The Missing

In this episode we explore the strange disappearance of Phoenix Coldon, a 23 year old woman who was last seen driving away from her family home in Spanish Lake, Missouri, on a cold December afternoon, over a decade ago. Her whole life, Phoenix had been a model student as well as a talented musician and a decorated athlete to boot. She was raised by her loving parents Goldia and Lawrence, who sounded the alarm when Phoenix failed to return home without informing them of her plans, something very out of character for her. Phoenix’s vehicle was discovered mere hours after her disappearance, found abandoned at an intersection in East St Louis. No one has seen her ever since. As the investigation unfolded and police began speaking to Phoenix’s friends and family, it emerged that her personal life had been pretty turbulent in the months leading up to December 18th, 2011, the day she was last seen. Revelations about her romantic life and more importantly, her parentage, triggered some difficult conversations and left her in a vulnerable state. This episode hears from Claudia, Phoenix’s half-sister. She and Phoenix went their whole lives unaware of each other’s existence. In fact it wasn’t until a detective reached out to Claudia asking if she’d heard from Phoenix, that she learned she had a sister in the first place. Claudia walks us through the emotional whiplash of learning you have a sibling you never knew about, only to find out seconds later that they’re missing and explains how reading up on Phoenix’s case and doing some digging of her own, led her down a rabbit hole of discovery and intrigue, whose mysteries puzzle her to this day. This episode is supported by Doe Network. They exist to appeal for answers in hundreds of missing persons cases worldwide. Visit their website The Doe Network to find more information about this and many other cases, which all need help. They believe the case of Phoenix Coldon CAN still be solved.If you have any information which might help to solve this case, or anything you want to share, there is an easy way to get in touch. You can email missingpodcasttips@doenetwork.org - your information will be passed securely to the relevant authorities. And you can get in touch anonymously.This episode is hosted by Ashley Loeb Blassingame.The Missing is produced by What's The Story? If you want to hear more of their shows, and get early, ad-free access to every episode of The Missing, why not join The Missing +Our subscription site has a bunch of exclusive benefits. And it helps to keep the show on air. Simply search for The Missing + in Apple Podcasts. Or follow this link to get the content on whatever platform you choose to listen.Information on every episode of The Missing is available on www.themissingpodcast.org

In this episode we visit the city of Columbia, South Carolina where, on the night of June 19th, 2001, twenty-five year old college student Shelton Sanders vanished without a trace. Shelton spent the hours leading up to his disappearance driving around the city, accompanied by a friend, scoping out hotels for a bachelor party he was planning. Shortly after dropping his friend off at their home, three loud bangs were heard. Most contend these were gunshots, others say they were simply the sound of a car backfiring. Either way, Shelton was never seen nor heard from again. This episode hears from Shelton’s sister Wilveria, who for over five years now, has dedicated her life to getting justice for her missing brother. She walks us through the events leading up to Shelton’s disappearance, explains how the trial of the lead suspect in this case collapsed and walks us through what she’s doing to keep her brother’s story in the public eye. This episode is supported by Doe Network. They exist to appeal for answers in hundreds of missing persons cases worldwide. Visit their website The Doe Network to find more information about this and many other cases, which all need help. They believe the case of Shelton Sanders CAN still be solved.If you have any information which might help to solve this case, or anything you want to share, there is an easy way to get in touch. You can email missingpodcasttips@doenetwork.org - your information will be passed securely to the relevant authorities. And you can get in touch anonymously.This episode is hosted by Ashley Loeb Blassingame.The Missing is produced by What's The Story? If you want to hear more of their shows, and get early, ad-free access to every episode of The Missing, why not join The Missing +Our subscription site has a bunch of exclusive benefits. And it helps to keep the show on air. Simply search for The Missing + in Apple Podcasts. Or follow this link to get the content on whatever platform you choose to listen.Information on every episode of The Missing is available on www.themissingpodcast.org

