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)

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Famous & Missing | Actor Joseph Pichler & Musician Richey Edwards

Famous & Missing | Actor Joseph Pichler & Musician Richey Edwards

Timestamp to skip the intro: (11:00) Welcome back to another episode of the True Crime Society Podcast. In this episode we discuss two separate cases of missing celebrities: Joseph Pichler was a child star, best known for his roles in films such as Varsity Blues, Beethoven’s 3rd and Beethoven’s 4th.  In 2006,  Joseph’s vehicle was found abandoned in Washington State with a note indicating that his belongings should go to his brother.  Now, 19 years later, Joseph remains missing. Musician Richey Edwards was part of the British band ‘Manic Street Preachers.’  Richey had a documented history of mental health and addiction struggles.  Once when he was questioned about being serious about his music,  he carved the words ‘4 Real’ into his arm with a razor blade.  The injury required 18 stitches. In February 2005, Richey was due to leave London to fly to the United States to begin a press tour.  Instead, he left behind some of his belongings in his hotel and drove back to his apartment in Cardiff, Wales.  Over the next few weeks, there were reported sightings of Richey in that country.  His car would later be found abandoned near a bridge.  Reported sightings of Richey have come from India and Spain.  Richey has now been missing for over 20 years. Read our blog for these cases - https://truecrimesocietyblog.com/2025/12/15/missing-celebrities-joe-pichler-and-richey-edwards/ We will be taking next week off from the podcast to spend the holiday with our families.  Be sure to join us on Patreon for over 100 exclusive episodes if you need your TCS fix!  - Patreon.com/truecrimesociety Happy Holidays! Follow us on Instagram for the latest crime news - Instagram.com/truecrimesociety

18 Dec 48min

Missing Ciera Breland | Always the Husband?!

Missing Ciera Breland | Always the Husband?!

Timestamp to skip intro: (10:20) Lawyer Ciera Locklair met Xavier Breland during the pandemic.  The two were married by a Justice of the Peace via Zoom, shortly after they first met. Ciera became pregnant and gave birth to their son in October 2021.  She was becoming increasingly unhappy in her marriage and told family and friends of her plans to leave Xavier.  Ciera even had a burner phone to use in case of an emergency and she told her cousin that if anything happened to her, authorities should look at Xavier. In February 2022, Ciera, Xavier and their son traveled from Indiana to Georgia to visit family.  Ciera was last seen alive on CCTV at Xavier’s mother’s home on February 23, 2022.  After that date, Ciera vanished and no trace of her has ever been found. Xavier has given conflicting stories about the circumstances surrounding his wife’s disappearance.  He is currently incarcerated on charges unrelated to this case. In this episode of the True Crime Society Podcast, we ask the question - where is Ciera Locklair Breland? Read our blog for this case - https://truecrimesocietyblog.com/2025/12/08/lawyer-ciera-breland-missing-since-2022/ Join us on Patreon for exclusive weekly content - Patreon.com/truecrimesociety Follow us on all social media for the latest crime news - Instagram.com/truecrimesociety This episode is sponsored by: Rula - Thousands of people are already using Rula to get affordable, high-quality therapy that’s actually covered by insurance.  Visit Rula.com/tcs to get started

11 Dec 45min

A "Romantic Homicide"? | D4vd & Celeste Rivas Hernandez

A "Romantic Homicide"? | D4vd & Celeste Rivas Hernandez

Timestamp to skip the intro: (9:00) In early September 2025, an abandoned Tesla was towed from an affluent neighborhood in Los Angeles to a tow yard after it violated a parking ordinance.  Within days, employees at the yard reported a foul odor coming from the vehicle and reported that it was attracting flies.   When authorities investigated, they discovered the body of a young female in the front trunk of the Tesla.   The body was identified as Celeste Rivas Hernandez – a California teen who had been reported missing in 2024.   Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Celeste had been associated with the musician D4vd in recent years.  The two have documented interactions online.  When Celeste’s body was discovered, she was noted to have a tattoo that matched one that d4vd has.   D4vd has since cancelled his upcoming tour and media sources report that he is a suspect in Celeste’s death.  No charges have been laid but a grand jury has been convened in the case.   Read our blog for the case - https://truecrimesocietyblog.com/2025/11/30/the-death-of-celeste-rivas-hernandez-is-d4vd-involved/   Join us on Patreon for weekly, exclusive content - Patreon.com/truecrimesociety   Be sure to follow us on all social media for the latest crime news – Instagram.com/truecrimesociety and search ‘True Crime Society’  on all other platforms.

4 Dec 55min

Deadly Dads | Wellington Dickens, Dean Field, & Ryan Eagon

Deadly Dads | Wellington Dickens, Dean Field, & Ryan Eagon

Timestamp: (10:19) In the US, an average of 450 children are murdered by their parents each year, with mothers more likely to kill infants and fathers more likely to kill older children. North Carolina man Wellington Dickens called 911 in October 2025.  He confessed to killing four of his children over the period of a few months.  He also told authorities that another child of his had previously passed and police are searching for the remains of that baby. In November 2025, New Zealand man Dean Field allegedly killed his three young children August, Hugo and Goldie before setting their home on fire.  Dean perished along with the children. Ohio man Ryan Eagon and his wife Raven had a tumultuous relationship.  Raven believed that Ryan was away for work and she enlisted the help of a previous partner, Dustin Willey, to help her move her two children and their belongings out of the home.  Ryan ambushed the family, killing Dustin and the two young boys, before taking his own life. Read our blog for these tragic cases - https://truecrimesocietyblog.com/2025/11/24/deadly-dads-november-2025/ If you are in an abusive relationship, we have helpful resources on our Instagram highlight section - Instagram.com/truecrimesociety Join us on Patreon for weekly, exclusive content - Patreon.com/truecrimesociety This episode is sponsored by: Mood - Head to mood.com, find the functional gummy that matches exactly what you're looking for, and let Mood help you discover YOUR perfect mood. And don't forget to use promo code [TCS] when you check out to save 20% on your first order.

27 Nov 50min

Natasha Ryan | The Girl in the Cupboard

Natasha Ryan | The Girl in the Cupboard

Timestamps: (9:10) - Updates: Delphi & Skelton Brothers (19:41) - Natasha Ryan Australian teenager Natasha Ryan (14) was having some difficulties in 1998.   Her parents had divorced and she had been experimenting with drugs and alcohol. One morning in August 1998, Natasha’s mother dropped her off at school.  Her daughter never made it home. For years, police and the family searched for Natasha.  It was believed that she was possibly a victim of Leonard Fraser, a serial killer that had been operating in the area.  Fraser was charged with the murder of Natasha, as well as other women.   During Fraser’s trial, an anonymous tip was called in to police.  They searched a house in Rockhampton, Queensland.  Natasha was found alive and well, hiding in a cupboard. All sources and clips are linked on our blog for Natasha - https://truecrimesocietyblog.com/2025/11/16/natasha-ryan-the-tragic-case-of-the-girl-in-the-cupboard/ We also discuss updates in the Delphi murder case and the disappearance of the Skelton brothers. Join us on Patreon for weekly exclusive content.  And all our episodes are ad-free - patreon.com/truecrimesociety Follow us on social media for the latest crime news - search True Crime Society or visit instagram.com/truecrimesociety

