Episode 117: Christina Whittaker (Part 1 of 2)

In 2009, 21-year-old Christina Whittaker, a new mother from Hannibal, Missouri, disappeared after a night out with friends on November 13. She was last seen after being escorted out of Rookie’s Sports Bar around 11:45 p.m. for disruptive behavior, having been previously banned from the establishment. Witnesses reported her being heavily intoxicated, and after failing to secure a ride home from two other nearby bars, River City Billiards and Sportsman’s Bar, she was last seen leaving the latter, upset after a heated phone call. Her cell phone was found the next morning near Sportsman’s Bar by Danny Baker, a registered sex offender, raising suspicions due to his questionable connection to Christina and the timing of the discovery. No significant evidence was recovered from the phone.

Christina’s mother, Cindy Young, has been vocal about the case, believing her daughter may have been kidnapped and trafficked to Peoria, Illinois, a theory fueled by rumors involving Darcy “Bookie” Morris, a known criminal with a violent history, including a 2014 murder conviction. Some speculate Morris may have abducted Christina, possibly disposing of her body at a hog farm, though he denies involvement, claiming he was in Peoria for his daughter’s birth. Cindy insists Christina is alive in Peoria, possibly brainwashed and living among the homeless, though reported sightings remain unconfirmed. The Hannibal Police Department has conducted over 200 interviews but found no evidence of foul play, and no surveillance footage or solid leads have emerged.

A 2021 documentary, *Relentless*, explored the case, introducing new perspectives and theories, including Morris’s potential involvement and the questionable circumstances around Baker, who died before being fully interviewed. The documentary, discussed in a follow-up episode, challenges initial assumptions about the case. Despite extensive searches, including in areas known for crime, no trace of Christina has been found, and the police have largely stepped back, leaving the case unresolved.

Sources:

What happened to Christina Whittaker? (n.d.). Criminal. https://vocal.media/criminal/what-happened-to-christina-whittaker

Tempesta, E. (2021, August 2). Fascinating docuseries lays bare disappearance of Missouri mother. Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-9832853/Fascinating-docuseries-lays-bare-disappearance-Mississippi-mother.html

Synovacantrell, V. a. P. B. (2025, March 8). Difficult conversations around the disturbing case of Christina Whittaker. Synova Ink. https://synovaink.com/2024/10/16/difficult-conversations-around-the-disturbing-case-of-christina-whittaker/

Glen Ledbetter - Sippell, M. (2023, January 31). Relentless: What That Last Lead in Christina Whittaker's Case Tells Us. MovieMaker. https://www.moviemaker.com/relentless-finale-what-that-final-lead-in-the-christina-whittaker-case-tells-us/

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This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep