Kona Gallagher Kona Gallagher

The Mysterious Disappearance of Jennifer Kesse: A 16-Year Search for Answers

Jennifer Kesse's baffling disappearance continues to confound investigators and haunt her loved ones. Vanishing without a trace on January 24, 2006, Jennifer's story is shrouded in mystery. Despite tireless efforts by her family and law enforcement, answers remain elusive. The discovery of Jennifer's abandoned car near her Orlando condo complex, coupled with grainy surveillance footage, only deepened the enigma surrounding her fate. Yet, amidst the shadows of uncertainty, the unwavering resolve of Drew and Joyce Kesse, Jennifer's parents, shines brightly as they persist in their quest for truth and closure.

Jennifer Joyce Kesse, born on May 20, 1981, in New Jersey, was a vivacious young woman with a promising future ahead. Raised in Tampa, Florida, Jennifer graduated from Vivian Gaither High School before pursuing her education at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Following her graduation, she embarked on a successful career as a finance manager for a timeshare company, earning accolades and even purchasing her first home—a luxury condo in Mosaic at Millenia.

In 2005, Jennifer met Rob Allen during a chance encounter at a bar while he was in town for a trade show. Their relationship flourished despite the distance between them, with Rob residing in Ft. Lauderdale. However, on January 24, 2006, Jennifer mysteriously vanished after a seemingly ordinary day at work.

The last contact Jennifer had was with Rob, expressing concerns about the future of their relationship. When she failed to reach out the next morning as usual, alarm bells rang for Rob and her coworkers alike. Her parents, Drew and Joyce Kesse, immediately sensed something was amiss when their calls went unanswered—a stark departure from Jennifer's usual behavior.

Subsequent investigations revealed eerie details surrounding Jennifer's disappearance. The discovery of her abandoned car near her condo complex raised more questions than answers. Surveillance footage captured a figure parking her car and walking away, but the identity remained elusive, hindered by poor video quality.

Over the years, various leads emerged, including suspicions surrounding workers at Jennifer's condo complex. However, progress was slow, and the case went cold, leaving her family desperate for closure. In 2016, Jennifer was declared dead, yet her loved ones refused to give up hope.

In a relentless quest for truth, the Kesse family took matters into their own hands. Armed with newfound information from case files and private investigations, they uncovered chilling details, including witness testimonies of suspicious activities near Jennifer's residence.

Despite the passage of time, Jennifer's story remains a haunting mystery, etched in the hearts of those who knew her. Her family's unwavering determination and grassroots efforts keep her memory alive, as they persist in their search for justice.

As the 16-year anniversary of Jennifer's abduction passes, the Kesse family continues to seek answers, relying on community support and fundraising efforts to fuel their pursuit. Drew Kesse's words resonate deeply, encapsulating a father's unwavering resolve: "Ultimately, I am responsible for finding my child."

The legacy of Jennifer Kesse endures—a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring strength of love in the face of unimaginable loss.

For more information or to support the search efforts, visit Drew Kesse's GoFundMe page for contributions.

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Kona Gallagher Kona Gallagher

The Power of Resilience: Danielle Bell And a Sister's Quest for Justice

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.

This episode is a re-release of our very first interview, and top-listened to episode of 2023.

I had the privilege of speaking with Bonnie Bell, Danielle Bell’s older sister. Danielle was only 14 years old when she went missing in 2001. Despite her young age, her case received little attention and her disappearance was barely investigated before being forgotten. Everyone gave up on her, except for her sister Bonnie.

In this episode, Bonnie shares the heartbreaking story of her sister's disappearance and her quest for justice. It's been over 20 years since Danielle went missing, but Bonnie remains determined to find answers and hold those responsible accountable.Despite facing numerous roadblocks and obstacles, she never gave up on her sister.

Bonnie also shares her theories on the case and the suspects involved, and how her own thoughts about what happened on the night of September 28, 2001 have evolved over the years.

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Kona Gallagher Kona Gallagher

The Mysterious Double Life of Lawrence Bader: From Boating Accident to Omaha TV Producer

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.

