In May of 2008, 19-year-old Brandon Swanson vanished after calling his parents after he drove his car into a ditch in the middle of the night. What followed was a 47-minute phone conversation filled with reassurance, confusion, and ultimately, a chilling final exclamation—“Oh, shit”—before the line went silent forever.

In this episode of They Disappeared, we retrace Brandon’s final known moments and the labyrinth of unknowns that followed. From rural gravel roads to a scent trail that led to—and beyond—a river, we explore the theories that continue to circle his case: accident, foul play, misjudged location, or something far more complex.

We also examine the evolving investigative tools that could finally bring clarity to the mystery, including drone imaging, forensic genetic genealogy, and underwater sonar mapping. And we reflect on the legacy Brandon left behind—not just in memory, but in law—with the passing of "Brandon's Law," which forever changed how missing adults are treated in Minnesota.

This is more than a case. It’s a moment suspended in time. A call unanswered. A question still echoing through the fields of southwestern Minnesota. What happened to Brandon Swanson?

Listen now to The Last Word—an episode that refuses to let silence be the final answer.

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This episode was produced by Katie Haze Productions

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On a late October night in 2021, 37-year-old Melissa Trumpy finished her shift and was expected to make the short drive home. She never arrived. Her truck was found miles away, abandoned on a rural road in Illinois, but Melissa was gone—and nearly four years later, the questions surrounding her disappearance remain as unsettling as the day she vanished.

In this episode of They Disappeared, we explore the strange circumstances surrounding Melissa’s final known hours, the conflicting accounts of what happened that night, and why her case has drawn the attention of multiple state agencies and the FBI.

You’ll also hear a candid interview with Benny Affrunti, the father of two of Melissa’s children, as he shares his memories of Melissa, his frustrations with the investigation, and the lasting impact of her disappearance on their family.

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This episode was produced by Katie Haze Productions

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In September of 1978, in the small town of Sterling, Alaska, two children went to bed in the safety of their family cabin—and by morning, they were gone.

Their disappearance triggered one of Alaska’s most haunting mysteries—sparking decades of rumors, heartache, and a desperate search that led their father into the darkest corners of the country.

Was it a stranger? Someone they knew? Or something much worse?

In this episode of They Disappeared, Pat Draven recalls the case, one that has never been solved… and may never be forgotten.

🎧 Listen now—because the only thing more disturbing than what we know… is what we don’t.

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In this episode, we explore the life and tragic death of actress Amanda Peterson, best known for her iconic role in the 1987 rom-com Can’t Buy Me Love. From her early beginnings as a child star to her rise to fame in Hollywood, we take a deep dive into her career, struggles with fame, and the challenges she faced later in life. We also reflect on the impact of Hollywood's pressures on young actors and the personal battles that often remain hidden from the public eye. Join us as we remember Amanda Peterson’s complex story and the legacy she left behind.

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This episode was produced by Katie Haze Productions

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She was a mother, a daughter, a friend.
Then one summer day… she was gone.

No note. No goodbyes. No explanation.
What followed wasn’t just grief—it was silence.

In this episode of They Disappeared, Pat Draven explores a decades-old mystery buried beneath fear, unanswered questions, and a story that still doesn’t sit right.

What happens when the person you trust most… may be the one hiding the truth?

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May 25th, 2016. Vallejo, California. A 15-year-old girl leaves home to walk to school. Minutes later, she’s gone.

Witnesses report screams.

A trail of blood is found.

And surveillance footage reveals something no one expected:

a violent abduction in broad daylight.

In this episode of They Disappeared, Pat Draven follows the timeline of Pearl Pinson’s disappearance—from the quiet pedestrian bridge where she was last seen, to a shocking multi-county pursuit involving a mysterious 19-year-old man.

There was a chase and a shootout.

But there was no Pearl.

Where was she taken?

And what was his motive?

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In this episode of They Disappeared, host Pat Draven explores the tragic and mysterious disappearance of 15-year-old Nevaeh Kingbird from Bemidji, Minnesota. On October 22, 2021, Nevaeh vanished without a trace, leaving behind a family desperate for answers. Nevaeh, a Native American girl from the Red Lake Nation, was last seen after a confrontation with her mother. As authorities continue to search for clues, the case raises troubling questions about the systemic issues surrounding missing Indigenous women and girls, an issue that has been tragically overlooked for far too long.

Through interviews with Nevaeh’s family, law enforcement, and community members, we investigate the facts, theories, and ongoing search for Nevaeh.

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In August of 2017, 23-year-old Susan Elizabeth Soucheck walked out of her Melbourne, Florida home—and was never seen again. A devoted mother, Susan left behind her two young sons, her belongings, and a life she seemed to love.

This episode dives deep into the facts surrounding Susan’s disappearance: her last known movements, the initial investigation, and the haunting lack of clues that followed. Was it an accident, a voluntary departure, or something far more sinister? We explore the most credible theories and examine the terrain—both physical and emotional—that surrounds this cold case.

Join host Pat Draven as They Disappeared investigates one of Florida’s quietest and most troubling mysteries.

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Jamie Valdez left home on June 9, 2021, after a fight with his wife. Ten days later, his SUV was found abandoned at a secluded Arkansas swimming hole. The seat was torn. The engine had been tampered with.

Jamie was never seen again.

In this episode, we follow the chilling clues—missing keys, false tips, jailhouse confessions, and a rumor about a woodchipper—as we explore the unresolved mystery of a man whose disappearance remains one of the most haunting in the region.

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In August of 2012, 33-year-old Tamala Wells drove off into the night—and vanished.
Days later, her car was found abandoned on Detroit’s east side. The door was open. Her clothes were inside.
But Tamala was gone.

She hasn’t been seen or heard from since.

Her longtime boyfriend claimed she simply left… but the things he said—and didn’t say—have raised disturbing questions.
Why did he describe her disappearance as a relief?
Why did the investigation go quiet so quickly?

For nearly 13 years, Tamala’s mother has searched abandoned buildings, chased down leads, and begged for the truth.
And someone, somewhere, knows what happened.

In this episode of They Disappeared, Pat Draven investigates the mysterious disappearance of Tamala Wells—and the unsettling silence left in her wake.

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