The Minds of Madness - True Crime Stories Episode 293 - Dragged in Darkness - The Disappearance of Barry Schmalbach
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Nov 24, 2025 Miguel Blanco, a longtime friend of Barry Schmalbach, shares heartfelt memories and the harrowing moments leading to Barry's disappearance. Becky Weber, a neighbor, describes Barry's generosity and the unsettling state of his condo post-vanishing. The podcast reveals a chilling voicemail from Barry expressing fear, and unsettling details about his last night, including odd messages and a violent encounter observed by neighbors. As the investigation unfolds, evidence links a suspect to sinister actions, culminating in a guilty verdict yet leaving lingering questions about what truly happened to Barry.
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Community and Reinvention
- Barry built a close community in Cape Coral after moving from Chicago and launched a restaurant supply business.
- Neighbors describe him as meticulous, generous, and quickly integrated into condo life.
Health Transformation And The Apple Watch
- After an AFib scare, Barry prioritized health, lost weight, and walked six miles daily.
- Becky Weber gifted him an Apple Watch which he wore constantly and used for calls and health tracking.
Swift New Relationship
- Barry met Christopher at a Cinco de Mayo party and soon invited him to move in, surprising neighbors.
- The two had lived together about ten weeks before Barry's disappearance.