The Woman Who Went Off the Grid

Summary

The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told Episode: The Woman Who Went Off the Grid Host: Mary Kay McBrayer Release Date: July 1, 2025

---

Introduction

In this gripping episode of The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told, hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer, listeners delve into the enigmatic disappearance and tragic demise of Rebecca “Becky” Vance, her sister Christine, and Becky's son Talon. Titled "The Woman Who Went Off the Grid," the episode explores themes of maternal obsession, the thin line between self-determination and mental illness, and the perilous influence of conspiracy theories.

Background and Early Life

Mary Kay McBrayer sets the stage by introducing the Vance sisters, Becky and Christine, who grew up in Colorado Springs. Both born in the early '80s, their childhood was marked by instability after their mother left their father and remarried Edward, their stepfather. This new family dynamic seemingly provided a stabilizing force until Edward’s untimely death in November 2019, which profoundly affected Becky, pushing her towards isolation.

Quote:

"Becky took the death of her mother and stepfather especially hard, leading her to become increasingly reclusive"
(02:10)

The Onset of Isolation

Following Edward’s death, Becky’s reclusiveness intensified, a trait that was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world grappled with uncertainty, Becky turned to online conspiracy theories and prepper communities, convinced that societal collapse was imminent. This fear-driven mindset led her to isolate herself and her son Talon from the outside world.

Quote:

"Becky regurgitated stories about Klaus Schwab, the Great Reset, and the Global elite to friends and family."
(12:45)

Becoming Overprotective

Mary Kay narrates Becky's transition from a dedicated mother to an overprotective figure who isolates Talon from his peers, forbidding him from using messaging functions on his devices. Concerns from family members about Talon’s social isolation highlight the growing tension within the household.

Quote:

"Becky wanted to be with him 24/7. She was so loving, so sweet. It was cute, but at the same time, it was too much."
(14:20)

The Decision to Go Off Grid

In the summer of 2022, Becky made the life-altering decision to move her family off the grid, convinced that modern society posed a direct threat to their safety. Accompanied by Christine, who was initially reluctant but ultimately swayed by familial loyalty, Becky and Talon embarked on a journey that would lead them into the remote Colorado Rockies.

Quote:

"The safest place for their family would be to get out. How do you escape their control? You go where they can't reach you."
(20:55)

Life in Seclusion

The Vance sisters established a secluded campsite near Gold Creek Campground at an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet. Equipped with minimal supplies and lacking proper winter gear, their preparation was insufficient for the harsh Colorado winter. As snow began to fall in late October, their situation became dire.

Quote:

"Their campsite and their remains are enough to tell us that the group suffered immensely."
(35:40)

Discovery and Aftermath

In July 2023, nearly a year after their disappearance, a hiker discovered the remains of Talon, Becky, and Christine near Gold Creek Campground. The state of their bodies suggested prolonged exposure to extreme cold and starvation, raising questions about the exact causes of their deaths. Investigators pieced together their final days through Becky's journals and Christine’s driver's license, revealing the depths of their isolation.

Quote:

"Regardless of the official cause of death, their campsite and their remains are enough to tell us that the group suffered immensely."
(35:50)

Analysis and Reflections

Mary Kay McBrayer reflects on the complexities of the case, questioning the balance between Becky's protective instincts and her descent into paranoia. She draws parallels to popular survivalist shows, emphasizing the unrealistic portrayal of off-grid living without adequate preparation and support systems.

