Murder: True Crime Stories

Episode: UNSOLVED: The Martin Family Mystery 2

Release Date: August 14, 2025

Host: Carter Roy

Introduction

In the gripping second installment of the Martin Family Mystery, Carter Roy delves deeper into the enigmatic disappearance of the Martin family from Portland, Oregon, in December 1958. This episode not only revisits the original investigation but also uncovers new developments that emerged decades later, reigniting hope for a resolution to this haunting case.

Background of the Case

On December 7, 1958, the Martin family—Ken and Barbara Martin along with their three daughters, Barbie, Virginia, and Sue—embarked on what was intended to be a routine trip to gather Christmas greenery along the Columbia River Gorge. Instead, it became the starting point of one of the Pacific Northwest's most enduring mysteries.

“People's lives are like a story. There's a beginning, a middle, and an end. But you don't always know which part you're on,” Carter reflects, setting the stage for the unfolding tragedy.

Initial Investigation and Discoveries

The disappearance of the Martins prompted an extensive search operation involving over a thousand volunteers scouring the 80-mile stretch of the Columbia River. Despite these efforts, the family seemed to have vanished without a trace. However, hope lingered among friends and family, even as authorities grew increasingly skeptical of the family's survival.

May 3, 1959, marked a pivotal moment when the body of 11-year-old Sue Martin was discovered near Camas Slough. The condition of her remains suggested prolonged submersion in the cold river. Subsequently, 13-year-old Virginia's body was found further upstream at the Bonneville Dam, identifiable only through dental records. These findings, while significant, left Ken, Barbara, and 14-year-old Barbie still missing.

"Given how discolored she was, authorities believed she'd been floating in the water for some time," Carter narrates, highlighting the grim realities faced by the investigators.

Detective Graven's Theory

With two daughters' remains identified, detectives focused their efforts on locating the remaining family members. A breakthrough came from a young married couple who reported seeing the bodies on May 2, a day before Sue was found. Their eyewitness accounts narrowed the investigation to the Cascade Locks, a historically significant and potentially perilous area.

Detective Walter Graven, leading the case, unearthed further clues when they discovered a receipt from a local gas station. This led to the Cascade Locks, an area notorious for its dangerous rapids and complex lock system designed to navigate the treacherous Cascade Rapids.

Graven's investigation took a controversial turn when he focused on Don Martin, the Martins' son, as a potential suspect. This theory suggested that Don, who was reportedly in New York during the disappearance, might have orchestrated his family's demise to inherit their estate. Graven's assertions were heavily influenced by the 1950s societal prejudices, particularly against homosexuality, which he mistakenly linked to criminal behavior.

"In a confidential report to his superiors, Graven alleged that Don wanted to inherit his parents' entire estate, worth about $36,000," Carter explains, underscoring the flawed underpinnings of Graven's theory.

Closure and Unsolved Aspects

Despite Graven's suspicions, there was insufficient evidence to charge Don. His alibi placed him on the other side of the country, and the connections he suggested between his son and the ex-convicts lacked tangible proof. Consequently, the investigation stalled, and the case remained unsolved, shrouded in ambiguity and lingering questions.

Archer Mayo's Re-Investigation

Fast forward to 2019, Archer Mayo, an artist and amateur diver, became captivated by the unresolved Martin family mystery. Determined to uncover the truth, Archer launched a solo search operation, believing that the family's station wagon—the crucial piece of evidence—was still submerged near the Cascade Locks.

By August 2024, Archer's persistence paid off when he discovered archival photographs revealing a previously unnoticed gap in the Cascade Locks' construction. This gap, filled with sediment over the decades, likely concealed the Martins' vehicle. Armed with this new insight, Archer invested in specialized equipment and secured the necessary permits to undertake a thorough underwater excavation.

On November 1, 2024, Archer successfully located the Martin family's car within the riverbed. However, retrieving it proved challenging. By March 2025, a concerted effort involving professional divers and heavy machinery managed to recover parts of the vehicle. Unfortunately, the car had deteriorated significantly, leaving the main body still submerged and the family's ultimate fate unresolved.

"The story of the Martins ultimately ends in ambiguity. Maybe we'll never know what really happened that fateful December day," Carter reflects poignantly, emphasizing the enduring mystery that continues to captivate and sadden those connected to the case.

Conclusion

The Martin Family Mystery remains one of the most perplexing unsolved cases in true crime history. From the initial disappearance and partial recovery of the family members' bodies to Detective Graven's controversial theories and Archer Mayo's modern-day quest, the story is a testament to the enduring quest for truth and closure in the face of inexplicable loss.

"People's lives are like a story... And we can take a little bit of comfort in knowing they left this world the same way they lived their lives together," Carter concludes, offering a somber reflection on the Martins' unresolved fate.

Notable Quotes

• Carter Roy [00:02]: "People's lives are like a story. There's a beginning, a middle, and an end. But you don't always know which part you're on." [00:02]

• Carter Roy [05:49]: "On December 7, 1958, the Martins set out from their home in Portland, Oregon to hunt down Chris Christmas greenery along the Columbia River Gorge." [05:49]

• Carter Roy [14:38]: "Detective Graven was chomping at the bit to question Don." [14:38]

• Carter Roy [22:09]: "In June 1959, Detective Walter Graven finally got to question his primary suspect in the Martin family's disappearance." [22:09]

• Carter Roy [36:04]: "The story of the Martins ultimately ends in ambiguity. Maybe we'll never know what really happened that fateful December day." [36:04]

Final Thoughts

This episode of Murder: True Crime Stories masterfully intertwines historical investigation with modern-day discoveries, illustrating how time can both obscure and illuminate the darkest of human mysteries. Through meticulous research and unwavering dedication, Carter Roy brings listeners closer to understanding the enduring legacy of the Martin Family Mystery.

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