Lawrence Bader's Bizarre Journey from Akron to Omaha

Lawrence Joseph Bader, a seemingly ordinary man born in Akron, Ohio, took a turn down a mysterious path that led him from the shores of Lake Erie to the bustling city of Omaha, leaving a trail of unanswered questions in his wake.

Bader's life appeared idyllic—World War II veteran, family man, and cookware salesman for a reputable corporation. However, beneath the surface, a different narrative unfolded. In 1957, with debts piling up and tax evasion looming, Bader embarked on a fateful fishing trip that would forever alter the course of his life.

Larry Bader's Disappearance

On May 15, 1957, Larry informed his pregnant wife, Mary Lou, that he was heading to Cleveland for business before going fishing on Lake Erie. As a storm rolled in, Larry rented a motorboat with a suitcase in tow. Hours later, the storm hit, and Larry never returned. His rented boat, damaged and abandoned, sparked fears, but Larry's body was never found. For three years, Mary Lou struggled to support their four children, surviving on social security payments. Larry's life insurance payout provided financial relief, and Mary Lou tried to live her life as best she could as a widow.

The Rise of John Fritz Johnson: Omaha's Eccentric Bartender

Meanwhile, over 800 miles away in Omaha, a man named John Fritz Johnson emerged on the scene. A charismatic bartender, radio personality, and archery enthusiast, Fritz became a local celebrity. In 1961, he married and built a family, overcoming a cancer scare that cost him an eye.

Fritz's perfect life, however, unraveled when a chance encounter in 1965 revealed a startling revelation— he bore an uncanny resemblance to Lawrence Bader. The man, now known as Fritz, vehemently denied any connection, even after confronted by family members.

Lawrence Bader's Return

Despite Fritz's denial, Larry's family insisted on a meeting. Confronted by Larry's brothers and niece, Fritz underwent fingerprinting, confirming his true identity. Still, Fritz clung to his alternate life, claiming amnesia. As the truth emerged, Larry's life crumbled. His marriage dissolved, he was fired from his job, and Larry’s old debts resurfaced. Fritz returned to bartending, sending part of his income to his estranged wives.

Larry Bader's Final Days

In 1966, Larry's cancer returned, leading to his demise at the age of 39. Despite the tumultuous last years, a chance encounter provided closure for Mary Lou and the children. The question remains—was Larry a mastermind orchestrating his disappearance, or a victim of dissociative amnesia?

Over five decades later, the mystery of Lawrence Bader endures. The chance encounter at a Chicago sporting goods show offered closure, but the truth remains elusive.

Join us on "And Then They Were Gone" as we delve into the perplexing tale of Lawrence Bader—a story of deception, identity, and the enigma that lingers over one man's life. Subscribe now to uncover the secrets that continue to baffle investigators and captivate true crime enthusiasts.

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Kona Gallagher Kona Gallagher

Unraveling the Mystery of Yasmin Acree: A Troubled Past, Police Missteps, and Lingering Questions

In the tragic narrative of Yasmin Acree, a life marked by foster care, abuse, and police missteps unfolds. Born into instability, Yasmin's journey through the Kentucky foster care system and tumultuous years with Rose Mae Starnes in Chicago culminated in a chilling disappearance in 2008. Terrell Smith, a figure with a dark past, adds complexity to the narrative, as police missteps and a lack of answers leave Yasmin's family in despair. Despite revelations of misconduct and disturbing claims, Yasmin's case remains unsolved.

This week’s episode delves into the heartbreaking events that unfolded in Yasmin Acree's life and the unresolved mystery surrounding her disappearance.

Early Struggles and Foster Care

Yasmin's challenging childhood, marked by neglect and abuse, led to her placement in the Kentucky foster care system as a toddler. During this time, Yasmin and her brother faced physical abuse, and Yasmin was a victim of sexual abuse. In 2001, their mother, Joyce Acree, petitioned for her children to be permanently placed with relatives. Yasmin and her brother found a new home with Rose Mae Starnes in Chicago. However, this wasn't a fairy tale ending, as Rose struggled to provide a nurturing environment. Yasmin's blossoming personality clashed with her unresolved trauma.

Introduction of Danger

35-year-old Terrell Smith, a man with a criminal history, moved into the same building as Yasmin. Despite efforts to keep a distance, Terrell's presence became a concerning factor in Yasmin's life, as the young girl developed a crush on him.

