When an Ohio medical student disappears into thin air during a night out, a massive investigation fails to uncover any trace of him. One of the Midwest’s most baffling mysteries is explored in this episode of Last Seen Alive.
Brian Shaffer was 27-years-old when he went missing from Columbus, Ohio on April 1st, 2006. He was a second year medical student at Ohio State University College of Medicine. Image source: family photo.Brian loved music, and was an amateur musician. Image source family photo.Brian has been missing since April of 2006, and answers in his case have been exceedingly hard to come by. It’s unknown whether he was the victim of foul play. Image source: family photo.This security still from the night of Brian’s disappearance shows him near the escalator that led to the Ugly Tuna Saloona. Image source: security camera footage.Brian was last seen as the Ugly Tuna Saloona bar, which was located on the second story of a multi-business building. Image source: Google Maps.At the time of Brian’s disappearance, the bar he vanished from–the Ugly Tuna Saloona–was located in this retail center. It has since moved to a different location. No trace of Brian has ever been found, there or otherwise. Image source: Google Maps.
When a group of paratroopers hits a North Carolina beach for a laid-back holiday weekend, one of their own goes missing. Tragic evidence washes ashore and ignites one of 2020’s most devastating missing / murdered American soldier investigations in this episode of Last Seen Alive.
Enrique Roman Martinez was 21-years-old when he was murdered on the North Carolina island of South Core Banks in 2020. His murder remains unsolved. Image source: family photo.Searchers search South Core Banks Island for any sign of Enrique. After his disappearance, a week passed before his partial remains washed up on an adjacent island. His homicide has yet to be solved.Enrique joined the US Army at the age of just 17 because he was interested in service to others, and in getting an education. He is remembered by those who loved him for his easygoing and kind nature, generosity, and his outstanding sense of humor. He is badly missed by his family. Image source: family photo.
The US Army is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for credible information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for Enrique’s death and dismemberment.
When a medical student and military reserve officer disappears during a run through a Philadelphia park, foul play is immediately suspected. The discovery of her body incriminates a deadly serial offender who is finally identified and charged in this special, updated episode of Last Seen Alive.
DECEMBER 2023 UPDATE: We originally aired an episode on Rebecca’s unsolved murder in 2020. In December of 2023, Philadelphia police identified Elias Diaz, age 46, as Rebecca’s alleged killer. He was charged with her murder–and an assortment of related charges–on December 20th, 2023 (see charges listed on court document below). Bail was denied. He has also been charged in relation to two other attacks committed in November of 2023. The total number of his victims isn’t known for sure, and Philadelphia Police are seeking any information that could lead to additional charges against Diaz.
You can find our update episode on Rebecca’s case, featuring the latest information available as of 12/20/2023, wherever you listen to podcasts.
Rebecca Park is remembered by her friends, family and co-workers for her sunny attitude, organized nature and boundless energy. She was always moving forward, and excelled in her medical studies. She loved animals, science and medicine, and valued family and friends.Pictured: composite images of the suspect in Rebecca’s murder (based on DNA) at different ages.Elias Diaz was charged in December of 2023 with Rebecca’s murder, which occurred in 2003.
If you have any information that could lead to additional charges against Diaz, please call 215-686-8477 to report what you know to Philadelphia Police.
When a young Marine Corps veteran has an unwelcome spotlight cast upon his life by Hollywood, murder soon follows. An execution-style killing in the Massachusetts woods cuts a young life short and baffles investigators in this episode of Last Seen Alive.
