Podcast Summary: The Deck – Shelby Wright (2 of Clubs, Washington)

Episode Date: November 5, 2025
Podcast: The Deck (audiochuck)
Host: Ashley Flowers
Featured Case: Disappearance of Shelby Wright, July 2004, Machias, Washington

Overview

This episode of The Deck examines the puzzling, haunting cold case of 14-year-old Shelby Wright, who vanished from rural Washington in 2004. With the help of Detective Dave Bilyeu, surviving family, and community members, the show interweaves the investigation’s twists, family dynamics, shifting theories, and persistent rumors in hopes of reigniting interest and finding new leads.

Key Discussion Points & Case Timeline

Shelby’s Disappearance: The Night in July 2004

[01:32] Ashley Flowers introduces Shelby Wright as the “two of Clubs” in Washington’s cold case deck. Shelby, a 14-year-old “computer whiz,” disappeared late July 2004, last seen with his laptop—leaving behind his scooter, which he rarely went anywhere without.
[02:10] Shelby was last seen after calling 911 from a payphone, stating he was having suicidal thoughts. However, the responding deputy realized Shelby primarily wanted a ride to his mother’s home because he was overwhelmed staying with his great-grandmother, who had dementia.
[04:20] Detective Dave Bilyeu confirms Shelby was taken by the deputy to his mother's (Lisa Wright) house—no apparent concerns at the time.

Initial Search & Runaway Theory

[05:28] Upon returning from a trip, Shelby's grandparents (his primary caregivers) Yvonne and Dennis Wright, realized he was missing.
[06:39] Yvonne and Dennis stress Shelby wasn’t the type to run away:

“He would never be gone this long without contact.” —Yvonne Wright [06:39]
His laptop and scooter missing initially hinted he intended to leave, but family doubted this.

Investigative Challenges and a Parallel Crime

[07:35] Two weeks into Shelby’s disappearance, a local woman, Kelly Sarston, was found murdered, drawing police resources and further muddying the timeline.

Last Confirmed Movements

[08:54] Shelby was dropped at his mother’s, then later went to Rob Wolf’s house (his mother’s ex-boyfriend and possible father-figure).
[09:43] Fred Williams saw Shelby alone at Rob Wolf’s property around 3PM; also reported seeing a “suspicious man” later identified as a neighbor, possibly linked to rumors of drug activity.
[10:33] Neighbors suspected Rob Wolf’s property saw drug activity. No confirmations found by investigators, but stories stoked uncertainty.
[11:33] Hoku Tavares (Rob’s girlfriend) last saw Shelby at 1:30AM. Shelby told Hoku he was leaving:

“He says something to the effect of ‘I’ll be fine,’ and he departs.” —Ashley Flowers [11:33]
Hoku was uncomfortable about a 14-year-old leaving alone so late, but Shelby insisted he did it often.

The Mystery of the Scooter & Technology

[13:51] Scooter was left behind at Rob’s, picked up later by Shelby’s mother. Two unidentified prints found on the scooter.
Shelby was known for his interest in computers; debate whether he was active in chat rooms (grandpa Dennis claims yes, friends no).

“Other evidence…suggests that Shelby was most likely in chat rooms.” —Ashley Flowers [17:13]
Family monitored his online activities—no suspicious emails or chats traced after disappearance ([18:01]), but his missing computer is a dead end.

The Suicide Note & Suspicious Behavior

[22:00] Weeks later, great-uncle Robert Rucks produces a typewritten note allegedly by Shelby, left the night Shelby called 911.

“I can’t take the stress and problems anymore…I gotta get outta here or I’m gonna kill myself.” —Letter, read by Det. Bilyeu [22:13]
Detective Bilyeu found the delayed delivery of the note suspicious:

“Why would Shelby find the need to type out his entire name…to his uncle? I found the note to be very suspicious.” —Det. Bilyeu [22:48]

The Glasses Clue

[24:34] Months later, visitors to Robert’s house were handed a pair of small, oval glasses while looking for Nora’s pair—believed possibly to be Shelby’s.
Investigators confirmed Shelby was almost always wearing his (necessary for vision). Search of Robert’s property and use of cadaver dogs found nothing ([25:32]). Discrepancy over color of Shelby’s frames (gold or gunmetal) sowed further confusion.

