This Doesn’t Happen Here

Part 7: Route 29 Series Final Thoughts

In this final episode of the Route 29 Stalker series, we step back and take a wider look at the cases, the patterns, and the haunting questions that continue to echo through Central Virginia. After examining the disappearance, the discoveries, the eyewitness accounts, and the chilling similarities, this closing episode reflects on what we've learned and what still keeps families, investigators, and locals searching for answers.  We revisit the victims whose stories sparked decades of fear along Route 29, examine the credibility of the "Route 29 Stalker" label itself, and consider where the evidence points today. Was this the work of one predator? A series of unrelated crimes? Or something more complicated than anyone wants to believe?  This finale brings together the threads woven throughout the series, offering context, theory, and a sober acknowledgement of the lived forever changed. It's a somber reflective end to a journey through one of Virginia's most unsettling unsolved mysteries.  Thank you all so much for sticking with me through this series. I hope I did these families and victims justice. Please let me know what your thoughts are now that we have gone through everything.

Alicia Showalter Reynolds, A Bright Future Stolen: Part6- Route 29 Series

On March 2, 1996, Sadie Showalter waited at Fashion Square Mall in Charlottesville, Virginia, for her daughter Alicia. They had plans to shop for dresses for Alicia’s twin brother’s upcoming wedding. Alicia was driving from her home in Baltimore, Maryland—a trip she had likely made many times before. She was known for being early, never late. So when hours passed with no sign of her, Sadie knew something was wrong. A call to Alicia’s husband quickly turned into a missing persons report. That same evening, Alicia’s car was discovered along Route 29 in Culpeper, Virginia. There was no damage. No signs of a struggle. It looked as though it had simply been parked and abandoned. But Alicia was nowhere to be found. What followed was a nightmare no family should have to endure—decades of unanswered questions, heartbreak, and a search for truth. Did Alicia suffer? Who took her? And will her loved ones ever see justice? In this episode, we take a closer look at the life of Alicia Showalter Reynolds—who she was, what she accomplished, and the chilling details surrounding her disappearance and death. We’ll also explore possible suspects and the theory of the Route 29 Stalker. Was Alicia one of his victims? Could she have been the first? And is there a connection between her case and others we’ve already covered?    Sources:     "A Year of Doubt, a Year of Fear." Culpeper Star-Exponent, 2 Mar. 1997, pp. 1A, 2A.   Neuberger, C. (1997, February 23). Family, police won't rest until case is solved. Richmond Times-Dispatch, C1, C4.   O'Brien, K. (1996, November 12). Television show to air new details of murder case. The Daily Progress, A1, A7.   Zitz, M. (1996, September 28). Fear stalks region. The Free Lance-Star, A1, A16.   "As Latest Body Identified, Fear Pervasive in Hamlet." The Daily News Leader, 26 Sept. 1996, p. A5.   O'Brien, K. (1996, September 2). Reynolds Case: Little Progress, much grief. The Daily Progress, B1, B2.   "Latent Fingerprints, DNA Evidence May Help Identify Reynolds' Killer." The Baltimore Sun, 8 Jun. 1996, p. 18B.   "Reynolds' Family Pleads for Peace." News and Messenger, 13 May 1996, p. A6.   O'Brien, K. (1996, May 12). As investigators work, killer may be watching. The Daily Progress, A1, A9.   O'Brien, K. (1996, May 11). Dogs discover possible clues at crime scene. The Daily Progress, A1, A10.   O'Brien, K. (1996, May 10). Investigation focuses on site where Reynolds' body was found. The Daily Progress, A1, A10.   Reed, D. (1996, May 9). Reynolds' family hope is lost. Culpeper Star-Exponent, 1, 2.   Dute, J. R. (1996, May 9). Autopsy confirms body is reynolds'. Culpeper Star-Exponent, 1, 5.   Beaumont, S. (1996, May 9). Autopsy confirms body is reynolds'. Culpeper Star-Exponent, 1, 5.   Reed, D. (1996, May 9). Missing woman's body found, ending family's vigil. The Roanoke Times, A1, A4. Dute, J. R. (1996, May 8). Woman's body found in Lignum. Culpeper Star-Exponent, 1, 5.   Allison, W. (1996, May 6). "Got to assume she is alive" Woman missing for 2 months, but family finds inner strength, support. Culpeper Star-Exponent, A1, A12.   Finefrock, R. L. (1996, May 1). Group asks for help in Reynolds' search. Culpeper Star-Exponent, 1, 5.   Neuberger, C. (1996, April 5). Family laments the mystery. Richmond Times-Dispatch, B1, B4.   Neuberger, C. (1996, April 3). 2,100 leads found in probe. Richmond Times-Dispatch, B1, B3.   Finefrock, R. L. (1996, March 22). New billboards focus on suspect. Culpeper Star-Exponent, 1, 2.   Neuberger, C. (1996, March 20). Search for woman moves to airwaves. Richmond Times-Dispatch, B1, B6.   Neuberger, C. (1996, March 17). Town laments lost innocence. Richmond Times-Dispatch, A1, A17.   Dute, J. R. (1996, March 13). Profile paints picture of post-abduction suspect. Culpeper Star-Exponent, 1.   Neuberger, C., & Allison, W. (1996, March 12). Kidnapper a con artist? Culpeper Star-Exponent, A1, A3.   "Friends, Relatives Voice Hope, Fear for Missing Woman." The Free Lance-Star, 11 Mar. 1996, p. B4.   "Hundreds Pray for Missing Woman." Culpeper Star-Exponent, 11 Mar. 1996, pp. 1, 2.   Neuberger, C. (1996, March 9). Ribbon signifies hope over missing woman. Richmond Times-Dispatch, B1, B4.   Nolan, E. (1996, March 9). Siblings place ribbons at the site of sister's disappearance. Culpeper Star-Exponent, 1.   Bacheller, J. (1996, March 7). Family offering reward. The News-Virginian, A1, A8.   O'Brien, K. (1996, March 5). Baltimore woman disappears on U.S. 29. The Daily Progress, B1, B2.   Dute, J. R. (1996, March 5). Police expanding investigation. Culpeper Star-Exponent, 1, 10.   Dute, J. R. (1996, March 4). Police continue search for missing woman. Culpeper Star-Exponent, 1, 2.   Mind Over Murder Podcast - True Crime, Podcast, Advocacy [https://mindovermurderpodcast.com/episodes]   https://www.whsv.com/2021/05/07/family-of-alicia-showalter-reynolds-still-looking-for-answers-25-years-after-her-death/ [https://www.whsv.com/2021/05/07/family-of-alicia-showalter-reynolds-still-looking-for-answers-25-years-after-her-death/]   https://coldcase.vsp.virginia.gov/virginia-state-police/case/virginia-state-police-case-90-20067-alicia-reynolds/ [https://coldcase.vsp.virginia.gov/virginia-state-police/case/virginia-state-police-case-90-20067-alicia-reynolds/]   https://unsolved.com/gallery/alicia-showalter/ [https://unsolved.com/gallery/alicia-showalter/]   https://www.insidenova.com/culpeper/nearly-three-decades-later-state-police-continue-investigation-into-murder-of-alicia-showalter-reynolds/article_843fa06a-d7fa-11ee-8ec8-2bf62a18625d.html [https://www.insidenova.com/culpeper/nearly-three-decades-later-state-police-continue-investigation-into-murder-of-alicia-showalter-reynolds/article_843fa06a-d7fa-11ee-8ec8-2bf62a18625d.html]   https://mysterydelver.com/the-sinisterness-of-strangers/ [https://mysterydelver.com/the-sinisterness-of-strangers/]   https://www.trailwentcold.com/e/the-trail-went-cold-episode-413-alicia-showalter-reynolds/ [https://www.trailwentcold.com/e/the-trail-went-cold-episode-413-alicia-showalter-reynolds/]   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3j7jYe9geA [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3j7jYe9geA]   https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueCrimeGenre/comments/1m5begb/the_alicia_showalter_reynolds_murder_the_route_29/ [https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueCrimeGenre/comments/1m5begb/the_alicia_showalter_reynolds_murder_the_route_29/]   https://pix11.com/news/suspect-sketch-in-1996-virginia-murder-looks-like-accused-gilgo-killer-victims-family-says/ [https://pix11.com/news/suspect-sketch-in-1996-virginia-murder-looks-like-accused-gilgo-killer-victims-family-says/]

Sage Smith, Where Did She Go? Part 5-Route 29 Series

In November of 2012 19-year-old Sage Smith vanished after leaving her apartment in Charlottesville, Virginia. Sage was confident, vibrant, and full of life. A young black transgender woman navigating her truth in a world that often refused to see her fully.  In this episode, we explore the final hours before Sage's disappearance, the mysterious connection to Erik McFadden, and the frustrating years that followed as her family fought for answers. We honor Sage's story and speak truth about the realities facing missing transgender women of color in America. Sage's disappearance is more than just a mystery; it's a reflection of how society often fails to protect its more vulnerable.   We uncover how bias and systemic neglect can shape whose stories are told and whose are forgotten.  Because Sage's story matters. Her truth matters. And justice for her matters. Ten years later her family is still fighting for that justice. And we're not letting the world forget her name.    Sources: https://www.facebook.com/hopeforsage/ [https://www.facebook.com/hopeforsage/] https://www.charlottesville.gov/CivicAlerts.asp?AID=917&ARC=1843 [https://www.charlottesville.gov/CivicAlerts.asp?AID=917&ARC=1843] https://www.reddit.com/r/WithoutATrace/comments/1gns3tp/in_2012_my_friend_sage_smith_vanished_from/ [https://www.reddit.com/r/WithoutATrace/comments/1gns3tp/in_2012_my_friend_sage_smith_vanished_from/] https://storiesoftheunsolved.com/2020/05/02/the-disappearance-of-sage-smith/ [https://storiesoftheunsolved.com/2020/05/02/the-disappearance-of-sage-smith/] https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=N9fs7i&v=1282704005433974&rdid=Kwmn9hsA6MvIJ1rn [https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=N9fs7i&v=1282704005433974&rdid=Kwmn9hsA6MvIJ1rn] https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/missing-in-america/transgender-teen-sage-smith-still-missing-after-vanishing-virginia-2012-n943216 [https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/missing-in-america/transgender-teen-sage-smith-still-missing-after-vanishing-virginia-2012-n943216] And They Were Gone Podcast- 2 Part Series  Crime Junkie Podcast  The Daily Progress 12/2/2012 The Daily Progress 12/4/2012

Hannah Graham, Friday Night in a College Town Turned Deadly: Part 4- Route 29 Series

