Somebody Knows Something

S3: Bonus Episode – Still Missing (March 16, 2026)

Episode Overview

This bonus episode, hosted by Detectives Andrew Houghton and Chris Hall of the Elgin Police Department Cold Case Unit, previews Season 3 and gives listeners a comprehensive update on missing persons cases in Elgin, Illinois. The team introduces new and returning detectives, recaps the cold case unit’s evolution, and details all active missing persons files, culminating with a focus on the upcoming full-season investigation into the 1982 disappearance of Wyteria Jones. The episode invites community engagement and solicits tips on all open cases.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage for Season 3 ([01:45]-[02:47])

• Season 3 will return to an episodic, in-depth format focusing on the 1982 disappearance of Wyteria Jones.
• The bonus episode aims to recap all active missing person cold cases, spanning from 1982 to the present.
• The unit has identified four official cold case missing persons and anticipates a potential fifth if an ongoing 2023 case remains unresolved.

“For our upcoming season, Andrew and I are going to investigate in real time the disappearance of 45-year-old Wyteria Jones, who was last seen in either late September or early October of 1982.”
— Detective Chris Hall [02:47]

2. Unit Expansion: Meet the Team ([03:37]-[07:40])

• Detective Beth Sterriker joins, bringing experience from patrol, narcotics, and serving as a school resource officer.
• Sergeant Matt Vartanian returns in a supervisory role after prior podcast involvement.
• Each team member’s unique background is emphasized, offering diverse investigative perspectives.

“I grew up with some of these stories and these cases...that gives me a different perspective from the three of you. I know this town really well, and I know some of these cases.”
— Detective Beth Sterriker [06:52]

• The hosts underscore the value of varied investigative backgrounds: narcotics, patrol, SWAT, technology, and youth work.

“I think we kind of cover a lot of different perspectives and a different background with the four of us.”
— Detective Andrew Houghton [07:15]

3. Update on Elgin Cold Case Missing Persons ([08:24]-[17:47])

A. Recent & Pending Cases

• Franco Loya (Missing since April 2023)
  • 61-year-old male, last seen discharged from St. Joseph’s Hospital walking north on North Airlight Street.
  • Not yet officially a cold case; active search ongoing.
  • Case details: [08:49]-[11:29]

“We hope that by releasing information in this podcast we can find him before his case technically becomes a cold case in April of this year.”
— Detective Andrew Houghton [10:47]

• Update: Willie Wilder
  • Removed from the caseload after locating him alive in September 2025.

B. Active Cold Case Missing Persons

1. Maynard Escalante Martinez ([11:29]-[13:24])
   • 16-year-old unaccompanied minor from Honduras, missing since June 29, 2021.
   • Left Elgin with an alleged relative; whereabouts unconfirmed.
   • Now would be 20; last seen 5'9", 190 lbs, black hair, brown eyes.

“He was listed as missing and we have not located him as of the date of this recording.”
— Detective Chris Hall [12:34]

2. Chad P. Smith ([13:24]-[14:19])
   • Black male, 44 years old at time of disappearance; missing as of February 2, 2021.
   • Known to frequent Chicago’s South Side; sporadic unconfirmed sightings reported.
   • Identifiable tattoos: lion (chest), hammerhead shark (right forearm), praying hands (right arm), cross (left arm).

“His mother still lives here in Elgin. Over the past year, his mother has reported that she’s been told that Chad’s been spotted in Chicago... but we have not been able to confirm.”
— Detective Chris Hall [13:45]

3. Darren Wood ([14:38]-[15:37])
   • White male, 24 years old at time of disappearance; last seen July 9, 2017.
   • Last spoke with family, planned to return for DMV visit but never showed.
   • Active leads, including comparison of unidentified human remains, have not produced a match.

“Several potential sets of human remains with similarities to Darren have come up, but through DNA and dental records we have been able to eliminate those... as being Darren.”
— Detective Chris Hall [15:37]

C. Forthcoming Deep Dive: Wyteria Jones (Season 3 Focus) ([17:02]-[17:47])

• 45-year-old Black woman, disappeared after leaving the Douglas Hotel in Elgin, late September/early October 1982.
• Case will be thoroughly covered across multiple episodes, likely extending investigation outside Elgin and Kane County.

“We expect that Wyteria’s case will take us outside of Elgin, even outside of Kane County, as we search for answers in the oldest cold case missing person case in our files.”
— Detective Andrew Houghton [17:02]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Teamwork and Perspective:
  “Just having those different perspectives and ways of thinking is always beneficial.” — Detective Andrew Houghton [07:15]

• On Community Engagement:
  “We believe that the Elgin Police Department and our community can work together to bring closure to cold cases, because we know that in these cases, somebody knows something.”
  — Chief Anna Lally [01:02]

• On Motivation for Cold Case Work:
  “I really feel like these families and victims deserve our full attention and any effort we can give them to try to close these cases.”
  — Detective Beth Sterriker [07:40]

• On the Emotional Stakes:
  “Because in the end, that is what they deserve.”
  — Sergeant Matt Vartanian [07:58]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:45] – Season 3 preview and focus on missing persons cases
• [03:37] – Introduction of new and returning unit members
• [08:24] – Overview of current missing person caseload
• [09:18] – Detailed breakdowns begin (Franco Loya forward through each case)
• [17:02] – Preview of Wyteria Jones’s season-long investigation

Call to Action & Contact Information

“If you or anyone you know has information about this case or any other cold case in Elgin, please contact the Elgin Police Department cold case email at ColdCaseTips@elginil.gov or the cold case tip line at 847-289-COLD. You can also review cold case information on the Elgin Police Department's cold case page at www.elgincoldcases.com...”
— Chief Anna Lally [17:47]

In Summary

This bonus episode offers both a look back at the progress and ongoing work in Elgin’s cold cases and a look forward to the in-depth exploration of Wyteria Jones’s disappearance in Season 3. The expanded cold case team brings fresh energy and new perspectives, with a shared commitment to seeking answers for victims and their families. The detectives appeal for tip submissions, highlighting the vital role the community plays in solving these decades-old mysteries.