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True Crime

Locating the Lost

Locating the Lost

A True Crime Podcast of the missing and unsolved

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  • 21 episodes
  • Avg 56 min
  • English

Episodes 21

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  • Friday · 42 min

    What Happened to Elgon Partin Jr?

    In late July 2022, the 29-year-old walked away from a home in the Cranks Creek area of Harlan County, Kentucky, promising his mother he would text her when he arrived to meet a friend. He was never seen again.In this emotional episode of Locating the Lost, we sit down with Elgon’s mother, Penny Ledford, and his sister to uncover who Elgon was, the heartbreaking reality of his sudden silence, and why the Kentucky State Police strongly suspect foul play. From the rugged mountain searches to the painful community rumors, his family lays bare the reality of fighting for answers in a case that law enforcement refuses to let go cold.Case Timeline• Late July 2022: Elgon leaves a residence on foot in Cranks Creek, KY, stating he is headed to Wallins to meet a friend.• Late July 2022 (Shortly after leaving): All cell phone communication and contact with his family abruptly stops.• August 25, 2022: After weeks of silence and growing alarm, Elgon's family officially files a missing person report.• 2022 – Present: Multiple community grid searches of the dense Harlan County terrain turn up zero physical evidence, clothing, or clues, prompting police to treat the case as a criminal investigation involving suspected foul play.Call to Action 📢Someone in Harlan County knows exactly what happened to Elgon Partin Jr. We need your help to break the silence and bring him home to his family.• Have a Tip? If you have any information, rumors, or saw anything unusual in the Cranks Creek, Totz, or Wallins areas in late July 2022, please contact Kentucky State Police Post 10 at (606) 573-3131. Tips can remain completely anonymous.• Immediate Sightings: If you believe you see Elgon, please call 911 immediately.• Support the Show: Please rate, review, and share this episode. Every share pushes Elgon's face back into the public eye and closer to the person who holds the missing piece of the puzzle.Vital Statistics• Name: Elgon Partin Jr.• Age at Disappearance: 29 years old• Physical Description: 5'9", 143 lbs, brown hair, blue eyes.• Distinguishing Marks: "Monster symbol" tattoo on his chest; "Family First" tattoo on his collarbone.#ElgonPartinJr #LocatingTheLost #MissingInKentucky #Harlan County #TrueCrimePodcast #MissingPerson #KentuckyStatePolice #ColdCase #BringHimHome #FoulPlaySuspected #PennyLedford #JusticeForElgon #TrueCrimeCommunity #MissingButNotForgotten

  • October 11 · 48 min

    ***LIVE*** THE FRONCZAK FILES -DECODING THE DNA

    In this episode of Locating the Lost, we sit down with Jack Fronczak and Tracey Hastings, co-hosts of The Fronczak Files, for an incredible conversation about identity, survival, and the pursuit of truth in one of the most unique missing persons cases in American history. Raised as Paul Joseph Fronczak after being discovered as an abandoned toddler in 1965, Jack spent decades living an identity that wasn't his. It wasn't until a 2012 DNA test shattered everything he believed that his true journey began—a search to uncover who he really was, who left him behind, and what happened to his twin sister who vanished without a trace. The 1964 Kidnapping & Identity Mix-Up: In April 1964, newborn Paul Joseph Fronczak was abducted from a Chicago hospital. In July 1965, a toddler was found abandoned in a stroller outside a department store in Newark, New Jersey. Lacking modern DNA technology, law enforcement mistakenly declared the toddler to be the stolen Chicago baby based on physical features and ear shape, handing him over to be raised as Paul Fronczak. The 2012 DNA Revelation: Having felt out of place for years, "Paul" secretly took a DNA test in 2012. The results proved he was not biologically related to the Fronczak family, reopening both the original 1964 kidnapping case and launching an investigation into the abandoned toddler's true origins. Uncovering the Rosenthal Roots: In 2015, with the help of forensic genealogist CeCe Moore, Jack unlocked his true identity: he was born Jack Rosenthal in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to parents Gilbert and Marie Rosenthal. The Vanished Twin Sister: Along with his name came a tragic discovery—Jack was born a twin. His twin sister, Jill Lynn Rosenthal, was born on October 27, 1963. While Jack was abandoned in Newark in July 1965, Jill vanished entirely around the same time. No photos of Jill exist, and her fate remains unknown. The Ongoing Mission: Today, going by Paul Jack Fronczak, he and co-host Tracey Hastings run The Fronczak Files podcast and advocate through the Jack and Jill Rosenthal Foundation (JJRF). Together, they combine investigative research, forensic genealogy, public tips, and cold case advocacy to search for missing twin Jill Rosenthal and help others seeking identity and closure. Living a Borrowed Identity: Jack discusses the emotional reality of growing up under a misidentified name and the pivotal moment he decided to uncover the truth.Unraveling the Past: How genetic genealogy exposed decades of buried secrets and tied his past back to Atlantic City. The Hunt for Jill Lynn Rosenthal: Jack and Tracey break down active investigative leads, forensic age-progressed imagery created by NCMEC, and the ongoing efforts to bring Jill home. Reclaiming the Narrative: Why Jack and Tracey launched The Fronczak Files to tell the unfiltered story straight from the source and advocate for missing children. Call to ActionDo You Have Information About Jill Lynn Rosenthal?Jill Lynn Rosenthal was born on October 27, 1963, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and was last seen around July 1965. If you or anyone you know lived in Atlantic City or Newark in the mid-1960s, knew the Rosenthal family, or have any information regarding Jill, please reach out. Submit Tips & Case Information: Visit The Fronczak Files or the Jack and Jill Rosenthal Foundation. Report to NCMEC: Contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST).Share This Episode: Every share helps put age-progressed imagery and case details in front of people who might hold the key to solving this mystery.Support Locating the Lost #LocatingTheLost #TheFronczakFiles #JackFronczak #JillRosenthal #MissingPersons #TrueCrimePodcast #GeneticGenealogy #ColdCase #MissingChildren #BringJillHome #DNAFoundling #NCMEC #UnsolvedMysteries #TrueCrimeCommunity #PodcastInterview #ColdCaseAdvocacy

