Dying to be Found

Engaging Podcast Audience: The Mysterious Disappearance of Melissa

In 1971, a single mother named Alta Apantenco placed an ad in the local newspaper seeking a babysitter for her 21-month old daughter, Melissa. Little did Alta know that this simple act would set in motion a chain of events that would remain a mystery for the next 50 years.

Alta received a response from a woman named Ruth Johnson, who seemed perfect for the job. Ruth assured Alta that she had a spacious yard for Melissa to play in and had experience caring for other children. With these reassurances, Alta trusted Ruth with the responsibility of looking after her beloved daughter.

On August 23, 1971, Ruth arrived at Alta's home to pick up Melissa. Unfortunately, Alta had already left for work, but her roommate was there to welcome Ruth and hand over Melissa along with a diaper bag filled with the usual items for a day away from home. However, in the midst of the exchange, one crucial detail was overlooked - contact information. Neither Alta nor her roommate thought to exchange phone numbers or home addresses with Ruth before she left with Melissa.

As the day came to a close, Melissa was not returned home as planned. The disappearance of Melissa remained a haunting mystery for half a century until an extraordinary turn of events occurred. Melissa decided to take a DNA test, which would uncover her true identity and lead her to confront the woman she believed to be her mother.

Join Deb, along with Carmen, host of the captivating true crime podcast "Live, Laugh, Murder," as they delve into the intricate details of this perplexing case. Carmen, who also hosts her own podcast with a unique twist on true crime stories, gives us a glimpse into her thrilling content.

Listen to new episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts! You can find all of our socials @dying2bfound and more at https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound. If you like what you hear, please share and give a 5-star review! Consider supporting us by buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound.

Intro & Extro Music: Undersea World by Dragonov

REFERENCES:

48 years after disappearance of Dallas child, family continues to search for her

How a woman kidnapped as child reunited with her family 51 years later

Melissa Highsmith vanished as a toddler, there's been no sign of her for 46 years

'It's a Christmas Miracle': Fort Worth Woman Reunited With Family 51 Years After Kidnapping

Melissa Suzanne Highsmith – The Charley Project

• As season two winds down, we've had a lot of guests on Dying to be Found. Today, Beth, with True Crime BnB turns the tables and brings Deb onto her own podcast. Get ready to listen to a web of tales True Crime BnB style, where Deb is the bad guy, and Beth lightens things up with a story of strength, hope, and survival.

The Dark Side of Aaron Hernandez

First up, Deb exposes the chilling truth about Aaron Hernandez, the once-praised football star of the New England Patriots. Dive into the darkness that lurked beneath his fame and fortune, leading to his untimely demise while awaiting trial for murder charges. As always, there are valuable lessons to be learned here, especially regarding the sacrifices one may make for success in the world of sports.

Laurie Melanson's Harrowing Tale of Survival

Next, Beth takes us on a bittersweet journey through the life of Laurie Melanson, a young woman from a small town in upstate New York. Her encounter with a charismatic man named John Brown seemed like a fairytale romance. However, as their relationship came to an end, Laurie discovered that John's obsession with her was far from over. Brace yourself as we explore Laurie's courageous battle against imminent danger. Prepare to be inspired by her resilience and determination to move forward, leaving behind the haunting terrors of her past.

Listen to new episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts! Find us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest @dying2bfound or visit our website at www.dyingtobefound.com. Find us all in one spot at https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound.

If you like what you hear, please share and give a 5-star review! Consider supporting us by buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound.

Intro & Extro Music: Undersea World by Dragonov

REFERENCES:

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Aaron Hernandez timeline: From murders and trials to prison suicide | Sporting News

Complete Timeline of the Rise and Fall of Aaron Hernandez

Timeline of events the night Odin Lloyd was murdered

Aaron Hernandez timeline: From murders and trials to prison suicide | Sporting News

On a seemingly typical summer day, June 14, 2014, the local residents of Detroit held their breath as young Charlie Boswell vanished without a trace. The community was left in shock and uncertainty. For 11 agonizing days, Charlie's whereabouts remained unknown, until an unexpected turn of events brought the truth to light. But as we uncover the layers of this perplexing story, it becomes evident that there are always two sides to every tale. Charlie had his own version of events, and his father, Charles Boswell IV, and step-mother, Monique, had theirs. The truth remained elusive, leaving us to question who is right in this unsettling tale of suspense and intrigue.