David Cox enlisted in the United States Marines Corps at age 18 and served for several years at bases all over the world. Image source: family photo.Here, David appears in an undated family photo. After his discharge from the USMC, he moved back to the suburban Boston area, where he was from and where he had family. David and his girlfriend shared a pet rabbit, Lenny. On the day of David’s disappearance, his girlfriend arrived home from work to find Lenny hopping around the apartment, seemingly agitated. Image source: family photo.David returned to civilian life after completing his military service. In January of 1994, at age 27, he disappeared from his Natick, Massachusetts apartment without explanation. his remains were found months later concealed in a forested area. Image source: family photo.David was honorably discharged from the USMC after completing his contracted term of service. After reentering civilian life, he returned to his home state of Massachusetts. Image source: USMC.David’s remans were found by a canoeist, who reported the discovery to police. They had been deliberately concealed with pine branches. Image source: police photo.David’s family members reported that he did not typically wear his military gear in public. Nevertheless, when his remains were found, he was wearing military jackets (pictured). Image source: police photo.
If you know anything about the murder of David Cox, please contact the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office at: 617-593-8840.
When a Louisiana woman’s worst fears come true, investigators are left to sift through the ashes of the home she shared with her fire chief husband. Arson and betrayal complicate the search for truth in this episode of Last Seen Alive.
Nanette’s husband, Steve, was the local fire chief, and one of the first firefighters on scene. This still frame is taken from his in-vehicle camera footage, which was recording when he arrived at his burning home. Image source: fire department footage.Nanette’s husband, Steve Krentel, was the local fire chief when her death occurred. Image source: family photo.Nanette’s home was located in a rural, forested part of Louisiana. The person who called 911 was a child who saw smoke coming from the house while riding by on their bicycle. By the time the call was made, the fire had been burning for approx. half an hour. Image source: Google Maps.As shown in this satellite image, the Krentel’s rural home was tucked away in a very private location. Image source: Google Maps.Nanette was a kind and caring person, and is badly missed by her family members, with whom she was very close. Image source: family photo.
When a young family ventures into a remote Washington forest in search of the perfect Christmas tree, a dark mystery unfolds. Parents go missing, a child is found wandering alone in another town and all of Washington state wonders whether a serial predator may be waiting in the woods in this episode of Last Seen Alive.
Diana Robertson (right) is pictured with her boyfriend, Michael Riemer (left). Diana was a victim of homicide, and Michael’s cause of death remains unknown. Image source: family photo.
When a Penn State University senior disappears without a trace on Halloween night, only one thing is clear: she didn’t vanish voluntarily. A heartbreaking mystery leads to a tale of real-life monsters in this episode of Last Seen Alive.
Cindy Song was 23-years-old when she went missing from State College, Pennsylvania on Halloween night, 2001. This photo was taken on the night of her disappearance. Image source: family photo.Investigators know that Cindy made it home on the night of her disappearance because they found some of the belongings she’d been wearing that night–including a set of fake eyelashes–inside her apartment. Image source: police photo.This sketch depicts a man who a witness claimed had abducted a young woman from Philly’s Chinatown neighborhood. Believe it or not, this image is not intended to depict award-winning actor Christopher Walken. Image source: police photo.At the time of her disappearance, City Song was a hardworking 23-year-old college senior and aspiring graphic designer. During her years at Penn State, she earned excellent grades in challenging courses while also working two jobs. She was looking forward to beginning her career after graduating in the spring. She never got the chance, and is presumed to be deceased, likely as the result of foul play. Image source: family photo.Hugo Selenski is a Pennsylvania serial killer who a jailhouse informant claims killed Cindy Song. The informant’s tip lead investigators to discover a dozen sets of human remains concealed in Selenski’s backyard. Cindy’s were not among them. Whether or not he was involved in Cindy’s disappearance is unknown. Image source: PA Dept of Corrections.
When a small town Texas teen goes missing, an entire community turns out to search the high prairie by land and air. A mysterious death, a contentious debate and shocking accounts of corruption are explored in this episode of Last Seen Alive.
Tom Brown was 18-years-old when he went missing from his small hometown of Canadian, Texas in 2016. His partial remains were found approx. two years later, and it remains unknown how he died. The Texas Attorney General’s Office has suspended their investigation into his death pending further information. Image source: family photo.At the time of Tom Brown’s disappearance and death, Nathan Lewis was the Sheriff of Hemphill County. He had previously been accused of wrongfully detaining and harassing Tom, and his investigation into Tom’s case has drawn significant criticism. He is no longer Sheriff. Image source: Hemphill County Sheriff’s Office.This letter of reprimand was issued to former Hemphill County Sheriff Nathan Lewis by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Image source: TCOLE.In this letter to the editor, Hemphill County Sheriff Pearson (predecessor of Sheriff Lewis) responds to a complaint from Tom Brown’s mother alleging that then-Deputy Lewis harassed her son.Tom Brown was a well-rounded, multi-talented young man who not only performed well as an athlete, but earned top grades, excelled as a member of the drama team, and served as class president. Most importantly, he was known for treating others with kindness. His life was cut short at the age of 18, and his manner and cause of death remain unknown. Image source: family photo.This police photo shows Tom’s vehicle where it was located, near a wastewater treatment facility. Image source: Hemphill County Sheriff’s Office.This police photo shows the interior of Tom’s vehicle, shortly after it was found. Image source: Hemphill County Sheriff’s Office.This police photo shows the interior of Tom’s vehicle, shortly after it was found. Image source: Hemphill County Sheriff’s Office.This police photo shows the cartridge casing that was found inside of Tom’s vehicle. Whether or not the casing had anything to do with Tom’s death is unknown. Image source: Hemphill County Sheriff’s Office.This map shows where Tom’s vehicle, backpack, phone and remains were found. Image source: Texas Office of the Attorney General.
When a young Hawaiian woman leaves a dinner party on a torrentially rainy night, the journey turns deadly—and not because of the weather. Fear grips the Island of Oahu as police search for a killer within their own ranks in this episode of Last Seen Alive.
Pictured: Lisa’s car from which she is believed to possibly have been abducted. It was found abandoned along a highway near her home. Image source: KGMB.Pictured: Lisa’s parents, who searched diligently for her after her disappearance, and were heartbroken to learn that she had been murdered. Here, they’re seen talking to news media. Both died without seeing their daughter’s murder solved. Image source: KGMB.After Lisa vanished, enormous search efforts were launched, and her family + volunteers left countless fliers on vehicles. Despite their efforts, Lisa wasn’t found until 10 days later, when her remains were located by a man walking his dog. Image source: Hawaii news now.This map depicts where Lisa was last seen alive, where her car was found abandoned, where her remains were found, and her destination. Image source: Google Maps.Lisa Au was 19-years-old when she vanished from the Hawaiian island of Oahu during a stormy night in January of 1982. Her car was found abandoned not far from her home, and her remains were found 10 days later at Tantalus Summit. Her murder remains unsolved. Image source: family photo.
Sources used to research to research this episode:
When an accomplished long distance runner hits the trails in the central Wyoming mountains and never returns, investigators are tasked with answering the question: what—or who—did this Olympic hopeful fail to outrun? Strange journals, a serial killer with a history of terrible crimes against women and other theories are explored in this episode of Last Seen Alive.
Amy Wroe Bechtel was 24-years-old when she disappeared while on a run near Lander, Wyoming. Image source: family photo.At the time of Amy’s disappearance, she’d been married to her husband, Steve, for approximately a year. Both were athletes with a passion for the outdoors. Image source: family photo.Dale Wayne Eaton, a serial murderer and “itinerant stumblebum”, is a suspect in Amy’s disappearance. Image source: booking photo.Here, Amy is pictured on the cover of an edition of Runner’s World, which has published articles both on her disappearance, and the dangers of running while female. Image source: Runner’s World.Amy was a gifted athlete and Olympic hopeful who taught youth weightlifting classes, worked at a rock climbing shop and at a local grill, and was an amateur photographer. She is badly missed by her family and friends. Image source: family photo.
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