When a young girl and her mom attend a neighborhood Christmas party in Northern Virginia, they enjoy the festivities—until the girl vanishes. An open window on a cold night suggests that she was abducted, and investigators quickly zero in on a suspect in this episode of Last Seen Alive.
Melissa Brannen was 5-years-old when she was abducted from her Lorton, Virginia apartment complex in 1989. Image source: family photo.This age-progressed image shows what Melissa may look like as an adult if still alive. Image source: NCMEC.Caleb Daniel Hughes abducted Melissa from a holiday party in 1989. He is a convicted sex offender and child predator. So far, he has not been charged with Melissa’s murder. Image source: VADOC.Caleb Hughes is a registered sex offender. Image source: VADOC.Pictured: a replica of the outfit that Melissa was wearing on the night of her abduction. Image source: police photo.Melissa lived with her mom in Lorton, Virginia. Image source: family photo.Melissa was a sweet 5-year-old child, and was beloved by her mom and grandparents. No one has been charged with her presumed murder. Image source: family photo.
When a young, pregnant Massachusetts woman is found dead in 2021, local police write off her death as a suicide. However, the findings of a medical examiner hired by the victim’s family prompt the FBI to step in and perform an expert investigation of their own. Federal authorities charge a disgraced police officer with the premeditated murder of a young woman they say he had abused for years in this episode of Last Seen Alive.
Sandra Birchmore was 23-years-old when she was murdered while 8-10 weeks pregnant with her first child in 2021. Sandra’s lifelong dream had been to become a police officer. Image source: family photo.Federal investigators have charged former Stoughton Police Officer Matthew Farwell–pictured here with a regrettable haircut–with Sandra’s murder. They allege that he sexually abused and exploited Sandra for years (since childhood) before ultimately fatally strangling her. Image source: Stoughton PD.Sandra was incredibly excited about her pregnancy at the time of her death. Pictured: a congratulatory pregnancy announcement she handmade. The recipient of this announcement–Matthew Farwell–allegedly strangled her to death, ending her life, as well as the pregnancy. Image source: family photo.Sandra’s alleged murderer, Matthew Farwell, has a twin brother: William Farwell (pictured). William Farwell also engaged in sexual contact with teenaged Sandra. Here, William Farwell is pictured with teenaged Sandra. Image source: Stoughton PD.Joshua Heal (pictured) was another Stoughton PD officer who allegedly engaged in sexual contact with murder victim Sandra Birchmore. He eventually moved on to working as a police officer at the Abington (Massachusetts) Police Department. Image source: Stoughton PD.Robert Devine–a former Stoughton Police Deputy Chief and the overseer of the Stoughton Police Explorers Program–also allegedly engaged in sexual contact with teenaged Sandra. Image source: Stoughton PD.Sandra was smart and funny, and enjoyed working with children. She hoped to become a mother herself, but was murdered while pregnant with her first child. Image source: family photo.Sandra was only a child (12) when she enrolled in the Stoughton Police Explorers Program. Federal prosecutors allege that she was groomed and sexually abused while still a minor. Image source: Stoughton PD.Pictured: Sandra’s high school yearbook photo / entry. According to federal prosecutors, Sandra was only 15-years-old when her sexual abuse at the hands of a Stoughton Police Department officer began.
When an Oklahoma newlywed is found murdered in his own home, all signs suggest that his missing wife was abducted from the scene. A small town is haunted by these crimes—plus another, eerily-similar abduction—in this episode of Last Seen Alive.
Melody and Paul Jones were 19 and 20 years old, respectively, when they were murdered in May of 1983. Paul was killed in their home, and Melody was abducted. Her remains were found years later. Image source: family photo.Melody wore glasses (pictured) to correct her extremely poor eyesight. Those glasses were left behind at the crime scene, which indicated to investigators that she had not left her home willingly. Image source: family photo.Patty Hamilton was 18-years-old when she was abducted from her night shift job at a Seminole, Oklahoma convenience store in the spring of 1983. He case remains unsolved, and it’s unknown whether her case is related to Melody and Paul’s.Melody worked at a fast food restaurant that was located just a few blocks away from the convenience store from which another young woman had been abducted just a month before her own abduction. It’s unknown whether their cases are related. Image source: Google Maps.
If you have any information on the deaths of Paul Jones, Melody Jones or Patty Hamilton, please call the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation at 800-522-8017, or email your tip to tips@osbi.ok.gov.
When an Atlantic City, New Jersey woman vanishes, her remains are found a month later—along with those of three other women. Investigators are still working to identify the “Atlantic City Serial Killer” nearly 20 years later, in this episode of Last Seen Alive.
Barbara Breidor was 42-years-old when she was murdered in west Atlantic City, NJ. She was a mother, daughter, sister and friend. Image source: family photo.Kim Raffo was 35-years-old when she was murdered in west Atlantic City, NJ. She was a mother, daughter, sister and friend. Image source: family photo.Molly Dilts was 20-years-old when she was murdered in west Atlantic City, NJ. She was a mother, daughter, sister and friend. Image source: family photo.Tracy Roberts was 23-years-old when she was murdered in west Atlantic City, NJ. She was a mother, daughter, sister and friend. Image source: family photo.This empty lot sits where the Golden Key Motel once stood. Barbara, Kim, Molly and Tracy’s bodies were all found in a drainage ditch directly behind the motel. Image source: Google Maps.This possible suspect sketch is based on the recollection of a witness who claims that the man depicted confessed to killing people around the time of the Atlantic City serial killings. It’s unknown whether or not the sketch actually depicts a legitimate suspect. Image source: 48 hours.This satellite view image shows the empty lot where the Golden Key Motel once stood, and the drainage ditch directly behind it. Barbara, Kim, Molly and Tracy’s bodies were all found submerged in the ditch. Image source: Google Maps.
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:
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:
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:
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
Steve was 61-years-old when he went missing in the wilderness near Deadhorse, Alaska. His family is still searching for him. Image source: family photo.
Sources used to research Steve Keel’s segment of this episode:
When an Illinois veterinary medicine student is attacked in her own home, she uses the last of her strength to seek help, but dies before being able to name her killer. No explanation—or potential suspect—is off the table as investigators seek the truth behind an unlikely crime in this episode of Last Seen Alive.
Maria Caleel was 21-years-old when she was murdered in her Urbana, Illinois apartment. She was a kind, intelligent and hard-working woman who loved animals. She was at the top of her veterinary medicine class, with plans to become an equine surgeon. Image source: family photo.Maria’s murder has remained unsolved since it occurred, in 1988, despite investigators’ efforts. Investigators say that no explanation–or potential suspect–is off the table.
When a small-town Colorado man vanished in the middle of his work day, no trace of him was found until his vehicle was pulled from a local river six weeks later. Certain that foul play was involved, investigators worked for years to determine who might’ve wanted to harm a well-liked family-man. A suspect is finally charged with first degree murder in this breaking update episode of Last Seen Alive.
Dale Williams was a husband and devoted father of two. Investigators allege that his 1999 disappearance was the result of a carefully-calculated murder plot involving three people. Image source: family photo.James Daniel “Dan” Bishop has been charged with First Degree Murder in relation to Dale Williams’ disappearance. He was a former friend of Williams’. Investigators allege that Bishop killed Dale, with the aid of two other suspects, who are now deceased. Image source: police photo.
When two special needs students vanish from a Florida middle school, delayed search efforts yield tragic consequences. The FBI identifies a serial predator as a potential suspect after nearly 20 years in this episode of Last Seen Alive.
Bryan Hayes was 13-years-old when he went missing from Jacksonville, Florida. He had a great sense of humor, loved animals, appreciated flowers and loved to decorate for the holidays. His best friend was 12-year-old Mark Degner. Image source: family photo.Mark Degner was 12-years-old when he went missing from Jacksonville, Florida. He’s remembered for his sense of humor and love for animals. His best friend was 13-year-old Bryan Hayes. Image source: family photo.Ronnie Hyde is a prolific child predator and convicted child murderer. The number of children he abused prior to his imprisonment is unknown. Prior to his arrest, his entire life revolved around gaining access to vulnerable children in Jacksonville, and ruthlessly exploiting them. He worked in a children’s mental health clinic, and as a youth pastor. FBI investigators believe it’s possible that Hyde may have been responsible for Bryan and Mark’s disappearance. Hyde has never admitted to any of his heinous acts. Image source: mugshot.These age progression images from NCMEC show what Mark (left) and Bryan (right) might look like as adults. Image source: NCMEC.
When a Kentucky woman disappears, police are ambivalent—until her jawbone is mailed to a local news station. A marriage of convenience, another woman’s mysterious death, a possible serial killer and corrupt medical examiners all complicate a rollercoaster of an investigation in this episode of Last Seen Alive.
Prior to her death, Sgt. Laura Cecere held the unique distinction of being the only female instructor at the Sabalauski Air Assault School. She was a capable and decorated soldier who had also served overseas during the Gulf War. Image source: family photo.Laura Cecere was a hard-working and tremendously strong woman known for her optimism and athleticism. She was 25-years-old when she was murdered. Her murder was almost certainly an act of betrayal by someone she knew and trusted. Image source: family photo.At the time of her death, Laura was legally married to her friend, Max Roybal. The marriage was one of convenience, designed to provide Laura with housing benefits from the Army, and Roybal with the benefits of being a military spouse (e.g. healthcare). Investigators eventually charged Roybal with Laura’s murder, as well as the murder of another woman, and accused Roybal of being a financially-motivated serial killer. He was not convicted of either killing. Image source: newspaper clipping.Pictured: a memorial stone Laura’s family had made in her remembrance. The majority of Laura’s remains have never been located, and no remains are interred at this site. Image source: Running Deer via FindaGrave.com
When a widowed Kentucky woman vanishes from her cabin home on the outskirts of a National Park, the evidence makes it clear that she was violently attacked. The search for a beloved mother and her presumed killer spans decades in this episode of Last Seen Alive.
Alyne Barrick was 61-years-old when she went missing from her cabin near Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky. Image source: family photo.Alyne was locally known as “the rose lady” because of her practice of sharing the beautiful roses she grew with family, friends and strangers.Alyne was an incredibly hardworking woman, and wonderful caretaker to her children, and to her siblings, who she raised. Image source: family photo.Alyne was an avid outdoorswoman, and especially loved to fish. Image source: family photo.
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