The Final Trace

Missing: Billy Martin

📍Brazil, Indiana | Year: 1957 🎧 Chapter 48: The Final Trace of Billy Martin Seven-year-old Billy Martin was playing outside his family’s home on a warm summer afternoon while his mother cleaned inside, waiting for her husband to return home from National Guard training. But sometime around 3:30 PM… Billy vanished. The last person believed to have seen him was a family friend and lodger known as “Tex” Higgins — a drifter whose story would quickly come under scrutiny. Search crews combed fields, ponds, mineshafts, and nearby farmland. Rumors spread across Clay County. And over the decades, Billy’s disappearance slowly became something more than a cold case. It became a legend. Nearly seventy years later… Billy Martin has never been found. 📖 SOURCES AND READINGS: The Charley Project - Billy Earl Martin [https://charleyproject.org/case/billy-earl-martin]: Provides the core case facts, physical description, and the timeline of Harry "Tex" Higgins' actions. Faded Memories: The Disappearance of Billy Martin (WTWO) [https://www.mywabashvalley.com/news/special-report/faded-memories-the-disappearance-of-billy-martin-and-a-familys-search-for-closure/]: Features modern interviews with Billy’s brother, Robert, and details about the family’s scrapbook and search efforts. Brazil Times Archives - Missing But Not Forgotten [https://www.suncommercial.com/brazil_times/archives/article_151ef737-c97d-502f-af42-df34272fed69.html]: Details the polygraph results for the parents and Tex, as well as the $167 fund eventually donated to the Boy Scouts. Indiana Folklore Collection - Disappearance of Billy Martin [https://indstate.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/folklore/id/1182/]: Documents local legends, including the "Pink House" (Rene/Lorine Evans) and the school haunting myths. The Daily Banner (August 15, 1957) [https://newspapers.library.in.gov/?a=d&d=TDB19570815-01.1.1]: A primary newspaper source from the week of the disappearance, detailing the early investigation into the "guitar-toting minstrel". Indiana Cold Case Chronicles (Facebook) [https://www.facebook.com/IndianaColdCases/posts/robert-martins-brother-billy-vanished-august-10-1957-where-is-billy-martin/3186509324707494/]: Community discussion and additional records regarding the search locations around Brazil. [1 [https://www.facebook.com/IndianaColdCases/posts/robert-martins-brother-billy-vanished-august-10-1957-where-is-billy-martin/3186509324707494/], 2 [https://charleyproject.org/case/billy-earl-martin], 4 [https://www.mywabashvalley.com/news/special-report/faded-memories-the-disappearance-of-billy-martin-and-a-familys-search-for-closure/], 6 [https://www.suncommercial.com/brazil_times/archives/article_151ef737-c97d-502f-af42-df34272fed69.html], 8 [https://indstate.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/folklore/id/1182/], 10 [https://newspapers.library.in.gov/?a=d&d=TDB19570815-01.1.1]] Newspapers.com [https://Newspapers.com] - Frances L Evans/Harry Higgins/Billy Martin Reddit [https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/wnw2ic/in_1957_7yearold_william_billy_martin_vanished/#:~:text=The%20Evans%20Farm%20was%20owned,cabins%20located%20on%20the%20property] - Unresolved Mysteries

Missing: Jared McColloch

📍Knox County Indiana | Year: 2023 🎧 Chapter 47: The Final Trace of Jared McColloch Jared McColloch left his home in Louisiana expecting to make a routine trip north. But somewhere between Illinois and Indiana… something changed. In the early morning hours, Jared’s movements became difficult to follow. A confusing timeline stretched across state lines and a daylight savings time change. His truck was eventually discovered abandoned near the Wabash River. Jared was never found. And the deeper investigators looked into his final hours… the stranger the story became. 🎙️ CALL TO ACTION: JUSTICE FOR JARED "The Final Trace of Jared McColloch doesn't have to end here. A mother is waiting, two dogs are still watching the door, and a son deserves the truth about the father who was racing across states just to reach him." * 📢 SHARE THE STORY: The biggest obstacle in this case is the "small-town wall." Break it down by sharing Jared’s story. Download his missing person flyer from the Finding Jared McColloch Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/jaredmccolloch/] and post it—especially if you live in Vincennes (IN), St. Francisville (IL), or Lawrence County (IL). * ✍️ SIGN THE PETITION: Jared’s family is fighting to move this case from local jurisdiction to the FBI or U.S. Marshals. Every signature counts in proving to federal authorities that this case deserves more than a "local" look. Sign the [https://www.change.org/p/missing-jared-mccolloch-transfer-to-fbi-or-us-marshals]Change.org [https://Change.org] Petition here. [https://www.change.org/p/missing-jared-mccolloch-transfer-to-fbi-or-us-marshals] * 📞 SUBMIT A TIP: Did you see a white 2020 GMC Sierra on November 5th, 2023? Were you at the Cannonball Bar that Sunday morning? Even the smallest detail—someone Jared was talking to, or a vehicle following his—could be the key. * Knox County Sheriff’s Office: (812) 882-1502 * Anonymous Tip Line: Call 812-895-1TIP to remain 100% anonymous. * 💙 SUPPORT THE SEARCH: Keep the pressure on. Use the hashtag #FindJaredMcColloch and tag local news outlets in Indiana and Illinois. Don’t let the quiet of a gravel road swallow the truth. Case Overviews & Timelines * Dateline NBC: Verified the background of the construction worker turned "stay-at-home country" man and his meticulous probation history. * Method & Madness Podcast [https://www.methodandmadnesspodcast.com/episodes/79-missing-jared-mccolloch]: Detailed the 500-mile journey, specific gas station stops. * NewsNation [https://www.newsnationnow.com/missing/jared-mccolloch/]: Sources for the surveillance footage descriptions * NBCNEWS [https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/missing-in-america/jared-mccolloch-indiana-missing-person-rcna245974]: Two Years later by By Sarah Dahlberg Investigative Details & Evidence * The Charley Project [https://charleyproject.org/case/jared-m-mcculloch]: Confirmed official physical descriptions, the warrant status, and the 13-day countdown to the end of his probation. * Solve the Case [https://www.solvethecase.org/case/2023-24/jared-michael-mccolloch]: Tracked the witness sighting at the Cannonball Bar and the lack of cooperation regarding surveillance footage. * NewsNation - YouTube Analysis: Documented the GMC app alerts, the "party spot" 25 miles away, the "cleaned" shoes found later, and the scratches in the back window dust. [1 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeITvX87qgc&t=12], 2 [https://charleyproject.org/case/jared-m-mcculloch], 3 [https://www.solvethecase.org/case/2023-24/jared-michael-mccolloch]] Family & Community Advocacy * Finding Jared McColloch - Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/jaredmccolloch/]: The primary source for the family’s direct updates, the "circle the wagons" sentiment in St. Francisville, and the petition for federal intervention. News & Official Case Profiles * NewsNation: Extensive coverage of the investigation, including details on the last-minute road trip [https://www.newsnationnow.com/missing/jared-mccolloch/] and subsequent investigative updates [https://www.newsnationnow.com/missing/jared-mccolloch-update/]. * NBC Dateline: A detailed overview of his trip and the discovery of the abandoned truck [https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/missing-in-america/jared-mccolloch-indiana-missing-person-rcna245974]. Podcasts & In-Depth Interviews * The Vanished Podcast: A deep dive into the timeline and family perspective in Episode 430: Jared McColloch Part 1 [https://www.thevanishedpodcast.com/episodes/2024/2/26/episode-430-jared-mccolloch-part-1-fall-back]. * Method & Madness: An interview with Tammie Reppond covering cell phone pings and the state of the vehicle [https://www.methodandmadnesspodcast.com/episodes/79-missing-jared-mccolloch]. * Nate Eaton (East Idaho News): A video interview with Tammie [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz8IzwSneA8] discussing the case after two years. Community & Search Groups * Finding Jared McColloch (Facebook Group): The primary family-run page [https://www.facebook.com/groups/jaredmccolloch/] for daily updates and reporting tips. * Peace River K9 Search and Rescue: Footage and discussion of the K9 alerts at the "party spot" [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeITvX87qgc] and the river. * United Cajun Navy: Documentation of community-led search efforts [https://www.facebook.com/groups/Missing.Indiana/posts/25356343650699532/] and the recovery of Jared's dogs. [1 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/jaredmccolloch/], 2 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeITvX87qgc&t=12]]

