Podcast Title: Going West: True Crime
Episode: Draft for Publish on 2025-06-24
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Produced by: Dark West Productions
Introduction
In this gripping episode of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve deep into the mysterious disappearance of Molly Miller and Colt Haynes in rural Oklahoma. Released on June 24, 2025, this episode marks episode number 514, where the hosts unpack the intricate details, corruption, and unanswered questions surrounding this unresolved case.
Background on Molly Miller and Colt Haynes
[03:45] Daphne: Molly Miller, born on April 30, 1996, was a 17-year-old junior at a vocational high school in Wilson, Oklahoma. A member of the Chickasaw Nation, Molly was known for her athletic prowess, especially in softball, and her affable nature. Despite her outwardly typical teenage life, she struggled with intermittent drug use, leading to occasional conflicts with her mother, Melissa.
[06:53] Heath: Colt Haynes, born on April 28, 1992, was 21 years old at the time of his disappearance. A lifelong resident of Wilson, Colt was juggling a part-time job at a tire center while pursuing his education. Like Molly, he had his brushes with drug use, particularly methamphetamine. Known for his reliability, Colt consistently kept his family informed about his whereabouts, making his abrupt disappearance all the more alarming.
The Night of July 7, 2013: The Disappearance
[07:53] Daphne: On the night of July 7, 2013, a sequence of events unfolded that would forever change the lives of Molly and Colt. Colt, accompanied by his cousin Khan Russell, engaged in a high-speed police chase through the woods of rural Oklahoma. The chase culminated in a crash near Khan's sprawling family property in Love County.
[09:52] Heath: “This one gets crazier the deeper you dive. There's so much to it,” Heath remarks, emphasizing the complexity of the relationships and events leading up to the disappearance.
Phone Calls and Attempts for Help
[15:57] Daphne: After the crash, Molly and Colt found themselves stranded in unfamiliar and dense terrain. Their phones became lifelines as they desperately attempted to reach out for help.
- [16:58] Daphne: "They are trying."
- [17:00] Heath: "Yes, they are."
Despite making approximately 33 calls that night, including over 12 to 911, most were unsuccessful due to the spotty rural signal. Molly made her final call at [17:00] 9:33 AM, pleading for a pickup, after which both their phones were shut off within minutes of each other.
[17:00] Heath: “These are not your typical teenage emergencies. Their history adds layers to their disappearance.”
Initial Investigation and Police Response
[18:37] Daphne: Molly’s mother promptly reported her missing on July 8, 2013. However, the police initially classified it as a runaway case, influenced perhaps by Colt’s prior instances of unexplained absences related to his drug use.
[19:24] Heath: “The fact that their families waited different lengths of time to report their disappearances adds to the complications of the investigation.”
Evidence and Suspicions
As the investigation progressed, suspicions began to mount around Khan Russell, Colt’s cousin and the sheriff of Love County.
[21:12] Daphne: “Khan’s behavior post-chase was erratic and suspicious. His refusal to acknowledge his presence with Molly and Colt only deepened the mystery.”
An accidental 911 call from Khan’s uncle, Colby Barrick, surfaced a year later, containing cryptic and potentially incriminating statements about the night of the disappearance.
[30:56] Heath: “That call is like something out of a horror story. It’s eerie and deeply unsettling.”
Family's Continued Efforts and Corruption Issues
The case took a darker turn as allegations of corruption within the local sheriff’s department emerged. Khan’s cousin, Sheriff Joe Russell, was implicated in shielding his own family, especially Khan, from scrutiny.
[29:11] Daphne: “The family's internal dynamics and the sheriff's negligence have significantly hindered the progress of the investigation.”
[47:18] Heath: “It's a web of corruption. They knew they could manipulate the system to protect their own.”
Recent Developments and Ongoing Search
Despite renewed efforts and additional tips, including the discovery of potential weapons tied to the case, Molly and Colt remain missing. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations, along with the FBI, continues to search, offering hefty rewards for information.
[50:43] Daphne: “We're not quitters. We'll never quit looking for this child. Hell will have to freeze over before we quit looking.”
Conclusion
The disappearance of Molly Miller and Colt Haynes remains one of Oklahoma's most haunting mysteries. With allegations of corruption, suspicious behaviors, and a tangled family dynamic, Daphne and Heath present a case that underscores the challenges of seeking truth in the face of powerful obstructions.
[55:07] Daphne: “If you have any information about the disappearances of Molly Miller and Colt Haynes, please call the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations at 1-800-522-8017.”
[56:38] Heath: “All of the suspicion is being pointed in one direction.”
As the hosts wrap up, they reflect on the urgency and the emotional toll of unresolved true crime cases, urging listeners to stay informed and vigilant.
Notable Quotes
- Heath Merryman: “[07:53] This one gets crazier the deeper you dive. There's so much to it.”
- Daphne Woolsoncroft: “[16:58] They are trying.”
- Heath Merryman: “[17:00] Yes, they are.”
- Heath Merryman: “[30:56] That call is like something out of a horror story. It’s eerie and deeply unsettling.”
- Heath Merryman: “[47:18] It's a web of corruption. They knew they could manipulate the system to protect their own.”
- Daphne Woolsoncroft: “[50:43] We're not quitters. We'll never quit looking for this child. Hell will have to freeze over before we quit looking.”
- Daphne Woolsoncroft: “[55:07] If you have any information about the disappearances of Molly Miller and Colt Haynes, please call the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations at 1-800-522-8017.”
- Heath Merryman: “[56:38] All of the suspicion is being pointed in one direction.”
Final Thoughts
Going West: True Crime continues to shed light on unresolved cases, offering in-depth analysis and compelling narratives. This episode not only brings attention to the tragic disappearance of Molly and Colt but also highlights systemic issues that can impede justice. As Daphne and Heath unravel this complex case, listeners are left contemplating the nature of truth, the impact of corruption, and the relentless pursuit of answers.
If you haven't listened to this episode yet, dive in to explore the chilling details and ongoing quest for truth surrounding the Love County disappearances.