Up and Vanished

Laurah Norton, an investigative podcaster and author known for her work on cold cases, joins the discussion to explore the chilling case of Joel Rifkin, a serial killer whose victims include identified and unidentified women. They dive into the possibility that Denise Griffin may be among those victims, investigating forensic leads and the importance of family DNA samples. Laurah also sheds light on the challenges of utilizing partial DNA profiles and the stigma surrounding sex work that complicates victim identification.

Join investigative reporter Laurah Norton, host of "One Strange Thing" and "The Fall Line," as she delves into the enigmatic disappearance of West Point cadet Richard Cox. The discussion explores Richard's unsettling state of mind, the mysterious arrival of a friend named 'George,' and conflicting eyewitness accounts that blur the investigation. Motives ranging from personal dissatisfaction to potential CIA recruitment theories are also examined, leaving listeners pondering the true fate of Richard after 75 years.

It's July, 2021, when 40-year-old midtown Atlanta resident, Katie Janness, and her dog are found dead in Piedmont Park, an epicenter for social activity and one of the largest green spaces in the city. Faulty security cameras in the park, plus a lack of physical evidence leaves police with little to go on, and the chilling nature of the crime scene leaves the community on edge, as residents begin to wonder if a serial killer is to blame? Tune in as Maggie sits down with retired Atlanta homicide detective and host of "Murder Mind" on Youtube, Vince Velazquez, and the two discuss Vince's conversations with detectives currently on the case, and take a look at the crime scene through the lens of a homicide detective who patrolled the same area where Katie Janness was found murdered.Up and Vanished Weekly is available wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's January, 2013, when 21-year-old college student Elisa Lam disappears after checking into LA's infamous Cecil Hotel. Elisa's family and police launch a search, but it isn't until weeks later that a hotel worker finds the body of Elisa Lam inside one of the Cecil Hotel's main water tanks. Police focus in on the sole piece of evidence, eerie security camera footage of Elisa from inside one of the hotel's elevators. The video shows a woman in a state of unexplainable crisis, leading many to wonder, what exactly happened to Elisa Lam? Tune in as Maggie goes through the tragic circumstances of Elisa's case, then stick around as Payne Lindsey sits down with Shane Pittman, host of "The Holzer Files" and "28 Days Haunted", and the two discuss Shane's perspective after spending countless hours inside buildings with dark pasts, much like the Cecil Hotel.Up and Vanished Weekly is available wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Up and Vanished comes Status: Untraced — a 3-episode mini-series. Lies, rumors, and arrests—when the truth keeps shifting, all that remains are spaces waiting to be filled. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Up and Vanished comes Status: Untraced — a 3-episode mini-series. A trek that should have ended in days. Fifteen years later -- still no return. Her story begins here. Catch episode 2 and more by following the Status: Untraced feed. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the emotional aftermath of a mysterious death that reveals shocking corruption. The discussion navigates through polygraph test intricacies, peeling back layers of truth and deception with focus on physiological responses. Explore the tension around sightings of a missing person's truck, as fear stifles crucial information from coming to light. As family dynamics unravel, the search for truth intensifies against a backdrop of danger. This gripping exploration challenges our understanding of honesty and the complexities of human behavior.

Oregon Jon, a person of interest in the disappearance of Florence Okpealuk, takes a polygraph test to clear his name. The discussion delves into the controversial nature of polygraphs, revealing how they can highlight pressure points rather than provide definitive evidence. Tension builds as Jon navigates the emotional challenges of this test, raising questions about truth and deception. The complexities of this personal journey through a high-stakes scenario shed light on the human desire for clarity amidst uncertainty.

Jon Gerton, a person of interest in the disappearance of Florence Okpealuk, shares his story in a raw and honest way. He discusses the emotional toll of being in the spotlight and the impact of public perception on his life. The most gripping topic is his decision to undergo a live polygraph test, a bold move to address rumors and prove his innocence. Listeners will find his reflections on truth, responsibility, and the complexities of unsolved cases both compelling and thought-provoking.

The host struggles to track down John Gerton, a key figure in the mysterious disappearance of Florence Okpeolek, facing obstacles at every turn. An unexpected encounter at McDonald's reveals John's troubled past and adds layers to the unfolding mystery. Meanwhile, the discussion shifts to women's access to menopause relief and highlights community contributions to missing person cases. As details about Florence's disappearance emerge, connections to another case deepen the intrigue, leaving listeners eager for more answers.