Wild Rumors and the ID Card Saga

[28:31] In 2007, a mistaken ID card application for a “Lucas” led to a case of suspected identity fraud. Investigators briefly thought Shelby was living under an alias but found it was a different young man named Jason, involved in a licensing scam by his father Joseph.
The ID thread led nowhere, both Joseph and his real son Lucas are now deceased, and Jason remains “troubled.”

The Meth Lab and Dune Buggy Rumors

[34:40] In 2008, a tipster (Cindy) claimed she overheard Rob Wolf and an associate confess: Shelby had found a meth lab in an abandoned house and was killed, body hidden in a septic tank, then under a shed.

“Logistically just doesn’t make sense.” —Det. Bilyeu [35:27]
Full property searches with radar and dogs turned up nothing ([36:16]).
Another rumor stated Rob Wolf accidentally ran over Shelby with a dune buggy or shot him.

“Nothing came of that interview that changed the course of the investigation…” —Det. Bilyeu [38:46]

Dead Ends and Continuing Efforts

A second property search in 2013 yielded no evidence ([39:30]).
[40:43] Det. Bilyeu concludes:

“I am confident saying that it appears that something terrible happened to him…Which is why we’re looking at this as an unsolved homicide.” —Det. Bilyeu [40:43]
No signs of Shelby or his computer have ever surfaced; DNA and dental records are on file.

The Family's Ongoing Grief

[41:52] Yvonne Wright:

“We’re running out of time. We’d like to see something, some resolution. … He’s everywhere in our house.” —Yvonne Wright [41:52]

Awareness & Appeal

[42:18] Shelby’s face appears on semi-trailers via the Homeward Bound project for increased public awareness.
[43:00] Det. Bilyeu underscores the importance of broad interest:

“It takes an entity such as Audio Chuck and The Deck to show some interest…hopefully that will generate some information that will help us move this case forward.” —Det. Bilyeu [43:00]
Call for Tips: If you have any information, contact 425-388-3845.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“He would never be gone this long without contact.” —Yvonne Wright [06:39]
“Why would Shelby find the need to type out his entire name when the note is going to his uncle? I found the note to be very suspicious.” —Det. Bilyeu [22:48]
“It takes an entity such as Audio Chuck and The Deck to show some interest…hopefully that will generate some information that will help us move this case forward.” —Det. Bilyeu [43:00]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[01:32] Shelby’s profile and mystery introduction
[04:20] Detective Dave Bilyeu’s involvement
[06:39] Grandparent’s perspective on Shelby’s character
[11:33] Last known sighting; conflicting stories about Shelby leaving at night
[13:51] The scooter, fingerprints, and technology trail
[17:13] Shelby’s online life—myth or fact?
[22:13] The suicide note and suspicion
[24:34] The glasses clue and property search
[28:31] The ID fraud twist
[34:40] Meth lab/murder rumors; extensive property searches
[40:43] Detective Bilyeu declares probable foul play
[41:52] Family’s ongoing pain
[42:18] Shelby on semi trailers, push for awareness
[43:00] Urgent call for tips and the value of media outreach

Episode Tone

Compassionate, dogged, realistic: Flowers expresses both the heartbreak and the doggedness required for cold case investigations.
Empathetic and urgent: The voices of Shelby’s family and Detective Bilyeu bring a raw urgency and personal sadness.

Conclusion

The episode paints a portrait of Shelby as a resourceful teenager caught in the cracks of a chaotic family and a distracted justice system, whose disappearance sparked decades of rumors, dead ends, and lingering pain. The lack of physical evidence, conflicting witness accounts, and the transient, overlooked nature of Shelby’s life complicate the case. Awareness, public interest, and the sharing of Shelby’s story remain crucial in hopes of one day finding answers, for his family and for justice.

If you know anything about the 2004 disappearance of Shelby Wright, please contact the Snohomish County Sheriff’s office at 425-388-3845.

