Yesterday, we brought you the first part of the story of Eric Franks, who disappeared sometime in March of 2011 from Saginaw, Michigan. Eric's case had gone cold until last year when his car was suddenly found. However, that wasn't the only surprising turn of events in Eric's case. Today you will hear the rest of the tale that spans from a possibly faked death, to an airplane in Mississippi, and an investigation that found its way to Florida and back to Michigan. Eric's disappearance has never truly been dormant because every time investigators think they've found an answer, another turn of events changes everything.If you have any information about the disappearance of Eric Franks, please call the Michigan State Police at 989-495-5555.This episode was sponsored by:Boll & Branch- To experience an entirely new standard of comfort, visit bollandbranch.com. Get 15% off your first set of sheets with promo code MIA.QUIP- Go to GetQuip.com/VANISHED and you'll get your first refill free.Listen ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad-free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/thevanishedIf you have a missing loved one that you would like to have featured on the show, please fill out our case submission form: http://www.thevanishedpodcast.com/case-submission/.Follow The Vanished on social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterPatreonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Vanished Podcast

Eric Franks Part 2: The Love Triangle

In March of 2011, 38-year-old Eric Franks disappeared from Saginaw, Michigan. The circumstances of Eric's disappearance were strange, and suspicious figures surrounded the case from the beginning. A unique series of events seemed to protect the suspicious figures. Despite a thorough investigation and execution of many search warrants, law enforcement struggled to come up with anything tangible. It was a frustrating case that went cold over the years. Then, in September of 2020, Eric's car was found after being hidden away in a garage for many years. With this significant development, Eric's cold case suddenly came screaming back to life.If you have any information about the disappearance of Eric Franks you are asked to call the Michigan State Police at 989-495-5555.This episode was sponsored by:Headspace- Head to Headspace.com/THEVANISHED for a free month trial.Sleep Number- Proven quality sleep is life-changing sleep. Special offers, for a limited time. Only at Sleep Number stores or sleepnumber.com/VANISH.Listen ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad-free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/thevanishedIf you have a missing loved one that you would like to have featured on the show, please fill out our case submission form: http://www.thevanishedpodcast.com/case-submission/.Follow The Vanished on social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterPatreonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Franks Part 1: The Plot Twist

We first brought you Ebby's story back in March of 2017. Ebby's mom, Laurie, told us about her frustrating journey to have her daughter's case investigated properly. At the end of our original episode, there was a new team looking into her disappearance. Laurie was hopeful. A little over a year later, there would be a major break in the case when detective Tommy Hudson decided to search areas of the park where Ebby's car had been found. Areas that her family had been told were searched previously. That was when they discovered Ebby's remains just 60 feet from where her car had been found. In this update, Laurie is joining us again to discuss how Ebby was found and where her case stands today. If you have any information about the disappearance and murder of Ebby Steppach, please call the Little Rock Police Department at (501) 404-3128.This episode was sponsored by:Moink- Go to Moinkbox.com/vanished to get a free year of bacon and then pick the meats you want delivered with your first box.Nutrafol- Go to Nutrafol.com/VANISHED to save $15 off your first order plus free shipping.thredUP- Get an extra 30% off your first order at thredUP.com/VANISHED.Listen ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad-free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/thevanishedIf you have a missing loved one that you would like to have featured on the show, please fill out our case submission form: http://www.thevanishedpodcast.com/case-submission/.Follow The Vanished on social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterPatreonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Case Update: Ebby Steppach

9-year-old Bob Boyes disappeared from Port Republic, Maryland, on December 26, 1968, the day after Christmas. Bob and his brothers had gone to a neighbors' home to show off their new toys. Bob's brothers left the friends' home, but Bob stayed behind. Bob later left to walk home, accompanied by his pet deer, Pete. But according to Bob's parents, he never made it home, and his pet deer later returned without Bob. Nearly 53 years have passed since that chilly winter day that Bob disappeared, but many of his remaining family members still hope that someone will crack this cold case.If you have any information about the disappearance of Bob Boyes, please contact the Maryland State Police at (410) 535-1400.Special thanks to Melanie Perkins-McLaughlin, please check out her website haveyouseenandy.com for developments in Andy’s case and some of her upcoming projects. Written, hosted, produced by Marissa JonesResearched assistance by Haley GrayThis episode was sponsored by:Boll & Branch- To experience an entirely new standard of comfort, visit bollandbranch.com. Get 15% off your first set of sheets with promo code MIA.Sarah Flint- Get $50 off your first Sarah Flint purchase when you go to sarahflint.com/VANISHED.Listen ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad-free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/thevanishedIf you have a missing loved one that you would like to have featured on the show, please fill out our case submission form: http://www.thevanishedpodcast.com/case-submission/.Follow The Vanished on social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterPatreonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bob Boyes