In this episode of This Doesn't Happen Here, we continue our Route 29 series with Part 4. The disappearance of Hannah Graham in Charlottesville, Virginia.  Hannah's life was full of promise: a brilliant student, a talented athlete, a devoted friend. But on a September night in 2014, she vanished after a night out with friends. Her disappearance set off an urgent search that exposed predators lurking in plain sight and led investigators straight to Jesse Matthew- the same man later tied to Morgan Harrington and RG from last week.  We walk through Hannah's final hours, the disturbing failures that allowed Matthew's violence to continue unchecked for years, and the tireless fight for justice by the Harrington and Graham families. Along the way, we'll examine the red flags, the institutional cover-ups and when the truth could no longer be ignored.  This case isn't just about Hannah-it's about how her courage, even in death, helped bring a serial predator to justice and saved countless others.    Sources: Her She Lies Podcast  True Crime Garage  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulthxUh_HZw [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulthxUh_HZw] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdunKAPM21Q [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdunKAPM21Q] Shockingly Wicked: A True Crime Podcast Mckenzie, B. (2014, September 16). Search Continues for Missing UVa Student. The News-Virginian, 5. "Search for Missing UVa Student Shifts." Richmond Times-Dispatch, 17 Sept. 2014, p. B3. Seal, D. (2014, September 18). The Search For Hannah Graham: Timeline Emerges. The Daily Progress, 1. Seal, D. (2014, September 18). Videos help shape timeline. Culpeper Star-Exponent, 3. Seal, D. (2014, September 19). Police seek witness info. Culpeper Star-Exponent, 3. McKenzie, B., & Quizon, D. (2014, September 20). "People saw him". The Daily Progress, A1, A7. "More than 1K Search for Missing UVa Student." The Progress-Index, 21 Sept. 2014, p. A8. "Man Sought in Graham Case." Richmond Times-Dispatch, 22 Sept. 2014, p. A1. Evans, K. B. (2014, September 23). Police continue pursuit of missing student. Culpeper Star-Exponent, A1, A4. Shapiro, T. R. (2014, September 23). Man charged in missing student case. Daily Press, U1. Shapiro, T. R., & Zapotosky, M. (2014, September 25). Arrest made in U.Va. Abduction case. Daily Press, U1. "UVa Case Suspect Arrested in Texas." The News and Advance, 25 Sept. 2014, p. 1. "UVa Abduction Suspect Has CNU Ties." Daily Press, 26 Sept. 2014, pp. A1, A4. Evans, K. B., & Seal, D. (2014, September 26). Been here before? Culpeper Star-Exponent, 3. Evans, K. B., & Seal, D. (2014, September 26). Officials say Matthew was accused of rape at Liberty. The Daily Progress, A1, A6. Barakat, M. (2014, September 29). Coach recalls missing U.Va. Student's intelligence, wit. Richmond Times-Dispatch, B4. Green, F. (2014, September 30). Source: DNA links U.Va. Suspect to 2009 killing. Richmond Times-Dispatch, A1. Evans, K. B., & Seal, D. (2014, October 1). 2009 death viewed. Culpeper Star-Exponent, A1, A5. Shapiro, T. R., & Flaherty, M. P. (2014, October 3). U.Va. Suspect's initial hearing continued. Daily Press, A4. Shapiro, T. R., Zapotosky, M., & Duggan, P. (2014, October 3). Matthew 'just a nice, sociable guy. Daily Press, A4. "Acquaintances Saw 2 Sides of U.Va. Kidnapping Suspect." Richmond Times-Dispatch, 4 Oct. 2014, p. B5. Kass, D. (2014, October 5). Parents plead for information to find missing U.Va. Richmond Times-Dispatch, B4. Quizon, D. (2014, October 6). More police join. The Daily Progress, A1, A9. Kass, D. (2014, October 9). Police: No clues in suspect's car. The News-Virginian, 3. "Handling of Previous Allegations Scrutinized." The Daily Progress, 12 Oct. 2014, pp. A1, A8. Frank, T. (2014, October 17). Missing. USA Today, 1A, 6A. Shapiro, T. R. (2014, October 19). Body found in search for Graham. Daily Press, A4. McKenzie, B. (2014, October 19). Remains Found. The Daily Progress, A1, A5. "Rape Charge Is Filed." Martinsville Bulletin, 21 Oct. 2014, pp. 1-A, 6-A. "Warrant for Matthew Issued in Fairfax Case." Martinsville Bulletin, 24 Oct. 2014, pp. 3-A. "Remains Id'd As Graham's." The News-Virginian, 25 Oct. 2014, pp. A1, A7. "Graham's Death Ruled a Homicide." The News and Advance, 19 Nov. 2014, pp. A1, A7. Fox, P., & Robertson, M. (2015, February 11). Hannah Graham suspect indicted. USA Today, 4. Kass, D. (2015, March 11). Documents shed light on Matthew's Fairfax case. Culpeper Star-Exponent, 4. Quizon, D. (2015, May 2). Leaving a lasting legacy. The Daily Progress, A1, A5. O'Dell, L. (2015, May 6). Capital murder charge revealed. The Roanoke Times, 1, 5. Seal, D. (2015, May 21). Judge to hear motion in Matthew case to suppress evidence. Culpeper Star-Exponent, 3. Morrogh, R. (2015, June 11). Matthew convicted in molestation. The Daily Newsleader, A8. Seal, D. (2015, July 31). Jesse Matthew's attorneys file list of motions in case. The Roanoke Times, 11. "Lunsford Fights Motion for Info on Grand Jury." The Daily Progress, 24 Sept. 2015, p. 3. Barakat, M. (2015, September 30). Jesse Matthew may have been abused. The Free Lance-Star, 19. "Harrington Consoles Mother of Accused Killer." Martinsville Bulletin, 1 Oct. 2015, p. 3. "Matthew: 3 Life Terms for '05 Assault." Danville Register and Bee, 3 Oct. 2015, p. 2. Seal, D. (2016, January 12). Scent dog findings challenged by Jesse Matthew's defense. The Roanoke Times, 11. "Matthew Gets 4 Life Sentences." The Roanoke Times, 3 Mar. 2016, pp. 1, 7.

