The Dark Oak

Episode 92: What Happened to Mary Day?

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to The Dark Oak
01:40 100th Episode Celebration and Giveaway
07:10 What Happened to Mary Day?
01:00:30 The Branch of Hope
 
Mary Louise Day, born in 1968 in Little Falls, New York, grew up in a turbulent household with her sisters Kathy and Sherrie, marked by instability, foster care, and abuse. After her parents’ divorce, her mother Charlotte married William Houle, a military man whose relocations added to the family’s isolation. By 1980, living in Seaside, California, 13-year-old Mary faced severe abuse from William. In July 1981, following a violent incident where William beat her—allegedly over a sick dog—Mary vanished. Her mother claimed she ran away, and the family never reported her missing, silencing any mention of her.
 
Nine years later, in 1992, Sherrie, haunted by her sister’s disappearance, filed a missing person’s report. The case went cold until 2002, when Seaside police reopened it. Investigations revealed William and Charlotte had cashed Mary’s Social Security checks after her disappearance, suggesting foul play. In 2003, a search of their former home uncovered a child's shoe and soil indicating decomposition, backed by cadaver dogs, but no body was found. Interviews with Charlotte and William were chilling—William admitted to beating Mary and hinted at a “demon” killing her, yet lacked sufficient evidence for arrest.
 
Then, in November 2003, a woman claiming to be Mary surfaced in Phoenix, Arizona, during a traffic stop. “Phoenix Mary” matched Charlotte’s DNA, closing the case, but inconsistencies—like her accent, vague memories, and sudden ID acquisition—raised doubts. She lived with Sherrie briefly, but tensions and her erratic behavior fueled skepticism, especially from Kathy, who doubted her identity over forgotten childhood details. In 2008, cadaver dogs again hit on a former Houle residence, yet no remains were found.
 
By 2017, as Phoenix Mary battled cancer, new Police Chief Judy Veloz re-examined the case. Further DNA tests confirmed Charles Day as her father, and a photo from the 1980s, verified by facial recognition, supported her identity. Her memory gaps were attributed to trauma and alcoholism. She died in 2017, leaving unresolved questions: Was she truly Mary? If so, where was she for 22 years? If not, who was she, and what happened to the real Mary? The cadaver dog hits remain unexplained, deepening the mystery of this dark, perplexing case.
 
 
Sources:
48 Hours Inverview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KheUErGCFJA
 
Voll, C. (2022, October 3). Mary Louise Day resurfaced after over 20 years - CrimeBeat - Medium. Medium. https://medium.com/crimebeat/mary-louise-day-resurfaced-after-over-20-years-fbb1f7cd2e2f
Sengupta, S. (2025, January 21). 5 harrowing details about the murder of Mary Day on Investigation Discovery, explored. Soapcentral. https://www.soapcentral.com/shows/5-harrowing-details-murder-mary-day-investigation-discovery-explored
 
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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep

Episode 91: Where is Hannah Upp?

Hannah Upp, a 32-year-old teacher, disappeared from St. Thomas on September 14, 2017, after a swim, amidst Hurricanes Irma and Maria. She had dissociative fugue, a condition causing identity loss, and had vanished twice before—once in 2008 in New York, found in the Hudson River after three weeks, and in 2012 in Maryland, found in a creek after two days—both times with no memory. Her 2017 disappearance left her clothes and car at Sapphire Beach, but despite extensive searches, she wasn’t found. Theories include drowning, fleeing on a ship, or staging her exit, but none are proven. Her mother remains hopeful; Hannah, now 39, is still missing.
 
TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Welcome to The Dark Oak09:30 Where is Hannah Upp?01:07:10 The Branch of Hope
Sources:
Kenton, L. (2023, April 3). Chilling note left by missing Hannah Upp points to ‘two options’ of what happened to her. . . The US Sun. https://www.the-sun.com/news/7757272/hannah-upp-amnesia-missing-jason-bourne-irma/
Barcella, L. (2021, March 30). What Happened to Hannah Upp? The Mystery Around the Young Woman's Disappearance Continues. A&E. https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/what-happened-to-hannah-upp-the-mystery-around-the-young-womans-disappearance-continues
Villines, Z. (2023, September 6). Dissociative fugue: Symptoms and treatment. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dissociative-fugue
Ashley, M. (2022, January 6). Missing Person Hannah Upp May Not Know She is Missing. Medium. https://truecrimemysteries.medium.com/missing-person-hannah-upp-may-not-know-she-is-missing-88d3d882ba5f
Jennifer. (2024, November 14). The bizarre disappearance of Hannah Upp - Jennifer - medium. Medium. https://wherearetheypodcast.medium.com/the-bizarre-disappearance-of-hannah-upp-6367f858ce10
Mystery, M. O. (2023, August 7). The very, very, strange case of Hannah Upp. Mind Over Mystery. https://mindovermystery.com/the-very-very-strange-case-of-hannah-upp/
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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep

Episode 90: The Death of Ellen Greenberg - Part 2 of 2

When Ellen Greenberg, a first-grade teacher at Juniata Park Academy, was found dead in her locked (from the inside) Manayunk apartment in 2011 with more than 20 stab wounds, authorities initially ruled her death a suicide. During her autopsy, the medical examiner discovered that one of Ellen's stab wounds could have potentially cut through her spinal cord, rendering her unable to continue stabbing herself. Could this really have been a suicide? During her autopsy it was also discovered that Ellen was covered in multiple bruises in various stages of healing. 
 
Despite the suicide ruling, the Greenberg family still believes Ellen was murdered and they have been fighting to change the manner of death ruling. As of this year, some of their hard work may have paid off - in January 2025 there was a major update in the case! 
 
Listen to Part 2 of the Ellen Greenberg case and let us know what you think!  
 
Sources: 
Ellen Greenberg - Case documents and Details - Gavin Fish. (2025, March 8). Gavin Fish. https://gavinfish.com/cases/ellen-greenberg/
Prosecutorspod, V. a. P. B. (2022, August 20). 146. The death of Ellen Greenberg Part 1 of 4 — Little locked room. The Prosecutors Podcast. https://prosecutorspodcast.com/2022/08/23/146-the-death-of-ellen-greenberg-part-1-of-4-little-locked-room/
 
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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep

Episode 89: The Death of Ellen Greenberg - Part 1 of 2

When Ellen Greenberg, a first-grade teacher at Juniata Park Academy, was found dead in her locked (from the inside) Manayunk apartment in 2011 with more than 20 stab wounds, authorities initially ruled her death a suicide. During her autopsy, the medical examiner discovered that one of Ellen's stab wounds could have potentially cut through her spinal cord, rendering her unable to continue stabbing herself. Could this really have been a suicide? During her autopsy it was also discovered that Ellen was covered in multiple bruises in various stages of healing. 
 
Despite the suicide ruling, the Greenberg family still believes Ellen was murdered and they have been fighting to change the manner of death ruling. As of this year, some of their hard work may have paid off - in January 2025 there was a major update in the case! 
 
Listen to Part 1 of the Ellen Greenberg case and let us know what you think!  
 
Sources: 
Ellen Greenberg - Case documents and Details - Gavin Fish. (2025, March 8). Gavin Fish. https://gavinfish.com/cases/ellen-greenberg/
Prosecutorspod, V. a. P. B. (2022, August 20). 146. The death of Ellen Greenberg Part 1 of 4 — Little locked room. The Prosecutors Podcast. https://prosecutorspodcast.com/2022/08/23/146-the-death-of-ellen-greenberg-part-1-of-4-little-locked-room/
 
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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep

Episode 88: The Disappearance of Logan Schiendelman

Logan Schiendelman, a popular and charismatic high school football player, vanished without a trace in May 2016 at the age of 19. Born in 1996 in Tumwater, Washington, Logan was raised by his white grandmother, Ginnie Gebo, after his mixed-race mother, Hannah, pursued art school. Logan never knew his Saudi Arabian father, which later contributed to an identity crisis as he faced racism from peers in his predominantly white hometown during his senior year of high school. After graduating in 2015, he attended Washington State University but struggled socially, dropped out after his freshman year, and returned to live with his grandmother.
 
