48 Hours

Post Mortem | The Day Maddi Kingsbury Went Missing

Sep 2, 2025
Peter Van Sant, a correspondent known for his in-depth reporting, and producer Jordan Kinsey delve into the mysterious disappearance of Maddi Kingsbury. They reveal how social media, particularly TikTok, galvanized a community search for the missing mother. The pair discuss troubling text exchanges, allegations of a tumultuous relationship, and the complexities of the investigation. They shed light on the emotional struggles of Maddi's loved ones and the evolving legal dynamics surrounding the key suspect, painting a vivid picture of a heartbreaking case.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

TikTok Sparked A Massive Local Search

  • Megan Kingsbury used TikTok daily to plead for help and posted for 68 days until remains were found.
  • Her posts went viral and mobilized roughly 2,000 locals to search southeastern Minnesota.
INSIGHT

First Hours Are Critically Time-Sensitive

  • The first 12 hours of a missing-person case are often critical and can be life-or-death according to investigators.
  • Delays or assumptions that someone will return can seriously hamper evidence collection and outcomes.
ADVICE

Report A Missing Person Immediately

  • Do not accept that you must wait 48 hours to report someone missing; report concerns immediately to police.
  • Early reporting prompts faster investigative action and preserves critical evidence opportunities.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app