Morgan Dana Harrington, A Night of Fun Turned Tragic: Part 3-Route 29 Series

In the 3rd part of our Route 29 series, we cover the heartbreaking case of Morgan Dana Harrington- a 20-year-old Virginia Tech student who vanished during a Metallica concert in Charlottesville, VA, in 2009. What begins as a fun night out with friends quickly turns into a chilling mystery filled with bizarre witness account, strange behavior, and unsettling evidence.  We explore Morgan's final hours, the search efforts led by her devoted parents, and the eerie twists that would only make sense years later- after another young woman disappears nearby. This episode not only honors Morgan's memory but also sheds light on how her family transformed their pain into purpose through advocacy and education.    Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Morgan_Dana_Harrington [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Morgan_Dana_Harrington]   https://www.cnn.com/2014/10/17/us/virginia-girl-anniversary-harrington-death [https://www.cnn.com/2014/10/17/us/virginia-girl-anniversary-harrington-death]   https://news.virginia.edu/content/two-years-later-morgan-harrington-legacy-continues [https://news.virginia.edu/content/two-years-later-morgan-harrington-legacy-continues]   https://www.cnn.com/2014/09/29/us/morgan-harrington-virginia-tech [https://www.cnn.com/2014/09/29/us/morgan-harrington-virginia-tech]   https://www.wtvr.com/2019/10/17/morgan-harrington-remembered-a-decade-after-she-was-abducted-and-murdered-in-charlotesville [https://www.wtvr.com/2019/10/17/morgan-harrington-remembered-a-decade-after-she-was-abducted-and-murdered-in-charlotesville]   https://c-ville.com/morgan_harrington_a_month_into_the_case/ [https://c-ville.com/morgan_harrington_a_month_into_the_case/]   http://helpsavethenextgirl.com/about/history/ [http://helpsavethenextgirl.com/about/history/]   https://disappearedblog.com/morgan-harrington/ [https://disappearedblog.com/morgan-harrington/]   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRrK8PPd5rY [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRrK8PPd5rY]   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGJJezdnXTo [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGJJezdnXTo]   https://anatomyofmurder.com/save-the-next-girl-part-1/ [https://anatomyofmurder.com/save-the-next-girl-part-1/]   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murder-bird/id1547857027 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murder-bird/id1547857027]   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-the-back-to-school-killer/id1608728701?i=1000667906780&l=fr-FR [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-the-back-to-school-killer/id1608728701?i=1000667906780&l=fr-FR]   https://pandora.com/podcast/shockingly-wicked-a-true-crime-podcast/intertwined-the-story-of-morgan-harrington-and-hannah-graham/PE:1205908674 [https://pandora.com/podcast/shockingly-wicked-a-true-crime-podcast/intertwined-the-story-of-morgan-harrington-and-hannah-graham/PE:1205908674]   True Crime Garage Podcast The Back to School Killer Part 1 and Part 2    Strong, T. (2009, October 22). Hunt for student turns into crime case. The Daily Progress, A1, A6.   "Morgan Harrington Obituary." The Daily Progress, 5 Feb. 2010, p. 4.   Morrison, S. (2009, October 20). Search for tech student underway. The Roanoke Times, 1, 18.   McNeill, B. (2009, October 20). Parents plead for daughters return. The Daily Progress, 2.   "Officials Seek Help Finding Student." The Daily Progress, 21 Oct. 2009, p. 2.   Bowman, R. (2009, October 22). Clinging to Hope. The Roanoke Times, 1, 18.   Strong, T. (2009, October 23). $100,000 reward set for clues on student. The Roanoke Times, 2.   McKenzie, B. (2009, November 9). Search for Morgan won't take anything for granted. The Daily Progress, 2.   Williams, R. (2009, December 17). No sign of tech student in I-64 hunt. The Daily Progress, B7.   Bowman, R. (2010, January 27). Remains likely tech student's. The Roanoke Times, 1, 20.   Strong, T. (2010, January 27). Remains likely Harrington's. The Daily Progress, A1, A6.   "Harrington Case Officially Ruled Homicide." The Daily Progress, 3 Feb. 2010, pp. A1, A8.   McNeill, B. (2010, September 15). Plaque to honor slain tech student. The Daily Progress, A1, A6.   Codispoti, A. (2010, October 11). Trumping the evil. The Roanoke Times, 1, 12.   "Harrington Suit Transferred Here." The Daily Progress, 14 Dec. 2012, p. 2.   Strong, T. (2015, September 17). 'Face of justice for Morgan'. Richmond Times-Dispatch, A1, A7.   Berg, L., & Seal, D. (2015, September 17). 'Face of justice for Morgan'. Richmond Times-Dispatch, A1, A3.   Seal, D. (2016, March 3). Matthew pleads guilty, receives 4 life sentences. The News-Virginian, A1, A5.   Shockingly Wicked: A True Crime Podcast   Anatomy of Murder Podcast Part 2