Month: February 2026

The Disappearance of John Brent McGhee: Missing Man Last Seen in White County, Arkansas (July 11, 2024)

John Brent McGhee, 42, was last seen on July 11, 2024, in White County, Arkansas. What began as a tense family visit would become the last confirmed day anyone saw him.

Brent and his wife had reportedly been experiencing marital difficulties. On July 11, they visited Brent’s mother. According to family members, the visit ended abruptly after an argument, and Brent’s wife left upset.

Later that day, Brent stopped briefly at a cousin’s home. After that visit, he vanished.

An eyewitness later reported seeing Brent in front of a residence belonging to a man described as his wife’s close friend. According to that witness, Brent appeared to be outside the home, and individuals present allegedly stated he would not be allowed inside.

This sighting has become significant in the investigation.

Search dogs were later deployed and reportedly tracked Brent’s scent to the same area. The dogs lost the trail just beyond the property line. Law enforcement did not conduct a search of the home at that time.

The following day, Brent’s wife checked into a battered women’s shelter. After completing that program, she entered a mental health facility. According to family members, she did not report Brent missing.

Brent’s family, concerned by the circumstances, began conducting their own searches. They eventually hired a private investigator to assist.

During one review of Brent’s residence, family members and investigators reportedly identified areas that reacted to luminol testing, indicating the possible presence of blood. Law enforcement documented the findings, but no public updates have been released regarding forensic results.

Volunteers have conducted multiple searches in the area. Items believed to be relevant were turned over to authorities. According to the family, some evidence was later deemed unusable due to deterioration.

As of today, no charges have been filed. No public arrests have been made.

Brent McGhee remains missing.

His family continues to ask:

• Why was a search warrant never obtained for the residence where his scent reportedly ended?
• Why have there been no public updates despite eyewitness statements?
• What conclusions, if any, have investigators reached regarding the forensic findings?

In missing person cases, time is critical. The longer evidence sits, the harder it becomes to verify.

If you have credible information regarding the disappearance of John Brent McGhee, contact the appropriate authorities in White County, Arkansas.

His family is still searching for answers.

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Madhouse Madison County

Chaos rules in a small Southeastern Missouri County. Madison County spans 500 square miles and has a population of approximately 13,000 people. The county seat is Fredericktown with a population of approximately 4,000 people. This rural county should be a safe place in beautiful Americana, but it hides a dark secret. Fredericktown is one of the most dangerous places to live in America. Check out this quote from neighborhoodscout.com. 

“With a crime rate of 31 per one thousand residents, Fredericktown has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes – from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One’s chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 32.” 

I started researching one case sent to me by a desperate grandmother. That case led me to fifteen more. Then I realized this county has had murder, corruption, and chaos since before the Wild West days. This book will start with a lynching by a Fredericktown mob in 1844. Hold onto your seats when you read this one. You’re in for a wild, chaotic ride through rural Missouri. 

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Homicide Investigation Review: The Disappearance of Jake Latiolais

August 29, 2014 – 2:00 a.m.

Two 911 calls report that someone may have jumped from the Horace Wilkinson Bridge in Baton Rouge.

When law enforcement arrives, they locate Jake Latiolais’ truck stopped in the right-hand lane near an exit. The vehicle is still running. Jake is not present.

That is where the confirmed facts begin — and where the questions multiply.

Initial Scene Observations

Jake had a broken foot at the time of his disappearance. He was awaiting surgery and had been using crutches and a walking boot. The boot was later located at his residence. The crutches were not officially recovered.

From an investigative standpoint, this detail matters. A person with a recent fracture, pending surgery, and limited mobility would face difficulty climbing bridge infrastructure or navigating uneven terrain without assistance.

Additionally:

  • His wallet was missing.
  • His truck was left running in an active traffic lane.
  • There was no confirmed sighting of him entering the water.
  • Both 911 calls reportedly originated from the same phone number while presenting as different callers.

Each of these elements requires careful forensic and digital review.

Condition of the Residence

Jake shared a trailer with a roommate. The following morning, the residence was reportedly found ransacked:

  • Holes punched into walls
  • Windows shattered
  • Valuables missing (firearms, electronics)

The roommate allegedly stated he slept through the disturbance and discovered the damage upon waking.

From an investigative perspective, this raises immediate concerns:

  1. The level of destruction described would typically generate significant noise.
  2. A burglary coinciding with a disappearance narrows the window of opportunity.
  3. No immediate report was made to law enforcement by the roommate.

Scene integrity, timing, and call logs would be critical in evaluating this sequence of events.

