Among The Missing: "I'm What You Call Evil" Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Among The Missing
• Host/Author: FTM Media
• Episode: I’m What You Call Evil
• Release Date: March 6, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "I’m What You Call Evil," hosted by Troy Taylor of FTM Media, the podcast delves deep into the mysterious disappearance of Elaine Park. Vanished on January 28, 2017, Elaine's case has baffled authorities and left her loved ones in prolonged distress. This episode marks a significant turn in the investigation, unveiling new leads and challenging long-held theories that could bring Elaine closer to being found.

Background

Elaine Park, a 20-year-old woman from La Crescenta, vanished without a trace on January 28, 2017. Her car was discovered five days later on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, intact with keys in the ignition and all personal belongings inside. Despite extensive search efforts, Elaine remains missing, with her case still open with the Glendale Police Department.

Susan Park, Elaine’s mother, poignantly expresses her anguish:

"I just want to know where Elaine is. Is she still alive? Is she not with us anymore? Where is she?"
(00:24)

Timeline Leading to Disappearance

The episode meticulously breaks down the events leading up to Elaine's disappearance, providing a comprehensive timeline:

• January 26, 2017:

  • 3:42 AM: Elaine calls her mother, Susan, about her car breaking down at the 210 and 118 freeways merge.
  • 4:42 AM: Elaine arrives home after Susan and her boyfriend Jeff assist her.
  • 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Various interactions, including texts requesting money and arranging meet-ups with ex-boyfriend Divine Compare.

• January 27, 2017:

  • 11:44 AM: Divine contacts Elaine to meet at around 2:00 PM.
  • Throughout the Day: Multiple attempts by Elaine to meet Divine fail, with numerous texts and calls reflecting her inability to follow through.

• January 28, 2017:

  • 6:04 AM: CCTV captures Elaine exiting Divine's property.
  • 6:05 AM: Elaine's car is seen approaching but the footage cuts off before she reaches it.
  • February 2, 2017: Elaine's car is found abandoned on the PCH in Malibu.

Investigation and Theories

Troy Taylor discusses the extensive investigation undertaken over three years, which included analyzing social media data, bank transactions, phone records, and CCTV footage. Initially, theories ranged from suicide and abduction to murder, with a particularly sensational theory suggesting that Elaine’s own mother, Susan Park, might be involved.

Troy reflects on public perception influenced by prior investigations:

"And honestly, as I listened, I found myself believing it too. Because let's be real, where there's smoke, there's fire, right?"
(06:17)

Interaction with Jim the Private Investigator

A pivotal moment in the investigation occurs when Susan Park contacts a private investigator named Jim, who approaches her with a seemingly too-good-to-be-true offer to find Elaine for a fixed fee of $3,500. Troy intervenes to protect Susan from potential exploitation.

Notable exchange during the call:

Jim: "Now's the time to decide. Are we locking this thing in? I can send a cash app request right now... Buy now or miss out forever."
(34:50)
Susan: [Emotional response]
"No, I did not. I have no idea what happened to her or where she is."
(40:56)

Troy uncovers Jim’s dubious background, including felony charges, thereby exposing him as a scammer attempting to take advantage of a grieving mother.

Breakthrough in Investigation: Gas Analysis

Troy conducts a detailed gas analysis of Elaine's car, calculating the exact fuel usage and identifying discrepancies in the presumed distance Elaine could have traveled. This analysis initially suggested 200 miles of unaccounted usage, a revelation that seemed to validate the theory of foul play possibly involving Susan Park.

Troy highlights his analytical approach:

"If we could check her bank records to see where and when she last filled up her gas tank, and then cross reference that with her Honda Civic's fuel economy, we could estimate how far she traveled before she disappeared."
(28:30)

However, further data integration reduced the discrepancy to 40 miles, keeping the investigation open and challenging existing theories.

Identification of the Fake Profile: Stoney Baloney

A significant breakthrough occurs when Troy identifies a fake Facebook profile named Stoney Baloney, which posted disturbing comments on Elaine’s missing person page. These comments were not random but emanated from a specific individual associated with Elaine’s inner circle.

Disturbing comments from Stoney Baloney:

"Pretty. No wonder she got abducted. She probably ran away to start a new life."
"I might have seen her at a junkie pad a few times a few years ago, but like I said, I don't know."
"Pretty please. She's dead and those fools are hiding the body."
(Various timestamps around 35:00 - 40:00)

Troy traces this account to Taylor Campos, linking him to Travis, Jeff’s son and Elaine’s stepbrother.

Troy’s revelation:

"He was friends with Susan's boyfriend, Jeff's son, Travis."
(40:51)

Linking to Taylor Campos and Travis

The investigation uncovers that Taylor Campos, connected to Travis, was behind the malicious online persona. This connection raises suspicions about Travis's possible involvement or knowledge regarding Elaine’s disappearance, adding a complex layer to the case.

Current Status and Next Steps

As the episode concludes, Elaine Park remains missing, and the investigation is far from over. Troy Taylor emphasizes the importance of not jumping to conclusions while urging listeners to stay engaged for future episodes that promise to unveil more critical evidence.

Troy's closing thoughts:

"The truth isn't black and white. I've spent more than three years investigating Elaine's disappearance... But trust me, you've barely scratched the surface."
(06:17 - Conclusion)

Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to provide any information that might aid in finding Elaine, with a reward fund of $25,000 offered for substantial leads.

Conclusion

"I’m What You Call Evil" serves as a critical episode in the Among The Missing series, uncovering new evidence and exposing potential false leads in Elaine Park's disappearance. Through meticulous investigation and relentless pursuit of the truth, Troy Taylor brings fresh perspectives to a case that has long remained unsolved. Listeners are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next revelations in this ongoing true crime saga.

Notable Quotes:

1. Susan Park:

   "I just want to know where Elaine is. Is she still alive? Is she not with us anymore? Where is she?"
   (00:24)

2. Troy Taylor:

   "I need to find Elaine. That's all I want."
   (02:47)

3. Jim the PI:

   "Buy now or miss out forever."
   (34:50)

4. Stoney Baloney (Fake Profile):

   "She's dead and those fools are hiding the body. Die, bitch, die. I'm what you call evil."
   (Various timestamps around 35:00 - 40:00)

5. Troy Taylor:

   "The truth isn't black and white. I've spent more than three years investigating Elaine's disappearance... But trust me, you've barely scratched the surface."
   (Conclusion)

For more detailed case notes and ongoing discussions, listeners are encouraged to visit the Among The Missing Patreon page and participate in weekly Q&A sessions.