Peggy Klinke was a bright, ambitious young woman whose life was tragically cut short by a relentless stalker. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1970, Peggy grew up in a close-knit family with three siblings. Despite her efforts to protect herself, her stalker's obsession escalated to murder. Peggy's death inspired the establishment of National Stalking Awareness Month in January. Her sister Debbie worked with us to share her story and remind us that addressing stalking early can save lives.

On June 1982, 20-year-old Kelly Bergh Dove was working the graveyard shift at a gas station in Harrisonburg, Virginia. At 2:27 AM, she called police to report a suspicious person outside. Minutes later, at 2:30 AM, Kelly was abducted while on the phone with the dispatcher. Her case has remained unsolved for over 40 years. Her body has never been found. Kelly's sister Elaine worked with us to share her story.

If you have information, contact Harrisonburg Police Department.

Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain was driving on a California freeway when her car's gear shifter snapped. She coasted to the side of the road and vanished. Born in a refugee camp in 1984, Nikki grew up in Sacramento with her six siblings. She was known for her laughter and calm spirit. Her husband has been arrested for her murder, but her body has never been found. Nikki's family worked with us to share her story.

If you have information, contact local authorities.

On January 27, 1973, 20-year-old Dawn Magyar was abducted from a Michigan shopping center. She was found murdered on March 4, 1973—raped and shot three times. The case went cold for 28 years until DNA technology identified the killer: Jerald Leroy Wingeart. He was convicted in 2001. This is the story of a young mother whose life was stolen, a massive volunteer search, and the DNA breakthrough that finally brought justice nearly three decades later.

Bob Wykel was an older gentleman known for his kind demeanor. He wore a diamond ring and gold necklace and was described as an "incredible gentleman." But Bob's life was stolen by Myron, someone he thought was a friend. On February 23rd, the two went to look at a Thunderbird in Lakewood, Washington. Bob never made it home. Investigators discovered Myron had killed Bob and stolen his diamond ring. This is the story of a kind man whose trust was betrayed.

In this week's episode, we unravel the tragic story of Jason Bass, a young man fatally stabbed in a Rhode Island road rage incident that quickly turned into a case of mistaken identity.

In September 2020, Andra Adams was tragically killed in Seattle, Washington, after being run over by her boyfriend.  While mounting questions surround her death, no charges have been filed, and her family continues to fight for accountability and answers.

In October 2021, Meghan Kiefer was brutally stabbed 54 times by her ex-boyfriend outside her Long Island home. In May 2023, he was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder, following his attempted flight to North Carolina after the crime.

Gabby Petito, a 22-year-old travel blogger, was found murdered in September 2021 after going missing during a cross-country trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. Her death sparked widespread media attention, and Laundrie was later found dead, with authorities concluding he was responsible for her murder. In this episode, the hosts of Moms and Mysteries sit down with Nichole Schmidt, Gabby Petito's mother, to discuss the foundation she and Gabby's family started, the warning signs of unhealthy relationships, the current state of domestic violence worldwide, and essential resources available for victims and survivors.

Special thanks to Nichole Schmidt, Gabby’s mom, for sharing her story and the important work the Gabby Petito Foundation is doing to raise awareness about domestic violence. To learn more, visit gabbypetitofoundation.org.

Francine Hughes, a mother of four, set fire to her Michigan home in 1977, killing her ex-husband after enduring thirteen years of relentless abuse. The case gained national attention and became a pivotal moment in raising awareness about domestic violence and the legal challenges survivors face.

Research by Elizabeth Atwood.

Emma Compton, a small business owner from Halifax County, Virginia, was found murdered in 2017 after disappearing under mysterious circumstances and after years of domestic violence at the hands of her husband. Seven years later, her family continues to seek justice, as no arrests have been made in the case, and they remain committed to raising awareness and finding answers for her unresolved murder.

Research assistance by Anna Luria and Whitney St. Andre. 

And thank you to Brandie from Evaporate the Missing, who put us in touch with Emma’s sister Shawna. 

If you have any information in Emma’s case, please call the Halifax County crime line at 434-476-8445.

Alicia Fox was a vibrant young woman whose life was tragically cut short by her partner Erin. Their relationship was marked by volatility and violence, but Alicia stayed, hoping things would change. On one devastating night, Erin’s violence escalated to murder. Alicia was killed in Michigan, and Erin was arrested for first-degree murder. And today, the search for the two children remains. This episode is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of recognizing warning signs. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.

On July 7, 1977, Bonnie Garland, a 20-year-old Yale University student, was murdered in her bedroom by her ex-boyfriend Richard Herrin. Bonnie and Richard met at Yale in 1974, but their relationship became troubled. On the night of July 6th, Bonnie told Richard she wanted to see other men. After she fell asleep, Richard grabbed a hammer and bludgeoned her to death. This case sparked national debate about domestic violence and crimes of passion.

On July 26, 1992, Brenda Lambert disappeared from her Bluefield, West Virginia home after hosting her son's first birthday party. Her husband Raymond was having an affair with Brenda's cousin Tammy and had become violent. After the party, Raymond showed up at Brenda's sister's house shaking and asking if anyone had seen Brenda. The next day, Brenda's car was in the driveway but she was gone. She hasn't been seen since. If you have information, contact Bluefield Police.

Jamilla 'Millie' Smith, a beloved mother of two, radiated warmth that touched the lives of all who knew her. Tragically, her light was extinguished by the hands of her abusive ex-boyfriend, leaving authorities and her grieving family in a relentless pursuit of justice and answers.

Police encourage anyone with information to contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at 803-648-6811 or submit a tip at aikencountysheriff.net. The family is offering a $10,000 reward for information in Jamilla’s case. The family is also running a Facebook group, Find Jamilla Smith, where you can stay up to date on the case.

On February 9, 1960, Adolph Coors III, heir to the Coors brewing empire, vanished after leaving his Colorado home. His car was found abandoned on a bridge with blood and signs of struggle. Seven months later, his remains were discovered. The investigation led to Joseph Corbett Jr., a paroled murderer who became one of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted. The case involved ransom demands, a massive manhunt, and a trial that captivated America. This is the story of a kidnapping gone wrong and a family forever changed.

In 2017, Sara Starr, a beloved teacher in Coffee County, Alabama, was tragically found shot dead in her driveway. Despite years of investigation due to sparse evidence, authorities ultimately uncovered a complex murder-for-hire scheme.

In 1987, college student Cathy Sposito was brutally murdered while hiking in Yavapai County, Arizona. Decades later, through the efforts of volunteers and advances in genetic genealogy, her case and others were solved, providing closure to victims' families.

Lana Stempien, a vibrant attorney with a love for boating, disappeared mysteriously with her boyfriend Chuck Rutherford during a planned trip on Lake Huron in 2005. Despite extensive investigations and theories, including suspicions of foul play, Lana's body was found weeks later, while Chuck's whereabouts remain unknown, leaving the case unresolved and fraught with unanswered questions.

In 2015, Carrie and Steven Turner were getting ready for retirement, on the verge of a peaceful life in Myrtle Beach, met a tragic end during a fateful trip. After the police found their bodies in their hotel room, the search was on to find the couple’s son, who quickly became the number one suspect.