Episode Summary: "David Glenn Lewis // 480" | Going West: True Crime

Introduction

In Episode 480 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the perplexing and haunting case of David Glenn Lewis, a dedicated Texas attorney whose unexplained disappearance in 1993 has left his family and the community yearning for answers. Released on February 25, 2025, this episode meticulously unpacks the intricate details surrounding David's sudden vanishing, the subsequent investigation, and the lingering mysteries that persist decades later.

Background of David Glenn Lewis

David Glenn Lewis, born on December 11, 1953, in Borger, Texas, was the epitome of an all-American man. Raised by Esther and Herschel Lewis alongside his brother Larry, David excelled academically and professionally. A standout quarterback in high school, he pursued political science at Texas Tech University, graduating magna cum laude in 1975. His academic prowess led him to earn a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech's School of Law in 1979, after which he married Karen Garrett on July 25, 1981. David's commitment to his community was evident through his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America, Moore County Child Protective Services, and Safeplace Inc., a nonprofit combating domestic violence.

Daphne [02:28]: "David was a big community man and truly just a man for the people."

Disappearance Details

The harrowing story begins in late January 1993, coinciding with the Super Bowl weekend. While David was preparing for a weekend filled with football—a passion of his for the Dallas Cowboys—his wife Karen and daughter Lauren were enjoying a girls' weekend in Dallas. On Thursday, January 28, David left work prematurely around noon, citing illness. He made a stop at a gas station, fueling his red Ford Explorer, and proceeded to teach a government class at Amarillo College, which ended at 10 PM. There were no reports of unusual behavior during his teaching hours.

However, the following day, Friday, January 29, a friend from David's church spotted him hurrying through the Amarillo International Airport without any luggage—a behavior out of character for someone typically meticulous like David.

Heath [08:47]: "The airport is about 10 miles east and just about a 13-minute drive. It's just outside of the city."

Later that night, a police officer observed David's red Ford Explorer parked suspiciously outside the Potter County Courts building at 10:30 PM. The next day, Saturday, January 30, strange activities unfolded: a $5,000 deposit was made into David and Karen's joint bank account, and the Explorer was later found parked at David's home, though it had previously been seen downtown. Confusion deepened with discrepancies in sightings and the mysterious appearance of David's vehicle.

Investigation and Theories

As days progressed, the investigation into David's disappearance became mired in conflicting information and unverified sightings. On Sunday, January 31—the day of the Super Bowl—David's family was unaware of his whereabouts. A deputy reported seeing someone resembling David near the Potter County Courts building, taking photographs of his own car. This peculiar behavior raised suspicions about David's intentions and mental state.

Further complicating the case were two airline tickets purchased in David's name: one from Dallas to Amarillo on Super Bowl Sunday and another from Los Angeles to Dallas with a layover in Amarillo the following day. The absence of recordings confirming whether these flights were taken added to the mystery.

Daphne [14:03]: "Which many people do, especially for something as big as the Super Bowl."

Investigators explored several angles, including potential foul play, suicide, or voluntary disappearance. Despite investigating possible motives—such as death threats David had received before his disappearance and ongoing lawsuits—no concrete evidence linked these factors to his vanishing.

Discovery and Identification

Tragically, on Monday, February 1, 1993, the day after the Super Bowl, David was found deceased in Yakima County, Washington. A hit-and-run incident on Highway 24 claimed his life, but identifying him proved challenging. For 11 years, David remained an unidentified John Doe until Detective Pat Ditter's diligent cross-referencing efforts in 2004 connected the remains to David through distinctive glasses and DNA matching.

Heath [29:25]: "It honestly just gives you chills because you think about the fact that... he died that same day that he was reported missing."

Unresolved Questions and Theories

David's presence in Washington State sparked numerous theories:

1. Forced Disappearance: Some speculate that David was abducted, possibly linked to his professional life or personal threats, forcing him to travel across the country against his will.

2. Voluntary Disappearance: Despite his family's disbelief, there's a possibility that David chose to leave his life behind, symbolized by leaving his wedding ring and watch behind.

3. Accidental Circumstances: The official ruling categorized David's death as accidental, stemming from the hit-and-run, given the lack of substances in his system and absence of immediate evidence of foul play.

Additionally, David was found wearing distressed army fatigues and work boots—garments completely out of character for him—toiling as a community-oriented lawyer and family man. This attire has fueled conspiracy theories suggesting his involvement in military operations or attempts to obscure his identity.

Daphne [36:04]: "I just want to go into it a little bit deeper for a second."

Impact on Family

David's untimely death left Karen and Lauren grappling with unanswered questions. Karen remained steadfast in her belief that David did not voluntarily abandon his life, emphasizing his dedication to his family and community. The loss also impacted the broader community that viewed David as a pillar of support and integrity.

Heath [32:50]: "It honestly just gives you chills because you think about the fact that... why was he there? What was he doing?"

Conclusion

The disappearance and subsequent death of David Glenn Lewis remain shrouded in mystery. Over three decades later, the case underscores the complexities and frustrations inherent in unsolved mysteries. Despite advancements in investigative techniques, many aspects of David's final days continue to puzzle both his family and true crime enthusiasts.

Daphne [42:08]: "It just feels so off. And I think some of the biggest questions remain."

As Going West: True Crime highlights, David's story is a poignant reminder of the enduring quest for truth in the face of inexplicable loss.

Discussion and Community Engagement

Hosts Daphne and Heath encourage listeners to share their theories and thoughts on David's case through their social media platforms, fostering a community-driven exploration of unresolved true crime stories.

Daphne [50:11]: "I mean, this case is like this, where it feels so impossible to have some kind of idea in your mind as to what happened..."

Heath [50:46]: "We love you guys. And so for everybody out there in the world, tell Be a Stranger."

Final Thoughts

As Daphne aptly puts it, the mystery surrounding David Glenn Lewis is a labyrinth of unanswered questions and uncharted theories. The episode serves not only as a recounting of events but also as an invitation to listeners to engage in the pursuit of understanding one of Texas's most enigmatic true crime cases.