I Wish You Were Here: Missing Without a Trace – Where is Lauren Speirer?
Host: Michelle Cuervo
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Introduction
In this poignant episode of I Wish You Were Here, host Michelle Cuervo delves into the mysterious disappearance of Lauren Speirer, a 20-year-old sophomore at Indiana University (IU) who vanished one summer night in 2011. Michelle brings a personal connection to the case, having been a fellow student at IU, which adds a layer of depth and emotion to the exploration of Lauren's untimely disappearance.
Background
Lauren Speirer was a promising student at Indiana University, known for her vibrant social life and active participation in campus activities. On June 2, 2011, Lauren, along with her boyfriend Jesse Wolf and friends, was involved in a night out that tragically ended with her disappearance. Lauren had been diagnosed with Long QT syndrome, a genetic heart disorder that poses significant health risks, especially when combined with stress or substance use.
Quote:
Michelle Cuervo: "I was once a 20-year-old girl, a sophomore at IU, just like Lauren. I've walked the exact same streets she disappeared on." [05:45]
The Fateful Night
On the night of June 2, 2011, Lauren faced a dilemma between spending the evening with her boyfriend Jesse or attending a pregame with friends. Opting for the latter, Lauren joined friends at a townhouse to watch the NBA finals. As the night progressed, Lauren became increasingly intoxicated from alcohol and possibly other substances, compounded by her empty stomach and heart condition.
Corey Rossman, a newly acquainted friend from the Indy 500 event, became a central figure in the evening. Lauren's decision to leave her apartment and join Corey at his residence set the stage for the events that followed.
Quote:
Michelle Cuervo: "Lauren’s first two years at IU were great, but it was towards the end of her sophomore year that things started to unravel." [12:30]
Timeline of Disappearance
- Pre-Game Gathering: Lauren arrives at Jay Rosenbaum's townhouse pregame around 1:30 AM, where she becomes visibly intoxicated.
- Incident with Corey: After spilling a drink, Corey offers to dry Lauren's shirt, leading her to his apartment. Their interaction raises concerns due to Lauren's impaired state.
- Altercation: Four friends, including Zach Oakes, encounter Lauren and Corey. A dispute ensues, resulting in Zach punching Corey, which leads to Corey losing memory of subsequent events.
- Final Moments: Corey, struggling to help Lauren, attempts to return her to her apartment but inadvertently leads her into further distress. Lauren ultimately disappears after falling multiple times and being last seen around 4 AM.
Quote:
Michelle Cuervo: "The last time Lauren was seen, it was by Jay at around 4 in the morning. She was intoxicated, injured from multiple falls, and trying to make her way home." [35:50]
Investigation and Search Efforts
The morning after Lauren's disappearance, panic set in as calls went unanswered. Friends and family launched a search, leading to the official missing person report around 4:30 PM. Intensive searches, including a nine-day investigation at a local landfill, yielded no results. Despite persistent efforts by Lauren's parents and private investigators, her whereabouts remain unknown almost 14 years later.
Quote:
Michelle Cuervo: "Charlene Speirer's public appeal was heart-wrenching: 'Lauren, I love you with all my heart and soul. Don't take my appearance of despair to mean I'm not as strong as ever.'" [58:20]
Theories and Speculations
Several theories have emerged over the years regarding Lauren's disappearance:
- Accidental Overdose: Given Lauren's heart condition and the excessive consumption of alcohol and possibly other substances, an accidental overdose is a plausible scenario.
- Abduction: Speculation exists around possible foul play, including involvement of known serial offenders in the area at the time, such as Israel Keys and Daniel Messel. However, no concrete evidence supports these claims.
- Cover-Up: Some believe that individuals present that night may have hidden evidence or her body to avoid legal repercussions.
Quote:
Michelle Cuervo: "One of the most popular beliefs is that Lauren passed away from an accidental overdose due to the combination of alcohol, drugs, and her heart condition." [1:10:15]
Legal Actions and Outcomes
In 2013, Lauren's parents filed civil lawsuits against Corey Rossman, Jay Rosenbaum, and Mike Beth, alleging negligence in ensuring Lauren's safety that night. The lawsuits were dismissed due to insufficient evidence linking the defendants directly to her disappearance.
Quote:
Michelle Cuervo: "The court dismissed the lawsuits, stating it wasn't their duty to ensure Lauren's safety, and the lack of evidence made it impossible to hold them accountable." [1:25:40]
Family's Ongoing Struggle
Lauren's disappearance has had a profound and lasting impact on her family. Her parents, Rob and Charlene Speirer, have tirelessly sought answers, maintaining Lauren's story in the public eye through social media campaigns, vigils, and continuous collaboration with investigators. Their unwavering hope is to uncover the truth and find closure.
Quote:
Charlene Speirer (from a 2012 letter): "I am here for you 100%. I will never leave you. I love you with all my heart and I need you back." [1:40:50]
Conclusion
Michelle Cuervo's exploration of Lauren Speirer's disappearance paints a chilling picture of a young woman's sudden and unexplained absence. Despite extensive investigations and numerous theories, Lauren remains missing, and her family continues to search for answers. This case remains a haunting reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring quest for truth in the face of uncertainty.
Final Quote:
Michelle Cuervo: "I think that someone is lying. I think that someone is withholding information and not saying the full truth. If you know anything about the disappearance of Lauren Speirer, please contact the Bloomington Police Department or submit an anonymous tip." [1:55:30]
Supporting Lauren's Family
Lauren Speirer would be 34 years old today. Her family's resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to those seeking justice and truth. To support Lauren's family or learn more about her case, visit the dedicated Facebook page created by her loved ones.
Thank you for joining Michelle Cuervo in this heartfelt and investigative episode of I Wish You Were Here. Stay tuned for more stories that seek to uncover the truths behind unresolved mysteries.