Unsolved Wyoming: Cold Cases & Haunted Places

Roy Vavra was an all-American kind of guy. He hunted. He fished. He ran his dogs, and he even worked horses. But the morning of January 24th when he had plans to meet his friend to run their dogs, he didn't show up--that was 20 years ago. In this episode, I have the opportunity to talk with Roy's twin sister, Anne, and their cousin Rachel, along with Gary Sams, the lead investigator. If yo...

So to kick off the new year, I decided to do a story time of how the podcast came to life.

Check out a special crossover episode with my nephew, David, for his podcast that he started with his mom, Lisa, Our Book Bench. For this episode we read, Goosebumps Welcome to Dead House. Be sure to give them a follow if you have kiddos that are into reading. Our Book Bench Website Unsolved Wyoming

This conversation dives into the life of Khayman "Khay" Welch, his family dynamics, and the circumstances surrounding his mysterious disappearance. Rhiannon Lewallen, Khay's mother, shares insights into his childhood, personality, and the mental health challenges he faced as an adult. The discussion also covers the day of his disappearance, the ongoing investigation, and the communit...

Jamie Kamai was gunned down after stopping to confront an erratic driver, 23.5 years ago. To this day, the case is still unsolved and still under investigation. In this episode, I interview Jamie's mother, the Laramie County Sheriff Department, and his cousin Fred Kamai. If you have any information on this case, please contact: DCI at 307-885-4646 or the Laramie County Sheriff Department, Detectiv...

Missing spooky season? Join me for Part II of Jill Pope's Haunted episode. DCI Jill Pope Books Unsolved Wyoming Website

Only 19 years old, Rocky Najera, disappeared in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1985. This is the oldest cold case on Unsolved Wyoming as of right now. Listen in on the insightful interview I have with Michelle, Rocky's younger sister, as she shares the details of her brother growing up and the issues surrounding her brother's disappearance. Show notes: DCI Missing People of Wyoming Arm Bone Recovere...

Closure--what does it really mean? It's a complicated word in the world of true crime. It's with a mixed bag that I present the first "Found" episode of Unsolved Wyoming. This is the resolution of Rocky Najera. I chat with both his sister, and the genealogist that helped bring Rocky's mystery to light. Be sure to stay tuned for the DCI updates sponsored by Missing People of W...

Happy Friday the 13th--here is the first spooky episode with author, Jill Pope. She's written four books that can found in the link below. Be sure to stay tuned for the DCI updates sponsored by Missing People of Wyoming. ⁠DCI ⁠ ⁠Jill Pope books⁠ ⁠Missing People of Wyoming⁠ ⁠Unsolved Wyoming Website

Kimberly Kay Novak was no angel, but when you listen to her sister, Becky, talk about her, you can hear the love and longing for the woman who made her wedding a memorable event. Even though Kim had a free-spirit and did her own thing on her own terms, she always touched base with family--especially on Father's Day. So when those special occasion calls stopped coming, Becky said they knew some...

Thank you so much for tuning in over the last year! Be sure to check out the new logo and Unsolved Wyoming website. I also have the updates from DCI. Show Notes: Unsolved Wyoming Website DCI Missing People of Wyoming

John Daily Hammond, also known as "John-John" disappeared into the night November 6, 2021. This is his story told by his sister Georgeanne. Not only does his family miss him, but so does the community of Thermopolis. John frequented the library and the senior center. He could be seen reading while walking or helping around the community. I also have updates with Desiree so be sure to sta...

An incredible story-teller and bonafide crime junkie, journalist Jennifer Kocher, is the perfect combination of sunshine and grit. I've worked with Jen now for the last year. I credit her to strapping me the driver seat of this podcast. Without her, I don't know if I would be recording this now, because when she got word some English teacher in Cheyenne was wanting to start a podcast, she...

I interview the sister of Christopher Dale Mauk, a man missing since July of 2022. I also have DCI updates as well, so be sure to stay tuned.  Warning: the sound quality of my voice in the interview is not up to snuff--I am going to send it out to get cleaned up, but in the meantime...you've been warned. Show Notes: Girlfriend of Missing Laramie Man Asks Public for Help DCI Missing People of...

