Accident or Murder?  Why do missing men keep turning up in rivers?

Accident or Murder? Why do missing men keep turning up in rivers?

Almost daily we hear of a case of a different missing man that vanishes after a night out with friends. It happens everywhere - Boston, Chicago, Wisconsin, Minnesota. Even in England. Big cities and small towns. The stories of these men play out in the same way. Family and friends conduct desperate searches and make frenzied social media posts in an attempt to find him before time runs out. And then the worst happens, a body is pulled from a lake or river, usually not far from where the man was last seen. The search is over.

Can all of these cases really be attributed to accidents? Why do these cases seem to happen in clustered locations?

In this episode of the True Crime Society Podcast, we look at the cases of five men who were missing and later recovered in water. We also discuss one current case where the man is still missing and a river is currently being searched:

- Christopher Jenkins went missing from Minneapolis in 2002 on Halloween night. His body was found in a river four months later. Police originally classified his death as an accident and had to apologize to Chris' family when they determined it was actually likely a homicide.

- Zachary Marr went missing from a bar in Boston on February 13, 2016. He had gone outside for a cigarette and messaged his friends that he wanted to leave. In the matter of minutes while they were getting their coats, Zachary vanished into the night. His body was found in a river one month after he disappeared and his death is thought to be accidental.

- Dakota James was last seen alive on January 25, 2017 in Pittsburgh. He was walking home after a night out with friends. His body was pulled from a river 40 days later. Dakota's family believe he had been drugged on the night he disappeared and that the condition of his body was too 'pristine' to have been in the water for so long. A smiley face was found spray painted on an underpass near where Dakota's body was found.

- Jelani Day went missing in August and his body was pulled from a river in September. Pathologist Dr Jame Bryant said within his 50 years of experience he had never examined a body as destroyed as the 25-year-old.

- Dakota Bingham went missing from a bar in Nashville on October 10, 2021. He called a Lyft to get home but never made the ride. There is apparently CCTV of Dakota falling into the Cumberland River and struggling to swim. His body was recovered just days after he disappeared.

- Brendan Santo was visiting friends at Michigan State University on October 29. He left to walk to another area and has not been seen since. As of November 24, 2021, Brendan is still missing. The Red Cedar River has been searched many times for him and police are hopeful of a breakthrough now that the water level is receding. The FBI are also involved in the search for Brendan.

You can read our blog for the men we discuss in this episode here - https://truecrimesocietyblog.com/2021/11/10/missing-men-and-waterways-what-is-going-on/

In next week's episode, we delve more into the Smiley Face Killer theory, so make sure you listen to this one first!

In terms of other updates, we also discuss the case of Jacob, Noah and Amber Clare. Jacob abducted his son and niece and went on the run with them. There is a lot going on - if you want to skip to the Clare update, goto 51.30 in the podcast.

Spotify link - https://open.spotify.com/episode/34H1dMmMjZYO6sZ6p0aHN1?si=Xo16M11NRlq4NUASiGpYWg

Apple link - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/true-crime-society/id1504300714?i=1000543019867

Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TrueCrimeSociety)

Episoder(255)

Introducing: CRIME HOUSE DAILY

Introducing: CRIME HOUSE DAILY

Crime doesn’t take a day off. And neither does Crime House Daily. Hosted by self-defense instructor and advocate for victims, Katie Ring, Crime House Daily is coming to you twice every weekday, covering the biggest crime stories as they  unfold. Morning episodes give you the need-to-know. The latest headlines, breaking developments, and where things are going next. Evening episodes go deeper. Into the people, the evidence, and the moments that matter most. The pursuit of justice never stops. And with Crime House Daily, you won’t have to either. Follow Crime House Daily on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or listen here: https://link.podtrac.com/bs6yo2u4

15 Sep 20257min

Devil's Den Murders | Clinton & Cristen Brink

Devil's Den Murders | Clinton & Cristen Brink

Timestamp to skip straight to the case: (11:40) Clinton and Cristen Brink moved with their two young daughters from South Dakota to Arkansas in mid 2025.  They moved for a fresh start and to be closer to family. On Saturday July 26, 2025, the family headed to the beautiful Devil’s Den State Park to hike and explore the area. While they were hiking, the family came across Andrew McGann.  Andrew allegedly fatally attacked Clinton.  Cristen took their daughters to safety before returning to try to help her husband.  She was also then brutally murdered. Andrew has pleaded not guilty to two counts of capital murder.  His trial is currently scheduled for November 2025. Terrifyingly, authorities have said that this appears to have been a totally random attack.  No motive has been made public. Read our blog for the case Be sure to follow us on your preferred podcast platform so that you never miss an episode. Join us on Patreon for exclusive weekly episodes and all content ad-free Follow ‘True Crime Society’ on all social media platforms - TikTok, Instagram, Reddit.  This episode is sponsored by: IQBar - The Ultimate Sampler Pack is a great way to try all IQBAR products and flavors: you get 9 IQBARs, 8 IQMIX sticks, and 4 IQJOE sticks.  IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners twenty percent off all IQBAR products—including the sampler pack—plus FREE shipping. To get your twenty percent off, text CRIME to 64-000

10 Sep 202549min

Australian Dismemberment Cases | Tamika Chesser & Jessica Camilleri

Australian Dismemberment Cases | Tamika Chesser & Jessica Camilleri

Timestamp to skip the chat: (4:38) Tamika Chesser is a former reality star, best known for her appearance on ‘Beauty and The Geek.’  Over the past few years, Tamika’s family have said that she was struggling with her mental health.   In June 2025, police were called to the home that Tamika shared with her partner, Julian Story, following reports of a fire.  When they entered the property, some of Julian’s remains were found in the bathroom.  His head was missing.  Tamika was said to be in a catatonic state when she was taken into custody. Julian’s head was located in scrub by a man walking his dog in late July 2025.   In July 2019,  Jessica Camilleri was living with her mother Rita in Sydney, Australia.   Jessica had a life-long history of mental illness.  In the weeks prior to the murder, Jessica had decided to stop taking her medication and was opting to seek out natural alternatives. On the day of July 20, 2019,  tensions between Jessica and Rita escalated.   Rita lost control of her daughter and threatened to call authorities to have her taken to a facility.  This enraged Jessica and she ended up stabbing her mother over 100 times.  Jessica then decapitated her mother and carried the head down the street.  When Jessica was arrested, she asked police "Can I ask, is my mum dead? Don't think I'm insane, but you can't bring her back to life?" You can read our blog for these cases here - https://truecrimesocietyblog.com/2025/09/01/the-cases-of-tamika-chesser-and-jessica-camilleri/ Be sure to follow us on our social media - Reddit, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.  Search ‘True Crime Society’ on all platforms. We have over 200 Patreon exclusive episodes available This episode is sponsored by: IQBar - The Ultimate Sampler Pack is a great way to try all IQBAR products and flavors: you get 9 IQBARs, 8 IQMIX sticks, and 4 IQJOE sticks.  IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners twenty percent off all IQBAR products—including the sampler pack—plus FREE shipping. To get your twenty percent off, text CRIME to 64-000.

4 Sep 202552min

The Candyman Murders | Serial Killer Dean Corll

The Candyman Murders | Serial Killer Dean Corll

Timestamp to skip intro chat: (2:15) In the early 1970’s, 42 boys vanished from the Houston Heights area of Texas. Dean Corll lived in the area and worked for the family company, Corll Candy Company.  In 1970, he began a three-year killing spree, along with his accomplices David Owen Brooks and Elmer Wayne Henley. All of their victims were males, aged between 13-20.  The three men tortured and abused their victims before viciously murdering them. Their rampage ended in 1973 when Elmer killed Dean following an altercation.  He called police and said "Y'all better come here right now! I just killed a man!" Dean, Elmer and David have been conclusively linked to 29 murders. Read our blog for this case - https://truecrimesocietyblog.com/2025/08/17/dean-corll-and-the-candyman-murders/ Thank you to Lauren for this episode suggestion.   This episode is sponsored by- Skylight - Skylight Calendar was designed to help you ditch the chaos of family life.  Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch Calendars by going to SkylightCal.com/tcs Be sure to follow us on all social media including Reddit and Tiktok - just search ‘True Crime Society’  Join our Patreon community for weekly exclusive content and all episodes are ad-free - Patreon.com/truecrimesociety

20 Aug 202550min

The Murder of Madeline Soto

The Murder of Madeline Soto

Timestamp to skip intro: (11:57) Madeline Soto had just celebrated her 13th birthday in February 2024.   She had a small party with her grandmother Yolanda, and a few friends.   She had been spending a lot of time with her grandmother.   When Madeline had to go back to the home of her mother, Jennifer Soto, she cried. Madeline and Jennifer were living in a condo with many roommates.  One of the people living there was Stephan Sterns.   Stephan and Jennifer had a relationship for years, but according to her, as of February 2024, they were no longer intimate.   Despite this, the sleeping arrangements in the home meant that Madeline and Stephan would share a bed.  Jennifer had her own separate bedroom.  This was explained because apparently the teen needed human contact to sleep and Jennifer needed her own space. On February 26, 2024, Jennifer went to collect Madeline from school.  She allegedly discovered that Madeline had not attended classes that day. A search began for the teen.  Her body was found in a wooded area five days later. Stephan would end up being charged with Madeline’s murder.  He was also charged with multiple counts of heinous crimes relating to children.   In July 2025, Stephan was sentenced to 21 concurrent life sentences with no chance of parole for the role he played in Madeline’s abuse and murder. Read our blog for Madeline here This episode is sponsored by: Quince - Elevate your fall wardrobe essentials with Quince. Go to Quince.com/tcs for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns. Be sure to follow us on all social media platforms - Reddit, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.  Just search for ‘True Crime Society.’ Join us on Patreon for weekly exclusive content.   All content on Patreon is ad-free - patreon.com/truecrimesociety

14 Aug 202557min

Massacre at the Lake House | The Humiston Family

Massacre at the Lake House | The Humiston Family

Skip straight to the case: (10:35) In October 2024, six members of the Humiston family were sleeping peacefully in their beds in Fall City, Washington.   Parents Sarah and Mark lived in a beautiful lake-front home with their five children - aged between 7 and 15. Sarah and Mark had been having some troubles with their eldest son, who we will call  ‘A’.   He had been caught viewing inappropriate images online and had been struggling with his school work.   On October 21, 2024, A retrieved a gun from the family’s gun safe.   He then allegedly shot every single member of his family.  He believed they were all dead and he called 911.  He told dispatchers that his younger brother Benjamin had carried out the massacre before taking his own life. A was incorrect in thinking that his whole family was dead.   His 11 y/o sister had played dead after he shot her and she managed to run to a neighboring property to ask for help.  She told authorities the true story.    In August 2025, new court documents were filed that indicate the Humiston parents were controlling and isolated their children from the community.   “A common theme that has been expressed amongst extended family, neighbors, and those who knew the Humistons is that the children were isolated from the outside world and did not engage socially with many peers – only a select few families that went to their church and were friends of their family,” court documents say. “Furthermore, initial reports indicate the home was abusive, tightly controlled, and dominated by extreme religious beliefs.” A has been charged with five counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.   A debate is currently ongoing in the legal system to determine if he will be tried as an adult or a juvenile. Read our blog for this case Join us on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive content Follow us on Instagram for the latest crime news This episode is sponsored by: Skylight:  Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch Calendars by going to SkylightCal.com/TCS

7 Aug 202548min

The 1986 Disappearance of 7-Month-Old Christopher Abeyta

The 1986 Disappearance of 7-Month-Old Christopher Abeyta

Skip straight to the case: (9:41) On July 15, 1986, Christopher Abeyta was around 7 months old.  He fell asleep in his older sister’s arms and was carried to his crib, which was located three feet from the bed of his parents. When his mother Bernice awoke the following morning, Christopher was nowhere to be seen.   Now, almost 40 years later, no trace of Christopher has ever been found. The Abeyta family are adamant that someone known to the family abducted Christopher.   They have publicly named a woman as a suspect.  This woman was having an affair with Christopher’s father Gil, and was known to have a history of mental health issues. Could someone have abducted Christopher and raised him as their own?  Or was the baby a victim of foul play? Read our blog for this case Be sure to follow us on Patreon for exclusive, ad-free content Follow us on Instagram Thank you as always for your support in these trying times!  Olivia and Stephanie x

31 Jul 202546min

Andrea Yates Drowned her Five Children in the Bath | Postpartum Psychosis

Andrea Yates Drowned her Five Children in the Bath | Postpartum Psychosis

Timestamp to start the case: (13:23) In April 1993, Andrea and Russell ‘Rusty’ Yates were married.   They told friends and family that they wanted to ‘have as many babies as nature allowed.’ Between 1995 and 2000, the couple had five children - four sons and a daughter. Andrea struggled with her mental health.  After the birth of their fourth child, Andrea was hospitalized and the couple were advised to not have any more children.  Andrea’s doctor said that any more births would "guarantee future psychotic depression." Despite this, the couple had a fifth child and Andrea’s mental health decline continued.  She stopped taking all of her medication, she mutilated and cut herself, read the Bible obsessively and also stopped feeding the children. Rusty had been advised to not leave Andrea alone with the children.  Despite this, one morning in June 2001, Rusty left Andrea and the kids so that he could go to work.  His mother was scheduled to arrive at the home one hour after he left.    In that hour, Andrea filled the bathtub and drowned all five of her children - they were aged between 7 months old and 7 years old at the time. When police arrived at the home, Andrea was standing soaking wet in front of the house. “I just killed my children,” she told the officers. Be sure to check the timestamps to get straight to the crime content. Read our blog for this case here Be sure to follow us on Instagram for the latest crime news - Instagram.com/truecrimesociety Join us on Patreon for weekly exclusive content.  All podcast episodes are available ad-free - Patreon.com/truecrimesociety

24 Jul 20251h 2min

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