Disappearance and Police Missteps

Yasmin's mysterious disappearance in 2008 raised questions about police handling. Initial assumptions of Yasmin running away were challenged by evidence at the scene, including a broken door and cut lock. Despite this, the investigation went cold extremely quickly, with police failing to look into the people surrounding Yasmin.

Meanwhile, Terrell's criminal activities escalated, and he was later arrested for heinous crimes. His alleged involvement in Yasmin's case remained unproven, leading to frustration for Yasmin's family. Despite revelations of police misconduct and Terrell's disturbing claims of knowing what happened to Yasmin, her case remained unsolved. Rose, along with Yasmin’s cousin, Reverend Ira Acree, continued to advocate for Yasmin and urge Chicago police to investigate her disappearance.

Legacy and Continued Advocacy

Rose's passing in 2014 didn't deter Yasmin's family from seeking answers. Reverend Acree continued to voice concerns, urging a renewed investigation and justice for Yasmin. As the 29th anniversary of Yasmin's birth passed in 2021, Reverend Acree expressed frustration at the lack of police attention. He called for renewed efforts and justice for Yasmin.

Yasmin Acree's story is one of tragedy, police missteps, and lingering questions. Despite the passage of time, her family continues to advocate for justice, hoping to uncover the truth about Yasmin's disappearance and bring closure to this haunting mystery.

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Kona Gallagher Kona Gallagher

The Vanishing of Madalina Cojocari: What Do Her Parents Know?

Madalina Cojocari's disappearance has left the Cornelius community stunned and bewildered. As search efforts continue, the mystery surrounding the case only deepens. What could have happened to an 11-year-old girl who simply vanished without a trace?

The case is made even more perplexing by the fact that Madalina's parents did not report her missing for over three weeks. This has raised a number of questions about the Cojocari family and their involvement in Madalina's disappearance.

Join us as we explore this haunting case and try to make sense of this heartbreaking and unsolved mystery.

Madalina Cojocari was an 11-year-old girl from Cornelius, North Carolina, who disappeared without a trace after coming home from school on November 21, 2022. It wouldn’t be until December 15 that Madalina’s mother, Diana Cojocari, would admit to school officials that she didn’t know where her daughter was.

The Cornelius community was in a state of shock as they tried to piece together what happened to Madalina. Joined by the FBI and SBI, Cornelius Police launched a massive search for the girl, but months have gone by, and there are still more questions than answers.

Madalina's disappearance has become a mystery that has captured the attention of the nation. How could an 11-year-old girl vanish without a trace, and why did her parents stay silent for so long? Is Madalina’s disappearance related to recent drug trafficking allegations against Diana?

In this episode of And Then They Were Gone, we take a closer look at the case of Madalina Cojocari. We explore the details surrounding her disappearance and the questions that remain unanswered. We examine the community's response and the efforts made by law enforcement officials to find the missing girl.

Join us as we dive into this unsolved mystery and attempt to uncover the truth behind the vanishing of Madalina Cojocari.

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Kona Gallagher Kona Gallagher

The Power of Resilience: Danielle Bell And a Sister's Quest for Justice

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.

It took 130 episodes, but we finally have our first interview. I had the privilege of speaking with Bonnie Bell, Danielle Bell’s older sister. Danielle was only 14 years old when she went missing in 2001. Despite her young age, her case received little attention and her disappearance was barely investigated before being forgotten. Everyone gave up on her, except for her sister Bonnie.

In this episode, Bonnie shares the heartbreaking story of her sister's disappearance and her quest for justice. It's been over 20 years since Danielle went missing, but Bonnie remains determined to find answers and hold those responsible accountable.Despite facing numerous roadblocks and obstacles, she never gave up on her sister.

Bonnie also shares her theories on the case and the suspects involved, and how her own thoughts about what happened on the night of September 28, 2001 have evolved over the years.

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Kona Gallagher Kona Gallagher

Searching for Steve: Updates on the Disappearance of Largo Lawyer, Steven Cozzi

The sudden disappearance of Steven Cozzi, a lawyer from Largo, Florida, has left his friends, family, and colleagues in shock. In this podcast episode, hosts Kona and Ethan discuss the latest updates on the investigation, including the arrest of a suspect for first-degree murder.

On March 21, 2023, Steven Cozzi, a lawyer from Largo, Florida, went missing from his office under suspicious circumstances. As the news of his disappearance spread, host Kona Gallagher, a friend of Steve from high school, wanted to help bring attention to the case and find witnesses who could assist in the investigation.

In this episode, Kona and Ethan discuss the details of Steve's disappearance, including his last known location at Blanchard Law, located at 1501 S Belcher Road in Largo, Florida. Unfortunately, just minutes after recording, news broke that Dr. Tomasz Kosowski had been arrested for first-degree murder in relation to Steve's disappearance.

The news of Steve's death is a devastating blow. However, we remain committed to finding justice for Steve and urge listeners to keep their eyes and ears open for any information that could help the investigation.

As of the time of this writing, Steve's body has not been found, and the investigation is ongoing. If you have any information about his whereabouts or any suspicious activity near Blanchard Law on March 21, 2023, please contact the Largo Police Department.

This tragic case highlights the importance of being vigilant and speaking up when something seems off. It also underscores the need for swift action and publicizing missing persons cases as soon as possible. By raising awareness and working together, we can help bring justice and closure to families who are searching for their missing loved ones.

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Kona Gallagher Kona Gallagher

The Mysterious Disappearance of Jason Landry: Uncovering the Truth

in the latest episode of "And Then They Were Gone," we explore the haunting case of Jason Landry, a missing Texas college student. We delve into details from the investigation, and discuss the three main theories of what happened to the 21-year-old. What what happened to Jason Landry on December 13, 2020 a tragic accident or a crime?

How did Jason's car end up on the desolate road, and what do the disturbing items left behind indicate about his disappearance? The mystery surrounding Jason's disappearance is a reminder of the importance of raising awareness about missing persons cases and the need for continued support for affected families.

The disappearance of Jason Landry is just one of many cases of missing persons that we've covered on our podcast. We hope that by sharing these stories, we can raise awareness and encourage listeners to report any information that may help bring missing individuals home.

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Kona Gallagher Kona Gallagher

The Mysterious Disappearance of Codi Bigsby: Is the Father a Suspect or a Victim?

Codi Bigsby, a 4-year-old boy, was reported missing on January 31, 2022, when his father, Cory, woke up and found his son's bed empty. A search immediately ensued in their Hampton, Virginia neighborhood, but Codi was nowhere to be found. Police took Cory down to the station for questioning, but this interview turned into a brutal interrogation that spanned days and led to Cory being arrested on multiple charges.

In this true crime podcast episode, we delve into the details of the Codi Bigsby case and explore the question on everyone's mind: is Cory a suspect or a victim? The police believe that he is responsible for his son's disappearance, but does the evidence support this theory? Or has tunnel vision led to a terrified father being left in jail, unable to search for his son, who has yet to be found?

With our trademark attention to detail and insightful analysis, we examine the facts of the case and explore the possible scenarios that could have led to Codi's disappearance. We discuss the impact of the case on the community and the emotional toll it has taken on the Bigsby family and the Hampton community.

So if you're looking for a true crime podcast that goes beyond the headlines and offers an inside look at some of the most fascinating cases in recent history, be sure to tune in to our latest episode. You won't want to miss our discussion of the Codi Bigsby case and the ongoing efforts to find out what happened to this young boy. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

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Kona Gallagher Kona Gallagher

The Conclusion to the Bethany Decker Case: Ronald Roldan's Arrest and Trial

In our latest true crime podcast episode, we take a deep dive into the Ronald Roldan case and the surprising turn of events that led to his guilty plea and sentencing. With our thorough analysis and attention to detail, we offer an inside look at the legal proceedings and the impact of the case on the community and the family of Bethany Decker. Don't miss out on our insightful discussion of this captivating case. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode of “And Then They Were Gone,” we’re covering the final few years into the investigation into Bethany Decker’s disappearance. When we left you last week, her boyfriend, Ronald Roldan had been arrested and extradited to Virginia from North Carolina. While many anticipated a high-profile trial, the case took a different turn with Roldan's guilty plea and sentencing. Now, on the latest episode of our true crime podcast, we offer an inside look at this dramatic turn of events.