Podcast Summary: The Deck – Shelby Wright (2 of Clubs, Washington)

Episode Date: November 5, 2025
Podcast: The Deck (audiochuck)
Host: Ashley Flowers
Featured Case: Disappearance of Shelby Wright, July 2004, Machias, Washington

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Case Timeline

Shelby’s Disappearance: The Night in July 2004

[01:32] Ashley Flowers introduces Shelby Wright as the “two of Clubs” in Washington’s cold case deck. Shelby, a 14-year-old “computer whiz,” disappeared late July 2004, last seen with his laptop—leaving behind his scooter, which he rarely went anywhere without.
[02:10] Shelby was last seen after calling 911 from a payphone, stating he was having suicidal thoughts. However, the responding deputy realized Shelby primarily wanted a ride to his mother’s home because he was overwhelmed staying with his great-grandmother, who had dementia.
[04:20] Detective Dave Bilyeu confirms Shelby was taken by the deputy to his mother's (Lisa Wright) house—no apparent concerns at the time.

Initial Search & Runaway Theory

[05:28] Upon returning from a trip, Shelby's grandparents (his primary caregivers) Yvonne and Dennis Wright, realized he was missing.
[06:39] Yvonne and Dennis stress Shelby wasn’t the type to run away:

“He would never be gone this long without contact.” —Yvonne Wright [06:39]
His laptop and scooter missing initially hinted he intended to leave, but family doubted this.

Investigative Challenges and a Parallel Crime

[07:35] Two weeks into Shelby’s disappearance, a local woman, Kelly Sarston, was found murdered, drawing police resources and further muddying the timeline.

Last Confirmed Movements

[08:54] Shelby was dropped at his mother’s, then later went to Rob Wolf’s house (his mother’s ex-boyfriend and possible father-figure).
[09:43] Fred Williams saw Shelby alone at Rob Wolf’s property around 3PM; also reported seeing a “suspicious man” later identified as a neighbor, possibly linked to rumors of drug activity.
[10:33] Neighbors suspected Rob Wolf’s property saw drug activity. No confirmations found by investigators, but stories stoked uncertainty.
[11:33] Hoku Tavares (Rob’s girlfriend) last saw Shelby at 1:30AM. Shelby told Hoku he was leaving:

“He says something to the effect of ‘I’ll be fine,’ and he departs.” —Ashley Flowers [11:33]
Hoku was uncomfortable about a 14-year-old leaving alone so late, but Shelby insisted he did it often.

The Mystery of the Scooter & Technology

[13:51] Scooter was left behind at Rob’s, picked up later by Shelby’s mother. Two unidentified prints found on the scooter.
Shelby was known for his interest in computers; debate whether he was active in chat rooms (grandpa Dennis claims yes, friends no).

“Other evidence…suggests that Shelby was most likely in chat rooms.” —Ashley Flowers [17:13]
Family monitored his online activities—no suspicious emails or chats traced after disappearance ([18:01]), but his missing computer is a dead end.

The Suicide Note & Suspicious Behavior

[22:00] Weeks later, great-uncle Robert Rucks produces a typewritten note allegedly by Shelby, left the night Shelby called 911.

“I can’t take the stress and problems anymore…I gotta get outta here or I’m gonna kill myself.” —Letter, read by Det. Bilyeu [22:13]
Detective Bilyeu found the delayed delivery of the note suspicious:

“Why would Shelby find the need to type out his entire name…to his uncle? I found the note to be very suspicious.” —Det. Bilyeu [22:48]

The Glasses Clue

[24:34] Months later, visitors to Robert’s house were handed a pair of small, oval glasses while looking for Nora’s pair—believed possibly to be Shelby’s.
Investigators confirmed Shelby was almost always wearing his (necessary for vision). Search of Robert’s property and use of cadaver dogs found nothing ([25:32]). Discrepancy over color of Shelby’s frames (gold or gunmetal) sowed further confusion.

Wild Rumors and the ID Card Saga

[28:31] In 2007, a mistaken ID card application for a “Lucas” led to a case of suspected identity fraud. Investigators briefly thought Shelby was living under an alias but found it was a different young man named Jason, involved in a licensing scam by his father Joseph.
The ID thread led nowhere, both Joseph and his real son Lucas are now deceased, and Jason remains “troubled.”

The Meth Lab and Dune Buggy Rumors

[34:40] In 2008, a tipster (Cindy) claimed she overheard Rob Wolf and an associate confess: Shelby had found a meth lab in an abandoned house and was killed, body hidden in a septic tank, then under a shed.