  • September 28 · 1 hr 9 min

    THE CAPE BRETON BOYS ON THE TRACKS

    A Shattered Scene. A Rushed Judgment. A Half-Century Fight for the Truth.In this gripping episode of Locating the Lost, Jeff and I sit down with Richard Novak to dissect one of the most baffling and heartbreaking mysteries in Maine’s history: the deaths of the Cape Breton 3. On the morning of July 10, 1970, a freight train barreling through the remote wilderness of Smyrna Mills struck and killed three young men from Nova Scotia: Richard's brother, Kenny Novak (15), David Burrows (17), and Terry Burt (20).Almost instantly, the tragedy was labeled a bizarre accident, with authorities claiming the boys simply fell asleep on the tracks. But when you look closer, the official narrative completely falls apart. Richard walks us through the shocking failure of local law enforcement to follow standard investigative protocols. Instead of securing a potential crime scene and calling in forensics, train personnel were left to clean up the site. Evidence was disregarded, autopsies were bypassed, and foul play was officially ruled out before a proper investigation could even begin. How do three young men sleep through the deafening roar and ground-shaking vibration of an approaching freight train? Why were their pockets entirely empty of identification?We are not letting this go. Along with thousands of advocates, we started a Change.org petition and it is currently circulating to pressure Maine authorities to finally reopen this 1970 Aroostook County case. It is time for accountability, and it is time for answers.Timeline of the Tragedy: July 1970Early July 1970: Best friends Kenny, David, and Terry leave their home in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, crossing the border into the U.S. in search of summer adventure.July 10, 1970 (Pre-Dawn): The three boys are inexplicably lying motionless on the Bangor and Aroostook Railway tracks in Smyrna Mills, Maine, miles from the main road.July 10, 1970 (7:00 AM): A freight train conductor spots what looks like debris ahead. Despite slamming on the brakes, the train cannot stop in time and strikes the boys.The Immediate Aftermath (7:30 AM - Onward): A catastrophic failure of protocol begins. Local authorities quickly declare the deaths accidental. No crime scene perimeter is established.The Cleanup: In a shocking deviation from standard procedure, railway workers—not forensic experts—are left to clean up the site and move the bodies, destroying any potential evidence.The Closure: The case is swiftly closed without thorough autopsies, leaving families with missing belongings, uninvestigated timelines, and 50 years of devastating unanswered questions.Call to ActionThe families of Kenny, Terry, and David were robbed of a proper investigation in 1970, but we have the power to demand one today. We need your voice to break the silence.Sign and Share the Petition: https://www.change.org/p/maine-state-...Speak Up: If you or your family lived near Smyrna Mills in 1970 and have any memories of that week, reach out to us at Locating the Lost.Spread the Word: Share this episode far and wide. The more eyes on this case, the harder it is for the state to ignore it.#LocatingTheLost #CapeBreton3 #JusticeForKennyTerryDavid #BoysOnTheTracks #SmyrnaMillsMystery #ReopenTheCase #MaineTrueCrime #UnsolvedMystery #MissingInMaine #ColdCase

