Teresa Bier vanished almost four decades ago, leaving behind a chilling mystery overshadowed by an unbelievable tale of Bigfoot. This episode unravels the disturbing reality behind the myth, exposing a troubled man, a botched investigation, and the enduring questions that haunt her family.

Takeaways

• “We’re here to dig up the truth, case by case, victim by victim.” – David McLam
• “When you strip away the folklore, you’re left with an older man who took a teenage girl into the woods and returned alone. That’s not mythology. That’s predation.” – David McLam
• “Teresa deserved to be remembered as a person, not a headline.” – LaDonna Humphrey

Behind the Story:

The episode revisits the case of Teresa Beer, a 16-year-old girl who disappeared during a camping trip with a much older man, Welch. When Welch claimed Bigfoot took her, the story captured headlines, diverting attention from the true circumstances of her vanishing. Police built a circumstantial case against Welch, including evidence of drug use and inconsistent stories, but charges were eventually dropped due to insufficient evidence. Welch, described as unstable and prone to wild tales, died years later without confessing, leaving Teresa’s family without answers.

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Beneath The Red Sky

This episode of Extinguished revisits the strange disappearance of Teresa Ann Beer, a 16-year-old girl who vanished during a 1987 camping trip. David McCLam and LaDonna Humphrey examine the bizarre Bigfoot story given by Russell Skip Welch and how it overshadowed the search for truth, hindering justice for Teresa.

Takeaways

• Examine the impact of sensationalized media on missing persons cases.
• Discuss the legal challenges in prosecuting cases without a body or physical evidence.
• Understand how initial false narratives can complicate investigations.
• Consider the pattern of cases where victims are marginalized and forgotten.
• Anticipate future discussions about Welch’s involvement and new evidence.

This episode pulls back the curtain on the disappearance of Teresa Ann Bier, a vulnerable 16-year-old whose life was marked by instability and abuse. Her story culminates in a mysterious camping trip with an older man and a bizarre claim of a Bigfoot encounter, leaving her family with an enduring mystery and no justice.

Featured Quotes:

• “We’re here to dig up the truth, case by case, Victim by victim. Because they mattered, they still matter, and someone somewhere knows what happened.” - David McClam
• “This was a middle-aged man living mostly off of disability checks who had a reputation for drug use, specifically methamphetamines. He was erratic, paranoid, and fascinated with conspiracy theories.” - LaDonna Humphrey
• “But this wasn’t folklore. This was a missing 16 year old girl.” - LaDonna Humphrey

This episode of Extinguished confronts the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW), calling it a modern genocide. David McClam and LaDonna Humphrey discuss the systemic failures, jurisdictional complexities, and historical oppression that allow this crisis to continue across the United States, particularly in states like Oklahoma. They advocate for urgent action and awareness.

TimeLine

00:00 A Modern Trail of Tears
01:34 Oklahoma’s Crisis and Systemic Issues
03:52 Historical Context & MMIW Hotspots
05:06 Inadequate Federal Response & Grassroots
07:23 Confronting the Systems & Call to Action

Key Takeaways

• Examine the systemic roots of the MMIW crisis, linking it to historical oppression and modern-day neglect.
• Understand the fragmented jurisdictional issues between state, federal, and tribal authorities that hinder investigations.
• Recognize the alarming statistics: Indigenous women face violence at rates far higher than any other demographic.
• Identify MMIW hotspots, including areas impacted by fracking operations and “man camps.”
• Support grassroots Indigenous-led efforts that are working to fill the void left by inadequate federal responses.

In this compelling episode of Extinguished, hosts David McClam and LaDonna Humphrey explore the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). They delve into the historical and systemic roots of the issue, discuss the fragmented jurisdictional responsibilities, and highlight the grassroots efforts by Indigenous communities to seek justice. Through personal stories and expert insights, the episode calls for systemic change to address the root causes of this crisis.

TimeLine

1. Introduction to the MMIW Crisis
2. Historical Context and Systemic Failures
3. Personal Stories and Grassroots Efforts
4. Federal Response and Legislation
5. Call to Action and Conclusion

Featured Quotes

• "A modern trail of tears."
• "It's about genocide, a modern form of it."
• "Oklahoma ranks among the top states for MMIW."
• "The system is not just broken, it's fragmented by design."
• "Indigenous women are murdered at 10 times the national average."

In this episode of Extinguished, hosts David McClam and LaDonna Humphrey delve into the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), highlighting the often-overlooked urban aspect of this issue. They discuss alarming statistics, systemic failures in data collection, and the urgent need for community action and advocacy to address these injustices. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the humanity behind the statistics and calls for better tracking and support for Indigenous communities.

Time Line

00:00 Introduction to MMIW Crisis

00:58 Urban Crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

03:10 Data Discrepancies and Human Stories

06:09 Call to Action and Community Involvement

Featured Quotes

MMIW is not just a reservation issue; it's an urban crisis.

The FBI's data on missing Indigenous women is alarming.

Many cases of MMIW are underreported or misclassified.

Victims range from infants to elders, with an average age of 29.

Domestic violence and human trafficking are significant factors in MMIW cases.