Last fall, we brought Carolyn Riggins' story. Carolyn had disappeared after a night out at a bingo hall. Yesterday, we shared the first part of our update on Carolyn's case. Today we're taking you through the events that have transpired since Carolyn's car and body were recovered, and her family's ongoing quest for answers almost a year later.If you have any information about the disappearance and death of Carolyn Riggins, please call the Cooke County Sheriff's Office at 940-665-3471. This episode was sponsored by:Upstart- Find out how Upstart can lower your monthly payments today when you go to Upstart.com/Vanished.Noom- Sign up for your trial at noom.com/VANISHED.Listen ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad-free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/thevanishedIf you have a missing loved one that you would like to have featured on the show, please fill out our case submission form: http://www.thevanishedpodcast.com/case-submission/.Follow The Vanished on social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterPatreonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Case Update: Carolyn Riggins Part 2

Last fall, we brought you the story of 69-year-old Carolyn Riggins. In July of 2020, after a successful night at her favorite bingo hall just a few miles from her Fort Worth, Texas home, Carolyn had disappeared. Just weeks before we originally aired her story, Carolyn’s remains were found inside the backseat of her car in a deeply wooded, remote part of far north Texas. This area was a place so rural, that it is almost completely inaccessible without detailed knowledge of the area. The discovery of Carolyn’s vehicle and body under such mysterious and unexplained circumstances troubled Carolyn’s family, especially with some of the rumors that swirled around the community from the time she disappeared and even after she was found. This week, we will explore some of the stranger aspects that have developed since we first aired Carolyn’s story nearly a year ago.This episode was sponsored by:Vionic Shoes- Visit VionicShoes.com and use promo code VANISHED for free shipping.Listen ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad-free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/thevanishedIf you have a missing loved one that you would like to have featured on the show, please fill out our case submission form: http://www.thevanishedpodcast.com/case-submission/.Follow The Vanished on social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterPatreonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Case Update: Carolyn Riggins Part 1

37-year-old Jesse Conger was last seen leaving his girlfriend’s apartment in Scottsdale, Arizona, on August 14th, 2019. He drove off in his silver Toyota Camry and has never been seen or heard from again. When his girlfriend returned home from work, she found some items missing that pointed to what possibly happened to Jesse, a US Marine Corps veteran who served multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. More than two years have passed since Jesse disappeared, and his loved ones are still desperate to find him.If you have any information about the disappearance or whereabouts of Jesse Conger, please call the Scottsdale, Arizona Police Department at 480-312-5000.If you or someone you love is experiencing thoughts of self-harm, we encourage you to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.VA resources for specific groups:Homeless Veterans: (877) 424-3838, va.gov/homelessCaregivers of vets: (855) 260-3274Women veterans: (855) 829-6636, womenshealth.va.govPTSD: ptsd.va.gov Substance use: SAMHSA (substance abuse and mental health services administration), 1-800-662-4357, samhsa.govThis episode was sponsored by:thredUP- Get an extra 30% off your first order at thredUP.com/VANISHED.Boll & Branch- To experience an entirely new standard of comfort, visit bollandbranch.com. Get 15% off your first set of sheets with promo code MIA.Quip- Go to GetQuip.com/VANISHED5 to get $5 off a mouthwash starter kit.Listen ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad-free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/thevanishedIf you have a missing loved one that you would like to have featured on the show, please fill out our case submission form: http://www.thevanishedpodcast.com/case-submission/.Follow The Vanished on social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterPatreonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jesse Conger

