Kristen Modafferi disappeared in California just weeks after turning 18, her case exposed a gap in the system that her family's been working to close ever since. If you have any information regarding Kristen's case, please contact your local FBI field office or the Oakland Police Department at (510) 238-3775. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, I want to introduce you to a man sometimes known as “Black Caesar” and who may very well be America's first Black kingpin. His name is Frank Matthews, and after building one of the largest drug empires the world has ever seen, he fled the law in 1973 — and has been a wanted fugitive ever since. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hi listeners! This week we're sharing an episode from Sarah's podcast Voices for Justice. We'll be back next week with a new episode of Disappearances. At around 1:00 am on December 25, 1945, Jennie Sodder woke up to smoke pouring into her bedroom. She woke up her husband, George, and they started evacuating the house of their nine children. By the time the fire took over the Sodder residence, only Jennie, George, and four of their children made it outside safely. George and two of his sons frantically tried to get into the house to save the remaining children, but they couldn't. When George went to fill up a bucket with water to start extinguishing the flames, the water was frozen, when he went to grab their ladder to get his children from the top story, the ladder was missing; when he went to drive his trucks to the second story window, neither would start despite having worked just the day before. And when they tried to call the fire department for help, no one responded for hours. The only thing the family could do was watch as their burned to the ground. Hours later, after the smoldering ashes were put out, a group of people began searching for the children's remains, but nothing was found. Not a single bone was found in the ashes. The fire was quickly ruled an accident, and investigators told the family the children's bodies had burned up completely in the fire, leaving nothing of them behind, not even their bones. But between the mishaps, while trying to put out the fire, threats made against the family before the fire, and the strange behavior of authorities throughout the investigation, Jennie and George Sodder refused to believe five of their children were killed in the home. They were convinced their children didn't die in the fire, and they spent the rest of their lives trying to prove it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hi listeners! This week we're sharing an episode from Sarah's podcast Voices for Justice. We'll be back in two weeks with a new episode of Disappearances. On June 9, 1995, Colleen Nick was invited to attend a little league baseball game with a few friends in Alma, Arkansas. She took her 6-year-old daughter Morgan Nick with her. Near the end of the game, Morgan went to play with other children. She was only out of her mother's sight for a few minutes… Morgan has been missing ever since. Possibly the largest lead in her case was the sighting of a man in a red truck near Morgan shortly before she disappeared. But that lead sat for 26 years until investigators found some damning evidence in what they believe may be the red truck seen next to Morgan the night she went missing. Morgan is white, with naturally blonde hair and blue eyes. When she went missing, she was approximately 4 feet tall and weighed 55lbs. As of recording this episode, she would now be 34 years old. Anyone with information about the disappearance of Morgan Nick is asked to call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST, or 1-800-843-5678. For more information about the podcast and the cases discussed, visit VoicesforJusticePodcast.com Don't forget to follow me on social media under Voices for Justice Podcast & SarahETurney The introduction music used in Voices for Justice is Thread of Clouds by Blue Dot Sessions. Outro music is Melancholic Ending by Soft and Furious. The track used for ad transitions is Pinky by Blue Dot Sessions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1974, Patty Hearst is a college sophomore and heir to a media fortune. But by February, she's a kidnapping victim—abducted by a militant political group called the Symbionese Liberation Army. She'll remain with them for over a year. By the end of it all, America will wonder whether she was an unwilling hostage...or a loyal recruit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When a housewife disappeared from her suburban home in 1961, she left behind a mystery that's unresolved to this day. The bloody scene in her kitchen suggested murder — until investigators started digging into her history. Could Joan Risch have faked her own death? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over a span of about 5 years in the mid-1990s, at least 7 women went missing within an 80-mile radius of Dublin. Media speculated about a possible serial killer in the area. But were these cases actually connected? Or are we looking for patterns where none exist?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nada Fronk was a 24-year-old Indigenous woman who first ran away from home when she was 12. In a cruel twist of fate, it was only when she stopped running that her life was cut short.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Something interesting happens when you start digging into Roanoke. Yes, you find fantastical conspiracy theories on the ultimate fate of the colonists who vanished 400 years ago. But you also learn that — at the time — virtually no one was bothered. It took centuries for Roanoke to hold the mysterious, semi-supernatural sway it has today. So what changed?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Break's over, and we're back with new episodes. Enjoy!