Missing: Zachary Bernhardt

📍 Clearwater, Florida | Year: 2000 🎧 Chapter 46 — The Final Trace of Zachary Bernhardt On September 11, 2000, 8-year-old Zachary Bernhardt vanished from his bed in a locked apartment in Clearwater, Florida. His mother claimed she stepped out to clear her head at 4:00 A.M., but neighbors and investigators tell a different story. Today, we dive into the timeline, the suspicious inconsistencies, and why this remains the longest-running active Amber Alert in Florida history. 🚨 TAKE ACTION: DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION? If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Zachary Bernhardt, please contact: * Clearwater Police Department: 727-562-4242 * NCMEC Tip Line: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) * Email: tips@myclearwater.com [tips@myclearwater.com] 🔗 OFFICIAL RESOURCES & LINKS * National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: Zachary’s Active Poster & Age Progression [https://www.missingkids.org/poster/NCMC/894757/1] * The Charley Project: Comprehensive Case Timeline [https://charleyproject.org/case/zachary-michael-cole-bernhardt] * NamUs: Zachary Michael Cole Bernhardt — Case #MP2689 [https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/case/MP2689] * FDLE: Printable Missing Child Flyer [http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/MCICSearch/Flyer.asp?ID=191] * Fox 13: Where is Zachary Bernhardt? 25 years later [https://www.fox13news.com/news/where-is-zachary-bernhardt-8-year-old-heart-floridas-oldest-amber-alert-disappeared-25-years-ago] * Zachary Bernhardt Missing - My Theory (Reddit) [https://www.reddit.com/r/UnsolvedMysteries/comments/ait1v9/zachary_bernhardt_missing_my_theory/] * The Tampa Tribune provided coverage of the Zachary Bernhardt case in 2000 [1]. View the original article at Newspapers.com [https://Newspapers.com]. 📖 FURTHER READING & WATCHING * Watch: Investigation Discovery — "Disappeared: About a Boy" * News: FOX 13 Tampa Bay — "Where is Zachary Bernhardt? 25 Years Later" * Article: Missing in the Shadows of 9/11 (NCMEC Blog) [https://www.missingkids.org/blog/2021/missing-in-the-shadows-of-9-11] 📸 CASE VISUALS Visit our social media pages to see the age-progression photos of what Zachary would look like at age 34, as well as the map of the Savannah Trace Apartments discussed in this episode. Follow us on: Instagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube - @TheFinalTracePodcast Episode Credits: * Hosts: Hopper & McKenzie * Research: Hopper Dailey * Music: Joaquin H Official Case Records & Missing Person Profiles * Clearwater Police Department: The official Missing Persons Page [https://www.clearwaterpolice.org/Crime-Information/Missing-Persons] for Zachary Bernhardt, including his identifying scars and case number. * National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC): Zachary’s NCMEC Poster [https://www.missingkids.org/poster/NCMC/894757/1] featuring the most recent age-progression images. * NamUs: The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System [https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/case/MP2689] entry providing official disappearance coordinates and physical descriptors. * Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): The Active Amber Alert Flyer [http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/MCICSearch/Flyer.asp?ID=191] for Zachary Michael-Cole Bernhardt. [1 [https://www.clearwaterpolice.org/Crime-Information/Missing-Persons], 2 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmfo3vm8wpY], 3 [https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/case/MP2689], 4 [http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/MCICSearch/Flyer.asp?ID=191]] Key News Articles & Long-Form Reporting * Tampa Bay Times: The original investigative report, "Police: Boy's mother knows more," [https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2000/09/28/police-boy-s-mother-knows-more/] which details Leah's background in Michigan and the initial police skepticism. * Fox 13 News: The 25th-anniversary special, "Where is Zachary Bernhardt?" [https://www.fox13news.com/news/where-is-zachary-bernhardt-8-year-old-heart-floridas-oldest-amber-alert-disappeared-25-years-ago], covering Project Atom and the family's 25-year wait. * NewsNation: A deep dive into the 25-year search [https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/search-zachary-bernhardt-continues-25-184201717.html] and the various theories, including the Mexico "drifter" sighting. * Summit Daily: Local coverage of the mysterious bound boy photo [https://www.summitdaily.com/news/photo-of-bound-boy-still-a-mystery/] discovered in a Dillon, Colorado grocery store parking lot in August 2001. * Tampa Bay Times (2001 Abduction): Documentation of the New Year's Eve 2001 kidnapping [https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2002/01/20/police-release-new-sketch-of-man-who-kidnapped-boy/] at the same Savannah Trace apartment complex. [1 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZGF2uokvEU], 2 [https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2000/09/28/police-boy-s-mother-knows-more/], 3 [https://www.fox13news.com/news/where-is-zachary-bernhardt-8-year-old-heart-floridas-oldest-amber-alert-disappeared-25-years-ago], 4 [https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/search-zachary-bernhardt-continues-25-184201717.html], 5 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/045-the-disappearance-of-zachary-bernhardt/id1239217007?i=1000412025732]]

