True Crime: Untold Cases

The Freeway Phantom (Washington, D.C., 1971–1972)

Between April 1971 and September 1972, at least six African American girls (ages 10 to 18) were abducted and murdered in the District of Columbia.The unknown killer—nicknamed the “Freeway Phantom”—left at least one taunting note and was linked to the victims via forensic evidence. Despite multiple task forces, suspects, and revived leads, the case remains unsolved.

The Eastbound Strangler (Atlantic City, New Jersey, 2006)

The bodies of four women—all sex workers—were discovered in a drainage ditch behind a motel on the Black Horse Pike, just outside Atlantic City. They had been placed face down in shallow water, all barefoot, and positioned in a line. No arrests have been made. Some suspect a serial killer connected to similar crimes in other states, but nothing conclusive has emerged.

The Hall-Mills Murder (New Jersey, 1922)

The bodies of Edward Wheeler Hall, an Episcopal priest, and Eleanor Mills, a choir singer, were found staged in a lover’s lane. Hall’s wife and her brothers became prime suspects, as evidence suggested jealousy and inheritance motives—but scandal, sensational press coverage, and possibly tainted testimony led to an acquittal. The crime remains unsolved.

The Springfield Three (Missouri, 1992)

Friends Suzanne Streeter (19) and Stacy McCall (18) returned to Suzie’s home after a graduation party. Suzie’s mother, Sherrill Levitt (47), was already there. The next morning, all three women were gone—no signs of a struggle beyond a broken porch light. Their personal belongings, including purses and cars, were left behind. Despite exhaustive searches and national attention, they remain missing.

The Burger Chef Murders (Indiana, 1978)

Four employees of a local Burger Chef restaurant—two teenagers and two young adults—disappeared during a presumed robbery. Their bodies were found two days later in a wooded area 20 miles away; they had been shot or stabbed to death. While police interviewed numerous suspects and developed leads, no one has ever been convicted.

The Tara Calico Disappearance (New Mexico, 1988)

Nineteen-year-old Tara Calico vanished during her routine bike ride along State Road 47. Despite an extensive search, no trace of Tara or her bike was found. Months later, a Polaroid photograph surfaced in a Florida parking lot appearing to show a bound young woman and a boy—many believed one of them could be Tara, but that remains unconfirmed.

The Death of Rey Rivera (Maryland, 2006)

Rey Rivera disappeared after leaving his home abruptly. Days later, his body was found in a disused room at the Belvedere Hotel, having apparently fallen through the roof. Police initially labeled it a probable suicide; however, many aspects—like the strange hole in the roof and Rey’s cryptic note—didn’t align with a straightforward self-harm scenario. The case gained renewed attention from a 2020 Netflix documentary.

The Killing of Ken Rex McElroy (Missouri, 1981)

Ken Rex McElroy, often described as the “town bully,” terrorized Skidmore residents for years with thefts, assaults, and intimidation. Despite multiple indictments, he avoided significant jail time. In July 1981, an unknown shooter gunned down McElroy in broad daylight while he sat in his truck—yet no eyewitnesses came forward, and the entire town effectively closed ranks. No one has ever been charged with his killing.

The Suspicious Death of Debbie Wolfe (North Carolina, 1985)

Debbie Wolfe, a 28-year-old nurse, vanished after leaving work. Her mother found strange clues at Debbie’s home—such as muddy footprints and items out of place. Weeks later, Debbie’s body was discovered in a nearby pond inside a barrel-like container, although initial police reports downplayed foul play. Wolfe’s family believes the investigation was mishandled, pointing to potential evidence that indicated homicide.

The Missing Sodder Children (West Virginia, 1945)

A fire broke out at the Sodder family home. George and Jennie Sodder escaped with four of their children—but five children never emerged. The official explanation claimed they perished in the blaze, yet no remains were found. Over the decades, the Sodders received mysterious letters and reported sightings suggesting the children might still be alive.