In this episode we bring you the unsolved mystery of missing Barbara McCray, an 83 year old former restaurateur, who vanished without a trace from her home on Dugdown Rd, in Georgia’s rural northwest. Barbara had recently been diagnosed with dementia and whilst it had begun to affect her memory and ability to get around unaided, she was still fiercely independent. She loved her daily walk on Dugdown Rd, a part of her routine that she kept up right until the day she disappeared.  This episode hears from Barbara’s granddaughter Amy as well as her great niece Mary. Amy and Mary are cousins and have been united in their efforts to find Barabra for over three years now. They talk about the pillar of the local community their grandmother was and remains to this day and their memories of the restaurant she ran for years that served its loyal patrons the best home cooked Southern eating money could buy. Together, Amy and Mary bring us through the events leading up to Barabara’s disappearance, their frustrations with the inexperienced and under-resourced Polk County PD and why they personally don’t believe Barabara’s dementia had anything to do with her disappearance. This episode is supported by Doe Network. They exist to appeal for answers in hundreds of missing persons cases worldwide. Visit their website The Doe Network to find more information about this and many other cases, which all need help. They believe the case of Barbara McCray CAN still be solved.If you have any information which might help to solve this case, or anything you want to share, there is an easy way to get in touch. You can email missingpodcasttips@doenetwork.org - your information will be passed securely to the relevant authorities. And you can get in touch anonymously.This episode is hosted by Ashley Loeb Blassingame.The Missing is produced by What's The Story? If you want to hear more of their shows, and get early, ad-free access to every episode of The Missing, why not join The Missing +Our subscription site has a bunch of exclusive benefits. And it helps to keep the show on air. Simply search for The Missing + in Apple Podcasts. Or follow this link to get the content on whatever platform you choose to listen.Information on every episode of The Missing is available on www.themissingpodcast.org

In this episode we tell the baffling story of the disappearance of Tammy Pitkin, whose car was found abandoned on a dead end forest service road in Sweet Home, Oregon, almost 400 miles from her home in Red Bluff California. Tammy had recently separated from her husband but was looking forward to the imminent birth of her first grandchild as well as her son’s wedding. She had taken a road trip, starting on October 14th, but told her son she would be home in a few days at the most. Tammy brought her two dogs with her, one of which was found almost four months later in the woods near where her car was discovered, emaciated but alive. This episode hears from Tammy’s sister Airaka. She and Tammy were very close growing up but at the time of her disappearance, hadn’t spoken for more than six years, the result of a family feud that caused them to cease all contact with one another. Airaka walks us through how she first came to learn of her sister’s disappearance, how any bad blood between them ceased to matter the moment her sister needed her and Airaka’s theories about what prompted Tammy’s unusual road trip. This episode is supported by Doe Network. They exist to appeal for answers in hundreds of missing persons cases worldwide. Visit their website The Doe Network to find more information about this and many other cases, which all need help. They believe the case of Tammy Pitkin CAN still be solved.If you have any information which might help to solve this case, or anything you want to share, there is an easy way to get in touch. You can email missingpodcasttips@doenetwork.org - your information will be passed securely to the relevant authorities. And you can get in touch anonymously.This episode is hosted by Ashley Loeb Blassingame.The Missing is produced by What's The Story? If you want to hear more of their shows, and get early, ad-free access to every episode of The Missing, why not join The Missing +Our subscription site has a bunch of exclusive benefits. And it helps to keep the show on air. Simply search for The Missing + in Apple Podcasts. Or follow this link to get the content on whatever platform you choose to listen.Information on every episode of The Missing is available on www.themissingpodcast.org

In this episode we examine the strange case of missing Florida native Chip Michael Campbell, who disappeared in mysterious circumstances in the city of Milton, on March 8th, 2016. Chip lived alone in his family home, his elderly father having recently suffered from a debilitating stroke. Chip had just acquired a new roommate, someone known to him, a person he cared for, but who was a known drug addict with a long history of associated criminal activity. She essentially took over Chip’s home, squatting there for weeks after he vanished and was potentially facilitating the production of methamphetamine at the property. This episode hears from Chip’s sisters Laura and Lesa, who delve deep into their family’s history and how a series of tragic events left their mark on Chip from a very young age. They describe how their brother was always someone who struggled to find his place in the world and explain why they believe their brother’s good nature was taken advantage of by opportunistic criminals, who more than likely had a hand in his disappearance. This episode is supported by Doe Network. They exist to appeal for answers in hundreds of missing persons cases worldwide. Visit their website The Doe Network to find more information about this and many other cases, which all need help. They believe the case of Chip Michael Campbell CAN still be solved.If you have any information which might help to solve this case, or anything you want to share, there is an easy way to get in touch. You can email missingpodcasttips@doenetwork.org - your information will be passed securely to the relevant authorities. And you can get in touch anonymously.This episode is hosted by Ashley Loeb Blassingame.The Missing is produced by What's The Story? If you want to hear more of their shows, and get early, ad-free access to every episode of The Missing, why not join The Missing +Our subscription site has a bunch of exclusive benefits. And it helps to keep the show on air. Simply search for The Missing + in Apple Podcasts. Or follow this link to get the content on whatever platform you choose to listen.Information on every episode of The Missing is available on www.themissingpodcast.org

In this episode we cover the baffling disappearance of Andrea Knabel, a 37 year old mother of two from Louisville, Kentucky, who was last seen walking home from her sister’s house in the early hours of the morning on August 13th, 2019. In a cruel twist of fate, Andrea herself was a member of a volunteer organisation dedicated to helping locate missing people. By the time she vanished, she had spent almost two years contributing her time and efforts to the searches for dozens of missing individuals, both in Louisville and further afield. This episode hears from Andrea’s sister Erin, who explains how Andrea, an extrovert at heart, lit up the lives of everyone who knew her. She describes how her sister had fallen on hard times in the months leading up to her disappearance and offers her point of view on what may have happened to Andrea that night. This episode is supported by Doe Network. They exist to appeal for answers in hundreds of missing persons cases worldwide. Visit their website The Doe Network to find more information about this and many other cases, which all need help. They believe the case of Andrea Knabel CAN still be solved.If you have any information which might help to solve this case, or anything you want to share, there is an easy way to get in touch. You can email missingpodcasttips@doenetwork.org - your information will be passed securely to the relevant authorities. And you can get in touch anonymously.This episode is hosted by Ashley Loeb Blassingame.The Missing is produced by What's The Story? If you want to hear more of their shows, and get early, ad-free access to every episode of The Missing, why not join The Missing +Our subscription site has a bunch of exclusive benefits. And it helps to keep the show on air. Simply search for The Missing + in Apple Podcasts. Or follow this link to get the content on whatever platform you choose to listen.Information on every episode of The Missing is available on www.themissingpodcast.org

In this episode we explore the enduring mystery of missing infant Gabriel Scott Johnson, whose fate has been unknown ever since he was kidnapped from his home in Tempe, Arizona in December 2009. Gabriel was abducted by his mother Elizabeth without his father Logan’s knowledge. Elizabeth’s alleged intention was to bring baby Gabriel to San Antonio, Texas, where, thanks to a loophole in state law, black market adoptions had become increasingly commonplace. Gabriel’s kidnapping made international news and sparked a manhunt spearheaded by the FBI. This episode hears from Gabriel’s great aunt Sandy. Following the untimely death of her sister, Sandy grew very close with her nephew Logan, so when Gabriel disappeared, she felt like it was her duty to do everything she possibly could to help. She brings us back to that fateful December day almost fifteen years ago, one that changed her family's lives forever and shares her thoughts about Elizabeth’s motivations and what she believes ultimately became of baby Gabriel. This episode is supported by Doe Network. They exist to appeal for answers in hundreds of missing persons cases worldwide. Visit their website The Doe Network to find more information about this and many other cases, which all need help. They believe the case of Gabriel Scott Johnson CAN still be solved.If you have any information which might help to solve this case, or anything you want to share, there is an easy way to get in touch. You can email missingpodcasttips@doenetwork.org - your information will be passed securely to the relevant authorities. And you can get in touch anonymously.This episode is hosted by Ashley Loeb Blassingame.The Missing is produced by What's The Story? If you want to hear more of their shows, and get early, ad-free access to every episode of The Missing, why not join The Missing +Our subscription site has a bunch of exclusive benefits. And it helps to keep the show on air. Simply search for The Missing + in Apple Podcasts. Or follow this link to get the content on whatever platform you choose to listen.Information on every episode of The Missing is available on www.themissingpodcast.org