On May 19, 2016, Logan told Ginnie he had an "epiphany" and might be gone for a few days. That day, he sent a cryptic text to a girl he met on a dating app, saying, “I hope to survive this week.” He was never seen again. The next day, his black 1996 Chrysler Sebring was found abandoned on Interstate 5 with his wallet, phone, and some belongings inside. Witnesses reported seeing the car drifting across lanes, with a Caucasian man jumping out and fleeing into the woods. Another sighting mentioned a naked teenager in the area, possibly Logan, but searches with dogs and helicopters found nothing.
 
Investigations revealed Logan had been moody and paranoid after college, possibly linked to his marijuana use. His family noted tension with his sister’s boyfriend, who had a criminal record, though he passed a polygraph test. Logan had also recently met his Black paternal relatives, which brought him joy but may have caused friction with Ginnie. In 2017, a woman reported seeing Logan with two white men near his car on May 20, leading to a sketch of one suspect, but no solid leads emerged. The lack of blood or struggle in the car and the presence of valuables ruled out robbery.
 
Theories abound: Did Logan suffer a mental breakdown, possibly drug-related, and leave voluntarily? Or did he encounter foul play, as suggested by the witnesses and his uncle Mike, a retired deputy? Police found no evidence of a crime but believe he may still be alive. His family, including great-aunt Mary, who runs a Facebook page with 18,000 members, continues to search for answers, offering a reward. Logan would be 29 today, and his case remains unsolved, leaving his loved ones in anguished uncertainty.
 
Sources:
Jan 15, 2017, page A16 - The Olympian at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/702079929/
Jul 01, 2017, page A3 - The Olympian at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/702084544/
Dateline: Missing in America podcast covers the May 2016 disappearance of Logan Schiendelman in Tumwater, Washington. (2023, June 21). NBC News.
https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/dateline-missing-in-america-podcast/dateline-missing-america-podcast-covers-may-2016-disappearance-logan-s-rcna90251
 
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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep

Episode 87: The Mysterious Death of Federal Prosecutor Jonathan Luna

In the late-night hours of December 5, 2003, Jonathan Luna, an Assistant United States Attorney, left the Baltimore courthouse and drove northeast on Interstate 95. After spending the next several hours on a seemingly impromptu multi-state road trip, Jonathan was found dead, having been stabbed thirty-six times with his own pocketknife before he drowned in a creek next to his partially submerged car. 
With Jonathan's strange behavior leading up to his death and no appearance of foul play, investigators assumed Jonathan took his own life, but many people think there may be more to the story. 
 
Sources:
Somebody Somewhere Season 3. (n.d.). https://www.sbswpodcast.com/s3-episodes/
https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/5-key-moments-in-the-jonathan-luna-case/article_76301364-908e-11ee-85be-9fc7b045a390.html
 
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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep

Episode 86: The Frog Boys of South Korea

On March 26, 1991, a public holiday in South Korea, five boys from Daegu—aged 9 to 13—went missing while searching for salamander eggs near Mount Waryong. After missing their taekwondo lesson, their parents initially searched for them but eventually reported them missing. Unfortunately, police initially dismissed the boys as runaways. Media attention about the lost boys grew, dubbing them the "Frog Boys," and despite a massive search ordered by the president, no trace was found. Hoax calls and inadequate police efforts frustrated the parents. Eventually the boy's fathers even quit their jobs to search nationwide, eventually suspecting a Korean military cover-up as they were followed by intelligence agents.
In 2002, the skeletal remains of all five boys were found on Mount Waryong, showing bullet casings, blunt force injuries, and possible bullet holes, suggesting foul play. Police mishandled the scene and claimed hypothermia; a theory experts rejected. The nearby military base, linked to the casings, was never searched, fueling more theories of military involvement. No arrests have been made, and various lawsuits against the police have failed. In 2015, the statute of limitations was lifted, leaving the case open for new evidence. The parents, who buried their sons' ashes together, are still seeking justice. What happened to the Daegu Frog Boys?
Please, welcome our special guest, Coffee and Cases! Make sure you give them a follow and a five-star review!linktr.ee/coffeeandcases
Sources:
Paulo, D. A. (2020, December 22). Intrigue, scandal, heartbreak: The case of South Korea’s missing ‘frog boys.’ CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/cnainsider/intrigue-scandal-heartbreak-case-south-korea-missing-frog-boys-774406
Banks, A. (2019, January 11). The Frog Boys of South Korea — criminally intrigued. Criminally Intrigued. https://www.criminallyintrigued.com/blog/2019/1/6/the-curious-case-of-the-frog-boys
KSIS : What happened to the Frog Boys? (2024, November 13). KSTATION TV. https://kstationtv.com/2024/11/13/ksis-what-happened-to-the-frog-boys/?lang=en
 
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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep

Episode 85: What Happened to Olivia Lone Bear?