Quote:

"What those end of the world as we know it YouTube channels don't consider is how much we rely on one another to survive, even when we go off grid."
(40:10)

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a melancholic examination of the Vance family’s tragic story, highlighting the tragic consequences of isolation fueled by fear and misinformation. Mary Kay underscores the importance of community and support, suggesting that Becky's attempt to protect her family ultimately led to their downfall.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Maternal Anxiety:

  "I have died on all those hills. And I would do it again. And I will. Every second of every day."
  (03:50)

• On Conspiracy Theories:

  "I know I probably sound like a conspiracy theorist, but there are insane plots to take away our soul and humanity."
  (11:30)

• On Social Isolation:

  "Becky wanted to be with him 24/7. She was so loving, so sweet. It was cute, but at the same time, it was too much."
  (14:20)

• On Final Reflections:

  "Becky, in her fear of others, separated herself from the only people who could truly ever save her."
  (42:15)

Further Resources

Mary Kay McBrayer references two key articles that provide deeper insights into the Vance family's story:

1. Outside Magazine - Please, I will give anything for you to come back by Ted Conover.
2. New York Magazine - The Women who Walked Away by Elizabeth Weil.

For more information on this case and other stories, visit diversionaudio.com.

---

Production Credits:

• Written by: Grace Heuerman
• Produced by: Leo Culp
• Edited by: Antonio Enriquez
• Theme Music by: Tyler Cash
• Executive Produced by: Scott Waxman

Upcoming Release: Mary Kay McBrayer previews her forthcoming true crime book, Madame Queen: The Life and Crimes of Harlem's Underground Racketeer Stephanie Sinclair, available for pre-order at major retailers.

---

This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview of the Vance family's tragic journey off the grid while highlighting key moments and quotes that underscore the emotional and psychological complexities involved.

Transcript

[Mary Kay McBrayer]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Lowe's NOS July 4th savings are worth celebrating. Get up to 40% off select major appliances and get an additional 10% off two or more select major appliances. Hurry. These July 4th deals won't last long. Lowes we help you Save. Valid through 7 9. Selection varies by location while supplies last. See lowe's.com for more details.

[Mary Kay McBrayer]

Visit your nearby Lowe's on Colorado street in Kennewick.

[Unknown (Commercial Voice)]

Some dresses are for errands, some dresses are for parties, and then there's Hill House for dresses that do both effortlessly. Hill House Home is the brand behind the viral nap dress, known for its signature smocking, ultra flattering fit and comfort that makes it a favorite for just about everyone. There has never been a dress that has been more made for me than than the nap dress. You can wear it at home, you can wear it outside, you can wear it anywhere and you can take a nap in it. What more do you need? Get 15% off your first order of $100 or more at Hill House home.com with code murder15. That's murder15 for 15% off at Hillhouse home.com goodbye.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hey, it's Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. Now I was looking for fun ways to tell you that Mint's offer of unlimited Premium Wireless for $15 a month is back. So I thought it would be fun if we made 15 DOL bills but it turns out that's very illegal. So there goes my big idea for the commercial. Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment.

[Unknown (Commercial Voice)]

Of $45 for three month plan equivalent to 15 per month required new customer offer for first three months only. Speed slow after 35 gigabytes of networks busy taxes and fees extra.

Cementmobile.com it is Ryan Seacrest here. There was a recent social media trend which consisted of flying on a plane with no music, no movies, no entertainment. But a better trend would be going to chumbacasino.com it's like having a mini social casino in your pocket. Chumba Casino Over a hundred online casino style games all absolutely free. It's the most fun you can have online and on a plane. So grab your free welcome bonus [e-mail] sponsored by Chumba Casino.

[Mary Kay McBrayer]

No purchase necessary. VGW Group Void where prohibited by law.

[Unknown (Commercial Voice)]

21 + terms and conditions apply. Diversion Audio.

