Among The Missing – Episode: 28 Days
Release Date: March 28, 2025
Host: Troy Taylor, FTM Media
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "28 Days" of Among The Missing, host Troy Taylor delves deep into the mysterious disappearance of Elaine Park, who vanished on January 28, 2017. This episode meticulously examines the critical 28-day period leading up to her disappearance, unraveling complex relationships, unresolved tensions, and overlooked details that may hold the key to understanding what happened to Elaine.
Elaine's Turning Point: New Year's Resolutions
The episode begins by exploring the transformative period at the end of 2016 and the start of 2017, a time Elaine dedicated to personal reinvention. Troy narrates Elaine's determination to embrace positive change amidst a tumultuous year marked by legal troubles and personal challenges.
Notable Quote:
"In Elaine's eyes, the end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017 represented an opportunity for her to kind of reinvent herself." ([05:45])
Elaine set several New Year's resolutions aimed at self-improvement, such as:
- Watching a movie a day
- Engaging in activities that scared her
- Establishing a consistent exercise and diet regimen
- Cultivating creative pursuits like writing and dancing
These resolutions were a stark contrast to her previous year of excess and legal issues, signaling her commitment to a more stable and fulfilling life.
Complex Web of Relationships
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to examining Elaine's intricate relationships during the 28 days prior to her disappearance. Troy highlights the overlapping romantic interests and the ensuing complications that may have contributed to her vanishing.
Lolo: A Troubled Relationship
Elaine's relationship with her boyfriend Lolo becomes a focal point. Their relationship faced legal scrutiny when both were arrested in April 2016 for marijuana possession and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Notable Quote:
"Lolo didn't take it well. In fact, he didn't really take it at all... his feelings morphed from a youthful longing to something a little more stalkerish." ([12:30])
After Elaine attempted to distance herself from Lolo, his behavior became increasingly possessive and intrusive, leading to persistent harassment on social media. By mid-May, the situation had escalated to the point where Lolo ceased his harassment only days before Elaine's disappearance.
Darius and Caden: Patterns of Love Bombing
Elaine was concurrently receiving intense romantic attention from Darius and Caden, characterized by swift declarations of love and constant messages.
Notable Quote:
"Like 48 hours kind of fast. Like it seems maybe Divine did." ([19:10])
Troy interprets these interactions as potential cases of "love bombing," where excessive attention and affection may mask ulterior motives, such as seeking hookups or exploiting Elaine's vulnerabilities.
Divine: A Promising Yet Troubled Connection
Divine's relationship with Elaine emerged later but bore similar patterns of rapid emotional escalation.
Notable Quote:
"When he's pouring his heart out to her, Elaine's in her bedroom in lingerie, taking modeling shots." ([25:15])
Their relationship was marked by deep emotional sharing from Divine, contrasted by Elaine's apparent emotional withdrawal. Despite moments that suggested mutual affection, Elaine consistently pulled back, hinting at superficial engagement rather than genuine connection.
The Critical 28-Day Period
As the narrative progresses, Troy meticulously reconstructs the 28 days leading up to Elaine's disappearance. This timeline highlights her efforts to stabilize her life amid financial struggles, debt, and the aftermath of her legal issues.
Notable Quote:
"Elaine was actively trying to change her life. She wasn't just thinking about it; she was doing it." ([30:50])
Key events during this period include:
-
Financial Struggles: Elaine faced mounting debts and lacked stable employment, leading to reliance on borrowing from friends and family.
-
Social Cutbacks: She distanced herself from old friends and ceased interactions with Divine, focusing instead on spending time with her close friend Sadie.
-
Attempted Normalcy: Plans such as a trip to Disneyland with Sadie showcased Elaine's yearning for normalcy and happiness.
However, underlying pressures and unresolved issues continued to haunt her, setting the stage for her eventual disappearance.
The Encounter with BK: Unraveling New Clues
A pivotal segment of the episode revolves around a mysterious figure named BK and his connection to Elaine's last known movements. Troy details efforts to contact BK, who was present during a significant altercation involving Elaine and Divine.
Notable Quote:
"BK doesn't take it well. He pleads with her to reconsider, tells her she is all he has, and promises to fight for her." ([27:00])
Despite initial contact, BK becomes unresponsive, blocking all communication attempts by Susan, Elaine's associate. This abrupt silence raises suspicions and questions about BK's true involvement.
Troy highlights inconsistencies in BK's accounts, particularly regarding a "huge fight" that contradicts other testimonies. This discrepancy suggests possible deception or withheld information, deepening the mystery surrounding Elaine's disappearance.
Shadows of Deception: Michelle's Autopsy Report
Towards the episode's conclusion, Troy introduces a shocking revelation from Michelle Westervelt's autopsy report, a key figure previously mentioned in the investigation.
Notable Quote:
"The original documents... the coroner's report... indicated the cause of death as Cyanide, Poison." ([39:34])
Contrary to earlier reports stating a drug overdose, the coroner's handwritten notes reveal a different cause of death, casting doubt on the initial narrative and hinting at possible foul play or concealed evidence.
Conclusion and Ongoing Investigation
Episode "28 Days" serves as a crucial chapter in the Among The Missing series, offering an in-depth analysis of Elaine Park's final month. Troy Taylor adeptly weaves together personal struggles, complex relationships, and emerging inconsistencies to present a multifaceted portrait of Elaine's life and the potential factors leading to her disappearance.
As the investigation unfolds, new leads and conflicting testimonies continue to surface, compelling listeners to ponder the true circumstances surrounding Elaine's fate. The revelation from Michelle's autopsy report leaves listeners on a cliffhanger, promising further revelations in upcoming episodes.
Closing Quote:
"Nothing makes sense in isolation. That's not how life works. Everything connects." ([35:00])
Next Episode Tease
Stay tuned for the next installment of Among The Missing, where Troy Taylor aims to uncover the truth behind Michelle's mysterious autopsy findings and their implications for Elaine Park's case.
If you have any information about Elaine Park's disappearance, please contact the Glendale Police Department at 818-548-3135, referencing case number 171512. Additionally, visit www.amongthemissingpodcast.com to leave tips or inquiries. A reward of $25,000 is still available for information leading to Elaine's whereabouts.