Summary of "Clues with Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore"
Episode: MISSING: The Martin Family
Release Date: May 21, 2025
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "MISSING: The Martin Family," hosts Morgan Absher and Kayla Moore delve into one of history's most perplexing missing persons cases. Set against the backdrop of 1958 Oregon, the disappearance of the Martin family remains shrouded in mystery, with layers of potential motives and suspicious clues that continue to baffle investigators decades later.
Background of the Martin Family
The Martin family was a quintessential American household in the late 1950s, seemingly embodying the ideal family dynamic. Comprising six members, the family included:
- Kenneth "Ken" Martin (54): The patriarch, employed at Eccles Electric Home Service, known for his love of Christmas and his tradition of acting as Santa Claus for neighborhood children.
- Barbara Jean Martin (48): The matriarch, passionate about Christmas and an avid sweepstakes entrant. She was dedicated to maintaining family traditions, such as sending out holiday cards.
- Donald Kenneth Martin (28): The eldest son, a Navy veteran who pursued art courses at Hunter College, taught scuba diving, and worked at a Portland department store. He harbored feelings about his sexuality, which his parents allegedly disapproved of.
- Barbara "Barbie" Martin (14), Virginia "Jenna" Martin (13), and Susan "Susie" Margaret Martin (11): The three daughters, each engaged in their respective school activities and routines.
The family resided in the Martin Manor, a home they had inhabited since 1932.
The Day of Disappearance
Sunday, December 7, 1958
The morning began normally with the Evans family, second cousins of Barbara Martin, visiting and inviting the Martins to dinner. Barbara declined, mentioning a day trip to collect Christmas greenery, a vague reference that typically implied a drive to the Columbia River Gorge via Highway 30.
Timeline Highlights:
- 1:00 - 2:00 PM: The Martins departed their Portland home in a cream and red 1954 Ford station wagon.
- Around 2:00 PM: They refueled at Dean's Chevron Service Station in Cascade Locks.
- 3:00 - 4:00 PM: Stopped at Paradise Snack Bar in Hood River for a meal. Waitress Clara York provided a detailed account, noting their menu choices and the girls' hairstyles ([11:07]).
A crucial witness, Clara York, reported seeing two ex-cons, Lester Price and Roy Light, dining alongside the Martins and leaving the restaurant concurrently. This connection would later become pivotal in the investigation.
Early Clues and Investigation
Upon the family's disappearance, immediate concerns arose due to their uncharacteristic behavior—no prior notice of absence and an abandoned household suggestive of sudden departure. Neighbors and family members, particularly Ken's sister Charlotte Dorsey, initiated the search.
Key Developments:
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December 9, 1958: The Oregonian published a front-page story titled "Mountain Searched for Family," sparking widespread searches involving over a thousand individuals, including law enforcement and volunteers. Despite extensive efforts, no substantial leads were uncovered.
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December 16, 1958: Charlotte Dorsey increased the reward from $500 to $1,000, enhancing the visibility of missing posters. Concurrently, Detective Walter Graven scrutinized Donald Martin's background, revealing his history of employment issues and a significant incident in 1955 where he was fired for stealing a .38 caliber Colt Commander pistol from Meyer and Frank department store ([22:02]).
Furthermore, multiple reports emerged of a white 1951 Chevrolet abandoned near Highway 8 miles east of Cascade Locks, linked to Lester Price, undermining his alibi and raising suspicions about his involvement ([18:05]).
Theories and Suspects
Detective Graven focused on several theories, primarily suspecting foul play involving the ex-cons, Lester Price and Roy Light. Price's connection to the abandoned Chevy and previous criminal activities, including carjacking, positioned him as a person of interest.
Notable Theories:
- Foul Play by Ex-Cons: Price and Light may have abducted the Martin family, possibly for robbery or personal vendettas.
- Internal Family Strife: Given Donald's strained relationship with his family and potential financial motives, he became a suspect, especially after the discovery of the stolen gun.
Quotes Highlighting Suspicion:
- Morgan Absher ([39:16]): "Detective Graven's grandson... says, 'There are protocols that are required to take place even back then regarding the finding of a firearm, and those protocols were not met.'"
- Kayla Moore ([43:00]): "But as of right now, I'm in the boat that Donald did not do it."
Discovery of the Bodies
May 2-4, 1959
Months after the disappearance, two bodies surfaced in the Columbia River:
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May 2, 1959: Ellery Colby found two heads floating near Thunder Island, later identified as Susan Martin and Virginia Martin, respectively. Their bodies suggested drowning, with Susan displaying signs of struggle possibly linked to the damaged gun found earlier.
