Podcast Summary: "Gretchen Fleming" – Episode 460 of Going West: True Crime

Released on December 11, 2024 by Dark West Productions

Introduction to the Case

In episode 460 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve deep into the mysterious disappearance of Gretchen Fleming, a 27-year-old woman from Parkersburg, West Virginia. Released just two years after her disappearance, this episode seeks to uncover the haunting details surrounding her case, discussing the ongoing investigation, community involvement, and the suspicious figure last seen with her.

Background on Gretchen Fleming

Gretchen Eve Fleming was born on Christmas Eve 1994 and grew up in Parkersburg, West Virginia, along with her younger sister Emma. Following her parents' divorce, Gretchen lived with her father, David, and stepmother, Jennifer, who had blended their families. Gretchen was a vibrant young woman known for her love of reading, vintage shopping, traveling, writing, and music. After graduating from Parkersburg High School, she pursued higher education in Raleigh, North Carolina, attending William Peace University and Shaw University while working various jobs to support herself.

In 2022, after a difficult breakup, Gretchen returned to her hometown, living with her paternal grandparents in Vienna, just north of Parkersburg. Her return was marred by the sudden passing of her mother, which deeply affected Gretchen and her family.

The Disappearance

On November 24, 2022, Gretchen attended a Thanksgiving gathering with her extended family. The last time she was seen was that evening when she left the family home to go to work as a sales associate at HM, aiming to save for her ambition to become a flight attendant. However, by December 11, her grandmother Louisa noticed Gretchen hadn't returned home and had stopped responding to messages.

"Heath Merryman remarked at [00:34], "So many of you recommended this case. It just happened two years ago and they're so close to putting this one in the bag and getting justice."**

David Fleming, Gretchen's father, immediately started searching for her alongside his wife Jennifer. They visited her favorite local bar, the Front Row, where the bartender revealed that Gretchen had been there the previous weekend and had left her purse there with a friend named John. The absence of Gretchen's purse—containing her wallet, credit cards, identification, and phone—raised red flags, indicating that her disappearance was likely not accidental.

Initial Investigation and Surveillance Footage

As David and Jennifer scoured through Gretchen's contacts and social media for clues, the Parkersburg Police initiated a missing person report on December 12, 2022. The investigation quickly focused on a man named John, who had been with Gretchen the last time she was seen. However, John cooperated fully, providing an account of their evening together.

The breakthrough came when surveillance footage from the My Way Lounge, another local bar, was obtained. The footage showed Gretchen at the bar separate from John, interacting with another man before leaving abruptly with him in a black Nissan Rogue Sport SUV. This man was later identified as Preston Pierce, a 55-year-old local with a tarnished reputation.

Daphne Woolsoncroft shared at [30:17], "He is definitely trying to put on this, like, yeah, I'm a nice, like, wealthy guy. My name's Preston Pierce."**

Focus on Preston Pierce

Preston Pierce, formerly known as Daryl Lot, was a former police officer dismissed due to sexual harassment allegations. Following his discharge, he attempted to reinvent himself by adopting a new identity. His behavior in the community raised significant concerns:

1. Stalking and Harassment:

   • Multiple women reported Preston using his jobs with DoorDash and Spark to stalk and harass female customers.
   • He often followed women to their residences after making deliveries, making unsolicited advances, and even carrying a loaded gun, as reported by a customer.

2. Workplace Misconduct:

   • Preston's interactions with bartenders at the Front Row and My Way Lounge were problematic. He would make inappropriate comments and persistently ask women out, leading to his eventual termination from his delivery jobs.

3. Criminal Behavior:

   • Accounts reveal that Preston aggressively pursued women, including attempts to coerce encounters, leading to fear and discomfort among the community.

Heath Merryman commented at [32:22], "This guy is just so gross."

Given these troubling behaviors, police scrutiny intensified, making Preston a primary suspect in Gretchen's disappearance.

Community and Police Efforts

The Parkersburg community rallied in support of Gretchen and her family. My Way Lounge actively assisted the investigation by providing crucial surveillance footage and enhancing security measures to aid in the search.

Chief of Police Matthew Board stated at [18:28], "The My Way Lounge has really stepped up their staff... They installed a couple more outside just to help."

Despite extensive searches, including canvassing Mountwood Park and investigating tips about possible locations like a well in Ravenswood, no evidence linked Gretchen to these sites. In early 2023, unrelated human remains were found, but they were later identified as those of Kimberly Osborne, another missing person, further complicating the case.

Current Status and Ongoing Investigation

As of the two-year anniversary of Gretchen's disappearance, the case remains active. Detective James Zimmerman, praised as Officer of the Year, continues to lead the investigation with unwavering dedication.

Matthew Board affirmed at [41:33], "Though we do not release a lot, it does not mean that we're not working... This case is not even close to being cold."

Preston Pierce remains a person of interest, with authorities seeking to uncover more evidence that could link him to Gretchen's disappearance. Public appeals continue to offer a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Personal Impacts and Community Reflection

Gretchen's family, particularly her father David and stepmother Jennifer, have expressed both gratitude for the community's support and frustration over the lack of closure. The relentless pursuit of justice has taken a toll on the family, with Gretchen's grandmother Louisa succumbing to a fatal injury during the initial search efforts.

Daphne Woolsoncroft noted at [48:38], "Please share this episode. Hopefully, there will be some evidence that comes out so that Gretchen's family can have some closure."

The community remains vigilant, with ongoing encouragement for anyone with information to come forward, keeping the pressure on Preston Pierce and fostering hope for resolution.

Conclusion and Call to Action

This episode of Going West: True Crime underscores the complexities and challenges in solving cold cases, especially in small communities where personal interactions can significantly impact investigations. The disappearance of Gretchen Fleming remains a poignant reminder of the importance of community support and vigilant law enforcement in seeking justice for missing persons.

Listeners are encouraged to stay informed, share information, and support ongoing efforts to find Gretchen and hold her abductor accountable.

"We need to keep the pressure on Preston Pierce AKA Daryl Lott," Daphne Woolsoncroft urged at [49:11].

For more information or to provide tips, contact Detective James Zimmerman at the Parkersburg Police Department at 304-424-1072.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements and non-content segments of the podcast, focusing solely on the case narrative and investigative details as presented by the hosts.