Crime Junkie: MISSING – The Gospel Trio
Episode Release Date: June 9, 2025
Introduction
In this gripping episode of Crime Junkie, host Ashley Flowers delves into the mysterious disappearance of three individuals: Sarah Boyd, her daughter Kimberly Boyd, and their friend Linda McCord. The case, often overlooked and underreported, unravels the intricate details surrounding their vanishing from Dorchester, South Carolina, after attending a gospel concert on April 3, 1987.
The Disappearance
On a seemingly ordinary Sunday, April 5, 1987, Tiffany Ross, an eight-year-old, was at her grandmother's house in Dorchester when her uncle, Philip, delivered shocking news: his wife, Sarah Boyd, and their two-year-old daughter, Kimberly, had gone missing. The trio had left for a gospel concert with Sarah's friend, Linda McCord, but never returned.
Ashley Flowers [04:20]: "No one can disappear without a trace and not leave behind a complicated web just waiting to be unraveled."
This absence sparked immediate concern within the tight-knit community, prompting frantic searches by family, friends, and neighbors who combed the rural landscapes of low country South Carolina.
Investigation Begins
Despite extensive efforts, the initial search yielded little. The area’s vast dirt roads and open spaces made it challenging for authorities to pinpoint the trio's location. Matters took a perplexing turn when Linda's husband, John McCord, reported her missing, adding another layer to the mystery.
Linda’s abandoned 1977 blue Lincoln was found stalled at Wells Crossroads, an intersection where major highways converge—25 minutes off the intended return route. However, the car had been towed to an auto shop under questionable circumstances, raising suspicions about delayed reporting and potential interference.
Britt [08:00]: “They’re here in Orangeburg. They’re going to call Orangeburg.”
Lt. Martin of Orangeburg County, a friend of John, assisted in moving the car, which later was found to have a popped freeze plug—an issue suggesting the car was left to sit and cold temperatures affected the engine. However, this explanation didn’t provide any leads on the trio’s whereabouts.
Suspicion Falls on John McCord
As investigations progressed, inconsistencies in John McCord’s statements surfaced. His delayed reporting of Linda’s disappearance contrasted sharply with his immediate concern, especially since Sarah and Kimberly also vanished alongside Linda. John's evasiveness and refusal to take a polygraph test deepened suspicions.
Ashley Flowers [23:00]: "This is the latest in a long list of reasons why John's looking really sus to police."
John's tumultuous relationship with Linda, marked by allegations of domestic abuse, further complicated his image. Witnesses reported seeing John acting suspiciously around the time of the disappearance, including a reported sighting at the gospel concert.
Unexplored Leads and Theories
Several theories emerged, ranging from car trouble leading to foul play to orchestrated abductions. A key witness, a preacher couple who attended the same concert, reported seeing a beat-up blue car trailing Linda’s vehicle. This driver was described as possibly resembling John McCord, though physical evidence remained inconclusive.
Additional theories suggested potential connections to other missing persons cases, but investigators found no substantial links. The involvement of John’s nephew and claims that John might have been a police informant added layers of intrigue and obstruction to the investigation.
Community and Family Struggles
The families of Sarah, Kimberly, and Linda faced immense challenges, grappling with fear and community reluctance to speak out against John due to his intimidating presence. Reports indicate that even after the trio went missing, individuals within the community feared repercussions if they spoke openly about John’s possible involvement.
Ashley Flowers [40:57]: "It seems like everyone in this community was just so scared of John that they were terrified to cross him."
Efforts by the families to obtain closure were met with limited support from law enforcement, leading them to seek help from private investigators and journalists. Despite sporadic leads, including tips about bodies possibly buried in concrete, no definitive answers were found.
Current Status and Legacy
Years have passed since the mysterious disappearance of the Gospel Trio, and the case remains unsolved. John McCord passed away in 2018, effectively closing any potential for legal resolution. However, the absence of conclusive evidence continues to haunt the families and the community.
Locals still recount eerie sightings around Wells Crossroads, now turning the once-tragic event into a ghost story that symbolizes unresolved anguish. Tiffany Ross, now an adult, remains hopeful that someone with vital information will come forward to provide the closure her family desperately seeks.
Tiffany Ross [53:22]: "How would you feel if this was your loved one?"
Conclusion
The case of Sarah Boyd, Kimberly Boyd, and Linda McCord underscores the complexities and challenges in unresolved missing persons cases, especially within close-knit communities. Crime Junkie shines a light on the persistent quest for truth and justice, urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in finally solving this enduring mystery.
If you have any information about this case, please contact the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office at 843-832-0300 or visit crimejunkiepodcast.com for more details.
Sources:
- Crime Junkie Podcast
- Interviews with family members, law enforcement officials, and private investigators involved in the case.