Folks, as promised I have author Ron Franscell back on the pod to talk about his latest book Deaf Row, a crime fiction. I know--but this is a true crime podcast? Don't worry, Ron and I chat everything from the book itself, to Ron's writing, to how true crime influences art/entertainment. And as always, I have a short update from Desiree Tinoco.  Show Notes: Ron Franscell Website DCI Missing P...

Missed by many, the big-hearted Kyle Jay Ellis has disappeared without a trace. I interview his mother, Heather, for this episode. She describes Kyle's generous spirit and adventurous nature that started as small child, and how as an adult his quest for God led him on religious pilgrimages, which is what he was doing when he disappeared in Greybull, Wyoming. I also have an interview with Capt...

She was her sister's bowling partner, her granddaughter's primary caretaker, and she delivered the Casper Star, Davida Peterson, is the quintessential small town Wyoming woman that we all know. Join me as I talk to Linda Beauchamp about her sister, Davida, and the nightmare that unfolded the evening before mother's day. Be sure to stay tuned because I have DCI updates from Desiree Tinoco. &nb...

And here we are at the end of spooky season 2022. On the podcast for this second haunted episode I have a crossover with Cheyenne local, Dean Peterson, host of That Doesn't Happen Every Day, and author of The Burqa Cave. He shares with us two tales from his friend CJ Young along with recorded audio from his show. Have you ever heard of the Lady of Arlington? Be prepared to get full body chills. Oh...

Hello spooky season! On this week's episode, I have legendary author Ron Franscell to tell us creepy crime tales. Then I have historian Rick Johnson, director of Fort Casper to tell us about the upcoming haunted tours. After, I have a founding member, Josh Saxon, of Midnight West Productions, to tell us about the upcoming Midnight West Fest at the Haunted Atlas theater in Cheyenne, Wyoming. A...

Do you remember the Terry Meador episode where I talked about Be 307 Aware? Well, this episode features Jim Mitchell and he tells us about how the program was started, how it works, and provides insight into what you should be ready for if you do get lost. I also have this week's DCI updates with Desiree Tinoco.  Be 307 Aware Facebook Page Be 307 Aware Flier  DCI  Missing People of Wyoming Faceboo...

An avid hunter and excited grandfather, Terry Meador, set out into a coveted hunting area to scout deer for an upcoming hunting trip with his son and grandson. However, when Terry didn't show up to a friend's house to process an antelope, it was clear that something wasn't right. In this episode, I talk with BJ Meador, Terry's son, about his father, growing up, his dad's legacy in Rock Springs, an...

This week, I interview Desiree Tinoco, a true inspiration and cornerstone when comes to advocating for missing people in Wyoming. You know her voice because she's featured weekly in the podcast, but I thought it was time for listeners to get to know more about her, her journey, and her amazing impact in Wyoming. As always we have an  update towards the end of the episode, so be sure to stay tuned....

I've been watching and following the Find Irene Gakwa Facebook group since before I did my very first podcast episode. And as the story has unfolded, an incredible group has emerged to help coordinate the search efforts to locate Irene. In this week's episode I chat with Stacy Koester and Missy Bloxom, they are two friends of a larger cohort, who have come together with the sole focus of bringing...

A highly motivated mom, with a punk rock aesthetic, didn't quite fit in the quiet town of Torrington, Wyoming. So, when she was reported missing, the investigation into Renee Yeargain's whereabouts, was a little slow. 18 years later, and Renee's case is still unsolved. For Renee's story, I interview Jess Oakes, a dedicated acquaintance, Angelina Schimer, Renee's daughter, Agent Hansen, Head o...

Out of Pinedale, Wyoming, a woman tells the story of her missing sister, Anne Elliot, or Anne Elliot Lancaster. I talk to Emily, Anne's sister, about Anne's struggles with experiencing addiction, her life, her childhood, and ultimately the day she went missing in Salt Lake City. On this episode I have interviews with Jason Jensen, the private investigator from We Help the Missing and Lana Mahoney...