The Sodder Children Disappearance (1945)

Location: Fayetteville, West Virginia, USA
Summary: On Christmas Eve, the Sodder family home caught fire. Parents George and Jennie Sodder and five of their children escaped, but five others vanished. No remains were found in the ashes. Key Details:

• Phone lines were cut prior to the fire.
• The fire burned too quickly and too cleanly for human remains to have been fully destroyed.
• Decades later, the Sodders received a photo of a man who looked like one of the missing children. 
• Theories: Arson and kidnapping by individuals connected to George Sodder’s political views. 
• Status: Never solved.

Brandon Swanson (2008)

Location: Marshall County, Minnesota, USA
Summary: 19-year-old Brandon called his parents for help after his car went into a ditch. He believed he was near Lynd, Minnesota. 

As his father drove to pick him up, Brandon said, “Oh, [expletive]!” and the call ended. He was never seen again. 

Key Details:

• A massive search recovered no trace of Brandon.
• His phone continued to ring for hours after the call ended.
• Dogs traced his scent to a nearby riverbank, but he never turned up. 
• Theories: He may have accidentally drowned or been abducted while walking or fallen. 
• Status: Still missing.Get 40% off forever

The Hinterkaifeck Murders (1922)

Location: Bavaria, Germany
Summary: Six members of the Gruber family were murdered on their remote farm. The killer used a mattock (similar to a pickaxe) and may have lived in the house for days afterward. 

Key Details:

• The maid had quit due to reports of strange noises and footsteps.
• The previous maid believed the house was haunted.
• Neighbors reported smoke from the chimney days after the killings. 
• Theories: A local enemy or someone seeking revenge. Some speculate incest and family secrets were involved. 
• Status: Officially unsolved.

Dyatlov Pass Incident (1959)

Location: Ural Mountains, Soviet Union
Summary: Nine experienced hikers died in bizarre, violent conditions. Their tent was torn from the inside, and several bodies showed signs of extreme trauma. 

Key Details:

• One hiker’s tongue and eyes were missing.
• Others were found barefoot in the snow despite subzero temperatures.
• Soviet officials blamed “an unknown compelling force.” 
• Theories: Avalanche, infrasound-induced panic, military cover-up, Yeti. 
• Status: Unsolved, though recent theories suggest a slab avalanche.

Highway of Tears (1969–Present)

Location: British Columbia, Canada
Summary: Over 40 women, mostly Indigenous, have disappeared or been murdered along a 700 km stretch of Highway 16. Many were last seen hitchhiking. 

Key Details:

• Systemic failures in investigating Indigenous cases.
• Some victims likely targeted by serial killers; others by opportunists.
• Numerous public inquests have failed to provide clear justice. 
• Theories: Multiple perpetrators, police negligence, possible cover-ups. 
• Status: Ongoing investigations with many cases still cold.

The Springfield Three (1992)

Location: Springfield, Missouri, USA
Summary: Sherrill Levitt, her daughter Suzie Streeter, and friend Stacy McCall vanished from Sherrill’s home after a high school graduation party. 

Key Details:

• No signs of forced entry.
• Porch light was broken.
• A strange answering machine message was accidentally deleted by police. 
• Theories: Stalker or abductor familiar with the victims; possible serial offender. 
• Status: Missing persons case remains open.

Keddie Cabin Murders (1981)

Location: Keddie, California, USA
Summary: Glenna “Sue” Sharp, her son John, daughter Tina, and John’s friend Dana were found brutally murdered in a rural cabin. Tina’s remains were found years later. Key Details:

• The crime scene was gruesome and showed signs of torture.
• Two younger children in the house were left unharmed.
• Potential suspects were never charged despite evidence. 
• Theories: Local drug ties, personal vendettas. 
• Status: Cold case with ongoing interest.

Texarkana Phantom Killer (1946)

Location: Texarkana, Texas-Arkansas border
Summary: A masked assailant attacked eight people in cars over ten weeks. Five died. Panic spread through the town.

Key Details:

• Victims were mostly young couples parked in isolated areas.
• The killer struck under cover of night and vanished each time.
• The town imposed curfews and armed patrols. 
• Theories: Lone killer with military training or a local who blended into the community. 
• Status: Never identified.

Long Island Serial Killer (1996–Present)

Location: Gilgo Beach, Long Island, New York
Summary: Remains of at least 11 individuals were found near Gilgo Beach, mostly women involved in sex work. 

Key Details:

• Victims were found in burlap sacks.
• Some remains linked to multiple locations.
• In 2023, suspect Rex Heuermann was arrested, but not all murders are attributed to him. 
• Theories: Multiple killers; possible connections to law enforcement. 
• Status: Partially solved; some murders remain unsolved.

Beaumont Children Disappearance (1966)

Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Summary: Jane (9), Arnna (7), and Grant (4) went to the beach and never came home. Witnesses saw them with a tall, blond man. 

Key Details:

• The children were reportedly playing happily and bought snacks with a £1 note more money than they were given.
• Numerous persons of interest over decades, but no arrests.
• Remains have never been found. 
• Theories: Abduction by a known predator, possible long-term captivity. 
• Status:One of Australia’s most infamous cold cases.

Thanks for reading, hopefully some of these are solved one day!