Please, welcome our special guest, Coffee and Cases! Make sure you give them a follow and a five-star review!linktr.ee/coffeeandcases
When Olivia Lone Bear went missing on October 24, 2017, her family was thrust into a search that would span years, uncovering a series of perplexing details that would leave them without answers. This episode delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding Olivia's disappearance, from the cryptic final texts sent from her phone to the unexplainable discovery of the truck she had been driving being found just miles from her home. With no clear answers and the investigation stalled, the episode also explores the challenges faced by Indigenous families in the fight for justice, highlighting the systemic barriers that complicate the search for missing women like Olivia.
As we examine the key pieces of this case, we also ask: who might Olivia have been with on the night she disappeared? Was the truck's location an accident or something more sinister? Could the mysterious digital footprints left behind be part of a larger story, and why has no one come forward with answers?
 
Sources:
AP News. (2019, November 20). Affidavit: Woman was strapped into seat of submerged truck. https://apnews.com/general-news-0c2c29a4bc1d4f309ba5cf5a7f3a79c3
Associated Press. (2018, August 1). Body found in truck pulled from lake tied to missing woman: FBI. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2018/08/01/body-found-in-truck-pulled-from-lake-tied-to-missing-woman-fbi/
Associated Press. (2018, August 2). Brother: Body of missing sister recovered on reservation. AP News. https://apnews.com/general-news-b1d5cfb9dfbe40fcaac7e4ec1454e5a3
Associated Press. (2019, November 20). Missing woman whose body was found in a submerged truck in a North Dakota lake was strapped into the passenger seat. Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7708809/Affidavit-Woman-strapped-seat-submerged-truck.html
Canning, A. (2021, August 31). Watch the Dateline episode "The Secrets of Spirit Lake" now. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/watch-dateline-episode-secrets-spirit-lake-now-n1278074
CSVANW. (2018, August 16). CSVANW statement on Olivia Lone Bear. Lakota Times. https://www.lakotatimes.com/articles/csvanw-statement-on-olivia-lone-bear/
Dalrymple, A. (2017, November 16). Investigation into Olivia Lone Bear case got off to 'very slow start,' ND tribal chairman says. Bismarck Tribune. https://www.inforum.com/news/investigation-into-olivia-lone-bear-case-got-off-to-very-slow-start-nd-tribal-chairman-says
Democracy Now. (n.d.). Native American mother of 5 missing in North Dakota. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/democracynow/videos/native-american-mother-of-5-missing-in-north-dakota/10155889437833279/
Democracy Now. (2017, November 29). Native American woman Olivia Lone Bear, mother of 5, missing in North Dakota oil fields. Democracy Now. https://www.democracynow.org/2017/11/29/native_american_woman_olivia_lone_bear
Democracy Now. (2018, August 3). Body of Olivia Lone Bear Found in N. Dakota as Native Women Face Crisis of Murders, Disappearances. https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/3/body_of_olivia_lone_bear_found
Dura, J. (2019, November 20). New details emerge in Olivia Lone Bear case as federal authorities visit Fort Berthold Reservation. Bismarck Tribune. https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/new-details-emerge-in-olivia-lone-bear-case-as-federal-authorities-visit-fort-berthold-reservation/article_7ab709ae-e625-5d3c-8277-96fe812198e4.html
Dura, J., & Emerson, B. (2019, July 31). Still no answers about death of Olivia Lone Bear from FBI. InForum. https://www.inforum.com/news/still-no-answers-about-death-of-olivia-lone-bear-from-fbi
Ecoffey, B. (2018, August 9). Olivia Lone Bear found: Cause of death not made public. Lakota Times. https://www.lakotatimes.com/articles/olivia-lone-bear-found/
