Podcast Summary: "VANISHED YOUNG MOM, 26, MISSING AFTER GETTING IN PICKUP WITH 2 MYSTERY MEN"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Intentionally Disturbing
- Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
- Description: Navigating human behavior, current events, and personal anecdotes through in-depth interviews with a mix of sarcasm and satire. Hosted by a former forensic and clinical psychologist, the podcast delves into the depths of the human psyche with dark humor and biting wit.
- Episode Title: VANISHED YOUNG MOM, 26, MISSING AFTER GETTING IN PICKUP WITH 2 MYSTERY MEN
- Release Date: July 17, 2025
Introduction
In this gripping episode of Intentionally Disturbing, host Nancy Grace delves into the mysterious disappearance of Sarah Ebersole, a 26-year-old mother of one from Reddick, Florida. Through a combination of investigative reporting and expert insights, the episode unpacks the perplexing circumstances surrounding Sarah’s vanishing and the ongoing search for answers.
Overview of Sarah Ebersole's Disappearance
The episode begins with Nancy Grace introducing the tragic case of Sarah Ebersole, a dedicated mother who went missing on March 3 after leaving a house party. Grace emphasizes the perplexing nature of Sarah’s disappearance, highlighting her responsible behavior and the stark contrast to the suddenness of her vanishing.
Nancy Grace [02:23]: "Vanished a beautiful young mom, just 26 years old. A mom of one goes missing after getting into a pickup with two mystery men."
Timeline of Events
March 2-3:
Sarah Ebersole finishes her workday at 7 PM and grabs a ride home from a coworker. At 9:45 PM, she heads to a Circle K convenience store to pick up some items, eventually arriving at a house party nearby. The last known activity includes taking selfies with two men, obviously enjoying the evening.
Giovanni Diaz [04:37]: "At 9:45pm, Sarah walks to a corner store near her apartment but realizes she won't make it before they close. At 10pm, still wanting to grab a few items, Sarah gets Lonnie to drive her to a Circle K a mile up the highway."
10:11 PM:
Sarah takes a selfie from inside a black pickup truck, indicating she has joined two men described as "cowboys."
Sarah Ebersole [16:24]: "Inside the Circle K, Sarah meets up with two cowboys. Her new friends invited her to a party."
2:57 AM:
Sarah’s phone syncs for the last time, marking the final digital footprint before her disappearance.
Nancy Grace [21:24]: "2:57 AM we know she did go to a party."
Investigation Insights
Michelle Tullis' Account
Michelle Tullis, Sarah’s sister, shares her anguish and determination in searching for her missing sister. She recounts Sarah’s reliable nature and the stark change when Sarah ceased responding to messages.
Michelle Tullis [03:48]: "I knew something immediately was wrong because maybe 24 hours of her phone you needed to charge or she broke it, get a new one. But never with Sarah. Just not respond."
Michelle highlights the concept of "ambiguous loss," where the lack of closure intensifies the emotional trauma.
Michelle Tullis [09:39]: "The pain of carrying the weight of not knowing is so traumatic and horrible for everyone involved."
Giovanni Diaz's Reporting
Giovanni Diaz, an investigative reporter with WFTV 9 in Florida, provides detailed insights into the case, including his visit to the Circle K and the challenges faced in rural investigations.
Giovanni Diaz [04:37]: "There are signs with the phone number. Please reach out to us if we have any information about Sarah."
Matthew Barhoma's Input
Matthew Barhoma, a veteran trial lawyer, draws parallels between Sarah’s case and other high-profile disappearances, emphasizing the pattern of victims encountering unknown individuals.
Matthew Barhoma [05:08]: "At this point, which is the most outrageous part of this case, is that we still don't have any leads into where Sarah is."
Ashley Wardlaw's Insights
Ashley Wardlaw, Chief Operations Officer at Nathan's Investigations, discusses the complexities of investigating in rural areas and the importance of timely action.
Ashley Wardlaw [15:01]: "Time is of the essence for a case like this, checking with people who was at the gas station, because memories fade."
Dr. Leslie Dobson's Psychological Perspective
Dr. Leslie Dobson, a clinical forensic psychologist and author, explores the psychological impact of Sarah’s disappearance on her family and the broader implications for victims who vanish without a trace.
Dr. Leslie Dobson [08:15]: "Why should she just assume something horrible or nefarious is going to happen to her?"
Digital Footprint and Suspicious Activity
The investigation uncovers alarming digital activity surrounding Sarah’s disappearance. Attempts to reset her Snapchat password and deletion of her email and search history raise red flags.
Giovanni Diaz [31:07]: "Sarah's Google account history shows she was on YouTube until 2:40am March 3. Later that day, the account history was viewed and deleted."
Michelle Tullis reveals accessing Sarah's digital accounts, uncovering unauthorized attempts to tamper with her online presence.
Michelle Tullis [33:04]: "I gained access to Sarah's Gmail account. And when I figured Marion County wasn't taking this seriously as a missing person's case, I notified them immediately."
The behavior of Tyrone Moorman, a key figure connected to the case, is particularly troubling. His attempts to delete data from his phone and subsequent refusal to cooperate with investigators suggest potential foul play.
Ashley Wardlaw [48:02]: "If you don't have anything to hide, then why are you hiding something?"
Comparison to Other Cases
Nancy Grace draws parallels between Sarah's case and other high-profile disappearances, such as Natalee Holloway and Kristen Smart, highlighting recurring themes of victim-blaming and the dangers of meeting strangers.
Nancy Grace [17:40]: "As of right now, we don't know where Sarah Ebersole is. We don't know who took her. We don't know if she's still alive."
Dr. Leslie Dobson emphasizes the unfair portrayal of victims who simply seek social interactions.
Dr. Leslie Dobson [30:02]: "We, we should be able to go about our lives safely without the risk of losing our life or disappearing."
Current Status and Open Questions
Despite extensive efforts, Sarah Ebersole remains missing. Key questions persist:
- Who were the two mystery men?
- What led to the suspicious digital activity post-disappearance?
- Why has the investigation stalled despite multiple leads?
Tyrone Moorman’s involvement remains a focal point, with his evasive behavior and inconsistent statements raising suspicions.
Matthew Barhoma [44:05]: "Deleting information off of your phone is not evidence of murder. It just doesn't bring you there."
Conclusion and Call to Action
Nancy Grace concludes the episode by urging listeners to come forward with any information regarding Sarah Ebersole’s disappearance, emphasizing the community's role in solving such cases.
Nancy Grace [49:33]: "The search for missing mom Sarah Ebersole goes on. If you know or think you know anything about her disappearance, please dial 352-368-3542."
The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring hope for families searching for their missing loved ones.
Notable Quotes
- Nancy Grace [04:05]: "She was always so reliable. Never missed work. Loved her little girl. I'm just trying to think through the facts surrounding Sarah's disappearance."
- Michelle Tullis [09:56]: "The pain of carrying the weight of not knowing is so traumatic and horrible for everyone involved."
- Ashley Wardlaw [48:02]: "If you don't have anything to hide, then why are you hiding something?"
- Matthew Barhoma [43:43]: "Deleting information off of your phone is not evidence of murder. It just doesn't bring you there."
Final Thoughts
This episode of Intentionally Disturbing masterfully combines investigative journalism with psychological insights to explore the mysterious disappearance of a young mother. Nancy Grace’s no-nonsense approach, coupled with expert interviews, provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the case and the broader implications for missing persons investigations.
For those seeking closure or with information about Sarah Ebersole’s whereabouts, reaching out to the provided contact is imperative in aiding the search.
Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-relevant sections to maintain focus on the core content of the episode.