Podcast Summary: "She Was Almost Home" (Rebroadcast)
Title: 20/20
Host/Author: ABC News
Release Date: July 5, 2025

Introduction: The Disappearance of Sierra Joggins

The podcast episode "She Was Almost Home" delves into the harrowing true crime story of Sierra Joggins, a 20-year-old woman from the small town of Metamora, Ohio, who vanished during a bike ride in the summer of 2016. The narrative unfolds with the frantic efforts of Sierra's family and the tight-knit community to uncover the truth behind her disappearance.

Background: Sierra Joggins and Her Community

Sierra Joggins was portrayed as a vibrant and beloved member of Metamora. Her mother, Sheila Vacuvic, fondly described her as "a ball of energy" with an "exotic, exuberant personality" (15:30). Sierra was a firstborn and cherished by her family, friends, and community. She attended the University of Toledo, where she thrived in the College of Business, harboring dreams of making a significant impact on the world.

The Night of Disappearance: July 19, 2016

On the evening of July 19, Sierra decided to go for a bike ride, intending to visit her boyfriend, Josh Kolosinski. Her route along County Road 6 in rural Ohio was no unusual path. Josh recounts the moments leading up to his realization that something was wrong: "I kissed her, I told her I loved her and to text me when she got home. Instantly, I knew something was wrong" (22:45). When Sierra failed to return and did not respond to messages, the alarm was raised.

Initial Investigation: Search Efforts and Early Clues

The disappearance mobilized the entire community. "Everybody wanted to be a part of it. They were just coming," Josh described the immediate response to find Sierra (35:10). Search teams combed the dense cornfields, an area familiar yet daunting in its vastness. A critical breakthrough occurred when a farmer discovered a helmet with blood stains near Sierra's last known location, suggesting foul play (42:30).

Emerging Suspicions: James Worley Comes Under Scrutiny

Investigators began focusing on James Worley, a local man with a suspicious past. Major Matt Smithmeyer of the Fulton County Sheriff's Office highlighted Worley's connection: "James Worley had a very similar occurrence 26 years earlier. He tried to abduct a young lady riding her bicycle" (60:15). Worley's odd behavior during interrogations and the discovery of incriminating items at his property, including lingerie and a freezer in a barn, intensified suspicions (75:40).

A Gruesome Past: The Robin Gardner Case

The podcast revisits a similar case from 1990 involving Robin Gardner, who survived an attempted abduction by James Worley. Gardner's testimony revealed Worley's monstrous nature: "He was 6 foot 1, I'm 5 foot 1. And he got me in a stranglehold and put a screwdriver in my throat" (68:50). This past incident painted Worley as a persistent threat, raising fears that he could be responsible for Sierra's disappearance.

Arrest and Trial: Seeking Justice for Sierra

After extensive investigation and mounting evidence, James Worley was arrested and charged with Sierra's abduction and murder. During the trial, overwhelming forensic evidence linked Worley to the crime scene, including Sierra's DNA on various items found at his property (110:20). Despite Worley's defense attempts to create reasonable doubt, the jury found him guilty on all counts, including aggravated murder (125:45).

Aftermath: Coping with Loss and Seeking Change

The conclusion of the trial brought a semblance of closure, though the pain of losing Sierra remained palpable. Her family established the "Justice for Sierra" foundation, aimed at empowering children with self-defense skills and advocating for the creation of a statewide violent offenders registry, now enacted as "Sierra's Law" (140:30). The community continues to honor Sierra's legacy, striving to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Notable Quotes

• Sheila Vacuvic (Sierra’s Mother):
  "She was a perfect child. I couldn't get enough of her." (16:10)

• Josh Kolosinski (Boyfriend):
  "I kissed her, I told her I loved her and to text me when she got home. Instantly, I knew something was wrong." (22:45)

• Major Matt Smithmeyer (Fulton County Sheriff’s Office):
  "In my 29 years in law enforcement, this has been the most disturbing set of evidence that I've ever seen." (66:25)

• Robin Gardner (Survivor of Worley’s Previous Attempted Abduction):
  "This person got out of the truck to check on her, and he was asking her if she was okay... He hit me over the head with a hammer." (72:50)

• Prosecutors during Trial:
  "We have DNA evidence that unmistakably links James Worley to the abduction and murder of Sierra Joggins." (118:30)

• Robin Gardner (Testifying in Trial):
  "Sierra and I were two strong, independent women, and we just thought, we'll be fine. We'll just ride home." (98:15)

Conclusion: A Community Mourns and Remembers

"She Was Almost Home" encapsulates a tragic tale of loss, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. Through the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, the support of a close-knit community, and the unwavering determination of Sierra's family, the episode underscores the importance of vigilance and compassion in the face of unspeakable crimes. Sierra Joggins' story serves as a stark reminder of the lurking dangers and the enduring impact of such tragedies on individuals and communities alike.

Timestamp Reference:
Note: Timestamps are indicative and correspond to segments within the podcast episode.