Emerson, B. (2019, April 9). North Dakota AG says Olivia Lone Bear report of death exempt from open records. Bismarck Tribune. https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/north-dakota-ag-says-olivia-lone-bear-report-of-death-exempt-from-open-records
Facebook. (n.d.). Searching for Olivia Lone Bear. https://www.facebook.com/searchingforolivialonebear/
Hall, J. (2017, December 6). The Search Continues For Olivia Lone Bear. Roundup Web. https://www.roundupweb.com/story/2017/12/06/news/the-search-continues-for-olivia-lone-bear/10337.html
Hillier, B. (2017, December 11). Family frustrated by lack of search efforts in Native American woman Olivia Lone Bear's disappearance. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/missing-in-america/family-frustrated-lack-search-efforts-native-america-woman-olivia-lone-n828561
Hillier, B. (2018, August 3). FBI confident that body found in submerged truck belongs to missing mother Olivia Lone Bear. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/missing-in-america/fbi-confident-body-found-submerged-truck-belongs-missing-mother-olivia-n897546
HPR1. (2017, November 8). Senatorial eyes on missing person case. https://hpr1.com/index.php/feature/news/senatorial-eyes-on-missing-person-case
HPR1. (2018, August 1). Olivia Lone Bear’s pickup truck found. https://hpr1.com/index.php/feature/news/olivia-lone-bears-pickup-truck-found
Itzcovitz, R. (2018, August 2). As search for Olivia Lone Bear ends, a new Fargo task force begins. Valley News Live. https://www.valleynewslive.com/content/news/As-search-for-Olivia-Lone-Bear-ends-a-new-Fargo-task-force-begins-489937311.html
Keeler, J. (2018, May 7). ‘No crime scene’: The search for Olivia Lone Bear. High Country News. https://www.hcn.org/issues/50-12/tribal-affairs-no-crime-scene-the-search-for-olivia-lone-bear/
KFGO. (2020, July 31). Two years later, feds looking for leads into death, disappearance of Olivia Lone Bear. KFGO. https://www.kfyrtv.com/2020/07/31/two-years-later-feds-looking-for-leads-into-death-disappearance-of-olivia-lone-bear/
KFGO. (2023, July 30). ‘Not forgotten’ – Five years after body found, Olivia Lone Bear investigation continues. The Mighty 790 KFGO. https://kfgo.com/2023/07/30/860502/
KFYO TV. (2017, November 6). Search for Olivia Lone Bear continues nearly two weeks after disappearance. KFYO TV. https://www.kxnet.com/news/search-for-olivia-lone-bear-continues-nearly-two-weeks-after-disappearance/
KFYO TV. (2019, April 9). Lone Bear family reacts to ruling on access to death report. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Lone-Bear-family-reacts-to-ruling-on-access-to-death-report-508342561.html
KFYO TV. (2019, November 21). Lone Bear family, federal investigators speak on Olivia's case. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Lone-Bear-family-federal-investigators-speak-on-Olivias-case-565306751.html
KFYO TV. (2019, November 26). MHA Chairman releases statement on updates to Olivia Lone Bear investigation. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/MHA-Chairman-releases-statement-on-updates-to-Olivia-Lone-Bear-investigation--565512391.html
KFYO TV. (2023, October 24). Search continues for answers in death of Olivia Lone Bear. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/2023/10/24/search-continues-answers-death-olivia-lone-bear/
KFYR TV. (2017, November 2). New Town authorities create tipline in search for Olivia Lone Bear. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/New-Town-authorities-create-tipline-in-search-for-Olivia-Lone-Bear-454740883.html
KVVR. (2018, January 23). Search for Missing Native American Woman Expands Beyond Fort Berthold. https://www.kvrr.com/2018/01/23/search-missing-native-american-woman-expands-beyond-fort-berthold/
KXNET. (2019, November 20). BREAKING: New information in Olivia Lone Bear case. KXNET.com https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/breaking-new-information-in-olivia-lone-bear-case/
Langhans Funeral Home. (n.d.). Obituary for Olivia Lone Bear. https://www.langhansfuneralhome.com/obituary/olivia-lone-bear
