Summary of "Morgan Bauer // 478" – Going West: True Crime

Introduction

In episode 478 of Going West: True Crime, hosted by Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman, the tragic case of Morgan Bauer is meticulously explored. Released on February 18, 2025, this episode delves into the disappearance and murder of a young woman from South Dakota, highlighting the complexities of the investigation, family dynamics, and the eventual resolution after years of uncertainty.

Background

Morgan Bauer's Early Life

Morgan Bauer was born on April 13, 1996, in Vermilion, South Dakota. She was the second oldest of five siblings in a blended family. Her mother, Sherry, described Morgan as "the most caring person" who was "so kind and so funny" ([04:30]). Despite her vibrant and outspoken nature, Morgan's teenage years were marked by typical familial challenges, especially after her parents separated.

Pursuit of Independence

After graduating from Aberdeen Central High School in 2014, Morgan sought independence and decided to move to Atlanta, Georgia. Heath notes, "She wanted to be her own person, move to a big city and spread her wings" ([06:58]). This decision stemmed from Morgan's desire to explore new surroundings and break free from the confines of small-town life. However, this move was not without its challenges. Morgan's relationship with her mother became strained as she sought autonomy, culminating in a significant rift over Morgan’s attempt to obtain necessary documentation for her move ([09:13]).

The Move to Atlanta and Initial Struggles

Relocation Challenges

Morgan's transition to Atlanta was fraught with difficulties. Upon arrival on February 12, 2016, she arranged to stay with a man she met on Craigslist, expecting free room and board in exchange for cleaning his house. However, after just one night, he expelled her, leaving her without a place to stay or her belongings ([13:07]). Desperate and unprepared, Morgan struggled to find stable accommodation and employment.

Early Employment Efforts

To make ends meet, Morgan began working as a dancer at the Top of Gainesville nightclub in Gainesville, Georgia ([16:05]). During this period, she met Lilith Chaos (real name Caitlin Goble) and her boyfriend, Jonathan Alexander Warren. These relationships would later become pivotal in the investigation of Morgan's disappearance.

Disappearance and Investigation

Initial Disappearance

Morgan ceased all social media activity after February 25, 2016. Her mother, Sherry, became increasingly concerned when Morgan failed to check in with friends and family. On March 12, Sherry officially reported Morgan missing to the Atlanta Police Department after weeks of silence ([16:28]).

Challenges in the Investigation

The investigation faced significant hurdles:

• Delayed Reporting: The police were notified nearly a month after Morgan's disappearance, which hindered early search efforts.

• Assumption of Elective Disappearance: Authorities initially considered the possibility that Morgan had chosen to disappear voluntarily, slowing the investigation ([19:27]).

• Family Conflict: An imposter posing as Morgan on social media led Morgan's sister, Alyssa, to publicly accuse Sherry of fabricating the disappearance for financial gain through a GoFundMe campaign. This misinformation created confusion and delayed critical leads ([30:00]).

Private Investigation Efforts

Frustrated by the slow progress of official investigations, Sherry hired private investigator T.J. Ward and collaborated with the nonprofit For Sarah to aid in the search for Morgan. Despite these efforts, Morgan remained missing for years, and the case went cold.

Breakthrough and Resolution

Discovery of Remains

After seven and a half years, a breakthrough occurred on July 25, 2023, when authorities discovered human remains in Porterdale, Georgia. These remains were confirmed to be those of Morgan Bauer, with strangulation identified as the cause of death. The remains were found at the residence of Caitlin Goble and Jonathan Alexander Warren, implicating them in Morgan's murder ([36:59]).

Arrests and Legal Proceedings

• Caitlin Goble: Arrested in Peoria, Illinois, on charges of concealing a death and tampering with evidence.

• Jonathan Alexander Warren: Arrested in Los Angeles, California, for murder, aggravated assault, and concealing a death.

During his arraignment, Jonathan pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including malice murder and necrophilia, requesting the death penalty. Instead, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on January 10, 2024 ([43:27]).

Caitlin faces charges of concealing a death and tampering with evidence, with sentencing pending a mental health evaluation. Her defense team is attempting to have her declared incompetent to stand trial ([47:10]).

Family Impact and Reflections

Sherry's Perspective

Sherry expressed profound relief and sorrow upon the resolution of Morgan’s case. She stated, "I am most grateful for the chance to finally bring Morgan home and lay her to rest in South Dakota" ([43:52]). The closure has been a significant step in the healing process for her, though the pain of losing her daughter remains.

Alyssa's Accusations

Morgan's sister, Alyssa, initially believed Morgan was safe and publicly accused Sherry of orchestrating the disappearance for financial gain. However, after the discovery of Morgan's remains, Alyssa retracted her statements, acknowledging the tragic truth of her sister's fate ([34:29]).

Broader Reflections

Daphne and Heath reflect on the broader implications of Morgan's case, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigations regardless of initial assumptions about a missing person's intentions. They highlight how familial conflicts and misinformation can severely impede the search for truth and justice.

Notable Quotes

• Sherry on Morgan's Character:
  "She was so kind and so funny." ([04:30])

• Heath on Morgan's Preparedness:
  "She was not prepared for this move at all." ([11:52])

• Sherry on the Nature of the Case:
  "This is a story about a girl who is missing and needs to come home safely." ([34:29])

• Sherry on the Sentencing of Jonathan:
  "Jonathan Alexander Warren was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of my daughter, Morgan Bauer." ([43:52])

Conclusion

The case of Morgan Bauer, as recounted in Going West: True Crime, serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding missing persons cases. It underscores the critical need for timely and unbiased investigations, the devastating impact of familial discord, and the enduring quest for closure by loved ones. Daphne and Heath commend the eventual resolution of Morgan’s case while urging a more diligent approach to similar cases to prevent future tragedies.

For more detailed accounts and updates on similar cases, listeners are encouraged to follow Going West: True Crime on their social media platforms.