Crime Junkie Podcast Episode Summary: "MISSING: John & Shelly Markley"

Release Date: July 7, 2025
Host: Ashley Flowers
Co-Host: Brit Prawat

Introduction to the Markley Disappearance

In this gripping episode of Crime Junkie, hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat delve into the mysterious disappearance of John and Shelly Markley, a seemingly ordinary couple from Bristolville, Ohio. The case, which occurred on December 15, 1995, has remained unsolved for nearly three decades, leaving their five children without their parents and their family in turmoil.

The Day of Disappearance

On a cold Friday winter day, as schools were letting out for the winter break, 15-year-old Ruth Markley experienced an unsettling return home. Her father, John, and mother, Shelly, were nowhere to be found.

[02:11] Ashley Flowers: "December 15, 1995, is a cold Friday in Bristolville, Ohio... when she gets home, her parents aren't there, which never happens."

Ruth noticed several oddities upon entering her home: the front door was unlocked, her father's truck was missing, her mother's purse and cigarettes were left behind, and the gun cabinet was unlocked—a rare occurrence for her father.

Initial Investigation and Clues

After hours of waiting with no sign of her parents, Ruth's aunt decided it was time to report them missing. The police arrived to find the house with signs that suggested a hasty departure or foul play, but no immediate answers.

[07:09] Brit Prawat: "I used to work in the transportation industry... my mind instantly goes to drug trafficking when I hear about his company and he's missing."

Police considered various possibilities, including John’s trucking routes, which are often associated with illicit activities. However, no concrete evidence linked the Markleys to such crimes.

Stephen Durst's Involvement

A breakthrough came with the appearance of John and Shelly's red Chevy Silverado at a restaurant days after their disappearance. The truck was found covered in tarps, and Shelly’s cell phone was discovered inside. This led authorities to Stephen Durst, a former employee of John's trucking company with a contentious history.

[35:59] Brit Prawat: "Stephen has a history with the Markley family... he was one of John's employees."

Stephen was later arrested for extortion, having demanded $10,000 for the safe return of the Markleys. Despite pleading innocent and claiming he was framed, a polygraph test indicated deception, strengthening suspicions against him.

[44:42] Brit Prawat: "He was asked, 'Are you involved in John and Shelly Markley's disappearance in any way?' He says, 'Nope.'"

Family Dynamics and Alternative Theories

As the investigation progressed, family members began to suspect other motives and individuals. Shelly's brother introduced a dark family history involving an alleged murder of Shelly's father, suggesting a possible motive for foul play within the family itself.

[59:14] Ashley Flowers: "He claims he shot and killed his own father because he didn't want to lose his inheritance if his dad left to be with Shelly's mom."

These revelations led some to theorize that John and Shelly might have been involved in criminal activities themselves, such as insurance fraud or additional extortion schemes, further complicating the case.

Attempts to Find the Couple

Despite numerous leads and extensive searches, including FBI involvement and cadaver dog inspections, John and Shelly Markley have never been found. Tips continue to emerge, but none have provided definitive answers.

[65:57] Brit Prawat: "They have not found them in their searches, but like so much of rural Ohio, the area we're talking about is huge."

The family's frustration with the investigation has led them to take matters into their own hands, organizing independent searches and pressuring law enforcement for more substantial efforts.

Current Status and Call for Information

As the 30th anniversary of the Markleys' disappearance approaches, Crime Junkie implores listeners who might hold any information to come forward, emphasizing that even the smallest tip could potentially bring closure to a long-standing mystery.

[71:01] Ashley Flowers: "This December will mark 30 years since John and Shelley went missing... You could help solve this case by contacting the Trumbull County Sheriff's office at 330-675-2540."

Conclusion

The disappearance of John and Shelly Markley remains one of Ohio's enduring mysteries, marked by conflicting theories, fractured family relationships, and elusive evidence. Crime Junkie's detailed exploration highlights the complexities of the case and the desperate search for truth by those left behind.

Notable Quotes:

• Ashley Flowers at [02:11]: "December 15, 1995, is a cold Friday in Bristolville, Ohio... when she gets home, her parents aren't there, which never happens."

• Brit Prawat at [07:09]: "I used to work in the transportation industry... my mind instantly goes to drug trafficking when I hear about his company and he's missing."

• Brit Prawat at [44:42]: "He was asked, 'Are you involved in John and Shelly Markley's disappearance in any way?' He says, 'Nope.'"

• Ashley Flowers at [59:14]: "He claims he shot and killed his own father because he didn't want to lose his inheritance if his dad left to be with Shelly's mom."

• Brit Prawat at [65:57]: "They have not found them in their searches, but like so much of rural Ohio, the area we're talking about is huge."

• Ashley Flowers at [71:01]: "This December will mark 30 years since John and Shelley went missing... You could help solve this case by contacting the Trumbull County Sheriff's office at 330-675-2540."

For more information and source materials, visit crimejunkiepodcast.com.