Murdered: Lowell Badger

📍 Merom, Indiana | Year: 2012 🎧 Chapter 45 — The Final Trace of Lowell Badger Lowell Badger lived a life of routine, faith, and quiet consistency. But on a cold December night, that peace was shattered inside his own home. For eleven years, his family waited—while the truth remained just out of reach. Until the silence finally broke. Primary News Reports & Investigation Details Lowell Badger Cold Case Summary [https://www.in.gov/isp/crime-reporting/cold-case-investigations/cold-cases-by-county/putnamville-district-investigations/lowell-badger-12082012/] (Indiana State Police) The official investigative profile detailing the stolen Sentry safe, the Sony Bravia TV, and the early 2012 crime scene details. Police Release More Information in Sullivan County Murder [https://www.wthitv.com/archive/police-release-more-information-in-an-eight-year-old-sullivan-county-murder-investigation/article_b1ee05a4-4e5d-558d-b330-467eb65efeaf.html] (WTHI-TV) An archival report from the eighth anniversary of the crime, highlighting the $50,000 reward and the search for a dark-colored pickup truck. Alan Badger Recalls Finding His Father Dead [https://www.wthitv.com/news/alan-badger-recalls-finding-his-father-dead-in-his-home-during-first-full-day-of/article_4056c16e-9135-4860-9046-9dd8f426fe24.html] (WTHI-TV) Detailed courtroom coverage of Alan and Audrey Badger’s testimony regarding the locked doors and the morning of December 8th. Trial Testimony: Victim Was Not Supposed to be Home [https://wibqam.com/2025/05/13/testimony-sullivan-homicide-victim-was-not-supposed-to-be-home/] (WIBQ AM) Coverage explaining the motive for the burglary and the revelation that the suspects believed Lowell was away for the night. The Breakthrough & Legal Proceedings Probable Cause Affidavit: The Investigation of Richard Taft [https://www.mywabashvalley.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2024/08/Taft-Richard-PCA-Murder-File-Stamped.pdf] (MyWabashValley) The legal document outlining how 2023 interviews and forensic breakthroughs finally connected William Grimes and Richard Taft to the murder. William Grimes Found Guilty in 2012 Murder Case [https://www.mywabashvalley.com/news/crime-news/sullivan-county-murder-case-ends-in-guilty-verdicts/] (WTWO/WAWV) A report on the May 2025 jury verdict, detailing the counts of murder and conspiracy to commit burglary. Prosecution Calls Witnesses Against Grimes [https://www.sullivan-times.com/news/prosecution-calls-witnesses-against-grimes-in-lowell-badger-murder-trial/article_ceb30033-55a4-4256-87df-9857983e8f3d.html] (The Sullivan Times) In-depth reporting on the forensic evidence, including the "man door" locks and the lack of fingerprints at the scene. The Sentencing & Aftermath William Grimes Sentenced to 120 Years [https://www.wthitv.com/news/william-grimes-sentenced-to-over-100-years-for-lowell-badger-murder/article_2b97b526-c11c-46f9-92e1-06632bc6d3e1.html] (WTHI-TV) June 2025 coverage of Judge Hugh Hunt’s maximum sentencing and the impact statements delivered by the Badger family. Third Suspect Charged in Lowell Badger Murder (MyWabashValley) Details the April 2025 arrest of Arthur Lee Grimes, brother of William, and his alleged role in the 2012 burglary. Lowell Badger Trial Updates [https://www.sullivan-times.com/news/lowell-badger-murder-trial-updates/article_a2e3b455-db2b-467e-9356-0388f930e538.html] (The Sullivan Times) A comprehensive chronological collection of daily trial updates and witness lists from the 2025 proceedings. * Court Testimony: During William Grimes' 2025 trial, a witness named Jeremiah Mahan confirmed seeing Grimes at the Merom home where underage drinking was occurring. While Mahan had previously told police in a report that he saw the men return with the TV in the truck, he claimed during the trial that he could no longer recall that specific detail, though he admitted he was telling the truth when he originally gave the statement under oath.  * Sullivan Daily Times +5 WTHI-TV YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iumg400qxGY]