On January 21, 2020, Dorothy Yates-McCathran disappeared from her home in Vivian, Louisiana. According to Dorothy’s husband, Kevan, he saw her that day at their home, and then he left to look at a job. When he returned a couple of hours later, he couldn’t find Dorothy. However, he found a strange scene inside the house, a television remote control partially melted on the woodstove. Upon further inspection, he noticed plastic and other material burning inside the stove. There were clothes scattered around, and it looked as though perhaps someone had left in a hurry. More than a year and a half later, her family feels like they are no closer to finding out what happened and are hoping that someone will come forward with a new lead.If you have any information about the disappearance of Dorothy Yates-McCathran, please call the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 675-2170.This episode was sponsored by:Moink- Go to Moinkbox.com/vanished to get a free year of bacon and then pick the meats you want delivered with your first box.Headspace- Head to Headspace.com/THEVANISHED for a free month trial.Sleep Number- Proven quality sleep is life-changing sleep. Special offers, for a limited time. Only at Sleep Number stores or sleepnumber.com/VANISH.Listen ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad-free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/thevanishedIf you have a missing loved one that you would like to have featured on the show, please fill out our case submission form: http://www.thevanishedpodcast.com/case-submission/.Follow The Vanished on social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterPatreonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dorothy Yates-McCathran

58-year-old Ritchie Collins went missing in early 2019. The exact date of his disappearance is unknown. A neighbor reported Ritchie at his home in Bellingham, WA, but that exact date is fuzzy. However, he had not texted or spoken to friends or family members since March of 2019. Ritchie has been described by those who knew him best as a loner, so it would not be uncommon for a few days or even weeks to go by without hearing from him. Ritchie's family had been trying to get ahold of him for weeks. Then on April 30, 2019, Ritchie's car was found parked at the Colonial Creek Campground at North Cascades National Park. The keys to his car had been placed on top of the vehicle. According to a park ranger, the vehicle had been there for weeks. We first brought you Ritchie's story in March of 2020. When we left off at the end of that episode, there were so many questions left unanswered. Over the July 4th weekend of 2021, some children playing at a camp area several miles from where Ritchie's car was found discovered the first clue that would help find Ritchie. Ritchie's daughter graciously joined us to give us an update on what has transpired and where her dad's case stands today.If you have any information regarding the disappearance and death of Ritchie Collins, please contact Detective Ken Gates at 360-778-6613 or contact the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office directly at 360-778-6600.This episode was sponsored by:Upstart- Find out how Upstart can lower your monthly payments today when you go to Upstart.com/Vanished.Noom- Sign up for your trial at noom.com/VANISHED.Nutrafol- Go to Nutrafol.com and use promo code VANISHED to get $15 off your first order and free shipping.Listen ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad-free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/thevanishedIf you have a missing loved one that you would like to have featured on the show, please fill out our case submission form: http://www.thevanishedpodcast.com/case-submission/.Follow The Vanished on social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterPatreonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Case Update: Ritchie Collins

28-year-old Michael McKenney disappeared on May 22, 2020. At the time, Michael had been living with his aunt’s family in Fairfield Township, Ohio. He left that day with some of his belongings and then disappeared. Michael’s family became alarmed when they couldn’t reach him. About a week later, Michael’s car was found abandoned at Hueston Woods State Park, a place Michael was known to frequent. Most of Michael’s belongings were left behind. However, his wallet and keys were also missing. Extensive searches of the park have been conducted, but no trace of Michael has ever been found. More than 15 months have passed since Michael was last seen, and his family has heard stories about what happened to him, but just as with every other case, it’s hard to know if any of the stories are true.If you have any information about the disappearance of Michael McKenney, please contact the Fairfield Township Police Department at 513-887-4406.This episode was sponsored by:thredUP- Get an extra 30% off your first order at thredUP.com/VANISHED.Listen ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad-free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/thevanishedIf you have a missing loved one that you would like to have featured on the show, please fill out our case submission form: http://www.thevanishedpodcast.com/case-submission/.Follow The Vanished on social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterPatreonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael McKenney

On the evening of February 4, 2003, four-year-old Sofia Juarez was at home in Kennewick, Washington. One of her relatives left the family home to make a quick stop at a nearby convenience store for milk. After he left, Sofia decided to follow him. The bright, bubbly young girl who would have turned five the very next day vanished into the night, never to be seen again.If you have any information about the disappearance of Sofia Juarez, please contact Special Investigator Al Wehner at 509-582-1331. You can view a Sofia update page on the Kennewick Police Department website: https://www.go2kennewick.com/1368/What-Happened-to-Sofia.This episode was sponsored by:Upstart- Find out how Upstart can lower your monthly payments today when you go to Upstart.com/Vanished.Boll & Branch- To experience an entirely new standard of comfort, visit bollandbranch.com. Get 15% off your first set of sheets with promo code MIA.Quip- Go to GetQuip.com/VANISHED5 to get $5 off a mouthwash starter kit.Listen ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad-free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/thevanishedIf you have a missing loved one that you would like to have featured on the show, please fill out our case submission form: http://www.thevanishedpodcast.com/case-submission/.Follow The Vanished on social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterPatreonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sofia Juarez