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Dying to be Found: The DASH Series podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest @dying2bfound for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and updates.

Visit our website at www.dyingtobefound.com for additional resources and to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes. You can also find all our social media links conveniently located in one place at https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound.

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If you enjoy our podcast and want to show your appreciation, please leave us a 5-star review. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us create compelling content for our listeners. Consider buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound to support our ongoing efforts to bring you riveting stories that captivate and engage.

References:

Boy in basement testifies: 'I tried to commit suicide'

Charlie Bothuell describes 11 days spent in basement hiding spot during Detroit search - mlive.com

Charlie Bothuell's father admits to hitting son with PVC pipe

Court document: Boy sent to basement without food - Sent-trib

Dad sentenced in case of boy found in Detroit basement

Judge: No torture in case of Detroit boy Charlie Bothuell V found in father's basement - CBS News

Missing Detroit boy found alive in his parent’s basement | Uncategorized

Update: Missing Detroit Boy Speaks Out About Abuse | Essence

In this episode, Deborah and Corey discuss the story of Marvin Heemeyer, also known as the Killdozer. Marvin, a disgruntled business owner, took matters into his own hands after his local government approved the rezoning of his business district. He spent months modifying a bulldozer, equipping it with weapons and armor. Marvin then went on a rampage, destroying multiple buildings in his town. Despite his actions, some locals saw him as a hero standing up against an oppressive government. The rampage ended when Marvin took his own life. The conversation discusses the story of Marvin Heemeyer's rampage and the reasons behind it. It explores the perception of Heemeyer as a folk hero and the destruction he caused. The conversation also delves into the actions of the government and their greed, leading to Heemeyer's desperation. It highlights the corruption in local government and the importance of being aware and involved in one's community.

Takeaways

• Marvin Heemeyer, also known as the Killdozer, was a disgruntled business owner who took revenge on his local government.
• He spent months modifying a bulldozer, equipping it with weapons and armor.
• Marvin went on a rampage, destroying multiple buildings in his town, but no one was hurt.
• Despite his actions, some locals saw him as a hero standing up against an oppressive government. Marvin Heemeyer's rampage was a result of his frustration with the government and their actions against him.
• Heemeyer was seen as a folk hero by some members of the community who believed he was standing up against those who wronged him.
• The government's greed and abuse of power played a significant role in pushing Heemeyer to the edge.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of being aware of and involved in one's community, as well as getting to know one's neighbors.

Listen to new episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts! Find us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest @dying2bfound or visit. Find us all in one spot at https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound. If you like what you hear, please share and give a 5-star review! Consider supporting us by buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound.

Intro & Extro Music: Undersea World by Dragonov

Teachable Moments Music: Untold Story by Ballian De Moulle

REFERENCES:

Granby bulldozer rampage revisited, ten years later – The Denver Post

Killdozer Day: The Story of Marvin Heemeyer | Snopes.com

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the unsolved case of Sister Cathy Cesnik, a devoted nun who mysteriously vanished in 1969. Join us as we explore the intriguing details surrounding her background, her impactful teaching career, and her significant involvement in the Catholic Church.

We navigate through the web of suspicions surrounding two priests and the shocking emergence of sexual abuse allegations years later. Additionally, we delve into the noteworthy documentary series 'The Keepers' and the recent groundbreaking advancements in DNA testing.

Get ready for a captivating journey that culminates with a valuable teachable moment. Discover the importance of not hastily jumping to conclusions and the significance of allowing authorities to handle investigations. This episode will keep your podcast audience engaged from start to finish.

