Kona Gallagher Kona Gallagher

Into the Shadows: The Mystery of Phoenix Coldon's Disappearance

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.

Phoenix Lucille Coldon, born Phoenix Lucille Reeves, came into this world on May 23, 1988, in California to Goldia Coldon. The story of Phoenix's life and disappearance is one marked by secrecy, strange circumstances, and lingering questions.

Phoenix's upbringing was shaped by her deeply religious parents, Goldia and Lawrence Coldon, in Spanish Lake, Missouri. Raised in a strict environment, Phoenix was homeschooled by Goldia, who worked tirelessly to mold her into a well-rounded, ladylike individual. Despite the structured upbringing, Phoenix excelled in various activities, from playing handbells in church to mastering the violin, guitar, and piano. She even became a regional junior fencing champion, showcasing her diverse talents.

As Phoenix entered college at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, tensions with her parents mounted. She sought independence, moving off-campus with a friend, who was later revealed to be her boyfriend. The secrecy surrounding Phoenix's personal life became a recurring theme, leading up to her sudden disappearance on December 18, 2011.

That day, Phoenix left her home without explanation, driving away in her Chevy Blazer, never to return. Her car was discovered abandoned in East St. Louis, Illinois, just 25 minutes away, sparking a series of perplexing events and theories.

Initial reports suggested a violent abduction, with Phoenix's belongings found inside the car. However, subsequent investigations revealed conflicting details, leaving authorities and her family grasping for answers. Phoenix's involvement with multiple men, secretive behavior, and hints of paranoia added layers of complexity to the case.

One chilling sighting in 2014 reignited hope for Phoenix's family. A witness claimed to have seen her on a Southwest Airlines flight, accompanied by unfamiliar individuals, suggesting the possibility of human trafficking. Despite exhaustive efforts, including hiring a private investigator and following leads across the country, Phoenix's whereabouts remain unknown.

Sources:

Photos:

Videos:

Transcript:

Read More
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.

Sources:

Photos:

Videos:

Transcript:

Read More
Kona Gallagher Kona Gallagher

Ongoing Mysteries: Updates on Three High-Profile Missing Persons Cases

The narratives surrounding the disappearances of Michael Vaughan, Alicia Navarro, and Codi Bigsby continue to unravel, leaving us with some answers, but more questions. Michael's case took a surprising turn with charges against Sarah Wondra, only to face dismissal, leaving the search for answers open-ended. Alicia's safe return brought relief but unfolded into a disturbing revelation involving Edmund "Eddie" Davis, raising questions about her time in Montana. Meanwhile, Codi's tragic story involves a father's indictment, unsettling statements, and a trial postponed to March 2024.

In the world of true crime, some cases continue to unfold with unexpected twists and turns, keeping us on the edge of our seats. In this week’s episode, we have updates on three high-profile missing persons cases that we’ve covered on previous episodes. From arrests to reunions and ongoing investigations, here's the latest on Michael Vaughan, Alicia Navarro, and Codi Bigsby.

Michael Vaughan's Disappearance

On July 27, 2021, 5-year-old Michael Vaughan went missing in Fruitland, Idaho, leading to a massive search. After over a year and a half, an arrest was made, with Sarah Wondra facing charges related to Michael's disappearance. However, the case took unexpected turns, including the dismissal of charges against Sarah Wondra. As of September 2023, the prosecutor is careful with potential charges, and the case remains active.

Alicia Navarro's Safe Return

Alicia Navarro disappeared from her Glendale, Arizona home in 2019, sparking fears of an online predator's involvement. In a surprising turn of events, Alicia was found safe in Havre, Montana, in July 2023, seeking to live life independently as an adult. However, the story took a dark turn with the arrest of Edmund "Eddie" Davis on child sex abuse charges. Alicia has been reunited with her family, but the investigation into Davis continues.

3. Codi Bigsby's Tragic Case

Four-year-old Codi Bigsby went missing in Hampton Roads, Virginia, in 2022. His father, Cory Bigsby, was later indicted for his murder, with disturbing details emerging during hearings. Cory, initially deemed unfit for trial, underwent restoration services and now faces charges related to his son's death. The trial, initially set for November 6, 2023, has been postponed to March 4, 2024, as the legal proceedings unfold.

Listen to the full episode of ‘And Then They Were Gone’ on your favorite podcast app.

Read More
Kona Gallagher Kona Gallagher

The Trial of Trezell and Jacqueline West for the Murders of Orrin and Orson West

The Trial of Trezell and Jacqueline West: Updates on Orrin and Orson West's Murder Case. Follow the gripping And Then They Were Gone podcast as we delve into the trial, exploring the evidence, conflicting accounts, and the search for justice in this high-profile murder case.

The trial of Trezell and Jacqueline West has begun, and the world is watching with bated breath. The couple stands accused of killing their two adopted sons, Orrin and Orson West, who went missing in December 2020. The case has gained significant attention, with many following the story closely since the boys' disappearance. This blog post is for a two-part episode of the And Then They Were Gone podcast, covering the trial, and providing updates and insights into the case.

On December 21, 2020, Trezell and Jacqueline West reported their two adopted sons, Orrin and Orson, missing. According to the Wests, the boys were playing in the family's fenced-in yard while Trezell was gathering wood. On one of his trips back, he noticed they were gone. An intensive search immediately commenced, but there was no sign of the boys. As the public began to hear the story's details, many concluded that Jacqueline and Trezell's account didn't make any sense. Police also quickly added the parents to the top of their suspect list.

The case continued to develop, with searches continuing, but with no luck. Then, on March 1, 2022, Jacqueline and Trezell West were arrested for murder. Their trial is underway, despite the fact that the bodies of Orrin and Orson have yet to be found.

The facts of the Case

Over the course of several weeks, the prosecution laid out its case, which, absent the boys' bodies or other physical evidence, hinges on a star witness: Trezell and Jacqueline's 12-year-old son. The prosecution contends that the brothers had already been dead for months before the 911 call was made. The prosecution has argued that the Wests' account of events is inconsistent and that they have provided false information to law enforcement. They have also claimed that the Wests had a motive and opportunity to kill their children

The defense, meanwhile, has argued that the prosecution's case is entirely circumstantial and that the Wests are innocent until proven guilty. They have suggested that the boys may have been kidnapped or run away, and are still alive somewhere. The defense has also presented evidence of Trezell and Jacqueline's loving relationship with their sons, claiming that they would never do anything to harm them.

Sources:

Photos:

Videos:

Transcripts:

Read More