On October 25, 2000, 16-year-old Robert Smith left his East Chicago, Indiana home and told his mom that he was going to a friend's house. Robert's mother had a challenging relationship with her son, as many parents of teens can relate. So when he didn't attend school the next day, she thought he was simply being rebellious and that he'd be home by the weekend. But Robert wasn't home by the weekend, and more than two decades later, he's never been seen or heard from again. With few leads and a police department who told us they have no record of Robert's case, his family wonders how his case will ever be solved.If you have any information about Robert's disappearance, you can call the East Chicago Police Department at 219-391-8450 or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST.This episode was sponsored by:Headspace- Head to Headspace.com/THEVANISHED for a free month trial.Sleep Number- Proven quality sleep is life-changing sleep. Special offers, for a limited time. Only at Sleep Number stores or sleepnumber.com/VANISH.Listen ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad-free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/thevanishedIf you have a missing loved one that you would like to have featured on the show, please fill out our case submission form: http://www.thevanishedpodcast.com/case-submission/.Follow The Vanished on social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterPatreonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Robert Smith

On July 30, 1997, 35-year-old Doug Jones was finishing up some jobs before taking a family trip that he was very much looking forward to going on. Doug was a plumber who mostly worked on his own as an independent contractor. Doug and his wife, Joellen, had plans to go to Disney World with their older child the next day, leaving their infant back home in South Carolina with Doug’s parents. Doug was spotted going about his day at jobs and stores, purchasing plumbing supplies; nothing seemed amiss. Doug never made it home from work that night. His truck was later found abandoned, not far from his home in Simpsonville, South Carolina. 24-years later, Doug’s children have grown up and are now leading the search efforts to find their father.If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Doug Jones, please contact the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office at 864-467-5300.This episode was sponsored by:thredUP- Get an extra 30% off your first order at thredUP.com/VANISHED.BetterHelp- Visit BetterHelp.com/VANISHED for 10% off your first month.Stamps.com- Just go to Stamps.com, click on the microphone at the top of the homepage and type in VANISHED.Listen ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad-free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/thevanishedIf you have a missing loved one that you would like to have featured on the show, please fill out our case submission form: http://www.thevanishedpodcast.com/case-submission/.Follow The Vanished on social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterPatreonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Douglas Jones

On April 10, 2019, 69-year-old Betty Alexander was at her apartment in Sullivan, Missouri. Nothing seemed amiss. Despite a recent visit to her deceased husband’s grave, Betty was in good spirits, excited about her grandchildren’s upcoming sports games and her regular visits with family. A few days later, her daughter knew something was wrong when Betty didn’t answer the phone, wasn’t at home, and hadn’t been to church. Without any warning at all, Betty was gone. Two years later, her daughter is continuing to carry the torch for Betty. She wants to find out exactly what happened to her mom because, as we all know, there are always clues left behind.If you have any information about Betty’s disappearance, please call the Sullivan, Missouri Police Department at 573-468-8001.This episode was sponsored by:Moink- Go to Moinkbox.com/vanished to get a free year of bacon and then pick the meats you want delivered with your first box.Listen ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad-free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/thevanishedIf you have a missing loved one that you would like to have featured on the show, please fill out our case submission form: http://www.thevanishedpodcast.com/case-submission/.Follow The Vanished on social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterPatreonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Betty Alexander

Hosted and narrated by John Stamos, The Grand Scheme: Snatching Sinatra is a complicated, nuanced story of one imperfect man trying to redeem himself by pulling off the perfect crime. Did you ever feel like everything’s broken, and it’s your job to fix it? That’s how Barry Keenan was feeling back in 1963. He was broke, unemployed, hooked on booze and pills, and his family was falling apart. Barry needed a miracle. And against all odds, he got one. One day the voice of God came over the radio in Barry’s car and told him there was a simple solution to all his problems: all he had to do was kidnap Frank Sinatra, Jr. For the first time ever, Barry Keenan shares his version of the bizarre story in his own words, from beginning to end. This is just a preview of The Grand Scheme: Snatching Sinatra, but you can listen to full episodes at wondery.fm/TGS_TheVanished.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Introducing The Grand Scheme: Snatching Sinatra

The Vanished is a true crime podcast that explores the stories of those who have gone missing. Join host, Marissa Jones, as she explores each case often interviewing the loved ones who are still searching for answers.