“Logistically just doesn’t make sense.” —Det. Bilyeu [35:27]
Full property searches with radar and dogs turned up nothing ([36:16]).
Another rumor stated Rob Wolf accidentally ran over Shelby with a dune buggy or shot him.

“Nothing came of that interview that changed the course of the investigation…” —Det. Bilyeu [38:46]

Dead Ends and Continuing Efforts

A second property search in 2013 yielded no evidence ([39:30]).
[40:43] Det. Bilyeu concludes:

“I am confident saying that it appears that something terrible happened to him…Which is why we’re looking at this as an unsolved homicide.” —Det. Bilyeu [40:43]
No signs of Shelby or his computer have ever surfaced; DNA and dental records are on file.

The Family's Ongoing Grief

[41:52] Yvonne Wright:

“We’re running out of time. We’d like to see something, some resolution. … He’s everywhere in our house.” —Yvonne Wright [41:52]

Awareness & Appeal

[42:18] Shelby’s face appears on semi-trailers via the Homeward Bound project for increased public awareness.
[43:00] Det. Bilyeu underscores the importance of broad interest:

“It takes an entity such as Audio Chuck and The Deck to show some interest…hopefully that will generate some information that will help us move this case forward.” —Det. Bilyeu [43:00]
Call for Tips: If you have any information, contact 425-388-3845.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“He would never be gone this long without contact.” —Yvonne Wright [06:39]
“Why would Shelby find the need to type out his entire name when the note is going to his uncle? I found the note to be very suspicious.” —Det. Bilyeu [22:48]
“It takes an entity such as Audio Chuck and The Deck to show some interest…hopefully that will generate some information that will help us move this case forward.” —Det. Bilyeu [43:00]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[01:32] Shelby’s profile and mystery introduction
[04:20] Detective Dave Bilyeu’s involvement
[06:39] Grandparent’s perspective on Shelby’s character
[11:33] Last known sighting; conflicting stories about Shelby leaving at night
[13:51] The scooter, fingerprints, and technology trail
[17:13] Shelby’s online life—myth or fact?
[22:13] The suicide note and suspicion
[24:34] The glasses clue and property search
[28:31] The ID fraud twist
[34:40] Meth lab/murder rumors; extensive property searches
[40:43] Detective Bilyeu declares probable foul play
[41:52] Family’s ongoing pain
[42:18] Shelby on semi trailers, push for awareness
[43:00] Urgent call for tips and the value of media outreach

Episode Tone

Compassionate, dogged, realistic: Flowers expresses both the heartbreak and the doggedness required for cold case investigations.
Empathetic and urgent: The voices of Shelby’s family and Detective Bilyeu bring a raw urgency and personal sadness.

Conclusion

If you know anything about the 2004 disappearance of Shelby Wright, please contact the Snohomish County Sheriff’s office at 425-388-3845.

Shelby Wright (2 of Clubs, Washington)

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Summary

Podcast Summary: The Deck – Shelby Wright (2 of Clubs, Washington)

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Case Timeline

Shelby’s Disappearance: The Night in July 2004

Initial Search & Runaway Theory

Investigative Challenges and a Parallel Crime

Last Confirmed Movements

The Mystery of the Scooter & Technology

The Suicide Note & Suspicious Behavior

The Glasses Clue

Wild Rumors and the ID Card Saga

The Meth Lab and Dune Buggy Rumors

Dead Ends and Continuing Efforts

The Family's Ongoing Grief

Awareness & Appeal

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Episode Tone

Conclusion

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Deck – Shelby Wright (2 of Clubs, Washington)

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Case Timeline

Shelby’s Disappearance: The Night in July 2004

Initial Search & Runaway Theory

Investigative Challenges and a Parallel Crime

Last Confirmed Movements

The Mystery of the Scooter & Technology

The Suicide Note & Suspicious Behavior

The Glasses Clue

Wild Rumors and the ID Card Saga

The Meth Lab and Dune Buggy Rumors

Dead Ends and Continuing Efforts

The Family's Ongoing Grief

Awareness & Appeal

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Episode Tone

Conclusion