The Custody Dispute

Jake was engaged in an upcoming custody hearing involving his ex-girlfriend. According to family accounts, he had taken steps to obtain full custody and had secured multiple jobs to demonstrate financial stability.

It is not uncommon for high-conflict custody disputes to coincide with escalated tensions. However, motive must be supported by evidence — not assumption.

Confirmed detail:

  • Jake’s phone received a text message from his ex-girlfriend requesting to meet at a local Walmart parking lot.
  • A receipt shows Jake purchased three packs of cigarettes at Walmart.

Unconfirmed:

  • Whether the meeting occurred.
  • Whether she was the last person to see him alive.

Cell tower data, store surveillance footage, and geolocation history would be central to clarifying this timeline.

The Crutches Claim – Five Years Later

Five years after Jake’s disappearance, a family member reportedly told Jake’s mother she had possession of his crutches. She claimed Jake told her he no longer needed them because he had been released by his doctor.

Medical documentation provided by his physician reportedly contradicts this statement. At the time, surgery had not yet occurred. Standard orthopedic protocol would not typically clear a patient with a pending surgical fracture to ambulate without support.

If accurate, this discrepancy is significant. It suggests either:

  • Miscommunication
  • False reporting
  • Or the introduction of misleading information after the fact

Each possibility warrants formal review.

Jurisdictional Complications

The bridge spans parish lines. As a result, responsibility reportedly shifted between East Baton Rouge and West Baton Rouge authorities.

Jurisdictional ambiguity can stall investigations. When agencies dispute primary responsibility, early evidence collection suffers. Time-sensitive data — surveillance footage, call logs, traffic cameras — may be lost.

For a case beginning with a vehicle abandoned on an interstate bridge, rapid coordination would have been essential.

Financial Activity After Disappearance

During the pandemic, stimulus funds issued in Jake’s name were reportedly cashed. According to family claims, the funds were deposited to accounts connected to relatives of his ex-girlfriend.

If substantiated, this introduces potential identity fraud after the date of disappearance.

Financial records, banking authorizations, and signature verification would clarify:

  • Whether Jake was alive at the time of deposit.
  • Whether fraudulent activity occurred.
  • Who benefited financially.

Key Investigative Questions

  1. Why did both 911 calls originate from the same phone number?
  2. Was Jake physically capable of jumping from the bridge given his injury?
  3. Why was the vehicle left running?
  4. What is the verified timeline between the Walmart purchase and the vehicle discovery?
  5. Who had access to his financial accounts after his disappearance?
  6. Was the residence processed as a burglary or treated as staging?

Case Assessment

At present, there is no confirmed evidence that Jake Latiolais entered the Mississippi River. There is also no public evidence conclusively establishing suicide.

When evaluating disappearance cases, investigators must separate:

  • Emotional narratives
  • Assumptions of motive
  • Verifiable evidence

The abandoned vehicle, reported home ransacking, custody dispute, medical condition, and financial irregularities collectively support the need for continued scrutiny.

Jake’s disappearance should be approached as an unresolved case requiring structured review — not as a closed conclusion.

If You Have Information

Anyone with direct knowledge of Jake Latiolais’ movements on August 29, 2014, or with documentation related to financial transactions after his disappearance, should contact the appropriate law enforcement agency in Baton Rouge.

Cold cases are often solved when overlooked details are revisited with fresh analysis.

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Each week Synova highlights obscure cold cases on her blog as a victim’s advocate. If you’d like to help support Synova in this worthy cause please check out the affiliate links below. By purchasing one of her books or using these links, you will be supporting Synova’s work on cold cases and will ensure her ability to continue to give a voice to the victim’s family. Thank you.

SPONSORSHIPS:

This case was brought to you by Bones Coffee Company and my book “SHATTERED: Behind Every Story Is A Shattered Life“

SHATTERED: Behind Every Story Is A Shattered Life

Behind every story I write is a life that’s shattered. These aren’t headlines. These are people. Those who try to twist headlines to generate more views are toying with someone’s trauma. I have raised awareness for 500 cases and helped generate leads for law enforcement. That’s my purpose and that’s what keeps me going.

This book has the top 40 cases that I’ve highlighted on my blog throughout the years. Please enjoy the book, but remember these are real people with real trauma.

Follow the heart-rending cases Synova first wrote about on her blog in 2018. Filled with missing persons’ cases, unsolved homicides, and even serial killer cases, this book will give you a greater insight into the shattered lives behind every story. Cases Included in this book: Jayme Closs, Haley Owens, Josh Robinson, Timothy Cunningham, Carol Blades, Pam Hupp, Arthur Ream, Angela Hammond, The Springfield Three, Jennifer Harris, Danny King, Angie Yarnell, Jack Robinson, Madelin Edman, Alexis Patterson, Amber Wilde, Sandra Bertolas, Jennifer Casper-Ross, Crystal Soulier, Jody Ricard, Carmen Owens, Brandon Tyree McCullough & The I-70 Serial Killer, and more.

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The Disappearance of Lynn Messer: What Happened on That Farm in 2014?

On July 8, 2014, Lynn Messer disappeared from her family’s 260-acre farm in rural Missouri. She was 52 years old.

According to her husband, Kerry Messer, he woke around 4:00 a.m. to thunder and realized Lynn was gone. Her glasses were still by the bed. Her phone hadn’t moved. Her medication was untouched. Even the walking boot she relied on for an injured foot remained beside the bed.

Lynn occasionally walked the property to clear her head. But not in the middle of a storm. And not without her boot. Something wasn’t right.

The Family and the Image

Kerry Messer was not an unknown figure. He worked as a Baptist lobbyist in Jefferson City and co-founded the Missouri Family Network with his son. Publicly, the family projected strong Christian values, pro-family advocacy, and conservative principles.

From the outside, they appeared united. But behind that image, tensions were growing.

The Morning She Vanished

After discovering Lynn missing, Kerry searched the house and barns. He then drove half a mile to his adult son’s home around 4:15 a.m.

One detail immediately stood out: the four-wheeler was gone. The son said he had brought it back the night before.

Instead of calling police immediately, the family speculated that Lynn might be staying in the barn apartment due to septic issues at the main house. They returned home and went back to bed.

By morning, Lynn was still gone. Only one son contacted law enforcement.

Before that call was made, Kerry instructed his son to move cattle to another field. On a farm, rotating cattle isn’t unusual. But in the middle of a missing-person crisis, the timing raised eyebrows.

The Letter

Kerry later provided police with what he described as a suicide note. The letter apologized for pain and suggested Lynn was leaving. However, there were inconsistencies.

Kerry initially told police Lynn was not depressed and had never taken antidepressants. Her sons contradicted that statement. They knew she had struggled with depression and medication side effects.

The note itself raised additional questions. It appeared to be written with multiple pens. Portions seemed stylistically inconsistent. The top lines, which suggested a goodbye, were the only section Kerry said he carried in his wallet for two years.

Investigators later confirmed the full note did not appear uniform.

The Search

Authorities conducted extensive searches of the 260 acres — multiple times. K-9 teams tracked Lynn’s scent from the house toward a cattle field.

The same field where cattle had been moved that morning. The scent ended there. Nothing was found. Polygraphs were administered. Tensions escalated. The focus shifted within the family. Still no Lynn.

The Discovery

In 2016 — nearly two years later — skeletal remains were discovered on the property, roughly a mile from the home. Lynn was found lying on a pillow, covered with a blanket. She was still wearing her nightgown. The area had reportedly been searched before. The medical examiner could not determine a definitive cause of death.

There was no clear evidence of homicide. But there was also no definitive evidence of suicide.

Shifting Narratives

Over time, details changed.

Early accounts emphasized a violent thunderstorm the night Lynn disappeared. Later interviews described only a light drizzle.

Police also uncovered that Kerry had been involved with a neighboring woman — someone he had known for years. He later married her.

Lynn had reportedly told a family member shortly before her disappearance, “If something happens to me, he’ll marry her.”

That statement now carries weight.

Family Fallout

The family fractured.

Sons who questioned their father were removed from family business operations and reportedly excluded from decisions. Allegations of control, authoritarian behavior, and image management began to surface.

Publicly, the image of a unified Christian family dissolved.

Privately, accusations grew louder.

The Unanswered Questions

Was Lynn struggling mentally?
Was this a suicide?
Was it an accidental death?
Or was something staged to appear that way?

Why were items left behind?
Why the blanket and pillow?
Why did search efforts initially fail to locate her remains?
Why did details change over time?

There has never been an arrest.

There has never been a definitive ruling beyond “undetermined.”

More than a decade later, the case remains unsettled in the court of public opinion.

And one question still lingers:

What really happened to Lynn Messer?

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This case was brought to you by Bones Coffee Company and my book “SHATTERED: Behind Every Story Is A Shattered Life“

Shattered: Behind Every Story Is A Shattered Life (Synova’s Case Files Series)

Behind every story I write is a life that’s shattered. These aren’t headlines. These are people. Those who try to twist headlines to generate more views are toying with someone’s trauma. I have raised awareness for 500 cases and helped generate leads for law enforcement. That’s my purpose and that’s what keeps me going.

This book has the top 40 cases that I’ve highlighted on my blog throughout the years. Please enjoy the book, but remember these are real people with real trauma.

Follow the heart-rending cases Synova first wrote about on her blog in 2018. Filled with missing persons’ cases, unsolved homicides, and even serial killer cases, this book will give you a greater insight into the shattered lives behind every story. Cases Included in this book: Jayme Closs, Haley Owens, Josh Robinson, Timothy Cunningham, Carol Blades, Pam Hupp, Arthur Ream, Angela Hammond, The Springfield Three, Jennifer Harris, Danny King, Angie Yarnell, Jack Robinson, Madelin Edman, Alexis Patterson, Amber Wilde, Sandra Bertolas, Jennifer Casper-Ross, Crystal Soulier, Jody Ricard, Carmen Owens, Brandon Tyree McCullough & The I-70 Serial Killer & more.

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The Shirley Jane Rose Homicide: 50 Years Unsolved

In October 1975, nine-year-old Shirley Jane Rose disappeared while walking home from her grandmother’s house in Springfield, Missouri.

She was last seen speaking with an adult male in a blue vehicle described by witnesses as either a late 1960s Chevrolet or a 1972 Ford Torino. The vehicle description could never be conclusively verified.

Two months later, Shirley’s body was discovered in a shallow grave near McDaniel Lake.

Fifty years later, the case remains unsolved.

What We Know

On Friday, October 17, 1975, Shirley left her grandmother’s home to walk the four blocks back to her residence — a route she had taken many times before.

Multiple witnesses reported seeing her speaking to a man inside a blue car. That sighting remains one of the few tangible leads in the case.

Despite investigative efforts, no arrest was ever made.

The 1982 Letter

In 1982, a local judge publicly disclosed information he claimed to have received years earlier while practicing law. According to the judge, an anonymous client — reportedly on their deathbed — provided details about Shirley’s final hours.

The judge authored an open letter that was published in the local newspaper. In it, he described a scenario in which Shirley was allegedly abducted with the intent of trading her for drugs. The letter claimed the offender became fearful after law enforcement responded quickly and ultimately killed her near the lake.

It is important to note:

  • The alleged confession was never independently verified.
  • The identity of the client was never publicly confirmed.
  • No charges resulted from the letter.

To this day, the information remains uncorroborated.

Where the Case Stands Today

Five decades later, Shirley Jane Rose’s homicide remains unresolved.

The original vehicle sighting, the alleged confession, and the physical evidence recovered from the burial site remain key elements of the case history.

If you have information related to the 1975 disappearance and homicide of Shirley Jane Rose, contact Springfield Crime Stoppers at (417) 869-TIPS.

This case is not folklore or legend.
It is an unsolved homicide involving a child whose family still deserves answers.

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Sponsors:

This case was brought to you by Bones Coffee Company and my book “SHATTERED: Behind Every Story Is A Shattered Life“

Shattered: Behind Every Story Is A Shattered Life (Synova’s Case Files Series)

Behind every story I write is a life that’s shattered. These aren’t headlines. These are people. Those who try to twist headlines to generate more views are toying with someone’s trauma. I have raised awareness for 500 cases and helped generate leads for law enforcement. That’s my purpose and that’s what keeps me going.

This book has the top 40 cases that I’ve highlighted on my blog throughout the years. Please enjoy the book, but remember these are real people with real trauma.

Follow the heart-rending cases Synova first wrote about on her blog in 2018. Filled with missing persons’ cases, unsolved homicides, and even serial killer cases, this book will give you a greater insight into the shattered lives behind every story. Cases Included in this book: Jayme Closs, Haley Owens, Josh Robinson, Timothy Cunningham, Carol Blades, Pam Hupp, Arthur Ream, Angela Hammond, The Springfield Three, Jennifer Harris, Danny King, Angie Yarnell, Jack Robinson, Madelin Edman, Alexis Patterson, Amber Wilde, Sandra Bertolas, Jennifer Casper-Ross, Crystal Soulier, Jody Ricard, Carmen Owens, Brandon Tyree McCullough & The I-70 Serial Killer & more.

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Cold Case Shocker: 8-Year-Old Girl Vanished from Bus Stop 40 Years Ago

On February 22, 1985, in Butler County, Pennsylvania, eight-year-old Cherrie Mahan got off the school bus at approximately 4:05 p.m. Three other children got off with her and began walking to their homes on the outskirts of Cabot. None of them noticed anything unusual. Cherrie’s friends saw her walking toward her house, which was only about 50 feet away, but she never made it home.