20 Nov 58min

Moms Who Murder | The Ocheltree Familicide, Oninda Romelus, & Dr. Tiffany Wilkes

Moms Who Murder | The Ocheltree Familicide, Oninda Romelus, & Dr. Tiffany Wilkes

Timestamp to skip intro: (6:58) Filicide is the deliberate act of a parent killing their own child. On average, according to FBI statistics, 450 children are murdered by their parents each year in the United States. TW - child m*urder. Despite having a seemingly perfect life on the surface, Paula Truong and her husband Thomas Ocheltree were having financial issues in 2025.  Their businesses had been forced to close and their multi-million dollar house had been foreclosed on.  In October 2025, Thomas’ brother became concerned when he could not get in touch with the family.  He went to the home and found Paula, Thomas and their two young daughters deceased.  Autopsy results are pending but media reports indicate that Paula was the perpetrator in this case. Texas woman Oninda Romelus once appeared on the reality show ‘Paternity Court’ in an effort to determine who the father of her oldest son was.  In October 2025, Oninda allegedly shot her four children and drove them to a gas station where she called 911.  Two of the children passed and two survived.  Oninda told authorities later that she had not called 911, that she had called the devil. Anaesthetist Dr Tiffany Wilkes and her daughter Clementine (8) lived in Queensland, Australia.  Tiffany’s mother passed away in recent years and Tiffany was said to be struggling with her mental health.  In September 2025, Tiffany and Clementine checked into an Airbnb that cost $1,000 per night, and they never checked out.  Tiffany sent a pre-scheduled email to a colleague that prompted a welfare check.  When authorities went to the home, they found the bodies of the mother and daughter.  Causes of death for the pair have not been released, but police have determined this was likely a murder-suicide. Read our blog for this case  Join us on Patreon for exclusive, ad-free content.  We have recently covered what is said to be the most famous missing person case on social media - the disappearance of Lars Mittank - patreon.com/truecrimesociety Be sure to follow us on all social media for the latest crime news - Instagram.com/truecrimesociety This episode is sponsored by: Rula - Thousands of people are already using Rula to get affordable, high-quality therapy that’s actually covered by insurance.  Visit Rula.com/tcs to get started

13 Nov 57min

The Murder of Kada Scott

The Murder of Kada Scott

Timestamps (10:18) - Updates (22:00) - Kada Scott Kada Scott (23) drove to her overnight shift at an assisted living facility in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 4, 2025.   When she did not arrive home the following morning, her parents raised the alarm. For weeks, authorities would search for Kada.  A man named Keon King (21) would turn himself into police after police determined that he had been communicating with Kada prior to her disappearance. On October 18, 2025, an anonymous tipster called in information about the case and Kada’s remains were found in a shallow grave.  Her cause of death was determined to be a gunshot to the head and Keon has now been charged with murder.  Read our blog for Kada https://truecrimesocietyblog.com/2025/11/02/the-murder-of-kada-scott/ Also in this episode, we run through some updates on cases we have previously covered: Caitlin Tracey’s husband Adam Beckerink has been charged with her murder. David Brian Pearce has been sentenced to 146 years in prison following the deaths of Christy Giles and Hilda Cabrales-Arzola.   Murder charges have been laid in the case of missing Idaho boy Michael ‘Monkey’ Vaughan. Be sure to join us on Patreon for weekly exclusive content - patreon.com/truecrimesociety Join us on Instagram for the latest crime news - Instagram.com/truecrimesociety This episode is sponsored by: Mood - Head to Mood.com and find the functional gummy that matches exactly what you're looking for.  Let Mood help you discover YOUR perfect mood. And don't forget to use promo code TCS when you check out to save 20% on your first order.

6 Nov 57min

The Horrific Halloween Murder of Arpana Jinaga

The Horrific Halloween Murder of Arpana Jinaga

Timestamp to skip straight to the case: (11:04) A professor from Northeastern University believes “violent crimes increase by as much as 50% on Halloween, which is two times the daily average.” In 2008, Arpana and her neighbors opened their apartment doors for a Halloween party.  Arpana dressed as ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ for the event.   After a night of festivities, Arpana headed to bed at around 3am. When Arpana did not arrive at work on the following Monday, her family in India asked friends to go and check on her.  A family friend discovered Arpana’s beaten body in her apartment. Now, 17 years later, Arpana’s murder remains unsolved.   Was she murdered by someone from her apartment complex or could a serial killer like Israel Keyes have been involved? Read our blog for this case  - all sources and clips are linked on the blog.   The Unresolved Podcast has very comprehensive coverage of this case - check out their write-up at - https://unresolved.me/arpana-jinaga  Be sure to join us on Patreon for weekly exclusive content and you get all episodes ad-free. Follow us on Instagram for the latest crime news This episode is sponsored by: Skylight - Say goodbye to sticky notes and calendar confusion with Skylight. The Skylight Calendar is here to keep your family organized!  Go to MySkylight.com/tcs for $30 off your 15 inch calendar.

30 Okt 46min

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