If you have any information on Cathy Cesnik’s case, please contact the Baltimore City Homicide Unit through Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7-LOCKUP. That’s 866-756-2587. A $2K reward for information leading to an arrest is still active in this case.

Listen to new episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts! You can find all of our socials @dying2bfound and more at https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound. If you like what you hear, please share and give a 5-star review! Consider supporting us by buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound.

Intro & Extro Music: Undersea World by Dragonov

Teachable Moments Music: Untold Story by Ballian De Moulle

REFERENCES:

The Murder of Sister Catherine Ann Cesnik; Maryland, 1969, Open Salon, August 11, 2014

Sister Catherine Ann Cesnik - Baltimore County

Sister Cathy Cesnik's Sister on Her Murder, The Keepers

Who Killed Sister Cathy? « Inside Baltimore

Women say ‘Keepers’ figure was unnamed rapist in Catholic abuse report - The Baltimore Banner

On April 28, 1997, the lives of Celeste and Morné Nurse changed forever at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. Little did they know that their newborn baby, Zephany, would be taken from them just three days later by a woman disguised as a nurse. This daring act went unnoticed, leaving the Nurses heartbroken and desperate to find their precious daughter.

For the next 17 years, Celeste and Morné mourned the loss of Zephany while also celebrating her life with an annual birthday party. Their dedication to their missing child remained unwavering, until an unexpected twist of fate unfolded in 2015.

It was a regular day when Cassidy, the Nurse's other daughter, returned from school bursting with excitement. She had met a new girl named Miché who bore an uncanny resemblance to Cassidy herself. Curiosity sparked questions, and soon the truth began to unravel.

Through an intense investigation, it was revealed that Miché and Zephany were one and the same. The collision of these intertwined lives sent shockwaves through two families, forcing them to grapple with a reality they never could have imagined.

Listen to new DASH episodes every Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts! You can find us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest @dying2bfound or visit our website at www.dyingtobefound.com. Find us all in one spot at https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound.If you like what you hear, please share and give a 5-star review! Consider supporting us by buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound.

REFERENCES:‘

The selfie that revealed I was a stolen baby’

Mother reunited with stolen daughter 17 years after she was snatched

My biological dad is a ‘lost cause’,

Zephany Nurse reveals in new book‘South Africa’s Madeleine McCann’, 24, who was snatched from hospital as a newborn and raised vy her kidnappr says she now has a good relationship with her birth parents after initially rejexting them to support her ‘mother’

Update: Zephany Nurse case: No parole, for now, for woman wh raised abducted baby as her ownZephany Nurse’s parents relieved after kidnapper finally admits to crime

In April 1895, a young women went missing and another was found mutilated deep inside the Emmanuel Baptist Church in San Francisco, CA, Police quickly arrived on the scene the day before Easter to begin looking for clues on who may have murdered Minnie Williams, who was discovered inside a closet within the church. As investigators worked their way through the crime scene, they eventually entered the belfry, where they discovered Blanche Lamonte, a second victim.

It did not take long before multiple witnesses came forward to chronicle Blanche's movement throughout San Francisco on April 3, 1895, the day she disappeared. Every one of these witnesses named Theo Durrant as the last known person to be seen with Blanche before they both entered Emmanuel Church.. Another witness also came forward to state that Theo also entered the church 10 days later. Neither woman was ever seen alive again.

Be sure to tune in see how the Demon of the Belfry unfolds. And since we're talking about the Victorian era, you'll know which family member is dropping in!

Listen to new episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts! You can find us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest @dying2bfound or visit our website at www.dyingtobefound.com. Find us all in one spot at https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound. If you like what you hear, please share and give a 5-star review! Consider supporting us by buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound.