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May 3, 1959: Clarence Haight discovered another body near Bonneville Dam, confirming it as Virginia Martin through dental records.
The locations of these finds were approximately 20 miles from the last known sighting at Paradise Snack Bar, aligning with the theory that the Martins' car plunged into the river near Cascade Locks.
Investigative Insights:
- Tire Tracks and Paint Scrapings ([28:19]): Discovered by Donald D. Bain, these matched the Martin’s vehicle, reinforcing the burning mystery of their disappearance.
- The Gun Discovery ([35:59]): Theodore Hellyer found a .38 caliber Colt Commander with dried blood and a damaged butt, later linked to Donald Martin through its serial number ([36:44]).
Critical Points:
- The police initially dismissed the tire tracks as irrelevant but later acknowledged them.
- The mishandling of the gun evidence, including its cleaning, has been a significant point of contention and speculation.
Post-Investigation Developments
Following the discoveries, extensive searches failed to locate the Martin family's vehicle. Donald Martin's behavior—prolonged absence, reluctance to assist in the search, and eventual relocation to Hawaii with a new family—continued to arouse suspicion.
Key Developments:
- Estate Settlement ([52:40]): Donald arrived in Portland to settle the estate, valued at nearly $400,000 today, yet showed little cooperation with investigators.
- Detective Graven’s Obsession: Graven remained convinced of foul play, particularly suspecting Donald Martin, as evidenced by his personal notes where he crossed out suspicious remarks about Donald ([39:16]).
Quotes Reflecting Investigation Stance:
- Morgan Absher ([55:56]): "Detective Graven... wrote, 'I also want to call your attention that Donald Martin is the sole beneficiary to the Martin estate, insurance, etc. And that the whole family would have to die to make this so.'"
Recent Developments (2025 Discovery)
A significant breakthrough occurred in February 2025 when diver and amateur investigator Archer Mayo located the remnants of the Martin family's car in the Columbia River near Cascade Locks.
Highlights:
- Discovery: Archer Mayo identified the car's location and captured footage showing key parts like the chassis and engine.
- Recovery Efforts: On March 6-7, 2025, authorities retrieved portions of the vehicle, while the cabin remained submerged.
- Forensic Analysis: The recovered parts are undergoing detailed examination to uncover new evidence that could shed light on the disappearance.
Implications:
- This discovery revitalizes the case, offering potential new evidence that was previously inaccessible due to the car's submerged state.
- The location's proximity to the last known sighting supports existing theories of the car plunging into the river near Cascade Locks.
Quotes on Recent Findings:
- Morgan Absher ([61:43]): "Mayo noted that there were actually other cars on the water in the area too."
- Kayla Moore ([65:21]): "Archer Mayo... alludes to the fact that it was probably an accident in the area that it was in."
Conclusions and Open Questions
Despite the new findings, several questions remain unanswered:
- What exactly caused the car to plunge into the river? Was it accidental due to driving erratically, a deliberate act of violence, or external interference?
- What is the significance of the gun found with blood? Could it definitively link Donald Martin or another individual to the crime?
- Are Lester Price and Roy Light involved? Their presence at the Paradise Snack Bar and previous criminal backgrounds make them key figures in the investigation.
- What role, if any, did Wayne—another associate—play in the disappearance? His connections to both the family and the ex-cons warrant further scrutiny.
Final Reflections:
The Martin family disappearance remains a haunting case fraught with inconsistencies and unanswered questions. Morgan and Kayla emphasize the importance of community engagement, urging listeners to share their theories and insights as new evidence emerges.
Notable Quotes for Further Reflection:
- Morgan Absher ([66:13]): "This is a point I was also kind of curious about because he was in the Navy... it was hard for him to have been the person to physically do it."
- Kayla Moore ([66:35]): "What is the one piece that you keep going back to when you try to explain away other theories? For me, it's the gun."
Engagement and Next Steps
Morgan and Kayla encourage listeners to contribute their theories and stay connected via the podcast's social media platforms. They highlight the ongoing developments and promise to keep the community informed as new information surfaces.
Closing Remarks:
- Morgan Absher ([67:25]): "I'm really excited to see all of your comments on this one."
- Kayla Moore ([68:06]): "We're really going to close this case file for now. I'm really curious to see how this story is going to continue to unfold."
Join the Conversation:
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