Cherrie Mahan’s disappearance helped launch a program that has helped locate over 1,000 missing children, but she is not among them. For nearly three decades after Cherrie’s ill-fated bus stop, few leads surfaced, indicating what may have happened to her. During the last several years, however, police have received information claiming to know her fate. Unfortunately, if the tips are accurate, the final chapter in Cherrie’s story will not have a happy ending.

The most promising possible lead in Cherrie’s disappearance was a green or light blue van seen behind the school bus. A snow-capped mural of a man in red and yellow clothing skiing down a mountain made the vehicle hard to miss. No one recognized the van, and despite the distinctive painting, it was never located.

Because no one in the greater Pittsburgh area recalled seeing the distinctive van after Cherrie’s disappearance, police theorized the occupant(s) fled western Pennsylvania after Cherrie’s disappearance.

For nearly 30 years, few leads of substance surfaced. In 2014, police received several tips saying Cherrie was living in Michigan under another name. Investigators, however, determined it was another woman who resembled the computer-aged image of Cherrie.

In 2015, police announced they had received more promising information regarding Cherrie. They would only say the lead was from a person who “would have known Cherrie” and “has the potential” to lead them to specific people. Unfortunately, authorities say the tip makes it “highly unlikely that she is alive.”

In August 2018, Cherrie’s mother received an anonymous handwritten letter saying Cherrie was murdered. The letter, mailed around the time of Cherrie’s birthday, detailed who the author contends killed Cherrie, why they did it, and where her body could be found. The letter ended: “I pray you find some peace after you find her body.” It was signed by someone calling himself “Pastor Justice.”

Cherrie’s mother gave the letter to police who are still analyzing the contents to determine its credibility. They have refused any comment on the letter so far, saying they will discuss it once the analysis is complete. They have also not said if they believe the letter to be related to the information received in 2015 or to the van.

Investigators have said they received another tip, which led them to search an old mine shaft in Butler County and a junkyard near the city of Armstrong, 27 miles northeast of Cabot. Again, though, they have not yet released any information about the findings.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) was founded in 1984, the year before Cherrie vanished. In conjunction with the direct-mail marketing company ADVO, they launched the “Have You Seen Me?” program. It helps locate missing children through the mass distribution of the children’s pictures on detached address labels. Vlassis, the company which acquired ADVO in 2007, continues the program today.

Cherrie Mahan was the first child featured on the labels. The program has been remarkably successful. Of the approximately 2,100 highlighted cases, nearly 1,200 children have been recovered. Cherrie wasn’t one of them. Cherrie Mahan was declared legally dead in 1998. 

If you have any information on her disappearance, please contact the Pennsylvania State Police at 412-284-8100

Check Out Synova’s Chasing Justice Video On This Case:

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SPONSORSHIPS: This case was brought to you by Bones Coffee Company and my book “SHATTERED: Behind Every Story Is A Shattered Life“

Shattered: Behind Every Story Is A Shattered Life (Synova’s Case Files Series)

Behind every story I write is a life that’s shattered. These aren’t headlines. These are people. Those who try to twist headlines to generate more views are toying with someone’s trauma. I have raised awareness for 500 cases and helped generate leads for law enforcement. That’s my purpose and that’s what keeps me going.

This book has the top 40 cases that I’ve highlighted on my blog throughout the years. Please enjoy the book, but remember these are real people with real trauma.

Follow the heart-rending cases Synova first wrote about on her blog in 2018. Filled with missing persons’ cases, unsolved homicides, and even serial killer cases, this book will give you a greater insight into the shattered lives behind every story. Cases Included in this book: Jayme Closs, Haley Owens, Josh Robinson, Timothy Cunningham, Carol Blades, Pam Hupp, Arthur Ream, Angela Hammond, The Springfield Three, Jennifer Harris, Danny King, Angie Yarnell, Jack Robinson, Madelin Edman, Alexis Patterson, Amber Wilde, Sandra Bertolas, Jennifer Casper-Ross, Crystal Soulier, Jody Ricard, Carmen Owens, Brandon Tyree McCullough & The I-70 Serial Killer & more.

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Pregnant and Vanished After a Secret Meeting: The Unsolved Disappearance of Amanda Jones

The Cold Case of Amanda Jones: Disappearance of a Pregnant Mother in Missouri

On a sunny Sunday in August 2005, 20-year-old Amanda Jones bounced into church full of hope. Eight and a half months pregnant, she glowed with excitement after a call from the man she believed fathered her unborn son. She left her four-year-old daughter with her parents and drove off to meet him at the Hillsboro Community Civic Center. That was the last time anyone saw her alive. Her car stayed parked there, but Amanda vanished. The main person of interest, Westfall, died in 2021, leaving her family without answers or justice after nearly two decades.