With our usual attention to detail and insightful analysis, we explore the circumstances that led to Roldan's guilty plea and the legal proceedings that followed. We discuss the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defense's strategies in negotiating a plea deal. And we examine the impact of the case on the family of Bethany Decker, as well as the larger community following the case.

More importantly, we talk about what led Loudoun County Sheriffs to wait over a decade to make an arrest.

If you're looking for a new true crime podcast to add to your playlist, be sure to check out our latest episode. With our in-depth analysis and engaging storytelling, we'll keep you informed and entertained every step of the way. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.


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Kona Gallagher Kona Gallagher

Uncovering the Mysterious Disappearance of Bethany Decker

On our latest episode of "And Then They Were Gone," we're exploring the heartbreaking case of Bethany Decker. Bethany was a young mother and college student, and her disappearance in 2011 shook her family and friends to their core.

From her troubled marriage to her new relationship and pregnancy, Bethany's life was filled with complexities and challenges.

But despite the twists and turns of this tragic case, there is hope on the horizon. After over a decade of searching for answers, an arrest was made in connection with Bethany's disappearance. We'll be sharing the latest developments in the case and discussing what they mean for Bethany's loved ones.

We know that this is a difficult and emotional topic, but we believe that by exploring these cases and sharing them with our community, we can help bring attention to important issues and bring justice to those who have been wronged.

Thank you for your support and dedication to our podcast. We're honored to have you on this journey with us as we seek the truth and work towards a better world.

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Kona Gallagher Kona Gallagher

Bonus: 9 Case Updates

I can hardly believe we’re getting ready to start season 4 and we've covered over 100 unsolved missing persons cases. It's been quite a journey, and we've come a long way since our first episode.

As you know, some of the cases we've covered have had significant updates, and we've been able to do bonus episodes on them. In others, there has been nothing but silence. But in this episode, we want to catch you up on what’s been happening since we last spoke about these cases. We'll go through our entire archive and talk about the cases that have been making progress. They may be more minor updates, but every inch forward is crucial.

Before we dive into the cases, I want to take a moment to thank our amazing community of listeners. Your support and engagement have been truly incredible, and we couldn't have come this far without you. Your tips, information, and insights have been invaluable in helping us shed light on these unsolved cases.

As we all know, missing persons cases often fade into obscurity as time passes. It's so important to keep these cases in the public eye, and that's exactly what we've been doing with this podcast. By giving a voice to families and loved ones, we're helping to ensure that their stories are heard and that they never give up hope.

In this episode, we're bringing updates on Heather Teague, Morgan Nick, Brandy Myers, Sofia Juarez, Trudy Appleby, Deirdre Jacob, Oakley Carlson, Billy Smolinski, and Irene Gakwa. We'll be sharing any new developments we've found since we last spoke about them.

I'm so grateful for this community and the work we've been able to do together. We may not have all the answers yet, but every inch of progress is crucial in bringing closure and answers to families and loved ones. Thank you for your continued support, and let's keep shining a light on these important cases.

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Kona Gallagher Kona Gallagher

Colten Pratt

Unsolved Disappearance: Searching for Answers in the Case of Colten Pratt

In 2015, Colten Pratt went missing from Winnipeg, Canada. His last confirmed sighting was at the Marlborough Hotel on Smith Street at 9:30 p.m. on November 6th. Despite efforts from his family and law enforcement, Colten's whereabouts remain unknown.

The family believes Colten may have gone to another hotel with a woman who was seen with him at the Marlborough Hotel that night. They are now trying to identify this woman, as she may have valuable information about Colten's disappearance. In fact, Colten even sent a photo of himself to his mother on the night he went missing, and the phone used to send this photo was later found downtown.

This case highlights the importance of bringing attention to crimes against underserved communities. Host Jasmine Castillo of Hands Off My Podcast recently covered Colten's story, bringing awareness to this unsolved disappearance and the need for justice for Colten and his family.

If you have any information about Colten Pratt's disappearance, please come forward and contact the Winnipeg Police Department. Together, we can help bring closure to this heartbreaking case and bring justice for Colten and his loved ones.

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