  • September 4 · 1 hr 3 min

    NO LONGER SILENT: THE LONENE ROGERS STORY

    On January 7, 1981, 29-year-old Lonene “Lonnie” Rogers vanished during a severe snowstorm in Hayfield Township, Pennsylvania. For 44 years, her sudden absence was treated as a mystery—until her daughter’s relentless fight for answers brought the terrible truth into the light.In this crucial episode, we sit down with Alison Duiker, Lonene’s daughter, and private investigator Jeff Walters to detail the decades-long battle for justice, the breakdown of the original police investigation, and the ultimate confession that changed everything.Key Facts & Case Overview:Communication Barriers: Lonene was profoundly deaf. Early law enforcement efforts stalled significantly due to a lack of sign language interpreters and proper investigative resources.Left Behind: Lonene vanished without her hearing aids, eyeglasses, essential medication, car, or purse—and left behind her two young children.Relentless Advocacy: Alison Duiker spent decades pushing state police, erecting cold case billboards, and advocating for "Lonnie's Law" to ensure families gain access to long-unsolved missing persons files.Timeline of EventsJanuary 6–7, 1981: Lonene is last seen alive at her job and home. Her husband, Clinton "Bud" Rogers, claims she walked out after an late-night argument.1981–2024: Clinton avoids formal interrogation for decades, drops young Alison off at a police station at age 14, and the case goes cold. Alison leads a public campaign to maintain visibility.Late 2025: Clinton "Bud" Rogers finally confesses to law enforcement that he killed Lonene during their argument, leading to criminal homicide charges.Call to Action:While a confession has been made, the fight for complete accountability and legislative reform continues. Share this episode to support the passage of Lonnie's Law and bring full closure to Lonene’s family. If you have any remaining details regarding the events of January 1981, contact local state police authorities. To learn more about Lonene's case follow Partners in True Crime podcast for an even deeper dive into her case at https://www.partnersintruecrime.com/ #LocatingTheLost #LoneneRogers #JusticeForLonnie #AlisonDuiker #TrueCrime #ColdCaseSolved #LonniesLaw #TrueCrimePodcast #UnsolvedMysteries #PennsylvaniaTrueCrime #CrimeDocumentary #TrueCrimeCommunity

  • July 19 · 1 hr 19 min

    ***LIVE*** THE LAST PARTY -THE SEARCH FOR BRENDA GAIL LAMBERT

    In this heartbreaking yet crucial episode of Locating the Lost, we sit down with Christy, the sister of Brenda Gail Lambert, to shine a light on a case that has remained unsolved for over three decades.On July 26, 1992, 22-year-old Brenda Gail Lambert celebrated her son’s first birthday at her home in Bluewell, West Virginia. It should have been a day of joy and milestones. Instead, it was the last day Brenda was ever seen. Shortly after the party, Brenda vanished without a trace, leaving behind her two young children, her family, and a cloud of unanswered questions that still haunts Mercer County today.Join us as Christy shares intimate memories of her sister, the devastating impact of the sudden disappearance, and the relentless, 34-year battle the family has fought to keep Brenda's name alive and uncover the truth. Someone knows what happened that July evening. It's time to bring Brenda home.📢 Call to Action: How You Can HelpYour voice has power. The piece of information that breaks this case wide open could be out there right now.Share This Episode: Every share increases the chances that the right person sees Brenda’s face. Please hit share, post it to your local true crime groups, and help us keep her story active.Submit a Tip: If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Brenda Gail Lambert on July 26, 1992, or any knowledge of individuals in the Bluewell/Bluefield area at that time, please contact the West Virginia State Police (Princeton Detachment) at (304) 487-8364 or your local law enforcement agency. Anonymous tips can make a difference.Subscribe & Review: To help us continue giving a platform to families searching for answers, please subscribe to Locating the Lost on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review.Follow the missing Brenda Gail Lambert FB page: / missingbrendalambert1992 #TrueCrime #MissingPerson #BrendaGailLambert #LocatingTheLost #WestVirginia #ColdCase #UnsolvedMysteries #BringBrendaHome #MercerCountyWV #TrueCrimeCommunity #JusticeForBrenda #MissingMother #documentary

  • July 8 · 44 min

    ***LIVE***VANISHED IN THE GRANITE STATE -THE SEARCH FOR MICHAEL JONES

    New Hampshire’s quiet towns and dense woods hide deep secrets—but a mother’s resolve refuses to let them stay buried.In this haunting episode of Locating the Lost, we sit down with Susan, the mother of Michael Andrew Jones, who vanished from the Nashua area without a trace. Breaking her silence, Susan joins us to lay bare the raw, unfiltered reality of a parent’s worst nightmare and the exhausting, ongoing hunt for her son.Michael left behind a fractured timeline, empty answers, and a family forced to carry the crushing weight of the unknown. Together with Susan, we dissect the critical gaps in the initial investigation, the regional geography, and the chilling questions surrounding his final known hours. What really happened before the signal went cold?This isn't just a retrospective look at a cold case. It is a mother’s active, desperate search for the truth. Someone knows something.Call to ActionCan you help a mother bring her son home? If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Michael Andrew Jones, or if you remember seeing anything unusual in the Nashua or surrounding New Hampshire areas around the time of his vanishing, please speak up.Contact the Nashua Police Department at 603-594-3500FBI Tip Line: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)Submit a Tip Online: tips.fbi.govPlease subscribe, rate, and share this episode. A single share could be the one that reaches the person holding the missing piece of the puzzle.#LocatingTheLost #MichaelJonesMissing #MissingInNH #NewHampshireColdCase #TrueCrimePodcast #MissingPersons #NashuaNH #NewEnglandTrueCrime #ColdCaseInvestigation #BringHimHome #UnsolvedMysteries #TrueCrimeCommunity #MothersJustice

