In a media landscape often preoccupied with sensational crimes and resolved cases, “The Vanished” podcast stands as a vital platform for those stories that remain painfully unfinished. Hosted by Marissa Jones, this well-researched series gives voice to the thousands of individuals who disappear each year across America, many of whom might otherwise be forgotten by mainstream coverage.
Each episode represents not merely content for consumption, but a potential opportunity to generate new leads in active investigations through increased awareness. The cases featured below represent some of the most compelling, impactful, and thoroughly investigated episodes in the podcast’s extensive catalog, selected not for their entertainment value, but for their importance in understanding the complex realities of missing persons cases, the devastating impact on families left behind, and the systemic issues that often impede resolutions.
As you listen to these recommended, top episodes, remember that behind each name, date, and circumstance is a human being with dreams, relationships, and loved ones who continue searching for answers, sometimes decades after the disappearance occurred.
Kyle Fleischmann
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Kyle Fleischmann, age 24, vanished without a trace in Charlotte, North Carolina, on the evening of November 8, 2007, following a night out. His last known movements, captured imperfectly on film and recounted by a cab driver, offer few answers in the persistent mystery of what happened to Kyle.
Ian Eckles Part 1: The Hunting Trip
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When 41-year-old outdoor enthusiast Ian Eckles didn’t show for a hunting trip near Liberty, Washington, his friend found no trace of Ian, his car, or gear. Despite over a year of searching for Ian, he remains missing, but the investigation has unearthed something far larger than expected.
Ryan Shtuka
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After a night out starting February 16, 2018, 20-year-old Ryan Shtuka was last seen leaving a party in Sun Peaks, British Columbia, early on the 17th to walk home. His friends believed Ryan was following, but he vanished that cold night and has never been found despite extensive searches. What happened to Ryan remains a mystery.
Kelly “Allison” Whiddon Part 1: I’m Not Missing, Am I?
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Around April 19, 2016, 44-year-old Kelly “Allison” Whiddon vanished from Panama City Beach, Florida, during a contentious breakup. Her violent boyfriend, the last to see her, gave conflicting statements and stopped cooperating, while Allison wasn’t reported missing for six weeks. The mystery of Allison Whiddon’s disappearance has since become extraordinary, but she remains missing.
Melanie Meleney
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Melanie Meleney disappeared after entering Chesapeake Glen Apartments in Glen Burnie, Maryland, on Thursday, October 11, 2018. Despite cameras, Melanie wasn’t seen exiting. When she missed work, friends reported Melanie missing by Saturday, starting a nightmare for her loved ones.
Adam Kellner
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Adam Kellner was last seen at his residence in Stevenson Ranch, California, on November 8, 2007. Diagnosed with schizophrenia and living an isolated life with his mother, Sherrill Britton, Adam simply disappeared without a trace ever being found.
Michael Wallace
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29-year-old Michael Wallace vanished from Menlo Park on February 4, 2003. The Massachusetts native and elite university graduate had financial security but disappeared mysteriously. His family wondered if his interest in The Bourne Identity, Catch Me If You Can, and Buddhism studies provided clues. This remains the puzzling case of a gifted individual who sought life’s answers before inexplicably disappearing.
Shannon Collins
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In March 2021, Shannon Collins, 48, went missing from Pottsville, Arkansas. His family lost contact with him when he stopped responding to calls and messages. His wife claimed he left home March 12 but maintained phone contact with their children. Unsatisfied with explanations, Shannon’s brother Blake filed a missing person report in November while visiting for the holidays. The case then took strange turns.
Brenda Sue Davidson
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13-year-old Brenda Sue Davidson vanished from Woodbridge, Virginia on March 4, 1974. Her sister Lisa, only seven then, was told Brenda ran away. As an adult, Lisa began investigating and found inconsistencies in this story. She now questions whether her father’s abuse led to something worse that was concealed. Lisa seeks anyone with knowledge of her family from that time to help uncover the truth.
Christopher Abeyta Part 1
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7-month-old Christopher Abeyta vanished from his crib on July 15, 1986, in Colorado Springs. The family, who typically left doors unlocked, discovered him missing the next morning with the front door open. Police initially scrutinized the family, but recently identified a person of interest. Despite being under suspicion, the Abeytas continued their own search. Christopher’s sister Denise shared their story in this interview.
Madeline Babcock
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In summer 1968, 35-year-old Madeline Babcock disappeared from Venice, California. Her emptied apartment and police disinterest suggested she chose to leave. Meanwhile, a young girl in Washington believed she saw her father and his friend kill a woman. These separate narratives ran parallel for decades until the girl, now grown, began investigating her troubling memory, eventually connecting the two stories.
Paige Johnson
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On September 23, 2010, 17-year-old Paige Johnson left her Florence, Kentucky home to meet friend Jacob Bumpass. She messaged her sister urgently that evening but never returned home. Jacob claims he dropped her at an intersection in Covington near her sister’s location. Nine years later, Paige’s family continues searching for answers about what happened that September night.
Serenity Dennard
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In early 2019, 9-year-old Serenity Dennard was residing at Black Hills Children’s Home in Rockerville, South Dakota since July 2018. Her adoptive parents placed her there due to behavioral challenges. On February 3, 2019, while nearing completion of her one-year program, Serenity escaped when staff were distracted. A visitor last saw her by the cattle gate near the road. Despite wearing snow boots but no coat, she vanished just before severe winter weather hit the area.
Nicholas Marion Part 1: Beneath The Surface
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At 6:30 AM on June 30, 2024, 38-year-old Nicholas Marion went for a walk from his temporary lodging in Youbou, British Columbia, leaving his phone behind. He and his wife Dory were visiting Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island for a music festival when he vanished. His American family rushed to join extensive searches that only yielded a single shirt. Despite several reported sightings that proved inconclusive, Nicholas remains missing nine months later, with his family still seeking answers about his disappearance.
Tyler Goodrich
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On November 3, 2023, 35-year-old Tyler Goodrich bought pizza at Costco after work, appearing normal on security footage. That evening, instead of enjoying the planned movie night with his husband Marshall and their son in Lincoln, Nebraska, the couple discussed divorce. Marshall recorded their escalating conversation and called police. During the call, home cameras captured someone, possibly Tyler, running from the garage, though the footage quality is poor. Tyler hasn’t been seen since that night.
Alexis Camry Scott
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20-year-old Alexis Scott vanished after a party in Peoria, Illinois during the early hours of September 23, 2017. Contradictory accounts about that night have complicated the search for answers. Just weeks before disappearing, Alexis experienced a terrifying incident while visiting Las Vegas. Questions remain whether her disappearance connects to this troubling Las Vegas event.
Carolyn Riggins
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On July 11, 2020, Carolyn Riggins left her Fort Worth apartment for a nearby bingo hall where she won several hundred dollars. After making purchases at a convenience store, she disappeared. Hours later, around midnight, surveillance cameras captured her vehicle’s license plate heading northward toward Oklahoma, though it remains unclear if Carolyn herself was driving.
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