Dark Downeast: The Disappearance of Celeste Doghmi (Maine) – Episode Summary

Release Date: December 5, 2024

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Dark Downeast, investigative journalist Kylie Lo delves into the mysterious disappearance of Celeste Doghmi, a 27-year-old mother from Auburn, Maine. The podcast meticulously unpacks Celeste's life, her strained relationships, and the circumstances leading up to her vanishing, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of a case that remains unsolved two years later.

Background

Celeste Doghmi, originally from Frankfurt, Germany, moved to the United States at the age of two with her mother, Stephanie Dogmi. Raised primarily in Florida, Celeste's early life was marked by challenges both at home and in school. Her struggles led her to leave home multiple times, staying intermittently with friends and engaging in substance abuse. "She was a very, very open young lady. She loved life, she loved her friends. One of her best qualities was her smile," Stephanie reflects at [04:09].

Family Dynamics and Relationship Challenges

Celeste's relationship with her mother was strained, characterized by long periods without communication. In 2018, Stephanie relocated from Florida to Louisiana in an effort to help Celeste overcome her past troubles. Celeste hoped for a fresh start, envisioning a future filled with education and motherhood. However, this new beginning was complicated by her relationship with John Alexander Benton, a man Stephanie disapproved of due to his volatile behavior and substance abuse issues.

"She had a big heart and forgave everybody to a certain fault... She wasn't mature enough, but she definitely left an impression on you when you met her," Stephanie shares at [04:44]. The cohabitation with John led to frequent domestic disturbances, prompting Stephanie to take a stand against John's abusive behavior. After multiple incidents, John moved back to Maine, leaving Celeste and Stephanie to navigate their lives separately.

Celeste's Aspirations and Sudden Silence

In early 2021, Celeste gave birth to her son, an event that brought immense joy and a renewed sense of purpose. Social media posts from June and July 2021 showcased her excitement about motherhood and her enrollment in college, pursuing a degree in nursing. "I can't wait for what our future holds, and I'm excited to hold your little hand every step of the way," Celeste wrote at [15:37].

Despite these positive signs, Celeste's communication dwindled shortly after. Friends like Chris, who had maintained regular contact, noticed troubling signs. During a video call in July 2021, Chris observed a bald spot on Celeste's head, indicative of possible abuse. The situation escalated when John interrupted the call, leading to its abrupt termination. Following this, Celeste ceased all contact, leaving friends and family bewildered by her sudden disappearance.

Disappearance and Investigation

On May 3, 2023, Stephanie was contacted by the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) regarding a custody matter for Celeste's toddler, prompting the realization that Celeste had been missing for nearly two years. Auburn Police Department classified her disappearance under suspicious conditions and initiated a missing persons report. Intriguingly, Celeste's ex-boyfriend, John Benton, failed to report her missing, adding another layer of mystery to the case.

"There is a lot of blank space in between to try to understand how did that happen?" Stephanie questions at [27:08], highlighting inconsistencies in the timeline of Celeste's last known activities and her social media posts.

Investigative Insights

Detective Mike Chavez, the primary investigator, confirmed that the case remains under diligent investigation. Efforts have focused on obtaining Celeste's phone records, bank accounts, and verifying her college enrollment, which police discovered never commenced despite her enthusiastic social media declarations.

John Benton's criminal history in Maine, including multiple domestic violence convictions, casts a shadow over his relationship with Celeste. Although he was not charged in relation to her disappearance, his past behavior raises suspicions. "He did not see a reason to report her missing," Stephanie remarks at [27:55], emphasizing the oddity of his inaction.

Family's Ongoing Struggle

Stephanie continues to grapple with the uncertainty surrounding her daughter's fate. While striving to gain visitation rights to meet her grandson, she battles feelings of abandonment and frustration over perceived systemic failures. "Because in my heart, I know she's not alive. She's not here anymore... She just wouldn't leave that little boy behind," Stephanie poignantly states at [30:24].

Support and Awareness

The episode underscores the pervasive issue of intimate partner violence, citing statistics from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey. Regina Rooney from the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence highlights the complexities victims face, emphasizing the importance of supportive measures over judgment.

"If you have information regarding the disappearance of Celeste Doghmi, please report it to Maine State Police via the tip form linked in the description of this episode," Kylie Lo urges listeners, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to seeking justice for missing individuals.

Conclusion

Three years after Celeste Doghmi's last known social media post, her disappearance remains a haunting unresolved case. Dark Downeast effectively brings to light the intricate details and emotional turmoil surrounding Celeste's vanishing, advocating for continued attention and investigation. Stephanie Dogmi's unwavering search for answers serves as a poignant reminder of the human stories entwined within true crime narratives.

Key Quotes:

• Stephanie Dogmi at [04:09]: "She was a very, very open young lady. She loved life, she loved her friends. One of her best qualities was her smile."

• Stephanie Dogmi at [08:27]: "I got to the point where one day I stood up to him and I told him that he needs to stop putting his hands on my daughter."

• Stephanie Dogmi at [27:55]: "She just wouldn't leave that little boy behind."

• Stephanie Dogmi at [30:24]: "Because in my heart, I know she's not alive. She's not here anymore. There is no way."

Support Resources:

• If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, visit thehotline.org or call 1-800-799-SAFE.

• For more information on the case or to provide tips, contact the Auburn Police Department's anonymous tip line at 207-333-6653 or visit darkdowneast.com.

This summary is based on the transcript provided and reflects the key elements and discussions from the episode "The Disappearance of Celeste Doghmi" on Dark Downeast.