Podcast Summary: "Darwin Vest" – Episode 505 of Going West: True Crime
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Introduction
In episode 505 titled "Darwin Vest," hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman revisit one of their most compelling and enigmatic cases. Despite having previously covered Darwin's disappearance within their first hundred episodes, the hosts felt compelled to retell and re-examine the story, especially since the original episode is no longer available in their catalog.
Notable Quote:
"If the title of this episode, the name of the man we're going to talk about today, sounds familiar, it is, because we covered this case like within the first year of starting Going West."
— Darwin Vest, [01:38]
Background of Darwin Vest
Early Life and Career: Darwin Vest, often referred to as "Dar," was born on April 22, 1951, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Margaret and Waldo Vest. Growing up alongside his sister Rebecca and brother David, Darwin developed a deep passion for science, particularly entomology—the study of insects. Despite not holding a formal degree, his self-taught expertise made significant contributions to the field, notably in the classification and study of the hobo spider.
Family and Personal Life: Darwin's upbringing was influenced by his Mormon faith, though he later identified as agnostic. He co-owned and managed Eagle Rock Research with his sister Rebecca, further cementing his dedication to scientific inquiry. Beyond his professional pursuits, Darwin enjoyed social activities like trivia nights and cherished solitary walks by the Snake River.
Notable Quote:
"Darwin was a fascinating guy in a doomed F. Scott Fitzgerald sort of way. A quiet, soft-spoken intellectual with a neatly trimmed beard..."
— Teeth, [07:13]
The 1996 Assault
Three years prior to his disappearance, on March 5, 1996, Darwin was brutally assaulted while walking home from a local restaurant in Idaho Falls. The incident left him severely beaten but alive, with minimal memory of the event. The assailants, identified as Don Ellingford and Randy Walker, had a history of criminal activity, including drug charges and theft. Don, particularly resentful, had vowed revenge on Darwin, culminating in a death sentence of three years in prison.
Impact of the Assault: The attack scared Darwin, impacting his sense of safety in his own community. However, he remained resilient, continuing his scientific endeavors and even securing significant business deals, such as the invention of a hobo spider trap sold to Fred Meyer.
Notable Quote:
"This feels like a trend, though, of, you know, guys like him, because I feel like we're always talking about how perpetrators blame the victim."
— Daphne, [16:26]
Darwin's Return to Idaho Falls and New Opportunities
By 1999, Darwin had returned to Idaho Falls, living with his mother in her basement following his father's death. His dedication paid off when Fred Meyer expressed interest in his hobo spider trap, positioning him for potential financial success. Additionally, another company sought his invention, marking a promising period in Darwin's career.
The Night of June 2, 1999 – The Disappearance
On a rainy evening, June 2, 1999, Darwin decided to celebrate his recent business successes at the Frosty Gator, a popular local bar. Accompanied by his friend Eric Seneff, Darwin enjoyed an evening of trivia and socializing. Despite Eric offering him a ride home due to the weather, Darwin opted to walk the familiar 12-block route back to his mother's house.
Key Events:
- Meeting Lee Curtis: At the Frosty Gator, Darwin and Eric encountered James Curtis, known as Lee. Despite not being close friends, Lee offered to stay with Darwin as Eric departed.
- Journey to Golden Crown: Post-midnight, Darwin and Lee continued their evening at the Golden Crown, another local bar. Around 1 AM, Darwin decided to make the approximately 15-minute walk home.
Notable Quote:
"I'm your host, Daphne, and you're listening to Going West."
— Daphne, [01:38]
Investigation and Suspects
Initial Response: Darwin's absence was quickly noticed by his family when he failed to return home. Margaret Vest reported him missing, prompting a police investigation. Given Darwin's previous assault, authorities initially considered it a crime of opportunity.
Suspects:
- Lee Curtis: As one of the last individuals to see Darwin, Lee became a person of interest. However, inconsistencies in his alibi and lost evidence (a blood-like substance from his car) complicated the investigation.
- Don Ellingford: Although incarcerated at the time of Darwin's disappearance, Don's prior threats raised suspicions. Additionally, reports surfaced about Don's nephew, Michael, who had a criminal background and was active in Idaho Falls during the time of Darwin's disappearance.
Evidence and Leads:
- A witness reported seeing a man resembling Darwin floating in the Snake River, but discrepancies in clothing and lack of physical evidence rendered this claim unreliable.
- Police found no substantial evidence linking Lee beyond the lost sample potentially containing Darwin's blood.
- Reddit discussions and personal accounts hinted at possible involvement of Don's nephew, Michael, adding another layer of complexity but still lacking concrete proof.
Notable Quote:
"So Don, of course, wasn't happy about this. And once he was officially found guilty of the crimes against Darwin Vest, he was sentenced to three years in prison."
— Teeth, [15:07]
Theories and Speculations
With minimal evidence and multiple potential suspects, several theories emerged:
- Foul Play by Lee Curtis: Given his proximity and prior threats, some believe Lee had the motive and opportunity to harm Darwin.
- Involvement of Michael Ellingford: Dubious activities and criminal behavior paint Michael as a possible accomplice or direct perpetrator.
- Accidental Death via Snake River: Despite discrepancies in the witness account, the possibility of Darwin accidentally falling into the river cannot be entirely dismissed.
The lost evidence and lack of a body further muddy the waters, leading to lingering questions without definitive answers.
Notable Quote:
"It would have been out of the way to walk along the river, and it would not have led to his mother's house... he grew up in Idaho Falls. He made this very walk countless times."
— Teeth, [33:23]
Aftermath
Five years post-disappearance, in March 2004, Darwin's family legally declared him dead. The lack of closure remained painful, especially with the passing of Darwin's mother, Margaret, in 2011, and Lee Curtis in 2015. The case remains unsolved, with Darwin's family still yearning for answers and the community left to ponder the mysterious circumstances surrounding his vanishing.
Continued Efforts:
- The Idaho Falls Police Department remains open to tips and hopes for new evidence.
- The podcast hosts advocate for renewed public interest and assistance in solving the case.
Notable Quote:
"None of those close to him believe that he could have or would have fallen into the Snake River."
— Daphne, [35:06]
Conclusion
"Darwin Vest" stands out as one of the most perplexing and heartfelt cases discussed on Going West: True Crime. The combination of Darwin's intriguing personality, his significant contributions to science, and the baffling nature of his disappearance makes this story particularly compelling. Hosts Daphne and Heath urge listeners to keep Darwin’s memory alive by sharing his story and contributing any information that could shed light on his fate.
Final Thoughts:
"I really hope this doesn't go cold forever because like you're saying he was such an amazing man."
— Heath Merryman, [47:18]
Call to Action
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Darwin Vest, please contact the Idaho Falls Police Department at 208-529-1200. Your assistance could be pivotal in bringing closure to a devastated family and solving a lingering mystery.
Thank you for tuning into this episode of Going West: True Crime. Stay connected for more riveting true crime stories every Tuesday and Friday.