The Events Leading to August 14, 2005

Background of Amanda Jones and the Alleged Father

Amanda Jones lived a simple life in Missouri. She had a four-year-old daughter from a past marriage and worked hard as a single mom. Fresh out of that long relationship, she met Brian at a party nine months earlier. He managed horse barns at the Hillsboro Community Civic Center. That night felt like a rebound fling, out of character for her, her sister later said. Soon after, she learned she was pregnant.

The Alleged Father’s Initial Reaction

Amanda told Westfall about the baby. He flat out denied it was his. Worse, he offered cash for an abortion. She pushed back, sure the child was his. He stood firm, cold and uninterested. No support, no involvement. That set a dangerous tone right away.

The Surprise Invitation

As her due date neared, Amanda asked if he wanted his name on the birth certificate and he said no. To her shock, he called after church on August 14. She lit up, thinking he might step up. Her sister felt uneasy and offered to tag along. Amanda waved her off. “I got this,” she said. She kissed her daughter goodbye and promised to return soon.

The Disappearance at the Hillsboro Community Civic Center

Last Known Location and Timeline

Amanda arrived around 1 p.m. at the Civic Center, a spot for events, festivals, and horse shows. Westfall had keys there from his job. Her car sat in the lot, door not fully shut. Inside, police found no purse, but keys, wallet, phone, and a baby book went missing. That book held sonogram pics and poems—a last plea to win him over.

The Final Communication

At 1:15 p.m., her phone rang. It was her ex-sister-in-law, her Mary Kay seller, checking on makeup. Amanda snapped short answers. “Something with the number eight,” she muttered. She hung up fast: “Can’t talk now.” Friends said she never acted rude like that. No calls hit her phone for hours after.

Contradictory Accounts from Brian Westfall

Westfall gave police his first story. They talked. She got upset. No lunch plans. He unlocked the bathroom for her. He went to work in the barns. Around 5 p.m., he saw her car—and her inside, on the phone. But August heat in Missouri hits hard. No air conditioning in her ride. Eight months pregnant, who sits three hours baking? Phone records showed silence. No activity.

He switched tales next. They headed to Off the Hook restaurant. Cameras there proved they never showed. Another time, folks saw him startled in the back stalls, trailer empty. No loading in sight. His stories kept shifting.

Investigation Hurdles and Legal Roadblocks

Shifting Narratives and Lack of Probable Cause

Westfall’s changing accounts raised flags. First the bathroom, then dinner that didn’t happen. Witnesses spotted odd behavior at the barns. On his way home, he stopped by the fire chief. Asked about burning on his land, despite fire bans. Chief said he drove alone. That blocked deeper probes. Why chat burning now? Alibi hunt, some guessed.

Right after, he called his girlfriend for new tack totes—big plastic bins for horse gear. Old ones “worn out,” he claimed. Those last forever unless busted. Truck bed toolbox? Trailer spots? Plenty of hidey-holes.

The Search Warrant Issue

Judges need solid proof for warrants. Her car stayed put, so no clear sign she left Civic Center grounds. They dug around there. Nothing. Full search of Westfall’s family farm? Denied. Motive alone—no dice, cops said. But add means, chance, lies? Still stuck. No vehicle check early on. No old tote scan. Missed blood, hair, fibers?

Partial walkthrough happened. Family tagged along, blocking spots. “Look here, not there.” Partial consent, full stonewall.

The Role of Legal Representation

Before suspect status, Westfall, girlfriend, family hired a lawyer. Cops saw him as witness only. Lawyer stuck 19 years, pricey retainer. Why so fast? His flip-flops screamed nerves. Motive: unwanted baby. Means: keys, barns, truck. Opportunity: alone with her. Cops chased leads. All circled back to him.

Post-Investigation Developments and Family Despair

The Passage of Time and Family Exhaustion

Nineteen years drag slow. Same facts from 2005. Civic Center changed looks. Family worn thin. Holidays, birthdays pass. Daughter grew up motherless, brotherless. No closure. Exhaustion sets in. They fight, but progress stalls.

Westfall died 2021, stroke at 53. Sudden headache, 911 call, gone. Dad, brother followed. Girlfriend, mom left. Property new owners? Fresh search chance.

