Podcast Summary: The Deck - Episode: Lawrence Riegel (5 of Spades, Washington)
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Host: audiochuck
Title: Lawrence Riegel (5 of Spades, Washington)
Introduction
In this gripping episode of The Deck, host Ashley Flowers delves into the mysterious disappearance of Lawrence "Lost Larry" Riegel from Washington. Leveraging extensive interviews with family members, detectives, and other key individuals, Flowers unpacks the intricate details surrounding Larry's vanishing act and the ongoing quest for answers.
Background on Lawrence Riegel
Lawrence Riegel, affectionately known as "Lost Larry" by his family, was a 57-year-old man living in Washington. He resided just a few blocks away from his mother's home and had been in a relationship with his girlfriend, Ladina, for nearly four years. Larry was known for his vibrant personality and was deeply loved by his family, especially his sister Susan.
Susan Riegel Vaughn shared her emotional connection with Larry:
"Larry was a great big brother to me. He took me for show and tell in first grade because I was born at the end of May, and he carried me from desk to desk... he was very charming. He could charm my mom and he could charm any of us girls."
— Susan Riegel Vaughn, [07:29]
The Disappearance
Larry was reported missing on January 10, 2010. His disappearance was unusual, given that he hadn't vanished without a trace. Prior to his disappearance, Larry had undergone major neck surgery and was reliant on welfare benefits after being unable to continue his construction business or his job as a pilot.
Susan recounts the initial concern:
"He didn't show up for dinner on the 26th, and I knew right then, I was like, something's wrong. Why isn't Larry here?"
— Susan Riegel Vaughn, [04:19]
Suspicious Activities and Interactions
Investigations revealed several suspicious factors:
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Ladina's Involvement:
- Ladina claimed Larry had traveled to Seattle on Christmas night, a trip Larry had no apparent reason to take.
- She returned Larry's car to a friend, Ray, on January 4th, which raised red flags as there was no clear motivation for returning the vehicle.
- Police later discovered that Ladina had been using Larry's EBT card to access his welfare benefits, leading to charges of welfare fraud, though these were eventually dropped.
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Don Martin’s Connection:
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Don, a tenant at a farmhouse Larry managed, owed Larry rent money. His unreliability and history of dishonesty made his involvement suspicious.
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Larry's last known phone call was to Don on Christmas Day.
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Detective Nolan Wentz highlighted Don's questionable background:
"I don't believe Don had the ability to be truthful with anybody his entire history."
— Detective Nolan Wentz, [18:58]
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Police Missteps:
- When Susan's sister, Candy, attempted to file a missing persons report, the Yakima Police Department initially refused, citing Larry as a grown man who should return on his own.
Susan expresses frustration with the police response:
"Larry was a great big brother to me... He was always going to be a grown man and that his family should just wait for him to come back."
— Susan Riegel Vaughn, [07:29]
Family’s Quest for Answers
Determined to uncover the truth, Susan took proactive steps:
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Direct Visits: Susan visited Larry and Ladina's home on December 28th but found only Ladina, who maintained Larry was still on his Seattle trip.
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Fundraisers and Community Efforts: Susan organized events to raise awareness and funds for a billboard featuring Larry's picture in hopes of eliciting new leads.
Susan describes one such event:
"We had a quilt. People donated these beautiful homemade quilts... we charged $7 at the door."
— Susan Riegel Vaughn, [30:41]
Despite these efforts, tangible leads remained elusive until years later when unresolved tips pointed back to Don Martin.
Investigative Challenges and Theories
Detective Wentz and the investigative team faced numerous obstacles:
- Inconsistent Stories: Ladina's account of Larry's activities conflicted with known facts about his personality and habits.
- Questionable Witnesses: Don Martin's unreliable testimonies further muddled the investigation.
- Forensic Limitations: Despite retrieving Larry's phone, the missing SIM card and lack of physical evidence hampered progress.
Detective Wentz discusses the complexities:
"Larry spoke on the phone a lot. He made a lot of phone calls, and they did basically stop around Christmas of 2009... there was no way Larry's phone was in Seattle."
— Detective Drew Shaw, [22:59]
One particularly perplexing moment was Don Martin’s unconventional theory about Larry's disappearance, suggesting poisoning as a possible method. However, subsequent medical examinations found no evidence of toxins in Larry's system.
Dr. Christopher Holstage of the University of Virginia commented:
"There was no evidence of toxins in Larry's system."
— Dr. Christopher Holstage, [37:30]
Current Status and Ongoing Investigation
As of the episode's release in 2025, Lawrence Riegel remains listed as a missing person. Susan maintains her belief that foul play was involved, particularly pointing towards interactions between Ladina, Don, and Larry leading up to his disappearance.
Susan shares her enduring hope:
"I think my brother was very angry at Don Martin about not paying the money... I think they got in Larry's car and drove out there and Larry was never heard from again."
— Susan Riegel Vaughn, [40:38]
Detective Wentz echoes Susan’s sentiments but acknowledges the lack of concrete evidence to move forward substantively.
Conclusion
The disappearance of Lawrence Riegel remains an unsolved mystery, clouded by conflicting testimonies, unreliable witnesses, and insufficient evidence. Susan Riegel Vaughn continues to advocate for her brother’s memory, striving to bring closure to a deeply troubling case. The deck remains hopeful that new information might emerge, potentially leading to the discovery of Larry's fate and the justice he deserves.
Call to Action
Detective Shaw urges anyone with information to come forward:
"If you know something about the disappearance of Lawrence Riegel, now is the time to act."
— Detective Drew Shaw, [43:46]
Contact Information:
- Yakima Police Department: (509) 575-6200
- Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477
Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductory remarks, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive details of Lawrence Riegel's case.