Episode 137: Karen Spencer

Karen Spencer's story began on December 29, 1989. 17-year-old Karen and her sister-in-law Christy Spencer were driving along I-275 in Clermont County. Karen had been staying with her brother and sister-in-law in Miami Township. Christy and Karen got into an argument sometime around 3:00 a.m., Christy pulled over between the Montgomery Road and Ohio 28 exits. Karen then exited the vehicle. It is unknown whether Christy forced Karen to get out of her car or if Karen wanted to leave on her own.


According to Christy, Karen then began walking north. Christy then went back to pick Karen up. When she returned, Karen was gone. Witnesses reported seeing Karen walking along the highway. She was never seen alive again. Her family began searching for her. They found no trace of the missing high school student. Karen's family said she had a job and was looking forward to her high school graduation. This year marks the 33rd anniversary of Karen’s disappearance.


The only clue about Karen’s disappearance involved a man who pulled over after seeing Christy’s car along the highway. The man asked the women if they needed help. Christy told the man they were fine and for him to go away. The man then left. Law enforcement claimed that the man gave inconsistent answers and seemed suspicious. No further action was taken against him. However, a former detective on the case told Karen’s brother that the man went to the hospital hours later for a groin injury. His wife told law enforcement she didn’t give him the injury. According to Jim Campbell, this man is a person of interest and still lives in Ohio. He has also lawyered up and will not speak to the police.


Karen’s family remains frustrated after spending over three decades in search of information about her whereabouts. Law enforcement is unlikely to find out what happened to Karen without the public’s assistance. Jim Campbell, Karen’s brother, said at this point, he doesn’t even care about punishing whoever abducted his sister. He just wants her body returned to the family so they can give her a proper burial and say goodbye.


It’s been 33 years since this beautiful teenager was snatched away from her family in the early morning hours of Clermont County, Ohio. Jim Campbell and his family are pleading for your help. Imagine if Karen was your sister or family member. Wouldn’t you want to know what happened to her? If you have any information about this case, please call the Miami Township Police at 513-248-3721 or Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040.


Note* Opening audio provided by WCPO 9 (https://www.wcpo.com)


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