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1980, 21-year-old Cherita Thomas disappears after the car she's driving breaks down. Police suspect she becomes the victim of a racially motivated hate crime, but with no physical evidence, her case runs cold. Twenty years later, a cadaver dog finds bone fragments on a suspect's property. Only, they don't belong to Cherita. What happens next affects not only Cherita's case, but dozens of cases across the country. This episode originally aired in August 2022.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Indigenous women are murdered at a rate ten times higher than any other demographic, but the crimes against them are often ignored. Here are two heartbreaking cold cases that shed some insight into a crisis that's lasted generations, and help explain why justice has been so (maddeningly) elusive. This episode originally aired December 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was a case that defied expectation at every turn: In 1981, a 13-year-old girl vanished from her home in Seaside, California, after her step-father physically assaulted her. Her mother claimed for decades afterward that Mary ran away that night. Her siblings believed she was murdered. Uncovering the truth would mean putting the whole family — including Mary herself — under the microscope. This episode originally aired in November 2022.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Officially, 23-year-old Michael Rockefeller drowned off the coast of New Guinea in 1961 after his catamaran capsized. But when a Dutch missionary living with a local tribe starts hearing disturbing rumors, Michael's disappearance gets a lot more unsettling. This episode originally aired in September 2021.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hi listeners, this month we're taking a break and revisiting episodes from our archive. We'll be back in August with new episodes. Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dorothy Arnold was a young socialite and aspiring writer when she vanished off the streets of Manhattan in 1910. Hoping to avoid a scandal, her family handled her disappearance with discretion—but that didn't stop their name from making headlines.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An Australian cold case has stretched on since 1975, when a 12-year-old boy went missing along a stretch of highway.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In December 2016, a man called 911 after spotting an abandoned car on a bridge. 19-year-old Sarah Stern usually drove the vehicle—but now, she was missing. Did she leave voluntarily? Or was she the victim of a terrible crime?  If you'd like to learn more about the cases covered in this episode, head to www.spotify.com/disappearances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In September 1999, 36-year-old Girly Chew Hossencofft was supposed to report to work at a local Bank of America branch in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Due to recent threats made by her husband, Girly's co-workers were worried. When a colleague went to her house to check on her, she was gone. And she was never seen again. If you'd like to learn more about the cases covered in this episode, head to www.spotify.com/disappearances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was May of 1996 when college freshman Kristin Smart went to a party and never returned to her dorm. More than 20 years later, a stranger started a podcast that ignited interest in the case and brought a killer to justice. If you'd like to learn more about the cases covered in this episode, head to www.spotify.com/disappearances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was 1957 when the body of an unidentified, malnourished boy was found in a bassinet box In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For decades, police and community members worked to find his identity and killer. In 2021, they finally got an answer to one of these questions. If you'd like to learn more about the cases covered in this episode, or learn more about Missing and Unidentified Persons Awareness Month, head to www.spotify.com/disappearances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Around 40% of missing persons in the US are people of color, the vast majority of them Black. In this special episode, Sarah welcomes sisters-in-law Natalie Wilson and Derrica Wilson of the Black and Missing Foundation to discuss why this percentage is likely even higher. They talk about several current cases, unpacking the many policies and procedures that their organization advocates to change. Plus, the numerous ways that people can help. If you'd like to learn more about the cases covered in this episode, or learn more about Missing and Unidentified Persons Awareness Month, head to www.spotify.com/disappearances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Maternity homes were advertised as safe havens for unwed expectant mothers. But the truth was very different. Many young women were sent to these homes involuntarily and were forced into giving up their babies for adoption. If you'd like to learn more about the cases covered in this episode, or learn more about Missing and Unidentified Persons Awareness Month, head to www.spotify.com/disappearances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over the past 50 years, 18 women and girls — primarily Indigenous — have gone missing along the Highway of Tears. Some believe the actual number is more than double that. Today we focus on Delphine Nikal, Cecilia Nikal, and Ramona Wilson — three Indigenous women who disappeared near the same stretch of highway just a few years apart. If you'd like to learn more about the cases covered in this episode, or learn more about Missing and Unidentified Persons Awareness Month, head to www.spotify.com/disappearances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In August 2017, she was asked to house-sit for her parents in Atlanta and to take care of their ailing cat. She did for a few days. But then suddenly, Jenna Van Gelderen was gone. After searching her apartment, her parents believed she was the victim of something sinister. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In June of 1969, six-year-old Dennis Martin got lost in the Great Smoky Mountains while playing with his brother and cousins. At the time, there was no official protocol in place for how to search for lost hikers, especially kids. Even though it turned into a massive search and rescue mission, one park ranger is racked with regret over a hunch they didn't follow. If you'd like to take action on the climate or learn more about the topics covered in “Dark Green: Earth Crimes and Conspiracies,” visit www.spotify.com/darkgreenresources. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On a June evening in 2011, Indiana University student Lauren Spierer went out for a night of drinking with friends. When the bar closed, Lauren needed help walking home. But even though she was surrounded by people she knew, nobody escorted her home safely. She was never seen again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

She worked for a real estate agency and often met with wealthy clients at upscale properties. But one afternoon in July of 1986, Suzy Lamplugh went to an appointment and never returned. Decades later, police strongly suspect who was responsible for her disappearance. There's just not enough evidence to bring charges.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In August 2010, Ben McDaniel disappeared after diving into an underwater cave system in Florida called Vortex Spring. Rescue divers spent days looking below the surface and concluded that he was no longer in the water. While it's likely that Ben died somewhere within the caves, some think he may still be alive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the breakup of a long-term relationship and moving out of his home, Allen Ross sought direction in his life. He found it in a spiritual leader in Oklahoma named Linda Greene. As Allen spent more time visiting her, he became more withdrawn from his friends and family. Until all of a sudden, he was gone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He's an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, and the business magnate behind China's Alibaba Group. Jack Ma is also outspoken. In October 2020, he gave a speech to executives from around the world that was not well-received by the Chinese government. Within a few weeks, he was nowhere to be found. Months later, he resurfaced virtually, but nobody knows where he went or why he left. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In February 1959, nine people disappeared while hiking through the Ural Mountains. When a search team reached the campsite, the tents still had clothes inside, and footprints showed the hikers moved away from the camp in a single file line. Their bodies were found over the next few months, but with no evidence as to what happened. This week, Sarah joins Carter for a special crossover episode with Cold Cases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was early July, 2001 when 10-year-old Tionda Bradley and her 3-year-old sister Diamond disappeared from their apartment. The only clue left behind was a note allegedly written by Tionda. Their mother, Tracey, and other family members strongly believe that somebody in the community must have heard or seen something. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeLanie Thompson left her son's house in El Cajon late on the evening of August 29th, 2015. The following morning, Elijah "Bear" Diaz didn't respond to her texts. When she went to his house in the afternoon to check on him, he was gone. He hasn't been seen since. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Listeners, this week we're sharing the trailer for a new miniseries from Solved Murders. It takes us back to the Wild West, and follows the exploits of a legendary U.S. Deputy Marshal. Listen to Bass Reeves: No Master But Duty, guest hosted by Darnell Ishmel, free and only on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On April 8th, 2022, 18-year-old Debanhi Escobar left for a night out with some girlfriends. She went to a few parties in different locations before leaving alone with a rideshare driver. For an unknown reason, she got out of the car and refused to get back inside. The driver left Debanhi on the side of the road. She would never make it back home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After emigrating from Czechoslovakia, Thomas Riha obtained American citizenship and even fought for the US during the Korean War. He eventually went on to teach Russian History at the University of Colorado Boulder. But in the early hours of March 15th, 1969, he left a friend's birthday party and was never seen again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Not only was Eddie Aikau a local surfer and an international icon, he was also the first lifeguard at one of Hawaii's most dangerous beaches. It's estimated he saved over 500 people. So when the Hokule' he was in capsized, it was no surprise that he would risk everything to save his crew.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Between 1941 and 1945, two-thirds of all Jewish people living in Europe were murdered by Nazi Germany and its collaborators. Families were often torn apart, with survivors assuming their loved ones were killed. Today, we focus on just a few of the thousands of stories of people looking for answers about relatives who disappeared during the Holocaust.  For more information on the Holocaust, we recommend checking out ushmm.org, yadvashem.org, and drk-suchdienst.de. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices