Locating the Lost

***LIVE*** What Really Happened to Tela Hart?

***We apologize for some issues with guest audio***Tela Amy Hart was reported missing on October 9, 2005, shortly after she left a friend's home on Lenfest Street in Presque Isle, Maine. Witnesses indicated that she headed toward the nearby Presque Isle Stream, and authorities speculated that she may have accidentally fallen into the water and drowned. The night of her disappearance was marked by rain, leaving the grass along the riverbank slick and treacherous. Officer Kevin Schumacher, accompanied by K-9 Hunter, was dispatched to search for her. The dog repeatedly led the officer to the water's edge, reinforcing the theory that Hart had slipped into the stream, prompting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.Despite extensive searches over the following months, no trace of Tela was found until May 18, 2007, when two fiddleheaders discovered her remains along the banks of the Aroostook River in Presque Isle. The discovery brought a somber conclusion to a long and painful search for her family. While the official ruling determined her death to be an accidental drowning, her loved ones have expressed deep skepticism about this conclusion. They believe that the evidence surrounding her disappearance and the subsequent discovery of her body suggests the possibility of foul play, raising questions about the thoroughness of the initial investigation.Tonight, we are joined by Tela's family, who are eager to share her story and articulate their concerns regarding the investigation into her death. They feel that critical details may have been overlooked and that a fresh examination of the case could uncover new insights. Their determination to seek justice for Tela reflects not only their love for her but also their hope that by reopening the investigation, they might finally uncover the truth behind her tragic end.#missing #unsolved #truecrime #maine #aroostookcounty #someoneknowssomething #locatingthelost

***LIVE*** Where is Benjamin "Benjie" Ridley?

Benjamin Shane Ridley vanished from Burien, Washington, on July 2, 1982, under circumstances that have left his family and authorities puzzled for decades. At the time of his disappearance, he was living with his family but had recently transitioned to a foster home in Burien. Just a day after moving in, he inexplicably disappeared without a trace, and despite extensive searches and investigations, he has not been heard from since. The prevailing theory among investigators is that Benjamin, affectionately known as Benjie, may have chosen to leave voluntarily, possibly in an attempt to reunite with his biological parents.In the early 2000s, Benjamin's sisters took it upon themselves to locate him, utilizing his Social Security Number in their search efforts. Unfortunately, their attempts yielded no results, prompting them to take further action. It wasn't until 2017 that they officially reported him missing, reigniting interest in his case and bringing renewed attention to the mystery surrounding his disappearance. The passage of time has only deepened the uncertainty, leaving his family to wonder about his fate and whereabouts.Tonight we are joined by his sister Rose as we discuss his disappearance and what she thinks may have happened to her brother.#podcast #crime #truecrimecommunity #missingperson #missing #coldcase #interview #BenjaminRidley #Washington #Maine

***LIVE*** STEFANIE DAMRON -MISSING 300 DAYS

#coldcase #missingperson #truecrimecommunityTonight, we are joined by members of TEAMSTEFANIE, Bobbi and Stacey as we revisit the case of Stefanie Damron who's been missing for over 300 days.Stefanie Damron, a 14-year-old girl from New Sweden, Maine, vanished on September 23, 2024, under troubling circumstances. She was last seen leaving her home after a disagreement with her sister, walking into the dense woods along West Road. Concerned for her safety, her family reported her missing the very next day. At the time of her disappearance, Stefanie was described as petite, standing at 5 feet tall and weighing around 130 pounds. She had shoulder-length brown hair and striking green eyes, and was last seen wearing blue jeans, a long-sleeved blue shirt, and distinctive black Harley Davidson hiking boots, which may aid in identifying her.In the wake of her disappearance, extensive search operations were launched by both the Maine State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These efforts included thorough land searches, interviews with potential witnesses, and the pursuit of leads that extended beyond Maine, reaching into other parts of the United States and even Canada. Despite these comprehensive measures, Stefanie has not been found, leaving her family and the community in a state of distress. Local residents have rallied together, organizing vigils and search initiatives to support Stefanie's family and to keep her story alive, hoping to generate new leads that could lead to her safe return.In December 2024, the FBI took a significant step by announcing a reward of up to $15,000 for any information that could lead to Stefanie's safe return or the identification and prosecution of those responsible for her disappearance. The Bureau also placed her on their Most Wanted Kidnappings and Missing Persons list, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of the case. The community continues to hold onto hope, as they remain vigilant in their search for answers, determined to bring Stefanie home and to ensure that her story does not fade from public consciousness.#podcast #crime #truecrimecommunity #missingperson #missing #coldcase #interview #Maine #stefaniedamron #teamstefanie

***LIVE*** MAINE DHHS FAILURES AND CORRUPTION

Tonight, we are privileged to welcome Corey, a passionate advocate who has taken to social media to shed light on the shortcomings of Maine's Child Protective Services (CPS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Corey's commitment to raising awareness about these critical issues is vital, especially as we delve into the heartbreaking stories of children who have suffered due to systemic failures. Among the cases we will examine are those of Marissa Kennedy, Ayla Reynolds, and Maddox Williams, each of whom tragically lost their lives or went missing while in the care of a parent, highlighting the dire consequences of negligence within the system.In addition to these tragic cases, we will also discuss the heartbreaking stories of foster children Logan Marr and Majesty Macfarlane, both of whom died while under the supervision of their foster parents. These incidents raise urgent questions about the effectiveness of the protective measures in place and the accountability of those responsible for the welfare of vulnerable children. The circumstances surrounding these cases reveal a troubling pattern that cannot be ignored, as they underscore the critical need for reform within CPS and DHHS to ensure that children are safeguarded from harm.As we explore these distressing narratives, we must confront the pressing question: why are so many children dying while under the care of CPS and DHHS in Maine? This inquiry is not merely about statistics; it is about the lives lost and the families shattered by preventable tragedies. Tonight, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the systemic issues at play and advocate for meaningful changes that prioritize the safety and well-being of children in the state.

***LIVE*** MISSING IN MAINE-SEBASTIAN KELLEY

#missingperson #truecrimecommunity #MaineOn June 16, 2017, Sebastian found himself involved in a serious altercation that resulted in his hospitalization. Medical examinations revealed concerning symptoms, including swelling and bleeding in his brain. Despite the gravity of his condition, Sebastian made the decision to leave the hospital against medical advice, a choice that would soon raise alarms among his loved ones.The following day, June 17, Sebastian was staying at his sister’s residence on Gilman Street in Portland, Maine. However, after a brief period at his sister's home, he inexplicably left, and since that moment, he has not been seen or heard from again. The suddenness of his disappearance has left his family in a state of deep concern and confusion, as they grapple with the uncertainty of his whereabouts.Sebastian's family is understandably distressed, fearing for his safety and well-being. They are actively seeking information about his last known movements and are reaching out to the community for assistance. They remain vigilant in their search, determined to bring him back home.Tonight we are joined by Jessica Jean the mother of Sebastian's daughter as she shares Sebastian's story with hopes of generating tips of his whereabouts.#podcast #crime #truecrimecommunity #missingperson #missing #coldcase #interview #Maine #SEBASTIANKELLEY