Dark Downeast
Episode: The Disappearance of Attiin Rachmawati Shaw (Maine)
Host: Kylie Low
Release Date: September 25, 2025
Overview
This episode investigates the mysterious 2021 disappearance of Attiin Rachmawati Shaw, an Indonesian woman living in Washburn, Maine. Through meticulous reporting, host Kylie Low explores the timeline of Attiin's vanishing, the subsequent efforts of her distant family to raise awareness, the troubled police investigation, and the community’s ongoing search for answers. The episode also examines the complex intersections of mental health struggles, small-town policing, and cross-cultural challenges in a deeply ethical true crime context.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Initial Disappearance and Family Response
- Early 2023: Attiin's family in Indonesia became alarmed after over a year of no contact, finding explanations for her disappearance inconsistent and suspicious.
- (02:06) “From almost 10,000 miles away, Ateen's loved ones were doing everything in their power. The posts in local Facebook groups were their effort to generate new information and track Ateen down after so many months without contact.” – Kylie Low
- Family contacted the Indonesian Embassy, Consulate General in New York, U.S. attorneys, and Indonesian media, ultimately turning to Facebook to reach the Maine community.
- The family’s posts were often overlooked or dismissed as spam, but eventually reached Washburn police by March 2023.
2. Timeline Leading Up to Disappearance
- August–September 2021: Last contact with family; Attiin expressed interest in finding a new job after feeling bored at home (08:54).
- Last known family communication was casual; social media activity abruptly ceased after September 7, 2021.
- Husband Michael “Mike” Shaw told family he last saw Attiin about a month earlier and had reported her missing—a report which records indicate was filed only in November 2021.
3. Attiin & Mike’s Relationship Background
- Met in Indonesia in December 2010; married in March 2011.
- Together they raised Attiin’s son from a previous relationship and had three more children.
- The family moved internationally after Mike’s job in education ended, eventually settling in Washburn, Maine, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Attiin had prior experience running a salon, but struggled with employment and isolation in Maine, partly due to visa issues.
4. Mental Health Context
- Family reports Attiin lived with bipolar disorder, sometimes experiencing mood swings and angry outbursts.
- (17:48) “According to Zadia, it wasn't unusual for Ateen to leave home after an outburst ... but even when she left home in the past, she was still in contact ... and she always came home when she was ready.” – Kylie Low
5. Early Investigation & Police Involvement
- Washburn PD initially led by Sergeant Chandler Cole; case reassigned to Officer Hunter Balanso in 2023.
- Officer Balanso unusually released her own supplemental narrative publicly on Facebook in August 2025, citing sleepless nights over the case (07:20).
- Key findings:
- Mike Shaw could not recall the name of the cruise ship he claimed Attiin was working on.
- (21:10) “How could he not know the name of the ship? Is there a source of income to be provided? How does he keep in contact with her?” – Officer Balanso's narrative, read by Kylie
- The couple’s home was found in concerning condition; a witness noticed a dark stain on kitchen plywood.
- Children gave inconsistent stories to teachers (mom went to Indonesia; mom is working on a cruise ship), all denied by her family due to lack of passport activity.
- Mike Shaw could not recall the name of the cruise ship he claimed Attiin was working on.
6. Escalation and State Involvement
- Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit brought into the case due to the long period with no resolution (23:02).
- Major searches of the Shaw home were conducted in February and June 2024; police found no indication Attiin was living elsewhere.
- Mike Shaw’s engagement with the investigation has been limited; he has not given public interviews and avoided further questioning.
7. Community and Online Efforts
- Private Facebook group “Where is Attiin Shaw?” has amplified public awareness and overseen civilian investigation activity.
- Group members have chased rumors regarding possible sightings, jobs, or new addresses but verified leads remain elusive.
- Community involvement, as seen in this and another local missing persons case, is crucial to keeping the investigation alive.
8. Questions Surrounding Early Police Handling
- Sergeant Chandler Cole, first officer assigned to Attiin’s case, was later arrested (in a separate case) for falsifying records in another missing persons incident.
- (38:40) – Kylie details Cole’s record-tampering in the Eric Foote case and police department collapse.
- While no link is publicly established between Cole’s misconduct and Attiin’s case, this revelation casts doubt on the early investigative rigor.
9. Attiin’s Intentions & Family’s Fears
- Evidence suggests Attiin planned to remain part of the Washburn community:
- Purchased Yoga/Zumba class punch card shortly before disappearance (51:20).
- Family finds it implausible she would stay away from her children so long voluntarily, especially after her father’s death and other major life events.
- (52:15) “Ateen’s loved ones are still certain that if she left on her own accord and was living a new life somewhere, she would have contacted them by now.” – Kylie Low
- Community and family strongly suspect foul play, but no charges have been filed.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- (02:06) “Posts in local Facebook groups were their effort to generate new information and track Attiin down after so many months without contact.” – Kylie Low
- (17:48) “According to Zadia, it wasn't unusual for Ateen to leave home after an outburst ... but even when she left home in the past, she was still in contact... and she always came home when she was ready.” – Kylie Low
- (21:10) [Officer Balanso, via Kylie]: "How could he not know the name of the ship? Is there a source of income to be provided? How does he keep in contact with her?”
- (38:40) “Chandler Cole’s misconduct and crimes while wearing a badge certainly raises significant questions about his handling of the case early on.” – Kylie Low
- (52:15) “Ateen’s loved ones are still certain that if she left ... she would have contacted them by now.” – Kylie Low
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Family Appeal and Social Media Campaigns (01:10–07:30)
- Timeline Leading Up to Disappearance (08:30–12:50)
- Relationships & History (13:00–16:50)
- Mental Health and Past Episodes (17:30–19:40)
- Initial Police Response & Balanso’s Investigation (20:00–27:00)
- Maine State Police Involvement and Home Searches (30:00–33:30)
- Mike Shaw’s Statements & Family Communications (34:00–37:40)
- Sergeant Cole’s Misconduct and Impact on Police Dept. (38:15–46:00)
- Community Efforts and Last Known Activities (47:30–52:00)
- Family’s Perspective and Conclusion (52:10–End)
Episode Takeaways
- Attiin Rachmawati Shaw, a devoted mother and Indonesian immigrant, disappeared without a trace from small-town Maine under suspicious and troubling circumstances.
- Official responses were slow and possibly compromised by police misconduct.
- Community activism and family advocacy have kept Attiin’s case visible amidst limited official updates.
- As the four-year anniversary approaches, family, friends, and true crime listeners are urged to circulate Attiin’s story and contact Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North at (207) 532-5400 with any information.
Host Closing Words:
“This platform is for the families and friends who have lost their loved ones. And for those who are still searching for answers, I'm not about to let those names or their stories get lost with time.” (End)