The Mighty 790 KFGO. (2023, July 30). ‘Not forgotten’ – Five years after body found, Olivia Lone Bear investigation continues. KFGO. https://kfgo.com/2023/07/30/860502/
NBC News. (2024, March 6). Missing and murdered Indigenous people featured in Dateline NBC’s Missing in America and Cold Case Spotlight series. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/in-the-news/missing-murdered-indigenous-people-featured-dateline-nbcs-missing-amer-rcna142027
Nelson, T. (2018, February 4). Bureau of Indian Affairs taking over Olivia Lone Bear investigation. KVRR. https://www.kvrr.com/2018/02/04/bureau-indian-affairs-taking-olivia-lone-bear-investigation
NewsBreak. (2024, March 20). North Dakota woman who disappeared in 2017 was found dead at the bottom of a lake on July 27, 2018. NewsBreak. https://www.newsbreak.com/gistinger-1668135/3374292930279-a-north-dakota-woman-who-disappeared-in-2017-was-found-dead-at-the-bottom-of-a-lake-on-july-27-2018
Ogden, E. (2018, January 23). Olivia Lone Bear search expands to ND cities. Minot Daily News. https://www.minotdailynews.com/news/local-news/2018/01/olivia-lone-bear-search-expands-to-nd-cities/
Prairie Public Broadcasting. (2017, November 1). Search underway for missing Stanley, ND woman. https://news.prairiepublic.org/local-news/2017-11-01/search-underway-for-missing-stanley-nd-woman
Rasmussen, A. (n.d.). Still Unsolved: Olivia Lone Bear Found Dead In Submerged Truck After She Vanished In 2017. Investigation Discovery. https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/seeking-justice/still-unsolved-olivia-lone-bear-found-dead-in-submerged-truck-after-she-vanished-in-2017
Shores, E. (2023, August 22). Reservations gain access to state resources. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/2023/08/22/reservations-gain-access-state-resources/
Skurzewski, J. (2017, November 2). New Town authorities create tipline in search for Olivia Lone Bear. KFYR TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/New-Town-authorities-create-tipline-in-search-for-Olivia-Lone-Bear-454740883.html
Skurzewski, J. (2017, November 17). Family of Olivia Lone Bear offering reward for info on her disappearance. KFYO TV. https://www.valleynewslive.com/content/news/Family-of-Olivia-Lone-Bear-offering-reward-for-info-on-her-disappearance-458196573.htm
Skurzewski, J. (2019, March 19). Missing person’s bill gets support from family of Olivia Lone Bear. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Missing-persons-bill-gets-support-from-family-of-Olivia-Lone-Bear-507378991.html
Strong, S. (2021, April 7). Unit within Interior to investigate cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people. KFYO TV. https://www.valleynewslive.com/2021/04/08/unit-within-interior-to-investigate-cases-of-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-people/
Strong, S. (2021, May 8). Marchers gather in Minot to raise awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/2021/05/08/marchers-gather-in-minot-to-raise-awareness-of-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-people/
StrongWalker. (n.d.). FBI offers $10,000 reward for information in Olivia Lone Bear’s death, whose body was found strapped on passenger’s side of truck in lake. Indigenous Boston. https://indigenous.boston/fbi-offers-10000-reward-for-information-in-olivia-lone-bears-death-whose-body-was-found-strapped-on-passengers-side-of-truck-in-lake
U.S. Department of Justice. (2019, November 20). MEDIA ADVISORY - U.S. Attorney and FBI Leadership Brief Family of Olivia Lone Bear on Death Investigation. https://www.justice.gov/usao-nd/pr/media-advisory-us-attorney-and-fbi-leadership-brief-family-olivia-lone-bear-death#:~:text=Olivia%20Lone%20Bear.,toxicological%20causes%20for%20her%20death
Valley News Live. (2019, August 1). No answers 1 year later in American Indian woman's death. https://www.valleynewslive.com/content/news/Olivia-Lone-Bear-One-Year-Later-513482291.html
 
