Dark Downeast Podcast Summary
Episode: The Disappearance of Marilyn Lehan (Maine)
Host: Kylie Lowe
Release Date: March 27, 2025
1. Introduction to Marilyn Lehan’s Disappearance
In this gripping episode of Dark Downeast, investigative journalist Kylie Lowe delves into the mysterious disappearance of Marilyn Lehan from Eastport, Maine. Marilyn, a dedicated sister and pet lover, vanished without a trace, leaving her family grappling with unanswered questions and a seemingly ineffective investigation.
2. Family Background and Early Life
Marilyn Lehan was the youngest of four siblings, growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, during the 1950s and 60s. She excelled academically, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Seattle University in 1977. Marilyn married a fellow student, referred to as David, and led a nomadic lifestyle across various states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Arizona, California, and Montana. Despite living close to her brother Pat and his family in Washington State, Marilyn and David maintained minimal contact, often living separate lives despite their physical proximity.
3. The Disappearance on River Road
In August 2012, Pat Lehan embarked on a surprise visit to Marilyn’s oceanfront property on Harris Cove, Eastport, Maine, after several years without contact. His arrival raised immediate suspicions when neighbors, under the pseudonym "the Marsdens," informed him that Marilyn had not lived at the Clark Street address for years and that her husband was no longer present.
Pat Lehan:
[04:44] “That raised a red flag in our minds or in my mind, you know, that something must be wrong.”
Pat’s concerns intensified when subsequent Christmas cards sent to Marilyn went unanswered, with one returning as undeliverable, signaling her possible disappearance.
4. Investigative Efforts and Obstacles
Pat and his brothers faced numerous challenges in locating Marilyn. Attempts to contact David in California yielded little information, as he was evasive and claimed Marilyn had left him for a retreat with a mysterious woman. Financial strains due to medical debts led to foreclosure on Marilyn’s Eastport property, which was eventually sold to a couple named the Bouchards.
5. Clues from Neighbors and Property Owners
The Marsdens and the Bouchards provided conflicting accounts. The Marsdens recalled observing David burning papers and appearing distressed, a behavior uncharacteristic of him. The Bouchards mentioned missing items like towels and signs of a hurried departure, such as a repainted wall and an unrepaired deck built by David without charge, hinting at underlying tensions or financial difficulties.
Pat Lehan:
[17:01] “I borrowed a spiral notebook from the hotel manager and just sat down for the whole night and wrote down what I could remember of the conversation.”
6. The Role of Emmett, the African Grey Parrot
A fascinating aspect of the case is Emmett, Marilyn’s African Grey Parrot, renowned for its intelligence and mimicry. Kylie Lowe draws parallels to other cases where parrots have provided crucial, albeit unconventional, insights into criminal investigations. Although Emmett was last seen being taken by David in 2005, the possibility that he might hold memories of Marilyn’s last days remains an intriguing, albeit speculative, angle.
Pat Lehan:
[39:11] “He could say, you know, short sentences like where are you? Stuff like that.”
7. Legal Proceedings and Continued Investigation
In 2013, the Lehan family officially reported Marilyn missing, prompting involvement from the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit. Despite initial searches of Marilyn’s former property yielding no significant leads, ongoing investigations have remained stagnant due to limited resources and other case priorities.
David later filed for divorce in 2016, serving Marilyn via publication, as she could not be located. Court records indicated a PO Box in California for Marilyn, adding another layer of mystery regarding her actual whereabouts.
8. Unanswered Questions and Theories
The case remains unresolved with several lingering questions:
- Montana Connection: David mentioned Marilyn joining the Society of St. Pius X in Montana, a conservative offshoot of the Catholic Church. However, evidence of her involvement or presence in Montana remains unverified.
- Water-Related Disappearance: Given the treacherous tides near Eastport, it’s plausible that Marilyn met an accidental drowning, similar to a neighbor’s tragic past.
- Emmett’s Potential Witness: While speculative, Emmett’s capacity for mimicry raises the wild possibility of him holding clues about Marilyn’s last moments.
9. Current Status and Calls for Information
As of the episode’s recording, Marilyn remains missing, with her case filled with gaps and unresolved leads. Kylie Lowe urges listeners to come forward with any information that could shed light on Marilyn’s disappearance, emphasizing the ongoing need for community involvement in cold cases.
10. Personal Reflections and Family Regrets
Pat Lehan expresses remorse over delayed investigative actions, acknowledging that life’s demands and lost contact may have hindered earlier resolutions.
Pat Lehan:
[43:28] “We should have pursued this a lot sooner... a lot of things could have been done differently, I guess.”
Conclusion
Dark Downeast masterfully unravels the perplexing case of Marilyn Lehan, blending thorough investigative narration with personal family accounts and speculative avenues. The episode underscores the profound emotional toll on families navigating the uncertainties of a loved one’s unexplained disappearance and the critical role of persistent, community-driven investigation in seeking justice and closure.
Notable Quotes:
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Pat Lehan on Discovering Suspicious Information:
[04:44] “That raised a red flag in our minds or in my mind, you know, that something must be wrong.” -
Pat Lehan Reflecting on Lost Opportunities:
[43:28] “We should have pursued this a lot sooner... a lot of things could have been done differently, I guess.”
Call to Action: If you have any information related to Marilyn Lehan’s disappearance, please contact the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North at 207-973-3750 or 1-800-432-7381, or leave a tip through the form linked in the episode’s description.
Connect with Dark Downeast: Follow the podcast on Instagram @arcdowneast for updates and community support.
This comprehensive exploration of Marilyn Lehan’s disappearance serves not only as a detailed recounting of the events but also as a poignant reminder of the lingering mysteries that continue to haunt families and communities alike.