Law enforcement agencies often fail to provide accurate data.

Families and communities are often left in the dark about missing persons.

There is a need for better coordination and resources for Indigenous-led organizations.

Community involvement is crucial in demanding justice and accountability.

Every missing woman represents a family and a community loss.

Behind the Story: Statistics

In this episode of "Extinguished," hosts David McClam and LaDonna Humphrey delve into the heart-wrenching crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). This isn't just a story of statistics; it's a narrative of systemic failures and overlooked tragedies that have persisted for centuries.

David and LaDonna guide listeners through the layers of this crisis, revealing how it extends beyond reservations into urban areas, where systems designed to protect and deliver justice are failing. They highlight the staggering discrepancies in data collection and the lack of media coverage, which often leaves these stories untold and these women forgotten.

The episode draws on a landmark report from the Urban Indian Health Institute, which uncovers hundreds of cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, emphasizing that these numbers are likely undercounts. The hosts stress the importance of accurate data and the need for systemic change, urging listeners to support Indigenous-led organizations and demand better from law enforcement and media outlets.

This episode is a call to action, reminding us that every missing woman is more than a statistic. It's about names, faces, and families. David and LaDonna's passionate storytelling ensures that these voices are heard, and their stories are told, until justice is served.

Subscribe now to stay informed and join the fight for justice.

This episode of Extinguished delves into the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW), exploring the historical, legal, and social structures that have perpetuated this tragedy. Hosts David McClam and LaDonna Humphrey honor the story of Misty Rainey Bedoni, a Navajo woman who disappeared in 2016, and discuss the systemic issues that allow such violence to continue.

Time Line

• 00:00:01 Introduction to Extinguished
• 00:00:20 The MMIW Crisis Unveiled
• 00:00:56 Historical Context and Colonization
• 00:01:36 Legal Landscape and Jurisdiction Issues
• 00:03:24 Honoring Misty Rainey Bedoni
• 00:05:12 Demanding Justice and Accountability




Featured Quotes

• "The MMIW crisis has been unfolding for centuries."
• "Colonial powers stripped tribal nations of authority."
• "One in three Indigenous women will be raped."
• "Murder is the third leading cause of death."
• "Federal policies normalized violence against Native women."
• "Families search alone for their missing loved ones."
• "Misty Rainey Bedoni's disappearance remains unsolved."
• "Change starts with awareness and truth."
• "The series demands justice and exposes systemic failures."
• "Their lives are not footnotes; they deserve justice."




Behind the Story: Unveiling the MMIW Crisis

In this episode of Extinguished, hosts David McClam and LaDonna Humphrey embark on a deeply personal journey to shed light on the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW). The inspiration for this series stems from a shared commitment to justice and a desire to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced for far too long.




David and LaDonna were driven by the alarming statistics and heartbreaking stories that often go unnoticed in mainstream media. Their research revealed a complex web of historical injustices, legal loopholes, and systemic failures that have allowed this crisis to persist for centuries. Determined to bring these issues to the forefront, they meticulously gathered stories, data, and expert insights to paint a comprehensive picture of the MMIW epidemic.




The story of Misty Rainey Bedoni, a Navajo woman who disappeared in 2016, became a focal point for the episode. Her case, like many others, remains unsolved, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and action. Through interviews with family members, advocates, and experts, David and LaDonna aim to honor Misty's memory and demand accountability from the systems that have failed her and countless others.




Creating this episode was not without its challenges. Navigating the emotional weight of the subject matter required sensitivity and care, ensuring that the stories were told with respect and authenticity. David and LaDonna hope that by sharing these narratives, they can inspire listeners to join the fight for justice and help bring about meaningful change.




This episode is more than just a recounting of events; it's a call to action. By understanding the past and acknowledging the present, we can work towards a future where every Indigenous woman is safe, heard, and valued.

The “Missing in Iowa” series reaches its conclusion, pulling together the tragic stories of Johnny Gosch, Eugene Martin, and Mark James Warren Allen. Listen as LaDonna Humphrey and David McClam examine disturbing patterns, numerous attempted abductions, and the haunting question of whether a serial predator or a pedophile ring shattered the innocence of Iowa in the 1980s.

Time Line

00:00 Missing in Iowa: Johnny and Eugene
This episode delves into the heartbreaking disappearances of Johnny Gosh (1982) and Eugene Martin (1984), highlighting the striking similarities in their cases. Both were young paperboys for the Des Moines Register, vanished on early Sunday mornings, and left behind abandoned belongings, suggesting a connected pattern of abduction.

03:52 Other Attempted Abductions
The discussion expands to include a series of other attempted abductions of paperboys in the Des Moines area during the 1980s. Incidents involving Jim Pollock, Mike Fackler, and Melissa Gale, among others, suggest a pattern of targeting young carriers, often by men in white vehicles.

07:18 Serial Predator or Pedophile Ring?
The hosts explore whether these incidents point to a single serial predator or a broader pedophile ring, considering the possibility of more than one offender. They also discuss the connection of Mark Allen’s disappearance to these cases and emphasize the lasting impact on the community and families, urging listeners to come forward with any information.

Featured Quotes:

• “We’re here to dig up the truth, case by case, victim by victim.” — David McClam
• “Because they mattered. They still matter. And someone, somewhere knows what happened.” — Ladonna Humphrey
• “If the Indianola incidents were unrelated, that would mean there wasn’t one predator in Iowa during the 1980s. There were two.” — David McClam




Behind the Story:

This episode brings to light the interconnected nature of several missing persons and attempted abduction cases in Iowa during the 1980s. The hosts detail how Johnny Gosch and Eugene Martin’s disappearances share compelling similarities. They also highlight a pattern of other paper carriers being targeted, often by men in white vehicles. The discussion probes the grim possibilities of a single offender, multiple predators, or even an organized ring, painting a picture of a community forever changed by these events.

The summer of '84 held a dark secret as another young paperboy vanished in Iowa, echoing the nightmare of Johnny Gosh’s disappearance and igniting a firestorm of fear and suspicion. 💔 Was it a tragic coincidence, or was something far more sinister lurking in the heartland?

Time Line

00:00 Introduction: Eugene Martin’s DisappearanceThis segment introduces the podcast and the focus of episode three: the disappearance of 13-year-old paperboy Eugene Martin in 1984. It highlights the podcast’s mission to uncover the truth about missing and murdered individuals, and briefly mentions previous episodes on Mark Allen and Johnny Gosch.

01:16 Eugene Martin Vanishes in Des MoinesThis chapter details the morning of Eugene Martin’s disappearance, where he vanished while delivering newspapers in Des Moines, Iowa. It describes how witnesses saw him talking to an unidentified man or being followed, and the subsequent discovery of his abandoned newspapers.

04:02 Chilling Parallels and Public FearThis section draws striking parallels between Eugene Martin’s disappearance and Johnny Gosch’s case, noting similarities in age, profession, and circumstances. It explores the public’s fear and frustration, the demand for change, and how these cases became symbols of the missing children’s crisis of the 1980s.

05:58 Milk Carton Kids and Lost InnocenceThis chapter discusses the profound impact of these disappearances on society, particularly the loss of childhood innocence and the emergence of campaigns like ‘faces on milk cartons.’ It reflects on a time when children played freely and the subsequent shift to increased caution and awareness of dangers like pedophilia.

07:11 Unanswered Questions and Series ConclusionThis final chapter addresses Eugene Martin’s unsolved case and its connection to Johnny Gosch and Mark Allen, hinting at a potential predator network in Iowa. It also provides a call to action for listeners to come forward with information and promotes the podcast’s upcoming conclusion to the series.

Featured Quotes:

• Ladonna Humphrey: “They mattered. They still matter. And someone, somewhere knows what happened.”
• David McClam: “It was a very innocent time.”
• Ladonna Humphrey: “Suddenly everything felt dangerous. There was no longer safety.”

Behind the Story:

The disappearance of Eugene Martin exacerbated the growing panic surrounding missing children in the 1980s. The similarities between his case and Johnny Gosh’s, both paperboys who vanished in the same area under similar circumstances, led to widespread fear and demands for answers. This episode examines the details of Eugene’s case, the parallels with Johnny’s, and the lasting impact on the community.

In this episode of Extinguished, David McClam and LaDonna Humphrey delve into the haunting disappearance of 12-year-old Johnny Gosch in 1982, a case that reshaped America’s approach to missing children and sparked national conversations about child safety and abduction protocols. They explore the initial investigation, the impact on law enforcement procedures, and the lingering questions surrounding Johnny’s fate. This episode underscores the importance of continued advocacy and the search for answers in cold cases.

Time Line

00:00 Introduction to Johnny Gosch’s Disappearance
01:29 The Morning Johnny Vanished
04:38 Ongoing Theories and Advocacy

Featured Quotes

• David McClam: “Some killers are caught, some walk free, and others hide in plain sight for years, their crimes forgotten, their victims extinguished.”
• Ladonna Humphrey: “…the system failed them.”
• LaDonna Humphrey: “They mattered. They still matter. And someone somewhere knows what happened.”

Key Takeaways

• Understand the details surrounding Johnny Gosch’s disappearance on September 5, 1982, including witness accounts and initial police response.
• Learn how Johnny’s case influenced the creation of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and changed law enforcement protocols for handling missing child reports.
• Examine the impact of the “milk carton campaign” and other awareness initiatives sparked by Johnny’s disappearance.
• Consider the controversial claims made by Johnny’s mother, Noreen, regarding potential leads and a possible sighting of Johnny years after his disappearance.
• Reflect on the ongoing search for answers and the broader implications of unsolved missing child cases.




Behind The Story

Johnny Gosch’s disappearance in 1982 sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting significant changes in how law enforcement and the public address cases of missing children. Before Johnny, families often faced delays in reporting a missing child. His case pushed for immediate action and heightened awareness, leading to the creation of Amber Alerts and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Despite these advancements, the mystery of what happened to Johnny remains unsolved, a stark reminder of the enduring pain felt by his family and the countless others who have experienced similar tragedies.