Murdered: Sherry Lee Gibson

📍 Vincennes, Indiana | Year: 1975 🎧 Chapter 44 — The Final Trace of Sherry Lee Gibson A knock in the dark. A scream no one heard. And a fire meant to erase everything. For years, the case was closed. The killer was named. The story… finished. But the truth doesn’t always stay buried. A confession from a church pew. A second story that matched the first—26 years later. And a realization that the wrong ending had been written all along. Some stories don’t disappear. They wait. Primary News Reports & Investigation Details * Tri-State Murder Case capturing National Attention (14 News) [https://www.14news.com/story/23064549/tri-state-murder-case-from-1975-getting-national-attention/]Details the Investigation Discovery feature and the confession that broke the case after 26 years. * Murder Case Reopened after 27 Years (14 News) [https://www.14news.com/story/705884/murder-case-reopened-after-27-years/]An early 2002 report on the new suspects and the reaction of the Gibson family. * Man Guilty in 1975 Slaying of Woman in Indiana (Chicago Tribune) [https://www.chicagotribune.com/2003/08/20/man-guilty-in-1975-slaying-of-woman-in-indiana/]Covers Wayne Gulley’s conviction, the 11-hour jury deliberation, and the tragic 1998 death of eyewitness Lindy Alton. * Confession leads to 2 Arrests in '75 Killing (Chicago Tribune) [https://www.chicagotribune.com/2002/08/29/confession-leads-to-2-arrests-in-75-killing/]Details the initial arrests of Dicks and Gulley and the realization that Jeffers was innocent. * Knox County Convicts Man in 1975 Murder Case (Journal Review) [https://www.journalreview.com/stories/knox-county-convicts-man-in-1975-murder-case,85638]Summary of the final verdict against Gulley and the clearing of the previous conviction.  * * WFIE +11 * The Story of the False Confession * John Jeffers Case Profile - National Registry of Exonerations [https://exonerationregistry.org/cases/10555]The definitive record of how John Jeffers falsely implicated himself and Ken Shaner, leading to a wrongful 30-year sentence. * Georgia Woman Allegedly Confesses Late (The Intelligencer) [https://www.theintelligencer.com/news/article/Ga-Woman-Allegedly-Confesses-Late-10481611.php]Article exploring why Dicks came forward and the initial skepticism from Gulley’s defense team.  * * National Registry of Exonerations +2 * The Trial & Legal Proceedings * Trial Begins in 1975 Murder Case (14 News) [https://www.14news.com/story/1379012/trial-begins-in-1975-murder-case/]Coverage of the start of the 2003 trial, including comments from lead investigator Larry Eck. * Stefanie Silvey Investigates: Wayne Gulley (14 News) [https://www.14news.com/story/2639054/stefanie-silvey-investigates-wayne-gulley/]Detailed investigative piece including excerpts from Gulley’s interrogations and the composite sketches. Jailed Suspects' Descriptions Fit Other Crimes (14 News) [https://www.14news.com/story/937430/jailed-suspects-descriptions-fit-other-crimes/]Explores how Gulley and Dicks were tied to other unsolved robberies and shootings from the mid-70s.