Podcast Summary: "Kiply Davis // 504" – Going West: True Crime
Episode Information:
- Title: Kiply Davis // 504
- Podcast: Going West: True Crime
- Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
- Release Date: May 23, 2025
1. Introduction and Background (02:03 – 07:04)
In this gripping episode, hosts Heath Merryman and Daphne Woolsoncroft delve into the mysterious disappearance of Kiplyn Davis, a 15-year-old student from Spanish Fork, Utah, who vanished in May 1995. The episode begins with Daphne acknowledging the episode's recommendation by a listener named Cassie (or Casey), expressing gratitude to supporters such as David, JL, and Jasper for bringing this unresolved case to the forefront.
Daphne:
"We've had this case on our list for way too long and diving into it proved to be so much more maddening than we thought."
[02:03]
Heath warns listeners of the episode's intense and frustrating nature, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of the case.
2. Kiplyn Davis: A Vibrant Teen (03:02 – 07:04)
Kiplyn Davis was described by her family and friends as an outgoing and bubbly teenager deeply involved in her community and extracurricular activities. Born on July 1, 1979, Kiplyn was actively participating in her high school's theater department and was preparing for her driver's license, which she was set to receive two months after her disappearance.
Kiplyn’s Sister, Carissa:
"Outgoing, very social, just a bright, bubbly personality. I still have memories of us going on family trips. Even now I look up to her."
[05:00]
Despite her vibrant persona, Kiplyn faced typical teenage conflicts, notably with her parents over dating. Her strict household rules prohibited her from dating until she turned 16, a milestone she tragically never reached.
3. The Day of Disappearance (07:04 – 11:13)
On May 2, 1995, Kiplyn woke up unusually early to attend her driver's education class. Struggling with the early start, she pressed the snooze button multiple times before her father, Richard Davis, insisted she attend the class to secure her summer driver's license.
Kiplyn pleaded:
"Please, Dad, let me miss just one class."
[05:00]
Despite her reluctance, Kiplyn adhered to her father's instructions, but this would be the last time she was seen by her family. After her daytime commitments, Kiplyn's absence from school was first noticed when a voicemail alerted her parents that she hadn't attended her afternoon classes.
4. Family’s Response and Initial Investigation (11:13 – 16:21)
Richard and Tamara Davis immediately grew concerned upon realizing Kiplyn hadn't returned home or communicated her whereabouts. The lack of a phone call was perplexing, especially since the family had access to cell phones even in 1995.
By 5 PM, after unsuccessful calls to friends yielded no information, the Davises visited Spanish Fork High School. They discovered Kiplyn's belongings left in her locker, including her makeup—an unsettling sign that suggested she intended to return but never did.
Richard Davis:
"If it were their daughter, what would they want the parents to do? I would try to make it Right."
[40:21]
Facing no clarity from school or community members, Kiplyn's parents took proactive steps by distributing hundreds of flyers, seeking assistance from the public.
5. Interaction with Police and Suspects Identification (16:21 – 21:13)
The local police, initially dismissive, labeled Kiplyn as a potential runaway, frustrating the Davises who knew her well. Determined, the family intensified their efforts, focusing on Kiplyn's friend, Chris Jepsen, the last person known to see her.
Daphne:
"It's so strange that not even her friends knew what happened to her."
[12:17]
Interviews revealed that Kiplyn had been spending significant time with Chris in the theater department, heightening suspicions. Concurrently, another student, Brandon Myers, who had earlier expressed romantic interest in Kiplyn, exhibited suspicious behavior by missing classes and falsifying his attendance.
6. Revelations and New Evidence (21:13 – 32:16)
As months passed with no sign of Kiplyn, the FBI joined the investigation, yet progress remained stagnant due to lack of concrete evidence. A pivotal moment occurred when Timmy Olson, a fellow student, broke his silence during a grand jury investigation, admitting that he, along with Chris and Rucker, had taken Kiplyn to Spanish Fork Canyon—the same location Kiplyn had mentioned in her journals.
Timmy Olson:
"We all know who did it. We all did it."
[45:28]
These admissions significantly escalated the case, leading to intense scrutiny of the trio involved. Despite polygraph tests that initially suggested innocence, inconsistencies in their stories emerged, particularly Timmy's detailed confessions contrasting with Chris and Rucker's denials.
7. Legal Proceedings and Outcomes (32:16 – 48:36)
The grand jury's investigation unearthed damning evidence and multiple witness testimonies linking the suspects to Kiplyn's disappearance. Timmy Olson faced severe repercussions, being convicted of multiple counts of perjury and sentenced to prison, yet he remained reticent about revealing Kiplyn's remains.
Timmy’s Lawyer:
"I've done everything I can. I take responsibility. There's nothing else I can do."
[50:21]
Despite the mounting evidence, including Timmy's violent history and incriminating statements, the exact circumstances of Kiplyn's death remained elusive. The legal battles continued, with Timmy's parole denied due to his refusal to disclose the location of Kiplyn's body.
8. Aftermath and Ongoing Search (48:36 – 54:26)
Four years after Kiplyn's disappearance, her family held a memorial service and legally declared her dead. Richard Davis, determined to find closure, authored a book titled "When an Angel Leaves Your Life," with proceeds funding a scholarship in Kiplyn's memory. Despite exhaustive searches and renewed efforts by law enforcement, Kiplyn's remains have yet to be discovered.
Richard Davis:
"If it takes the rest of my life to find Kiplyn, I'll do it."
[51:32]
The episode concludes with a heartfelt plea from the Davises, urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in resolving this decades-old mystery.
Richard Davis:
"All I want to do is just bring her home. Just tell me where she is."
[50:21]
9. Conclusion and Call for Information (54:26 – 53:56)
As the 30-year anniversary of Kiplyn's disappearance approaches, the Davises continue to seek justice and closure. The podcast ends with an emotional appeal for public assistance, emphasizing the enduring impact of Kiplyn's loss on her family and community.
Heath Merryman:
"Please make sure that you share this story. It's unbelievable that we know that these three young men were involved in the disappearance of Kiplyn, and to this day, they have not told the full story."
[53:37]
Key Takeaways:
- Kiplyn Davis's disappearance remains a haunting unresolved case, marred by inconsistent testimonies and reluctant confessions.
- Family-led efforts and renewed investigations highlight the persistent quest for truth and justice.
- The episode underscores the profound emotional toll on Kiplyn's family and the broader community.
If You Have Information: Kiplyn Davis has been missing since May 23, 1995. If you possess any information regarding her disappearance or the whereabouts of her remains, please contact the Spanish Fork Police Department at 801-804-4500.
Connect with Going West: True Crime:
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Upcoming:
- Host Daphne Woolsoncroft will release her thriller novel "Night Watcher" on July 8th. Pre-orders are available on Amazon.
This summary encapsulates the emotional and investigative journey surrounding Kiplyn Davis's tragic disappearance, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the case and its lingering questions.