Going West: True Crime – Episode 522: The Disappearance of Erin Gilbert

Release Date: July 22, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Production: Dark West Productions

Introduction to the Case

In episode 522 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the mysterious disappearance of Erin Gilbert, a 24-year-old woman who vanished without a trace during a summer festival in the Alaskan wilderness in July 1995. This case, set against the backdrop of the serene yet unforgiving Alaska landscape, remains unsolved and continues to baffle investigators and Erin’s family alike.

Background of Erin Gilbert

Erin Gilbert, originally from Everett, Washington, was known for her adventurous spirit and artistic flair. Born on May 4, 1971, Erin was the youngest of three sisters and maintained a close-knit relationship with her family throughout her life. After her parents divorced, Erin moved to San Francisco with her father to complete high school and later explored various parts of the United States before settling in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1994 to live with her sister Stephanie and brother-in-law Aaron Merryman.

[05:03] Daphne: "She was a bit of an explorer, moving around frequently and making friends wherever she went."

Erin’s active lifestyle included part-time work at a daycare and plans to enroll in beauty school, showcasing her dynamic and forward-moving nature.

The Night of Disappearance

The pivotal moment in Erin’s life occurred on July 1, 1995, during the Girdwood Forest Fair, Alaska’s premier summer festival. Erin met David "Dave" Combs at Chilkoot Charlie’s, a well-known local bar, and the two decided to attend the fair together the following day.

[07:40] Teeth: "They hit it off while playing pool, and Dave invited Erin to join him at the fair."

On the afternoon of July 1st, Dave picked up Erin from Stephanie’s house, and together they attended the festival until around 6 PM, when they were last seen heading back to Dave’s car near the fairgrounds. Shortly after, Dave reported that his car battery had died, claiming he needed to get help to jump-start it.

[10:45] Daphne: "Erin and Dave enjoy just kind of milling about the vendor booths at the fair, and then they headed to the festival's beer garden to meet up with some friends of Dave's."

However, Dave's subsequent actions raised immediate suspicions. Instead of seeking assistance from fellow festival-goers, he purportedly walked alone for two hours in search of a friend who could help, leaving Erin unattended by his car until he returned to find her missing.

[13:58] Teeth: "How would she have made it home okay? Like, it's hard to tell if he's genuinely concerned or he's feeling guilty."

This unusual behavior became the focal point of the investigation, casting significant doubt on Dave’s account of the events.

Investigations and Suspects

Initial searches in the lush, expansive terrain of the Alaskan wilderness yielded no results. Despite extensive efforts by the family, volunteers, and law enforcement, Erin remained missing, and Dave Combs emerged as the primary person of interest due to his inexplicable departure from the scene.

[22:09] Teeth: "It's always gonna be suspicious when somebody goes on a date with another person and then doesn't come home."

Erin’s family vehemently dismissed the possibility that she left voluntarily, emphasizing her strong familial ties and proactive nature.

[23:13] Teeth: "Well, we have one girl who's murdered and another young woman who goes missing, and that's only about 25 minutes apart. So that's very close."

As investigators probed deeper, Dave’s reluctance to cooperate and refusal to undergo polygraph testing further intensified suspicions against him.

Dave Combs' Role

Dave Combs, without a known criminal history, became a central figure in Erin’s disappearance. Over time, additional information about his past surfaced, including allegations of predatory behavior towards other women, though concrete details remain scarce.

[31:22] Teeth: "That's really, really interesting considering Erin went missing in his company."

Despite these unsettling revelations, law enforcement struggled to gather substantial evidence linking Dave directly to Erin’s disappearance, primarily due to a lack of witnesses and physical evidence.

[37:04] Daphne: "He wouldn't even have to do that. Like, I think in his head he's like, oh, well, I just took this girl out and now I'm roped up in this. I didn't do it. That's it."

Erin’s family continued to press for more information, particularly questioning whether Dave’s car had been thoroughly searched for any incriminating evidence, such as Erin’s fingerprints or DNA.

Linked Cases and Theories

The podcast also explores the chilling parallels between Erin's case and the earlier disappearance of Bonnie Craig in 1994. Bonnie, an 18-year-old student, was tragically found murdered along the Seward Highway, not far from where Erin went missing.

[42:00] Teeth: "Of course, we've got one girl who's murdered and another young woman who goes missing, and that's only about 25 minutes apart. So that's very close."

Karen Campbell, Bonnie’s mother, expressed fears that both cases might be connected, hinting at the possibility of a local serial killer targeting young women. However, despite these fears, no direct link has been established between Bonnie’s case and Erin’s disappearance.

[43:15] Teeth: "She had plans. She was going to an English class, she was walking to school. And then she just randomly says, you know what? On this walk, I think I want to have sex with somebody right now. And then, whoops, I slipped. No, no."

Bobeding a semblance of closure, the discovery and subsequent conviction of Kenneth Dion for Bonnie’s murder provided some answers but left Erin’s case unresolved.

Current Status and Ongoing Efforts

Decades after her disappearance, Erin Gilbert remains missing, with her case officially classified as a missing person investigation rather than a homicide due to the absence of a body or definitive evidence. Despite multiple search efforts, including those by specialized cold case units, no new leads have emerged.

[50:03] Teeth: "Yeah, the stories, they sound made up. He's not being super cooperative with the investigation. And the real shitty part of this case is that there was nothing left behind."

Erin’s sister, Stephanie, remains unwavering in her quest for justice, continually advocating for renewed attention to the case and encouraging the public to share Erin’s story in hopes of sparking new leads.

[50:40] Teeth: "Like we said in the beginning, she really is a crusader for this case, truly."

In 2017, a $35,000 reward was offered to encourage new tips, reflecting the family's continued hope for resolution.

[48:22] Daphne: "He's not being super cooperative with the investigation."

As of 2025, the investigation remains open, with Erin still considered missing. The Alaska State Troopers’ Cold Case Unit, though understaffed, continue to review any potential leads that emerge, holding onto the hope that Erin will one day be found and justice served.

[51:53] Daphne: "We don't think she's alive, but she deserves Justice."

Conclusion

Erin Gilbert’s disappearance is a haunting reminder of the mysteries that can unfold even in the most picturesque settings. Going West: True Crime meticulously unpacks the complexities of this case, shedding light on the unanswered questions and the relentless pursuit for truth by Erin’s family. As listeners, we are left pondering the enigmatic circumstances surrounding Erin’s last known moments and the elusive figure of Dave Combs, whose actions continue to demand scrutiny.

Notable Quotes:

• [05:03] Daphne: "She was a bit of an explorer, moving around frequently and making friends wherever she went."
• [13:58] Teeth: "How would she have made it home okay? Like, it's hard to tell if he's genuinely concerned or he's feeling guilty."
• [22:09] Teeth: "It's always gonna be suspicious when somebody goes on a date with another person and then doesn't come home."
• [31:22] Teeth: "That's really, really interesting considering Erin went missing in his company."
• [43:15] Teeth: "She had plans. She was going to an English class, she was walking to school. And then she just randomly says, you know what? On this walk, I think I want to have sex with somebody right now. And then, whoops, I slipped. No, no."
• [50:40] Teeth: "Like we said in the beginning, she really is a crusader for this case, truly."

Stay Connected

If you have any information about Erin Gilbert’s disappearance, please contact the Wasilla Police Department at 907-352-5401. Your tip could be the key to solving this enduring mystery.

For more detailed discussions and updates on the case, follow Going West: True Crime on Instagram and Facebook. Share Erin’s story to keep hope alive.