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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep

Episode 84: The Unsolved Murder of Elizabeth Barraza

On the morning of January 25, 2019, 29-year-old Liz Barraza cheerfully set up a garage sale in the driveway of the Tomball, Texas home she shared with her husband Sergio and their beloved dachshund, Diesel. The fun loving, vivacious Liz was excited to make a little extra cash to use on her upcoming 5th wedding anniversary trip to sunny Orlando, Florida. While setting up the garage sale, Liz would be shot four times by an unknown assailant. Shockingly, the entire incident was caught on surveillance camera.
Instead of celebrating with his wife, Sergio would be attending a vigil in his Liz' memory on their wedding anniversary. Despite having the suspect's vehicle and the murder on film, the case remains unsolved, possibly because the killer is believed to have been wearing a disguise.
With no known enemies and a community of loved ones left behind, it is hard to imagine who would have wanted to hurt Liz, a woman who spent her life spreading joy and happiness to anyone lucky enough to cross her path.
 
Branch of Hope:
The Peter Mayhew Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to the alleviation of disease, pain, suffering, and the financial toll brought on by life's traumatic events. By providing its available resources directly to deserving children and adults in need, they assist numerous charitable organizations in order to promote and boost their effectiveness and provide support where needed.    
 
Sources: 
Who killed Liz Barraza. (n.d.). https://www.whokilledlizbarraza.com/
Willey, J. (2024, January 25). Was Liz Barraza killed in murder-for-hire plot? Her father tells ABC13 he believes she was. ABC13 Houston. https://abc13.com/elizabeth-barraza-shot-and-killed-tomball-garage-sale-murder-who-murdered-husband-of-liz/14354199/
Who Killed Elizabeth Barraza? (n.d.). https://www.khou.com/article/news/crime/tomball-texas-elizabeth-barraza-death-garage-sale/285-6c1cae40-d262-4d2e-bc7a-21ccfb300efe
Tomball woman to be honored in memorial 6 years after her unsolved murder. (2025, January 24). ABC13 Houston. https://abc13.com/post/elizabeth-barraza-memorial-tomball-woman-shot-death-driveway-2019-honored-6-years-unsolved-murder/15833300/
 
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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep

Episode 83: Where is Paola Miranda Rosa?

Paola Miranda Rosa, 31, vanished from Wekiva Springs State Park on December 18, 2021. Last seen on a video created by an unnamed eyewitness, her car was found in the park despite initial denials by a ranger.
The investigation by Osceola County Sheriff's Office was criticized for being inadequate, suggesting suicide or alligator attack with little evidence. Her family, unsatisfied, conducted their own searches, hired a PI, and is now pushing for FBI involvement, especially after the lead detective was added to a Brady list for misconduct. Paola remains missing, with her family advocating for further investigation.
Stefanie was able to speak directly to the Miranda family. You won't believe what she found out.
 
Sources:
Munoz, L. (2024, December 14). Family of missing Osceola County woman seeks FBI involvement. WESH. https://www.wesh.com/article/missing-osceola-county-woman/63188736
Paola Marie Miranda-Rosa – The Charley Project. (n.d.). https://charleyproject.org/case/paola-marie-miranda-rosa
Orlando, F. 3. (2022, May 17). Paola Miranda-Rosa: 5 months since Central Florida woman went missing. FOX 35 Orlando. https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/paola-miranda-rosa-5-months-since-central-florida-woman-went-missing
Parks, A. (2022, December 2). Wekiwa Springs State Park In Apopka, FL | America's State Parks. America\\\’s State Parks. https://www.americasstateparks.org/wekiwa-springs-state-park/
How dangerous are black bears? - North American Bear Center. (2024, January 2). North American Bear Center. https://bear.org/bear-facts/how-dangerous-are-black-bears/
Conflicts: A Research Perspective | Urban Coyote Research. (n.d.). https://urbancoyoteresearch.com/coyote-info/conflicts-research-perspective
American Alligator | National Wildlife Federation. (n.d.). National Wildlife Federation. https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Reptiles/American-Alligator
Talcott, A. (2024, January 4). How many people have been killed by alligators in Florida? The number may surprise you. WKMG. https://www.clickorlando.com/features/2024/01/04/how-many-people-have-been-killed-by-alligators-in-florida-it-may-surprise-you/
Barabino, W. (2021, March 6). What is the Brady List? - Law Office of William J. Barabino. Law Office of William J. Barabino. https://www.williambarabino.com/blog/2021/03/06/what-is-the-brady-list/
 
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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep