UNSOLVED CASES: MISSING AND MURDERED HUNTERS

Each fall, millions of hunters venture into the American wilderness in pursuit of wild game. Some return successful, others empty-handed—and some not at all. These are the stories of four different hunters who never made it home to their families, having fallen victim either to natural perils, or the greatest danger of all: other humans. Now, investigators must track through the backwoods in search of answers far more elusive than any prey.

These little-known cases are in critical need of tips from the public, so join us as we explore the stories of multiple victims in this special multi-case episode of Last Seen Alive.

Cases covered in this episode include:

The unsolved 2001 murder of James Southworth, a Wisconsin man who was ambushed by a cruel killer while hunting alone on family property.

The unsolved 2005 murder of Pennsylvania hunter Steve Kachonik, who was gunned down months after narrowly avoiding a deadly trap someone had set for him in the same woods.

The unsolved 2016 murder of Terry Brisk, who was fatally shot at close range with his own deer rifle while hunting on his family’s property in Minnesota.

The unsolved 2022 disappearance of Steve Keel, an avid outdoorsman who vanished without a trace just outside of camp during an Alaskan hunting trip.

Unsolved Homicide: James Southworth

James was 37-years-old when he was murdered in Clark County, Wisconsin. Investigators–and his family–are still seeking answers. Image source: family photo.

Sources used to research James Southworth’s segment of this episode:

Dead-End Grief for Family of Slain Hunter a Decade Ago (Chuck Rupnow / Leader-Telegram)

Unsolved: 20 Years Pass Since Hunter Found Dead in Clark County (WSAW News)

Family Still Mourning Unsolved Killing in 2001 (Chippewa Herald)

Widow of Hunter Seeks Info (Wisconsin State Journal)

Convicted Hunter Eyed in ’01 Death (Chicago Tribune)

Hmong Hunter Charged With 6 Murders Is Said To Be a Shaman (Stephen Kinzer New York Times)

Authorities Consider Link to Past Killing (Robert Imrie / Post-Bulletin)

Death of 37-Year-Old Deer Hunter Continues to Baffle Authorities (WIRE)

Deer Woods Murder: The Day a Trespasser Killed 6 Hunters (Patrick Durkin / meateater.com)

If you know anything about the death of James Southworth, please contact the Clark County Sheriff’s Department directly at 1-800-743-2420.

James’ family and friends have posted a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for his death.

Unsolved Homicide: Steve Kachonik

Steve was 39-years-old when he was murdered in the area of New Alexandria, Pennsylvania. Investigators–and his family–are still seeking answers. Image source: family photo.

Sources used to research Steve Kachonik’s segment of this episode:

Crime Stoppers Focuses on Cold Case in the Kiski Valley (Patrick Cloonan / Indiana Gazette)

Hunter Was Shot Out of Tree (Tom Yerace / TribLive.com)

Police Seek Answers in Hunter’s 12 Year Old Murder Case (WPXI News)

Hunter’s Death Remains Unsolved (Valley News Dispatch via TribLive.com)

Cold Case: Steve Kachonik (Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office)

If you know anything about the death of Steve Kachonik, please call the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers Toll Free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477), or submit a tip online HERE.

Either way, you can remain anonymous if you wish. If your tip moves the case forward, you may be eligible for a cash reward.

Unsolved Homicide: Terry Brisk

Terry (pictured above with one of his children) was 41-years-old when he was murdered in the area of Belle Prairie Township, Minnesota. Investigators–and his family–are still seeking answers. Image source: family photo.

Sources used to research Terry Brisk’s segment of this episode:

Hunter Became the Hunted: 2016 Minnesota Murder Remains Unsolved (Chelsea Perkins / TwinCities.com)

Mom: Murder of Deer Hunter “Tore Our Family Apart” (Ellery McCardle / Kare11 News)

7 Years On, Terry Brisk’s Family Won’t Let His Murder Case Go Cold (John Lauritsen / CBS News)

Authorities Still Seeking Answers Seven Years After Hunter was Shot (Kirsty Marohn / MPR News)

News Release: Morrison County Sheriff’s Office, November 6th, 2023

If you know anything about the death of Terry Brisk, please contact the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office at 320-632-9233. Or, if you prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact Minnesota Crime Stoppers at 1-800-233-TIPS (8477), or via their website, www.crimestoppersMN.org. Or, text Minnesota Crime Stoppers by sending a text message beginning with TIP674 to CRIMES to 274637.

No matter how you report your tip, if it leads to the arrest and conviction of a suspect in regards to Terry’s homicide, you could be eligible for a $30,000 reward.

Unsolved Disappearance: Steve Keel