Podcasts > Paper Ghosts: The Ozarks

Paper Ghosts: The Ozarks • iHeartPodcasts

It’s the dead of summer, 1989, in the heart of the Ozarks. An 18-year-old woman goes missing from Bella Vista, Arkansas. As the search moves forward, several suspects emerge. Then… a body is found not far from the Missouri border, and a homicide investigation begins. Soon, a second body is discovered nearby. What was a mystery transforms into the hunt for a possible serial killer stalking young women throughout the Ozarks. M. William Phelps digs in nearly 35 years later and begins to understand that things aren’t always what they seem.

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Paper Ghosts: The Ozarks • iHeartPodcasts

Episodes

  • Episode 5: “Grace Doe: Shauna Garber”

    The Paper Ghosts: The Ozarks podcast explores a case dating back to 1990 when skeletal remains, dubbed "Jane Doe" or "Grace Doe," were discovered off Oscar Tally Road. The summary delves into the details surrounding the discovery of these fragmented remains, including witness accounts suggesting a violent crime had occurred on Halloween night.

    It chronicles the efforts of investigators like Detective Lori Howard, who spent 15 years attempting to identify "Grace Doe," and the breakthrough that came when forensic genealogy allowed them to confirm her identity as Shawna Garber. The summary also provides insights into Shawna Garber's traumatic childhood and the severe abuse she endured from her mother.

    Mar 20, 2024

  • Episode 4: “The Cave:”

    In this episode of Paper Ghosts: The Ozarks, a deeper exploration is made into the investigation surrounding Dana Stidham's murder. An unsettling witness account emerges of Dana's potential involvement in a violent altercation at a party. The spotlight shifts to Jack Linney, a local man with a history of harassing and stalking women, as a key suspect following the discovery of a body near an elderly couple's home.

    The investigation intensifies as Linney's alibi and recorded interviews arouse suspicion of his involvement in Dana's disappearance. This pivotal episode examines the investigation's refocused efforts and provides a chilling glimpse into the disturbing evidence surrounding this tragic case.

    Mar 13, 2024

  • Episode 3: “The Skull in the Creek Bed:”

    In this episode of Paper Ghosts: The Ozarks, the investigation into Dana Stidham's 1989 murder unfolds. Details emerge about the disturbing crime scene, evidence linking Dana to potential suspects, and accounts of her life prior to the tragic event. As authorities unravel the case, a list of persons of interest takes shape, including an enamored admirer, a brazen officer, and a man spotted with Dana on her final night.

    Amidst the unsettling details, Dana's loved ones share heartfelt memories, painting a picture of the victim as a vibrant, creative soul. As the summary progresses, listeners are left pondering the identity and motives of her killer, driven by the pursuit of justice for Dana and her grieving family.

    Mar 6, 2024

  • Episode 2: “The Evidence of Things Not Seen:”

    In this episode of Paper Ghosts: The Ozarks, authorities pursued several suspects in the 1989 disappearance of Dana Winburn, including a fired Phillips grocery employee, Orville Mitch Goodwin, and Dana's friend Mike McMillan. After her remains were found scattered in a creek bed, Lieutenant Petre recounted the challenges posed by lack of physical evidence, inconsistent witness accounts, and limited technology at the time.

    The investigation delved into key suspects, the grim discovery of Dana's remains, and the difficulties faced by law enforcement in revisiting this cold case years later. While conflicting details clouded the timeline, the search for answers in Dana's disappearance continued to unravel an unsettling mystery.

    Feb 28, 2024

  • Episode 1: “Forever Pain:”

    In this episode of Paper Ghosts: The Ozarks, the narrative centers on the mysterious 1989 disappearance of 18-year-old Dana Sanger-Katz. The podcast delves into the circumstances surrounding her last known activities, including a visit to her parents' house and a trip to the store where she was last seen conversing with an older man.

    Troubling clues emerged, such as Dana's abandoned car with a low tire and her discarded clothing found along the road, heightening concerns about her fate. The investigation pursued various leads, including a "creepy" older coworker named Mike and a chilling phone call claiming to know what happened to Dana. Despite extensive efforts, her case remains unresolved, leaving her family grappling with uncertainty and distressing thoughts about her potential demise.

    Feb 21, 2024