  • May 29 · 57 min

    ***LIVE*** ACADIA AFTER DARK -LIGHTING THE LANTERN OF FEAR

    Maine is known as Vacationland—a postcard of rocky coasts, sleepy towns, and pristine pines. But the moment the sun dips below the canopy, the landscape shifts into something far more unforgiving.In this special crossover episode of Locating the Lost, we step into the shadows with Christian Leathers, AKA Reverend Redbeard, the host of Acadia After Dark. Together, we are striking a match to the mysteries of the Pine Tree State and exploring the thin, terrifying line where real-world wilderness danger meets deep regional lore.Millions of acres of dense, unbroken timber blanket this state. It’s a place where cell service dies, trails abruptly stop, and people vanish into thin air.Light your lanterns. The woods are listening.To Learn More About Acadia After Dark go to: acadiaafterdark.comFollow us: linktr.ee/locatingthelost#TrueCrime #MaineColdCases #AcadiaAfterDark #LocatingTheLost #WildernessMysteries #Vacationland #PodcastCrossover #MissingPerson

  • May 23 · 51 min

    ***LIVE*** ECHOES IN THE PINES -THE RUSSELL BURNETT STORY

    When a loved one vanishes, the silence left behind is deafening. In this powerful episode of Locating the Lost, we dive deep into the heartbreaking and mysterious disappearance of Russell Burnett from Maine.To help us understand who Russell is beyond the missing person poster, we are joined by family friend and dedicated advocate, Nadine. She shares exclusive insights into the timeline of his disappearance, the agonizing search efforts, and the community's relentless fight for answers.Russell didn't just vanish into thin air—someone, somewhere, knows something. Nadine joins us to break the silence, keep Russell’s face in the public eye, and issue an urgent plea to anyone who might hold the missing piece of the puzzle.Turn on notifications, share this stream, and help us bring Russell home.🚨 CALL TO ACTION (How You Can Help)We cannot do this without you. Your share could be the one that reaches the person with the truth. Here is how you can take action right now:SHARE THIS VIDEO: Hit the share button immediately to push this live stream into more feeds on Facebook and YouTube.SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW: Subscribe to Locating the Lost and turn on the notification bell so you never miss a case.LEAVE A COMMENT: Drop a comment below. Even a simple "Boosting for visibility" helps the algorithm push this video to a wider audience.HAVE INFORMATION? If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Russell Burnett, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, please contact Maine State Police 207-973-3700#RussellBurnett #MissingPerson #LocatingTheLost #MaineMissing #TrueCrimeLive #ColdCase #FindRussellBurnett #MissingInMaine #HelpUsFindHim #TrueCrime #LiveStream #ShareThisVideo #BringRussellHome #CommunityAdvocate

  • April 19 · 1 hr 15 min

    ***LIVE*** DECODING THE DEORR KUNZ JR CASE W/JACK FOX

    On July 10, 2015, two-year-old DeOrr Kunz Jr. vanished without a trace from the Timber Creek campground in Idaho. He was in the company of four adults—his parents, his great-grandfather, and a family friend. To this day, no physical evidence has ever been found.In this episode of Locating the Lost, we sit down with renowned statement analysis expert Jack Fox. Fox takes a closer look at the public and recorded statements made by the adults who were present that day. What do their word choices reveal? Are there hidden gaps, linguistic red flags, or unconscious admissions in their accounts? Join us as we examine the anatomy of their statements to see what was really being said—and what was left out.👉 Listen now to see if the truth is hidden in plain sight. Subscribe to Locating the Lost on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!FOLLOW US: https://linktr.ee/locatingthelostTO FOLLOW JACK FOX: https://neveratruerword.start.page/ If you have any information regarding the disappearance of DeOrr Kunz Jr., please contact the Lemhi County Sheriff's Office.#DeOrrKunzJr#DeOrrKunz#LocatingTheLost#TrueCrimePodcast#StatementAnalysis#MissingPerson#UnsolvedMysteries#JackFox#IdahoMissing#ColdCase#TrueCrimeCommunity#Disappeared

