Dark Downeast: The Disappearance of Doreen Vincent (Connecticut) Episode Release Date: January 16, 2025
Introduction
In this gripping episode of Dark Downeast, investigative journalist and storyteller Kylie Lowe delves into the mysterious disappearance of 12-year-old Doreen Vincent from Wallingford, Connecticut, in 1988. Through a blend of narrated storytelling, interviews with family members, friends, and law enforcement, and thorough examination of investigative efforts, Kylie unravels the complexities and lingering questions surrounding this unsolved case.
Background
Doreen Vincent's Disappearance
On the evening of Saturday, June 18, 1988, Doreen Vincent vanished from her home under baffling circumstances. Her mother, Donnah Jones, had been unable to reach anyone at the household for days, prompting her to visit her ex-husband, Mark Vincent, to check on their daughter.
Key Details:
- Family Dynamics: Doreen lived with her father, Mark Vincent, his new wife Sharon, and Sharon's children in a newly acquired purple-painted farmhouse on Whirlwind Hill Road.
- Prior Behavior: Doreen had a history of running away for short periods, typically returning unharmed or contacting her mother. However, her prolonged absence raised alarms.
Notable Quote:
"Doreen was still treated as a runaway, but Donna looked for signs it was something more." — Kylie Lowe, 15:30
Initial Investigation
Mark Vincent's Response
When Donnah confronted Mark about Doreen's disappearance, Mark insisted that Doreen had run away, a claim consistent with Doreen's past behavior. He delayed filing a missing persons report, only doing so after persistent pleas from Donnah.
Discrepancies and Early Red Flags:
- Delayed Reporting: Doreen had been missing for nearly three days before Mark contacted the police.
- Contradictory Statements: Investigators noted inconsistencies between Mark's accounts and other evidence, such as personal belongings still found at Sharon's residence.
Notable Quote:
"Police did not believe foul play was a factor in her sudden disappearance." — Detective Tom Hanley, 22:45
Renewed Investigation and Emerging Suspicions
July 1989 Search Warrants
A year after Doreen's disappearance, new search warrants were issued for Sharon and Donnah's residences, uncovering vital inconsistencies:
- Found Items vs. Mark's Claims: Items Mark claimed Doreen took when she supposedly ran away were found at Sharon's home.
- Sharon's Testimony: Sharon revealed that Doreen couldn't have exited through the front door due to a locked deadbolt, contradicting Mark's narrative of a stormed departure.
Significant Findings:
- Gun Discovery: A handgun was found in Mark Vincent's mother's garage, leading to his arrest for unrelated firearm possession charges.
- Questioning of Runaway Theory: The evidence suggested possible criminal involvement rather than a simple runaway case.
Notable Quote:
"What if Sharon cleaned up a possible crime scene?" — Kylie Lowe, 45:10
The Serial Killer Angle
Haddon Clark's Confessions
In the early 2000s, serial killer Haddon Clark confessed to multiple murders in the Northeast, including two in Maryland. Authorities scrutinized potential connections between Clark and Doreen's disappearance.
Investigative Efforts:
- Joint Searches: Clark cooperated with police in Connecticut, leading to searches in Meriden and other locations, though no evidence related to Doreen was found.
- Credibility Issues: Clark's mental state and inconsistent confessions made linking him to Doreen's case speculative at best.
Notable Quote:
"In April of 2001, Haddon doubled down on his stories about having other victims." — Kylie Lowe, 1:10:25
Stalled Progress and Renewed Efforts
30-Year Anniversary Push (2018-2019)
Decades passed with minimal progress until renewed efforts emerged around Doreen's 30th disappearance anniversary:
- National Mailer Campaign: Doreen's mother launched a mass mailing campaign to reignite public interest, resulting in numerous tips but no concrete leads.
- Courtroom Battles: Attempts by podcasters to obtain the full case file met resistance from law enforcement, citing the case's active status.
Notable Quote:
"Pressure from the FOIA appeal definitely seemed to get the engines turning again." — Kylie Lowe, 1:35:50
Recent Developments
Reclassification as Homicide (2020)
- Official Shift: The Connecticut State Attorney's Office reclassified Doreen's disappearance as a homicide, signaling a serious reassessment of the case.
- Arrest of Mark Vincent: In February 2022, Mark Vincent was arrested for unrelated firearm charges, reigniting suspicions about his involvement in Doreen's disappearance.
Final Notes:
- Ongoing Investigation: Despite renewed interest and updated classifications, Doreen Vincent remains missing, with no arrests directly tied to her case.
- Family's Plea: Donnah Jones continues to honor Doreen's memory, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Notable Quote:
"Doreen Vincent was only 12 years old when she disappeared and she is still out there somewhere." — Kylie Lowe, 2:00:45
Conclusion
Kylie Lowe's detailed exploration of Doreen Vincent's disappearance underscores the complexities and frustrations inherent in unsolved cases. Through meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, Dark Downeast shines a light on the enduring quest for truth and justice, honoring the memory of those lost and striving to bring closure to their families.
Call to Action
If you have any information regarding the 1988 disappearance of Doreen Vincent from Wallingford, Connecticut, please contact the Wallingford Police Department Investigative Services Division at 203-294-2845.
For more detailed source material and ongoing updates, visit darkdowneast.com and follow the show on Instagram @darkdowneast.