The Wrongful Death Lawsuit Attempt

In 2021, parents sued Westfall’s estate. Civil wrongful death push. Hopes high. Judge tossed it. Missouri rules: five years missing to declare dead. Then three years post-death to sue. Clock ran out. Lawyers took cash anyway. Revictimize the grieving? Outrage.

The Danger of Confronting the Alleged Father

Too many cases match this. Pregnant women vanish confronting deadbeat dads. Red flags scream:

  • Denies baby hard.
  • Pushes abortion money.
  • Sudden nice-guy flip to secret meet.

Stats from hundreds of files: nine in ten such misses tie to the father. Or stay unsolved. You’re huge target—200 pounds, belly out. Can’t run or fight well. Never go solo. Take backup. Wait for birth, paternity test. Sister begged to join. Regret haunts her.

Conclusion: Seeking the Final Piece of the Puzzle

Amanda Jones case stacks evidence against Brian Westfall. Lies, odd stops, lawyer rush, blocked searches. Legal snags and his death stall it. Yet family clings. Her car door ajar, stuff gone—no random kidnap fits. No enemies elsewhere.

Someone saw a detail. Truck glimpse? Fire smoke? Totes swapped? Tip lines wait. Share this post. Contact Jefferson County Sheriff. One puzzle bit cracks it. Justice for Amanda, her kids—one born, one not. They deserve peace. What do you know? Speak now.

WATCH Synova’s Video on this Case:

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Each week Synova highlights obscure cold cases on her blog as a victim’s advocate. She never charges for her services. If you’d like to help support Synova in this worthy cause please check out the affiliate links below. By purchasing one of her books or using these links, you will be supporting Synova’s work on cold cases and will ensure her ability to continue to give a voice to the victim’s family. Thank you.

SPONSORSHIPS: This case was brought to you by Bones Coffee Company and my book “SHATTERED: Behind Every Story Is A Shattered Life“

SHATTERED: Behind Every Story Is A Shattered Life

Behind every story I write is a life that’s shattered. These aren’t headlines. These are people. Those who try to twist headlines to generate more views are toying with someone’s trauma. I have raised awareness for 500 cases and helped generate leads for law enforcement. That’s my purpose and that’s what keeps me going.

This book has the top 40 cases that I’ve highlighted on my blog throughout the years. Please enjoy the book, but remember these are real people with real trauma.

Follow the heart-rending cases Synova first wrote about on her blog in 2018. Filled with missing persons’ cases, unsolved homicides, and even serial killer cases, this book will give you a greater insight into the shattered lives behind every story. Cases Included in this book: Jayme Closs, Haley Owens, Josh Robinson, Timothy Cunningham, Carol Blades, Pam Hupp, Arthur Ream, Angela Hammond, The Springfield Three, Jennifer Harris, Danny King, Angie Yarnell, Jack Robinson, Madelin Edman, Alexis Patterson, Amber Wilde, Sandra Bertolas, Jennifer Casper-Ross, Crystal Soulier, Jody Ricard, Carmen Owens, Brandon Tyree McCullough & The I-70 Serial Killer, and more.

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This story is brought to you by BONES COFFEE COMPANY.

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The Disturbing Disappearance of Shirley Hyman-Hickman

Shirley Hyman – Hickman

The Last Sightings of Shirley Heyman Hickman: A 1981 Philadelphia Cold Case Plea

On August 28, 1981, Shirley Heyman Hickman stepped out of Park Avenue Cafe Bar in Philadelphia. She was crying and upset. Witnesses saw her climb into a blue van with two strange men. Friends and family had left the bar earlier. Police questioned the men later. Both said they dropped her off safe. But Shirley vanished that night. No one saw her again. Her family still hunts for answers in this cold case.

Shirley Hickman: Portrait of a Life Interrupted

Shirley lived a full life before that night. She was loving and full of energy. Her daughter remembers her as spunky and outgoing. Shirley loved her family most of all.

A Loving Mother and Family Woman

Shirley raised three girls with care. She enjoyed dancing and dressing up nice. Bowling and pool were her games. She sang in the church choir too. Family came first for her. She made everyone feel welcome.

Her little girl often trailed her. At four or five, the child worried. “The bad man gonna take her,” she’d say. Dad had to pick her up from police once. Shirley was that all-American mom. Everyone loved her spark.

The Final Days: Tension and Foreboding

Things got tough before August 28. Shirley split from her husband. The family stayed at her best friend’s house. It had four bedrooms back home. Why crash elsewhere? She cried packing her daughter’s bag.

The girl turned 12 on the 27th. Mom planned a party. Then she sent her to auntie’s. “I’m okay,” Shirley said through tears. She talked about calling dad for money. A strange warning came next. “Tell friends the truth if their boyfriend hits on you.”

