A podcast about those who never came home

In Part 2 of Leigh Occhi's story, we dig into Oscar "Mike" Kearns — the church Sunday school teacher whose own crime, committed nine months after Leigh vanished, shares chilling parallels with her case — and the 2025 search that may finally bring answers.

On the morning of August 27, 1992, 13-year-old Leigh Occhi was home alone in Tupelo, Mississippi. Less than an hour later, her mother returned to find blood on the walls and her daughter gone. Thirty-four years later, there's still no arrest — but there are names that have never been ruled out.

In the early hours of April 6, 1986, someone knocked on the door of a home in Gallup, New Mexico. Nine-year-old Anthonette Cayedito answered it. She has never been seen again. A year later, a terrified girl called police and gave her name — before the line went dead.

On July 16, 1996, journalist and former exotic dancer Susan Walsh told her estranged husband she'd be back in half an hour. She was never seen again. What followed was a case involving the Russian mob, an underground vampire subculture, a missing calendar page, and a mystery that remains unsolved 30 years later.

On January 2, 1999, 11-year-old Mikelle Biggs was waiting outside her Mesa, Arizona home for an ice cream truck. Her sister went inside to grab her coat. When she came back — less than two minutes later — Mikelle was gone. Her bicycle was lying in the road, one wheel still spinning.

On the morning of October 13, 2018, 16-year-old Karlie Gusé walked out of her family's home in Chalfant Valley, California — without her phone, without her wallet, and without a coat. She hasn't been seen since.

Sebastian Rogers, a 15-year-old from Hendersonville, Tennessee, disappeared on February 26, 2024. Despite extensive searches, no trace of the missing teen has been found. Diagnosed with autism and a rare genetic condition, his case has gained national attention. Learn about the circumstances of his disappearance and the ongoing search efforts in this podcast episode.

Sky Metalwala, a two-year-old from Bellevue, Washington, vanished on November 6, 2011, sparking a mystery that remains unsolved. Despite investigations and public interest, no concrete evidence has surfaced. His mother, Julia Biryukova, refuses to cooperate with police, leaving many unanswered questions. Learn about the ongoing case and theories surrounding his disappearance.

The disappearance of 19-year-old Kadin McKallaster Black in December 2022 from Wrightsville, Pennsylvania, remains a mystery. Struggling with mental health issues and legal troubles, Kadin vanished without a trace, leaving his family searching for answers. His case remains unsolved, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. Listen to our two-part podcast episode on his case.

In this episode, we delve into the chilling case of Brianna Maitland, who vanished 20 years ago in Vermont. Following an anonymous tip, police raided a farmhouse on Reservoir Road, uncovering drugs and weapons but no sign of Brianna. Connected to two drug dealers, Ramon Ryans and Nathaniel Jackson, Brianna's disappearance intersects with the dark underworld of drugs and crime. The investigation led to further twists, including the brutal murder of Ligia Rae Collins by Ellen Ducharme, sparking fears of a grim link to Brianna’s fate. Despite numerous leads and ongoing efforts by her family and private investigators, Brianna's case remains a haunting mystery, with authorities and loved ones still seeking answers and justice.

Brianna Maitland's disappearance in Montgomery, Vermont, continues to baffle investigators and captivate the public's attention. Despite extensive search efforts and numerous leads, the mystery surrounding Brianna's vanishing remains unresolved. Join us for part one of a two-part podcast series discussing Brianna Maitland’s disappearance.

Explore the intricate details of the Cory Bigsby case, a gripping tale of tragedy and justice unfolding in the courtroom, on this week’s episode of ‘And Then They Were Gone.’

Gretchen Eve Fleming's disappearance on December 3, 2022, sent shockwaves through Parkersburg, West Virginia, leaving her family and community grappling with unanswered questions. Last seen with Preston Pierce, a man with a troubling past, Gretchen's story unveils a web of suspicion and uncertainty. Despite exhaustive search efforts and forensic testing, the truth behind Gretchen's vanishing act remains elusive. As the investigation continues, her family and the tight-knit community remain united in their quest for justice and closure, determined to unravel the mysteries surrounding Gretchen's fate.

The disappearance of James Yoblonski remains a mystery, leaving people across the country wondering what happened. Born into a family with its own troubles, James disappeared one June night in 2023, setting off a massive search. Clues, like a makeshift campsite and strange messages online, only made things more confusing. Even though months have passed, investigators and his family still hope to find James and bring him back home.

From the small town of Crownpoint to the bustling streets of Albuquerque, Pepita Redhair’s vibrant spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. Yet, amidst the darkness of her disappearance, her mother Anita King emerged as a beacon of strength, rallying her community in a tireless quest for justice. As the search for answers continues, Pepita's legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love and the unwavering resilience of the human spirit.

From her strict upbringing in Spanish Lake, Missouri, to the sudden vanishing on December 18, 2011, Phoenix Coldon’s story is one of intrigue and speculation. Despite exhaustive efforts and chilling sightings, including a possible encounter on a Southwest Airlines flight, the truth remains elusive, casting a haunting veil over her family's relentless pursuit for closure.

In 1990, Trevaline Evans disappeared from Llangollen, sparking a mystery that endures over three decades later. As sightings and whispers of encounters unfolded on the day of her vanishing, the case took unexpected turns, including claims of evidence found at Rhuddlan Golf Club. Despite efforts and mysterious plaques appearing, Trevaline's fate remains unknown, leaving behind a haunting enigma that continues to shape North Wales with unanswered questions.

Leah Roberts’s sudden disappearance in 2000 was marked by a cryptic note and a crashed Jeep in Washington state, leaving investigators and her family grappling with unanswered questions. As we delve into the podcast episode on "And Then They Were Gone," the complexities of Leah's journey unfold, as we examine the events leading up to her car being found. Subscribe now to uncover the mysteries surrounding Leah Roberts and support the ongoing efforts to bring her story to light.

In this episode of our true crime podcast, we hear the story of Danielle Bell, who went missing in 2001 at the age of 14. Her case received little attention, but despite being forgotten by many, Danielle's sister Bonnie never gave up on her. Bonnie continues to fight for justice for her sister and change in the system, over 20 years after Danielle's disappearance.

Delve into the perplexing tale of Lawrence Bader, an Akron native whose life took an unexpected turn in 1957. The blog unravels the facade of his seemingly idyllic family life, exposing hidden debts and a mysterious boating trip that left him missing. Concurrently, witness the rise of John Fritz Johnson, a charismatic bartender in Omaha, who concealed the startling truth of his dual identity. A chance encounter in 1965 shattered the illusion, revealing Bader's double life. Was it an escape plan or genuine amnesia? Join "And Then They Were Gone" for this true crime journey into the mysteries of Lawrence Bader. Subscribe now to explore a story that continues to perplex investigators and captivate true crime enthusiasts.