Clues with Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore

Episode: Not Forgotten: Missing Persons March 2026
Date: March 28, 2026
Host: Crime House (A Crime House Original, powered by PAVE Studios)

Episode Overview

This episode of Clues is dedicated to missing persons cases, spotlighting those whose disappearances remain a mystery and whose families still seek answers. Hosts Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore present four unresolved cases, discussing the circumstances surrounding these disappearances, the efforts made to uncover the truth, and how listeners can assist in raising awareness. The episode carries a somber, compelling tone with a focus on empathy, community, and the persistent pursuit of answers.

Key Cases and Discussion Points

1. Rachel Cook (Georgetown, Texas, 2002)

• Case Summary:
  Rachel Cook disappeared on January 10, 2002, while visiting her parents in Georgetown, Texas during her winter break from San Diego Mesa College. She left for a four-mile run in the morning and was last seen approximately 200 yards from home.

• Key Details:

  • Last seen wearing a gray running outfit, green sports bra, ASICS shoes, yellow watch, sports headphones.
  • Distinctive features: 5'3", 115 lbs, blue/hazel eyes, blonde hair with lowlights, heart-shaped cherry tattoos (left shoulder), black star tattoo (left foot), multiple ear/navel piercings.
  • Reward: FBI offering up to $50,000 for information.
  • Contact: 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov

• Quote:

  "It will be almost 24 years since Rachel went missing, so if you have any information please call."
  —Morgan Absher or Kaelyn Moore [04:33]

Memorable Moment:

• Emphasis on the power of community by encouraging listeners to share Rachel’s posters and amplify awareness.

2. Renell Rose Bennett (Hogback, New Mexico, 2016)

• Case Summary:
  Renell, a Navajo Nation member and mother of two, disappeared after visiting her mother's home to discuss her daughter's upcoming birthday party. She never arrived at the party, an unusually out-of-character event.

• Key Details:

  • Last seen hugging her mother and appearing teary.
  • Personal items (shoes, sweater) found three months later; unclear if evidence yielded leads.
  • At the time, was dating Kendall "K.J." Johnson, later arrested with a group for unrelated crimes—Johnson not confirmed as a suspect.
  • Physical Description: 5'2", 125 lbs, black hair, brown eyes, tattoos ("Trayston" on right forearm, "B" behind left ear), pierced ears, nickname "Tiny."
  • Contact: Navajo Nation Police Shiprock District (505-368-1350), Bureau of Indian Affairs (505-563-3600).

• Quote:

  “Her case remains unsolved and the circumstances of her disappearance are unclear.”
  —Kaylyn Moore [05:48]

Memorable Moment:

• The emotional detail of her last embrace with her mother adds a deeply personal, lingering sadness.

3. Vanessa Morales (Ansonia, Connecticut, 2019)

• Case Summary:
  Vanessa disappeared at just 14 months old after her mother, Christine Holloway, was murdered in their home. Her father, Jose Morales, claimed intruders killed Holloway and kidnapped Vanessa, but he’s considered a suspect (not charged in her disappearance).

• Key Details:

  • Vanessa was 14 months old at the time, dark hair, would be seven now; age-progressed images provided on podcast socials.
  • Father sentenced: Jose Morales received 65 years for Christine’s murder and tampering with evidence.
  • Call for tips: Listeners urged to review age-progressed photos and contact Ansonia Police Department with information.

• Quote:

  "There has been no sign of her since. As of April of this year, Jose Morales has been sentenced to 65 years in prison for beating her mother...though he has maintained his innocence."
  —Kaylyn Moore [07:40]

Memorable Moment:

• The contrast between the search for the missing toddler and the father’s ongoing claims underscores the horror and sadness of this case.

4. Sebastian Wayne Drake Rogers (Hendersonville, Tennessee, 2024)

• Case Summary:
  14-year-old Sebastian Rogers disappeared overnight from his home in late February 2024. He spent the previous evening with his mother and vanished during the night, with no clear evidence of how he left or where he went.

• Key Details:

  • No signs of forced entry; left behind clothes, shoes, phone, money—possibly took only a small yellow flashlight.
  • Last seen in black sweatshirt and sweatpants; wears black square-framed glasses.
  • Medical note: Sebastian has autism, may need assistance to return home safely.
  • Reward: FBI offering $50,000 for information.
  • Contact: Sumner County Sheriff’s Office (615-451-3838), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (1-800-TBI-FIND, email tips@tbi.tn.gov)

• Quote:

  “Sebastian has medical conditions, including autism that may impair his ability to return safely without assistance.”
  —Kaylyn Moore [09:56]

Memorable Moment:

• Details about his last moments at home, and his condition, stress the urgency and uniqueness of his case.

Community Call-to-Action

• The hosts repeatedly urge listeners to:

  • Share case posters on social media
  • Submit tips if they have relevant information
  • Suggest local or little-known cases for future episodes

• Quote:

  “Their stories continue beyond this episode. So please again continue to share and amplify these cases and leave any that you want us to cover in the comments. We are picking a lot of our cases now. Thanks to you guys, listeners commenting on those that are close to your community.”
  —Morgan Absher or Kaylyn Moore [09:56]

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On missing persons awareness:

  "We highlight a different person who has gone missing. Someone with a story, a family and a community. Still hoping for any answers."
  —Morgan Absher or Kaylyn Moore [02:45]

• On the power of community tips:

  “Thank you so much for being a part of this community. You can tune into Clues every Wednesday... where we cover a new missing person every week."
  —Clues Podcast Case Presenter [10:47]

• Podcast philosophy:

  "Every week we dive into the pieces, both hidden and obvious, behind some of the biggest true crime cases. Subscribe to Clues Pod... and remember, every clue counts."
  —Morgan Absher or Kaylyn Moore [10:58]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [02:45] — Introduction to the missing persons focus and call to action for sharing case posters
• [03:16] — Rachel Cook case profile and FBI contact details
• [04:33] — Renell Rose Bennett case, missing Native American woman in New Mexico
• [07:36] — Vanessa Morales, missing toddler in Connecticut after her mother's murder
• [08:40] — Sebastian Wayne Drake Rogers disappearance from Tennessee, urgency due to autism
• [09:56] — Contact information and urgent appeal for Sebastian's case
• [10:47] — Episode wrap-up, emphasis on community engagement

Summary

This episode of Clues with Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore serves as a heartfelt reminder of the unresolved pain attached to missing persons cases. Through detailed recounting and calls for community involvement, the hosts emphasize the impact of each case and the ongoing need for public engagement. The language is empathetic and urgent, seeking not only to inform but to inspire listeners to action—by sharing, reporting, and remembering. As the hosts say: “Every clue counts.”