In this episode we cover the bewildering story of Rio Boyd, a 21 year old woman who mysteriously vanished in 2022 and whose family have been desperate for answers ever since. Rio was a bubbly, creative person, beloved by her family and friends, but just like the rest of us, she had her flaws. Hers were a history of drug and alcohol abuse which eventually resulted in Rio being sent away from her mother’s home in Oregon to live with her father in Spanaway, Washington. Her parents hoped that by putting some distance between Rio and some of the more negative influences in her orbit, that she’d have a better shot at a good life. This episode hears from Rio’s mother Kristi. She explains how, sadly, Rio’s new environment had its fair share of bad actors and her daughter soon learned that old habits die hard. Kristi also describes how in the weeks leading up to Rio’s disappearance, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being watched. Almost two years later, the only clue they have to go on is Rio’s mobile phone, found discarded by the side of the road a few hundred yards from her home. This episode is supported by Doe Network. They exist to appeal for answers in hundreds of missing persons cases worldwide. Visit their website The Doe Network to find more information about this and many other cases, which all need help. They believe the case of Rio Boyd CAN still be solved.If you have any information which might help to solve this case, or anything you want to share, there is an easy way to get in touch. You can email missingpodcasttips@doenetwork.org - your information will be passed securely to the relevant authorities. And you can get in touch anonymously.This episode is hosted by Ashley Loeb Blassingame.The Missing is produced by What's The Story? If you want to hear more of their shows, and get early, ad-free access to every episode of The Missing, why not join The Missing +Our subscription site has a bunch of exclusive benefits. And it helps to keep the show on air. Simply search for The Missing + in Apple Podcasts. Or follow this link to get the content on whatever platform you choose to listen.Information on every episode of The Missing is available on www.themissingpodcast.org

In this episode we cover the tragic story of Debra Marie Melo from Taunton, Massachusetts whose disappearance has baffled the inhabitants of her hometown for almost twenty-five years now. Debra was a devoted mother and friend, who lit up the lives of everyone who knew her. She adored her two children but her relationship with her husband was tumultuous to say the least. When she vanished on June 20th, 2000 she was strongly considering getting a divorce. Debra was allegedly last seen by her husband on Route 18 in South Weymouth, after the pair had gotten into an argument whilst driving and she demanded to be let out of the car. He returned to the site twenty minutes later, but Debra was nowhere to be seen. This episode hears from Debra’s brother in law Steven and her niece Olivia. Coming from two different generations, they offer up their unique perspectives on Debra and the effect that the abusive dynamic between her and her husband had both on her life and the lives of those who loved her. Plus, they share their theories about what they believe truly happened to her on that fateful June afternoon, almost twenty-five ago. This episode is supported by Doe Network. They exist to appeal for answers in hundreds of missing persons cases worldwide. Visit their website The Doe Network to find more information about this and many other cases, which all need help. They believe the case of Debra Marie Melo CAN still be solved.If you have any information which might help to solve this case, or anything you want to share, there is an easy way to get in touch. You can email missingpodcasttips@doenetwork.org - your information will be passed securely to the relevant authorities. And you can get in touch anonymously.This episode is hosted by Ashley Loeb Blassingame.The Missing is produced by What's The Story? If you want to hear more of their shows, and get early, ad-free access to every episode of The Missing, why not join The Missing +Our subscription site has a bunch of exclusive benefits. And it helps to keep the show on air. Simply search for The Missing + in Apple Podcasts. Or follow this link to get the content on whatever platform you choose to listen.Information on every episode of The Missing is available on www.themissingpodcast.org