  • April 18 · 41 min

    ***LIVE*** MATTHEWS ARMY -THE FIGHT FOR ANSWERS

    On a cold March afternoon in 2023, 29-year-old Matthew McDonald was reportedly dropped off at the Howe Cemetery in Coal Center, PA. According to his girlfriend—the last person to see him—Matthew exited the car after an argument about a phone, and when she returned just ten minutes later, he had vanished into thin air. He left behind his own phone, his belongings, and a family that has been fighting for answers ever since.In this episode of Locating the Lost, we sit down with Matthew’s sister, Samantha, who has become a relentless advocate for her brother. She takes us through the confusing timeline of that day, the critical footage from a nearby church, and the agonizing roadblocks the family has faced while dealing with local law enforcement.In this interview, we discuss:The Person Behind the Headlines: Who Matthew is as a son, a father, and a brother.The Timeline: What happened in the final hours before Matthew was seen at the cemetery.Red Flags: The suspicious details regarding his phone being passed between multiple people after his disappearance.The Fight for Justice: Why the family believes someone in the California Borough area knows the truth.Matthew McDonald's Description:Height/Weight: 6'1", approx. 195 lbs.Distinguishing Marks: Multiple tattoos, including "Praying Hands" with a rosary and "SHAWN" on his right forearm, and "420" on his left forearm.Last Seen Wearing: A black Mossy Oak hoodie with camouflage lettering, a black/blue hat, black-rimmed glasses, and brown work boots.Have Information?If you have any information, no matter how small, please contact the California Borough Police Department at (724) 938-3233 or the PA State Police Anonymous Tip Line at 1-800-4PA-TIPS.FOLLOW US: linktr.ee/locatingthelost#MatthewMcDonald#WhereIsMatthew#FindMatthewMcDonald#JusticeForMatthew#PinkForMatthew#SamStillSearching#LocatingTheLost#TrueCrimeCommunity#TrueCrimePodcast#MissingPersonAwareness#UnsolvedMysteries#ColdCase#BringThemHome

  • April 3 · 1 hr 5 min

    ***LIVE*** MISSING BROOKE HILL

    How does a 16-year-old girl vanish into thin air and remain missing for nearly three decades? This week on Locating the Lost, we are reopening the chilling 1997 cold case of Brooke Elaine Hill.Brooke was last seen in Morgan County, Indiana, before being reported missing from Putnam County. For 30 years, her trail has been cold—no paper trail, no CODIS entry, and far too many unanswered questions. Joining us is Brooke’s cousin, Alisha Schwab, who is breaking the silence to share the real story of the girl behind the poster and the tireless fight to finally bring her home.The Theories We’re Diving Into:The 'Runaway' Narrative: Was Brooke truly a runaway, as originally reported, or was that a cover for something much darker?The Florida Connection: Did Brooke really make it to Florida, or is this a decades-old red herring?The Unidentified: Because Brooke isn’t in the CODIS system, could she have been found years ago and remains a 'Jane Doe' today?Someone, somewhere, knows what happened that night in Indiana. It’s time to find the truth.Listen now and help us bring Brooke home.Follow the missing Brooke Hill FB page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...Follow us on all social media: https://linktr.ee/locatingthelost#BrookeHill #MissingPerson #TrueCrimePodcast #ColdCase #Indiana #JusticeForBrooke #MissingInIndiana #LocatingTheLost #AlishaSchwab #FindBrookeHill #TrueCrimeCommunity #UnsolvedMysteries #JaneDoe #MissingChild #MorganCounty #PutnamCounty

  • March 22 · 1 hr

    ***LIVE*** THE MAN IN THE GREEN VAN -JUSTICE FOR LILLIAN PAYNE

    In this deep-dive episode of Locating the Lost, we sit down with Kimberly Truitt, the aunt of Lillian Ann Marie Payne, to dissect one of the most haunting unsolved homicides in the Carolinas. In May 2020, Lillian stepped away from a Pilot gas station in Rock Hill and into a mystery that would end months later in the quiet woods of Chester County.Kimberly brings us into the heart of the heartbreak, detailing the frantic search and the grim discovery that changed their family forever. But we aren’t just looking back—we are looking for the truth. Together, we explore the chilling theories that continue to swirl around Lillian’s final moments:The "Green Caravan" Mystery: Who was behind the wheel of the vehicle Lillian was last seen entering? Was this a pre-arranged meeting, or a crime of opportunity?The Familiar Face Theory: Based on Lillian’s movements that day, did she know her killer? We discuss the possibility that someone within her social circle holds the key to the entire case.The Chester County Connection: Why was Lillian’s body found in such a remote area of Lowrys? We examine whether the killer had intimate knowledge of the local landscape or if it was a desperate attempt to hide the evidence.Lillian was a girl with a life ahead of her, not a cold case file. Kimberly shares the memories that keep the family's fire burning and the evidence they believe the public needs to see to finally break this case wide open.YOUR TURN TO TAKE ACTION:A killer has been free for years. You might have the one piece of information that connects the dots.📍 HAVE INFO? Contact the Chester County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers of York County (803-628-3059). You can remain anonymous.📢 SHARE HER STORY: Use the links below to spread the word. One share could reach the person who knows the truth.🎧 FOLLOW US: https://linktr.ee/locatingthelost⚖️ JUSTICE FOR LILLIAN: / justiceforlillianpayne #LocatingTheLost #JusticeForLillianPayne #TrueCrimePodcast #UnsolvedMurder #ColdCase #SouthCarolinaCrime #LillianPayne #RockHillSC #ChesterCounty #GreenCaravan #TrueCrimeCommunity #SolveThisCase

