Crime Junkie Episode Summary: UPDATE: Kimberly Doss
Release Date: June 2, 2025
Host: Ashley Flowers
Co-Host: Brit Prawat
Introduction
In this special update episode of Crime Junkie, hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat revisit the long-cold case of Kimberly Doss, originally featured in their "Runaway Train" episode from February 2024. This episode delves into newly uncovered information provided by a family advocate, aiming to correct previous inaccuracies and shed fresh light on the mysterious disappearance of Kimberly Doss.
Background of Kimberly Doss
Kimberly Doss, a 14-year-old girl, vanished on March 24, 1980. The initial investigation was fraught with bureaucratic hurdles and misinformation, leading to significant delays and misclassification of her case.
Key Details:
- Date of Disappearance: March 24, 1980
- Age: 14 (incorrectly reported as 16)
- Last Known Location: Davenport, Iowa
The Day Kimberly Disappeared
On the day of her disappearance, Kimberly contacted her mother, Linda, requesting to return to Houston, Texas. Instead of staying with her father in Davenport, she moved in with her boyfriend Dallas and his family.
- Initial Move: Kimberly relocated to Davenport to be closer to Dallas.
- Linda’s Response: Trusting that Kimberly was safe and happy, Linda did not question the move.
Notable Quote:
"Kimberly didn't want to stay in Houston anymore. She wanted to be close to Dallas." — Brit Prawat [05:30]
The Disappearance and Initial Investigation
Kimberly requested a bus ticket back to Houston, planning to stay with a girl named Kathy in Chicago. However, she never arrived, prompting Linda to report her missing.
Challenges Faced:
- Jurisdiction Confusion: Houston PD refused to take the missing report, directing Linda to Davenport PD, which in turn claimed the case belonged to Houston.
- Delayed Reporting: Kimberly was officially reported missing two years after her disappearance, filled with errors such as her age and the cause of running away.
Notable Quote:
"Davenport PD tells Linda they'll take the report if she moves back to Iowa. So she does." — Ashley Flowers [10:45]
Issues with the Investigation
The initial investigation was marred by:
- Inaccurate Records: Misreporting Kimberly’s age and labeling her as a runaway.
- Lack of Coordination: Davenport and Houston PD bounced the case back and forth without taking decisive action.
- Limited Follow-Up: Few interviews with those close to Kimberly and minimal effort to track her movements post-disappearance.
Notable Quote:
"Police latched on to a false narrative and got tunnel vision on it." — Brit Prawat [22:15]
Renewed Efforts and False Leads
In 1984, a private investigator identified a potential sighting of Kimberly in Los Angeles as "Kimberly Gardner." Despite some physical discrepancies, including height and hair color, authorities pursued this lead.
Developments:
- Potential Identification: LAPD suggested two individuals named Kimberly Gardner could be Kimberly Doss.
- False Positive: DNA testing in 2021 confirmed that Kimberly Gardner was not Kimberly Doss.
Notable Quote:
"The photo she got wasn't a mugshot. It was a blurry snapshot taken at night." — Ashley Flowers [30:50]
Breakthrough and Correction of Records
In 2023, renewed efforts through social media and advocacy led to obtaining accurate case files. This revealed the extent of the investigative errors and the persistence of the false runaway narrative.
Key Actions:
- FOIA Requests: Gained access to original case files highlighting procedural flaws.
- New Detective Involvement: A new detective has been assigned to the case, working diligently to separate fact from fiction and reignite the investigation.
Notable Quote:
"The family's working on correcting that false narrative everywhere it still appears." — Brit Prawat [45:00]
Current Status and Hope for Resolution
Despite the 45-year lapse, the Doss family remains hopeful. The new detective's thorough and empathetic approach offers a renewed chance to solve Kimberly’s disappearance.
Call to Action:
- Information Requests: The hosts encourage anyone with information to contact Davenport PD or Crimestoppers of the Quad Cities.
- Community Support: Emphasis on community assistance in bringing closure to Kimberly’s family.
Notable Quote:
"Kimberly went missing 45 years ago this year. She has a family who loves her and has never stopped looking for her." — Ashley Flowers [50:10]
Conclusion
This episode of Crime Junkie not only revisits a heartbreaking cold case but also highlights the importance of accurate information and relentless advocacy in solving missing persons cases. With renewed investigative efforts and community support, there remains hope that Kimberly Doss’s disappearance will finally be resolved.
Resources:
- More Information: Visit crimejunkiepodcast.com
- Follow Us on Instagram: @crimejunkiepodcast
Final Thoughts
Ashley and Brit emphasize the enduring love and determination of Kimberly’s family, underscoring that every bit of information can bring them closer to the truth. This update serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by families of missing persons and the critical role of persistent investigative efforts.
Notable Quote:
"The new detective on the case has been thorough and empathetic and communicative, and they believe that she's all in on solving this case for real this time." — Brit Prawat [55:40]
Stay tuned for more updates and stories every Monday on Crime Junkie.