The daughter wondered. Was it aunt’s husband? No names given. Mom stopped crying. Said she’d meet dad, play pool with uncle. Call when you arrive, she told the girl. That was the last talk.

Critical Age and Timeline Details

Shirley was 31 years old. Born March 23, 1950. Some sites say 1951 or give the wrong height. She stood 5 feet 1 inch. Her daughter was already taller at 5’2″. These facts matter for searches. Wrong info wastes time.

She wore shorts when daughter left. Later outfit: white sweater, blue jeans, slip-on sandals. A wreath-like ring and sunglasses too. Bartender confirmed that look.

The Immediate Aftermath and Questionable Police Response

Days passed with no word. Family called around. No cell phones back then. Just landlines and visits. Panic set in slow.

Last Known Location and Witnesses

Park Avenue Cafe Bar sat in the neighborhood. Not huge, but roomy. Bar in middle, pool tables back. Cubby seats up front, kitchen side. Shirley knew it well. Played pool there often.

Bartender knew her too. Lived across street. Kids went to same school. Saw Shirley talk to two men. She cried hard. They led her out back door. Blue van waited. No front window. Door propped open for street view.

Why no help? Police station right across. No one ran over. These men weren’t regulars. Friends gone by then.

Family Efforts and Confusion

Daughter stayed at aunt’s. Assumed mom would call. Clothes at aunt’s house confused her. Shorts in hamper. Bar outfit gone from bed. Did she change?

Aunt Sandra called family. Stepdad saw her Friday night. Left her and uncle at bar. Uncle’s neighborhood too. He wouldn’t let sister leave crying with strangers.

Grandma called on 31st. Come home now. No reason given. Family searched houses. No trace.

The Estranged Husband and Uncle’s Presence

Stepdad dropped birthday cash. Uncle played pool with her. Both left early. Bar felt safe. It happened before. But not this time.

Developing Leads: The Blue Van and Uncooperative Subjects

Years later, clues surfaced. Private eyes helped. Names and spots linked to the van.

Interrogation of the Driver

Driver admitted the ride. Dropped them near 26th and Indiana. Passenger’s hood. Just a favor, he claimed. Police had notes too.

A Plea for Closure: Bringing Shirley Home

Police dropped ball. Files are gone. Detectives retired. 35th District shrugs. Calls ignored. Cold case unit exists. But no file found. Archives should hold notes. Family chases ghosts.

Conclusion: The Enduring Need for Justice and Remembrance

Shirley Heyman Hickman deserves rest. Not court wins after 45 years. Bring her home. Philly saw that blue van. Men got out. Someone knows.

Share this post. One click reaches the right ear. What if it was your mom? Act now. Call tips. End the wait. Shirley’s family thanks you.

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Each week Synova highlights obscure cold cases on her blog as a victim’s advocate. She never charges for her services. If you’d like to help support Synova in this worthy cause please check out the affiliate links below. By purchasing one of her books or using these links, you will be supporting Synova’s work on cold cases and will ensure her ability to continue to give a voice to the victim’s family. Thank you.

SPONSORSHIPS: This case was brought to you by Bones Coffee Company and my book “SHATTERED: Behind Every Story Is A Shattered Life“

SHATTERED: Behind Every Story Is A Shattered Life

Behind every story I write is a life that’s shattered. These aren’t headlines. These are people. Those who try to twist headlines to generate more views are toying with someone’s trauma. I have raised awareness for 500 cases and helped generate leads for law enforcement. That’s my purpose and that’s what keeps me going.

This book has the top 40 cases that I’ve highlighted on my blog throughout the years. Please enjoy the book, but remember these are real people with real trauma.

Follow the heart-rending cases Synova first wrote about on her blog in 2018. Filled with missing persons’ cases, unsolved homicides, and even serial killer cases, this book will give you a greater insight into the shattered lives behind every story. Cases Included in this book: Jayme Closs, Haley Owens, Josh Robinson, Timothy Cunningham, Carol Blades, Pam Hupp, Arthur Ream, Angela Hammond, The Springfield Three, Jennifer Harris, Danny King, Angie Yarnell, Jack Robinson, Madelin Edman, Alexis Patterson, Amber Wilde, Sandra Bertolas, Jennifer Casper-Ross, Crystal Soulier, Jody Ricard, Carmen Owens, Brandon Tyree McCullough & The I-70 Serial Killer, and more.

BUY BOOK

This story is brought to you by BONES COFFEE COMPANY.

BUY COFFEE
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