  • March 14 · 55 min

    ***LIVE*** WHO KILLED SCOTT SAMPSON

    On a bitter November night in 1990, the West End of Portland was quiet—until the silence was shattered by a crime that remains frozen in time. Scott Sampson was only 26 years old when he was left to die on a cold sidewalk outside Pine Street Variety. For over 30 years, the details have been shrouded in official silence, but the grief of a family remains as sharp as the day it began.In this investigative episode of Locating the Lost, we go beyond the police tape with Scott’s sister, Sandra Hill and his son Shawn. With raw empathy and a relentless search for truth, Sandra and Shawn walk us through the timeline of Scott's final night: the borrowed bicycle, the 7-Eleven stop, and the unidentified man seen walking beside him just moments before his life was stolen.We dig deep into the investigative gaps—why was a fatal wound overlooked by witnesses? What secrets are still held by the streets of Portland? This isn't just a recount of a cold case; it is a families plea for the one thing the state has yet to provide: Accountability.Listen LIVE as we piece together the fragments of a life cut short and the investigation that refuses to go cold.📢 CALL TO ACTIONThe truth doesn't have an expiration date. We are asking the Portland community and true crime advocates everywhere to help us break the silence. If you have any information—no matter how small—regarding the night of November 13, 1990:Reach Out: Contact the Portland Police Criminal Investigations Division at (207) 874-8533.Stay Anonymous: Use the Crime Stoppers Tip Line by texting "PPDME" to 847411.Share Scott’s Story: Follow Locating the Lost on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this episode. Every share brings us one step closer to the lead that changes everything.FOLLOW US: https://linktr.ee/locatingthelost#LocatingTheLost #JusticeForScottSampson #ColdCaseFiles #PortlandMaine #TrueCrimeCommunity #SandraHill #InvestigativeJournalism #UnsolvedHomicide #MaineCrime #MissingPieces

  • March 8 · 32 min

    ***LIVE*** THE DISAPPEARANCE OF TIM CULLEN -A Vanishing in Largo

    On a humid January day in 2018, 24-year-old Timothy Cullen sent a final text to his mother, Elaine: "I love you.". In that moment, he was just a young man with a bright future and a "Believe the Impossible" tattoo etched into his arm. But hours later, Timothy—a 6'5" gentle soul with high-functioning autism—vanished into thin air from his home in Largo, Florida.The mystery only deepened when his black 1999 Honda Civic was discovered abandoned at an apartment complex in Clearwater. It wasn't just left behind; it was a crime scene in motion. First, it was tagged for towing. Days later, it had been moved to a different spot, its windows rolled halfway down, and its license plates stripped away.Who moved the car? And who was the "person of interest" that allegedly spent Timothy's final known hours with him—only to die in a shootout months later, taking his secrets to the grave?. We sit down with Elaine Cullen for a heartbreaking look at a mother's refusal to give up on her son, and Linda who is an advocate for Timothy helping Elaine fight for justice. Calls to Action (CTA)Submit a Tip: "Someone in Largo or Clearwater saw something in early 2018. If you have any information, call the Largo Police Department at 727-586-7480 or contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement".Share Timothy's Face: Help us make this story go viral. Follow the Remembering Tim Cullen page on Facebook and share his photos to keep his memory aliveSubscribe & Review: To ensure we can continue investigating cases like Timothy's, subscribe to Locating the Lost on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review#TimothyCullen #MissingInFlorida #LocatingTheLost #ColdCaseMystery #LargoFL #JusticeForTimmy #AutismAwareness #TrueCrimeStory #ClearwaterFL #BelieveTheImpossible #Missing

  • March 5 · 58 min

    ***LIVE***MITCHELL WALTERS: The Long Walk to Nowhere

    What happens when a loved one walks out the door and simply never returns? On July 26, 2025, Mitchell Walters left his home in Kilgore, Texas, reportedly heading toward Tyler on foot. He hasn’t been seen or heard from since.In this powerful episode of Locating the Lost, we are joined by Mitchell’s sister, Tiffany Walters. Tiffany opens up about the "unbearable agony" of the last several months and the family’s relentless pursuit of the truth. We dive into the specific details that could solve this case—from Mitchell’s hand-painted Nike Air Max shoes to his distinct neck and forearm tattoos.This isn't just a story; it's a search for a brother, a son, and a friend. We’re calling on the East Texas community and our listeners nationwide to look closely at the facts. One tip, one sighting, or one piece of video footage could be the key to bringing Mitchell home.Critical Case Facts:Last Seen: July 26, 2025, in Kilgore, TX.Physical Identifiers: 5'7", 145 lbs, with "MRW" tattooed on his neck and a smoking gun on his forearm.Unique Lead: He was wearing black Nike Air Max shoes with the word "MAX" hand-painted in red.🚨 CALL TO ACTION:We need your help to spread Mitchell’s face across the internet. Please share this episode on your social media feeds. If you lived or traveled along the route between Kilgore and Tyler in late July 2025 and saw anything unusual, contact the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office at 903-237-2544.For all our social media and podcast links visit:https://linktr.ee/locatingthelost?utm#MitchellWalters #MissingPerson #EastTexas #KilgoreTX #TylerTX #LocatingTheLost #TrueCrimeTexas #BringHimHome #MissingInTexas #ColdCase #HelpFindMitchell