Intro & Extro Music: Undersea World by Dragonov

Teachable Moments Music: Untold Story by Ballian De Moulle

References:

How Blanche LaMonte was enticed from school and led to her death

People v. Durrant, 116 Cal. 179 | Casetext Search + Citator

On March 2, 1998, the world changed for this brave 10-year-old girl from Vienna, Austria. In this captivating episode, we will explore Natascha's incredible story of resilience and courage, as she embarks on an unimaginable journey spanning 8.5 years. We delve into the events that unfolded on that fateful day when Natascha made her way to the school bus stop for the very first time. Little did she know that her path would intersect with a clean-cut man standing by his white Mercedes minivan. The gripping narrative takes a shocking turn as the man grabs Natascha and vanishes into thin air, leaving the community stunned and initiating one of the most extensive missing person searches in Austria's history. Join us as we travel through the 3096 days of Natascha's life in captivity, as described in her own words.

Listen to the Dying to be Found: The DASH series every Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts! Find us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest @dying2bfound or visit our website at www.dyingtobefound.com. Find all our socials in one spot! https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound. Please leave a 5-star review, and consider buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound.

REFERENCES:

Austrian teen escapes after eight years in captivity

How did Natascha Kampusch, the girl in the cellar, escape her kidnapper’s house?

Kidnapper who abducted Natascha Kampusch…’was working alone’

Lone Wolf: Who was Wolfgang Priklopil and how did he die?

Mother of Austrian kidnap victim Natascha Kampusch who was abducted…accused of killing her own daughter

Natascha Kampusch

Natascha Kampusch: Inside the head of my torturer

Natascha Kampusch says the man who held her captive for eight years wanted her to feel like a victim of the Nazis

The harrowing tale of how Natascha Kampusch survived eight years in her kidnapper’s cellar

On July 1, 1874: 4-year old Charley Ross was abducted by two men and became the very first victim of kidnap for ransom in the United States. 65 years later, in 1939, a man named Gustave Blair came forward to claim that he was Charley Ross. Is it possible that Charley and Gustave are one in the same? If this story sounds familiar, it should, because I first brought you the case of Charley Ross in episode 3 of Dying to be Found The DASH. But keep listening, because today, Rod Miller, a direct decendent of Gustave Blair, will bring us even more facts to Charley’s story that just may get us a little closer to the truth.

Listen to the Dying to be Found: The DASH series every Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts! Find us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest @dying2bfound or visit our website at www.dyingtobefound.com. Find all our socials in one spot! https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound. Please leave a 5-star review, and consider buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound.

Intro & Extro Music: Undersea World by Dragonov

REFERENCES:

Rod Miller's Website: Charley Ross - Gustave Blair - Nelson Miller

Pennsylvania’s Myths & Legends

The Ancient and Esoteric Order of the Jackalope

The kidnapping of little Charley Ross

On July 1, 1874, 6-year-old Walter and 4-year-old Charley Ross were playing outside in the front of their home when two men drove by in a horse and carriage. After riding by a few days earlier and offering the boys candy, imagine their delight when the same men offered to buy them firecrackers! Charley and Walter both jumped into the men's wagon and rode off to town to stock up on fireworks for the upcoming holiday. When Walter went inside to make his purchase, Charley stayed with the men, who quickly rode away, leaving Walter behind. This is the story of the first kidnapping for ransom case ever documented in United States history, and what lengths his father, Christian, went through to try to bring his son back home.

If you have information on missing or exploited children in your area, visit www.missingkids.org or call 1.800.THE.LOST or 1.800.843.5678.

Dying to be Found and Dying to be Found: The DASH are now part of Sound Slice Audio Productions! If you are a true crime podcaster and would like to be highlighted on a future episode, email Deb at [email protected]. Listen to new episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Find us on all of our socials at https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound. If you like what you hear, please give a 5-star review and consider buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound.

Intro & Extro Music: Undersea World by Dragonov

Sound Effects: Aaron Port - Kids Voices with Natural ReverbChoplin - Door_03_entering.wavLaurent - Tintamare.wav

Licensing: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ and https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode.en

REFERENCES:

23 letters: A child lost forever

A notorious 19th century kidnapping in Brooklyn

The father’s story of Charley Ross, the kidnapped child

The kidnapping of little Charley Ross, 1874

The story of Charley Ross