Dateline Originals Episode: Dateline Missing in America - Ep. 16: Running Man Host: Josh Mankiewicz | Release Date: October 1, 2024
Introduction
In Episode 16 of Dateline Missing in America, titled "Running Man", Josh Mankiewicz delves into the perplexing disappearance of Tyler Goodrich, a 36-year-old Nebraska native who vanished under mysterious circumstances on November 3, 2023. This detailed account navigates through the life Tyler led, the events surrounding his disappearance, the ensuing investigation, and the ripple effects on his family and community.
Background on Tyler Goodrich
Tyler Goodrich was a well-known figure in Bennett, Nebraska, a small town with fewer than 600 residents. Standing at 6'1" with distinctive red hair and a beard, Tyler was an extroverted individual, often engaging with strangers and known for his generosity.
- Lonnie Goodrich (Father): “He was into all things that boys do and snakes and baseball and ran” (03:21)
After high school, Tyler served as a Nebraska state corrections officer and spent eight years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was deeply involved in his community, even establishing his own delivery system to assist elderly neighbors with their gardening needs.
- Lonnie Goodrich: “He was giving up things he enjoyed” (03:56)
Tyler's personal life was marked by his marriage to Marshall Vogel in 2017 after two years of dating. The couple settled in Lincoln on a three-acre property, raising two adopted sons. Tyler was a devoted father and had recently become sober, a significant change following an arrest in 2014 for domestic assault, which was later dismissed.
- Felicia Nicholson (Sister): “He matured. Of course, he had his struggles... but he was still that fun person” (04:19)
The Disappearance
On the afternoon of November 3, 2023, Tyler and Marshall spent time with their youngest son, discussing weekend plans. That evening, an argument about divorce escalated, leading Marshall to call 911 after Tyler physically pushed him.
- Marshall Vogel (Husband): “Tyler pushed me in the face and the chest and it didn't hurt, but it still happened. And so I called 911” (14:23)
Shortly after the call, Tyler left the house around 7:40 PM and did not return. His cell phone went straight to voicemail, an unusual occurrence for someone as socially active as Tyler.
- Marshall Vogel: “Tyler didn't come home. He left the house and didn't come back” (06:44)
The following day, Marshall officially reported Tyler missing. Searches commenced immediately, involving volunteers, drones, dogs, and helicopters. Despite extensive efforts, no trace of Tyler was found.
Investigation and Suspicion
Marshall's lack of participation in the searches fueled speculation and rumors, especially on social media platforms. The situation intensified when, four days post-disappearance, the sheriff's office announced that Marshall and his family were no longer cooperating with the investigation.
- Marshall Vogel: “This investigation on trying to locate Tyler” (09:47)
This statement led to widespread online conspiracy theories suggesting Marshall’s possible involvement. In an attempt to clarify his position, Marshall later took a polygraph test, which he passed, and the sheriff's office reiterated that he was a witness, not a person of interest.
- Marshall Vogel: “I have to. There's nothing telling me that he's not” (39:23)
Evidence and Theories
A grainy security camera video emerged, showing a shadowy figure fleeing from the Goodman residence around the time of Tyler’s disappearance. While Marshall and Amanda Meyer (a close friend) are convinced the figure is Tyler, Lonnie Goodrich (father) remains skeptical, suggesting it could be someone else.
- Lead Investigator Jeremy Schwartz: “Based on all the information... we're confident that that person on video is Tyler” (31:22)
Various theories about Tyler’s disappearance include him possibly running away to start a new life, accidental injury while running, or foul play. A scent trail followed by dogs led investigators to a specific spot near the Goodman property, though the significance of this location remains unclear.
- Felicia Nicholson (Sister): “The sheriff's office does not consider the search credible because so much time had passed” (34:06)
Family and Community Reactions
The disappearance has strained relationships within Tyler’s family, particularly between his father and husband. Social media became a battleground, with Marshall’s Facebook post accusing Tyler of emotional and physical abuse exacerbating tensions.
- Marshall Vogel: “Tyler was sometimes physically and emotionally abusive towards me” (21:05)
Tyler’s sister, Felicia, and father, Lonnie, vehemently denied these accusations, highlighting Tyler’s positive traits and questioning Marshall’s claims based on past interactions.
- Lonnie Goodrich: “I don't know who it is” (31:37)
- Felicia Nicholson: “I think it's impossible to tell if it's Tyler or if it's not Tyler” (31:37)
Friends like Amanda Meyer and Rachel Barth express deep sorrow and confusion, struggling to comprehend the loss and the speculative narratives emerging online.
- Amanda Meyer: “He laughed all the time. So when somebody brings up Tyler, that's all I can really think about anymore, is just his laugh” (35:53)
Current Status and Conclusion
Seven weeks after Tyler’s disappearance, his family continues to hold onto hope while coping with the emotional toll. Marshall focuses on raising their sons, maintaining that Tyler is still alive despite the lack of concrete evidence.
- Marshall Vogel: “I have to. There's nothing telling me that he's not” (39:23)
The case remains open, with investigators seeking any leads that could resolve Tyler’s disappearance. The community remains engaged, and Tyler’s story continues to resonate through ongoing discussions and the collective search for answers.
How You Can Help
If you have any information regarding Tyler Goodrich’s whereabouts, please contact the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office at 402-441-6500 or Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600. Detailed information about Tyler and the case can be found on the Dateline Missing in America website.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Lonnie Goodrich: “Every night before I go to bed, I stand at the window and I beg him for answers.” (00:57)
- Felicia Nicholson: “People were making yard signs and printing flyers. You couldn't drive down a single street without seeing Tyler's face.” (01:27)
- Josh Mankiewicz: “Please listen closely, because you or someone you know may have information that could help Tyler's family and friends find the answers they're still looking for.” (02:23)
- Marshall Vogel: “Tyler was sometimes physically and emotionally abusive towards me.” (21:05)
- Lonnie Goodrich: “There was a time that Marshall called me and accused Tyler of doing something... I didn't say anything happened.” (25:50)
- Marshall Vogel: “I'm Thrasher Banks, host of the new tenderfoot TV show Lords of Death...” (28:23)
- Felicia Nicholson: “I do fully believe it is Tyler. Just based off of his run, Tyler's.” (31:30)
Production Credits
- Producers: Kate Vidic, Veronica Mazaika
- Audio Editor: Brian Drew
- Associate Producer: Keani Reed
- Senior Producer: Bradley Davis
- Executive Producer: Paul Ryan
- Senior Executive Producer: Liz Cole
- Audio Sound Mixing: Bob Mallory
- Head of Audio Production: Bryson Barnes
This episode of Dateline Missing in America sheds light on a heart-wrenching disappearance, exploring the intricate dynamics of family, community, and the relentless pursuit of truth. As the investigation continues, Tyler Goodrich’s case remains a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding missing persons cases.