  • February 22 · 1 hr 3 min

    ***LIVE*** AIDAN VICTORIA SPEAR -The Last Goodbye

    In this episode of Locating the Lost, we speak with Jessica Brown, a mother fueled by a relentless love and a demand for justice for her daughter, Aidan Victoria Spear.On January 24, 2022, Aidan was just minutes away from a fresh start at a rehabilitation facility in Tacoma, Washington. A final text at 10:40 a.m. promised she was on her way—but she never arrived. Since that morning, her family has navigated a labyrinth of cold leads, persons of interest who remain free, and the heartbreaking reality of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis.Jessica joins us to pull back the curtain on the investigation, share the truth about Aidan's life beyond the headlines, and name the names of those who may hold the key to bringing her daughter home.How you can help:If you have information regarding Aidan Spear, Kristopher Mykel Moore, or Andre Harris, please contact the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers. To Follow the Bring Aidan Spear Home FB page use this link: https://www.facebook.com/p/Help-us-bring-AIDAN-SPEAR-HOME-100085845255103/ FMI on her case go to the SEASON OF JUSTICE website here: https://seasonofjustice.org/featured/aidan-spear/ Our LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/locatingthelost?utm#LocatingTheLost #AidanSpear #MMIP #NoMoreStolenSisters #BringAidanHome #JusticeForAidan #TrueCrimeWashington #MissingInTacoma #IndigenousJustice #Missing #Truecrime

  • February 20 · 1 hr

    ***LIVE*** TENA MASHELL PREAST -The Stranger at the Door

    On August 4, 1991, 19-year-old Tena Mashell Preast stepped out of her Lawton, Oklahoma home to speak with a mysterious visitor. She didn't take her purse, her keys, or even her shoes. In just 20 minutes, the vibrant young woman with a "heart of gold" vanished without a trace, leaving a family to spend the next 34 years fighting for the truth.In this deeply emotional episode of Locating the Lost, we sit down with Laurie McCauley, Tena’s cousin and the sister-figure who raised her. Laurie shares the raw, unfiltered reality of a family left behind by a system that often overlooked Tena. We explore the investigative hurdles, the missed opportunities, and the theories that continue to haunt those who loved her.We’re diving into the theories and the chilling details:The Cellar Secret: Why was a dirt-packed cellar on the property suddenly filled in shortly after Tena disappeared?The Restraining Order: Within a year before she vanished, Tena had taken legal steps to protect herself from an ex-boyfriend.The "Man at the Door": Was the mysterious visitor a stranger, or someone Tena knew well enough to step outside without her belongings?The Lawton Serial Killer: Does Tena’s case link to the notorious Cache Road killings, or was her proximity to victim Barbara Berry just a tragic coincidence?Tattoos of Identity: We discuss the importance of her unique tattoos—the word "Cameel" and a yellow smiley face with a red bullet hole saying "Have a nice day"—as potential keys to finding her today.📢 WE NEED YOUR VOICES:Silence is the only thing keeping this case cold. If you lived in Lawton in the early '90s or have information about the property on NW 17th Street, your tip could be the missing piece of the puzzle.How you can help:Submit a Tip: Contact the Lawton Police Department at 580-581-3270 (Reference Case #1991-7194).Share Her Story: Visit Oklahoma Cold Cases to share Tena’s profile and keep her name alive.Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.Our LinkTree to follow on all social media: https://linktr.ee/locatingthelost?utm...#LocatingTheLost #TenaPreast #JusticeForTena #MissingInOklahoma #LawtonColdCase #TrueCrimePodcast #OklahomaColdCases #ColdCase #MissingPerson #SilenceIsBetrayal #Missing #Truecrime

