Gone By Noon
Summary
This episode of Missing in America investigates the 1979 disappearance of Cheryl Shearer, who vanished from a Missouri gas station. Host Josh Mankiewicz explores the cold case with Cheryl’s siblings and Scott County law enforcement, detailing recent investigative efforts including DNA analysis and a ground-penetrating radar search that yielded no remains. The story highlights the family’s enduring hope and community advocacy as they seek answers nearly 50 years later.
Topics discussed
Intro, sponsors, and case overview
Cheryl Shearer's life and family background
Cheryl's job at the gas station
Timeline of Cheryl's disappearance
Initial police response and investigation
Family learns Cheryl is missing
The narrow window of disappearance
Evidence suggests abduction, not runaway
Serial killer theories and local suspect shift
New tip and modern search efforts
Family's enduring hope and community support
DNA evidence and excavation at Bell's Crossing
Excavation results and ongoing partnership
Re-examining leads and appeal for information
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