  • January 31 · 1 hr 1 min

    ***LIVE***HUNTING A GHOST -THE LECESSE FILES

    Imagine your son calls you, breathless and terrified, claiming he’s being hunted by "people in high places." You tell him to come home, but he never arrives. When the police find his car, his shoes, and his backpack scattered across the woods of Dartmouth, they discover something even more bizarre: Charlie Allen Jr. no longer exists. Just days before vanishing, he had legally changed his name to Neo Babson Maximus.It is now 2026, and the trail has been cold for nearly two decades—but Private Investigator John Leccese is still hunting for the truth. In this gripping interview, the former detective takes us inside the investigation that defined his career and continues to haunt him.In this episode, we tackle the questions that won't go away:The Paranoid Protocol: We deconstruct the final, frantic voicemails. Was Charlie’s fear of "important people" a symptom of his bipolar disorder, or did he stumble upon something he wasn't supposed to see at UMass Dartmouth?The "Polite" Intruder: John Leccese walks us through the strangest lead in the file—the man matching Charlie’s description who broke into a local home, apologized to the homeowner by name, and then dissolved back into the forest.Sifting the Shadows: From organized ground searches to analyzing 19 years of "sightings," Leccese reveals the hardest part of tracking a man who didn't want to be found.The 2026 Breakthrough? We discuss how modern technology and renewed interest in cold cases are putting pressure on the original evidence. Is there a digital footprint for "Neo" that we’ve missed?Guest Spotlight:John Leccese, owner of Orion Investigations, is a retired law enforcement officer who has become the Allen family’s strongest ally. He brings a tactical, "no-stone-unturned" perspective to a case that sits at the intersection of mental health and mystery.Be the Key to the Case:Charlie's family deserves peace. If you have any information, no matter how small, please contact Orion Investigations at (781) 435-1139 or the Massachusetts State Police at (508) 993-8373To follow us on all our social media platforms:https://linktr.ee/locatingthelost?utm...#TrueCrimeCommunity#Crime#TrueCrimePodcast#Podcast#CrimeStory#Crimestory#Mystery #MurderMystery#ColdCase#Unsolved#MissingPerson#CriminalJustice#Documentary#Forensics#Investigation#TrueCrimeAddict#PodcastRecommendation#Suspense#Thriller

  • January 22 · 53 min

    ***LIVE***UNSOLVED IN MAINE: BERNARD "BUNNY" ROSS JR.

    On a spring morning in May 1977, 18-year-old Bernard "Bunny" Ross Jr. walked out of his family home in Fort Kent, Maine, and vanished into the vast wilderness of the North Woods. After a series of distressed events—including a brief truck theft that was later forgiven—Bunny's trail went cold on a remote dirt road near the Ashland-Portage town line.For nearly 50 years, the Ross family has lived in the "agony of the unknown," waiting for a knock on the door that never came. The case took a stunning turn in 2016 when his parents received a mysterious anonymous letter claiming to have definitive information about their son’s whereabouts. But who sent it, and why now?In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Ross, Bunny’s brother, to discuss:The Final Hours: The events leading up to Bunny’s disappearance and his state of mind on May 12, 1977.The Search: What it was like for a family in rural Maine to search for a loved one before the era of modern forensics.The Letter: The family's reaction to the anonymous tip that reignited the Maine State Police investigation.A Brother's Perspective: Patrick shares personal memories of "Bunny" and the reality of living with a decades-old cold case.Case Details: Missing Since May 12, 1977LocationAshland/Portage, MaineLast Seen Wearing Green down vest, gold chamois shirt, brown corduroy pantsDistinguishing Marks: Scar on abdomen, chicken pox marks on noseHave information? If you know anything about the disappearance of Bernard "Bunny" Ross Jr., please contact the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit at (207) 973-3750.#Maine #Missing #Missingperson #locatingthelost #bernardross #truecrimecommunity

  • January 9 · 47 min

    ***LIVE***Bringing Charlotte Heimann Home

    In October 1981, 27-year-old PhD student Charlotte Heimann stepped out of the Rochester Psychiatric Center for a brief errand and was never seen again. She left behind a four-year-old daughter and a haunting warning that someone was waiting for her at her apartment.Forty-five years later, the silence is finally breaking.In this special update episode, we welcome back Charlotte’s granddaughter, Shyla Jump, to discuss the massive shift in the investigation as we enter 2026. Shyla, a criminal justice professional, has turned a decades-old cold case into an active pursuit of the truth. We dive into the "very big lead" Shyla presented to the Rochester Police Department (RPD) in late 2025, the identification of a specific remote location that may hold the answers the family has been seeking, and the emotional toll of carrying a legacy of trauma.Is a breakthrough finally on the horizon? Join us as we examine the evidence that has investigators looking back at 1981 with fresh eyes.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:The New Evidence: Shyla details the process of vetting recent leads and her collaboration with the RPD Major Crimes Unit.The Power of Advocacy: How Shyla’s expertise has moved the needle on a case that sat dormant for decades.A Family’s Fight: The impact of this investigation on Charlotte’s daughter and the generational quest for closure.Help Bring Charlotte Home:If you lived in the Rochester, NY area in 1981 or have any information regarding the disappearance of Charlotte Heimann, please contact:Rochester Police Department Major Crimes: (585) 428-7157Crime Stoppers: (585) 423-9300 (Anonymous)Follow the Investigation: Join the community and see the latest updates on the Charlotte Heimann Missing 1981 Facebook Page.Follow us: https://linktr.ee/locatingthelost #charlotteheimann #rochesterny #truecrime #locatingthelost

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