[Mary Kay McBrayer]

A Note this episode contains mature content and descriptions of violence that may be disturbing for some listeners. Please take care in listening it's early winter at a campsite in Central Colorado. The first snow of the season is falling and a 13 year old boy named Talon is curled in his sleeping bag trying to keep warm. The nights have been getting colder. It's so cold now that Talon has a hard time sleeping. He's wearing his warmest clothes, sweatpants, a long sleeve T shirt and a hoodie with the drawstrings tied tight around his face. But it doesn't matter. The sleeping bag and the blue nylon tint are no match for the mountain air. Talon is an indoor kid and so is his mom. So he was surprised when she said she would take Talon and his Aunt Christine on an extended camping trip. Talon thought maybe she meant for a long weekend. But now it was October and they'd been there since August. At first it felt like an adventure. The three of them went to Walmart, loaded up on gear and snacks, and found a secluded site a few miles from the popular trails. They brought seed packets, books on foraging and agriculture, and word puzzles. As the weeks went on, though, things got harder. The weather wasn't the only problem. They were running out of food. Talon could feel his body shrinking. His hip bones jutted out and they bruised when he slept on his side. None of the pants he brought fit him anymore. He missed his friends, his grandma, his cat. He thought about his old apartment and his favorite Mexican restaurant. He was so used to being hungry he almost couldn't remember what it felt like to be full. But he knew going back was out of the question. This was the safest place for them now, away from the people who didn't understand. No one would see Talon, his mother or his aunt until five months later in the spring when the snow thawed and hikers were once again exploring the trails. By that time, their bodies were so unrecognizable that it took law enforcement months to identify them. Welcome to the greatest true crime stories ever told. I'm Mary Kay McBrayer, author of the forthcoming true crime book Madame the Life and Crimes of Harlem's Underground Racketeer. Stephanie Sinclair. Today's episode we're calling the Women who Went Off Grid. It's the story of a mother's misdirected love, the line between self determination and mental illness, and the way conspiracy theories can compel us to make very dangerous decisions, even in the name of safety. We'll get into all of that right after this. Quick break, listeners. Y' all know I'm an anxious person. So much so that even I was surprised at the new heights to which my anxiety soared after becoming a mother. I've definitely heard mothers say before that nothing matters more to them than their child's safety. But when I heard it before, it always sounded like a weird flex. Like I love my child the most. And to be fair, that probably is how some mothers meant it. But I really can't overstate the urgent biological imperative. I was a compulsive hand washer before this, but when someone came straight off a plane and tried to hold my pre vaccinated newborn before washing their hands, I'm not really sure how to explain the visceral rage that pumped my blood pressure through the roof like one of those carnival strongman games. I can tell you that when she had her first cold over Christmas, I punished all of the grandparents by making them watch me suck the snot out of her nose with that torture device they call the nose Frida. It's an extreme reaction, but at the very least I can say that I see dangers now that didn't feel as pressing before. Getting a cold is not the end of the world. Unless it is. Have you ever seen a baby with pneumonia? Having some solid food won't kill her unless she's allergic. I had to explain so many times why she can't have toys in her bassinet and why she can't have a blanket at four weeks old. Why she needs to lie on her stomach sometimes even though she doesn't like it. I'm overprotective, sure, mostly because I couldn't live with myself if something happened to her. People like to say all the time I'd take a bullet for my kid. One bullet. One time. So easy. But would you claw the eyes out of the person who made her bathwater too hot? Would you wring the neck of the auntie who said the 24 hour fever after the TDAP shot wasn't worth it? Would you die on the hill of no screens before she's 18 months old? Even when the Outlander finale is on? Because I have. I have died on all those hills. And I would do it again. And I will. Every second of every day. One bullet, one time is nothing. You just have to stand still. All that to say I love my child the most? I'm just kidding. All that to say there's some kind of biological switch that gets flipped? The details might be different among parents. You let your kids have 30 minutes of TV a day. That's fine, even if it's different from what I want to do. We're all just trying our best and that looks different on different people. It is pretty easy to get Caught up in that defensive feeling. If you're not skilled at determining good advice from someone trying to sell you something. There are, of course, mothers who seem to defy the nature of parenthood as a whole. I'm not talking about small things like whether you heat up their milk, warm their wet wipes, or make sure they don't kick off their socks. Not everything is crucial. I mean, in a big way. Women like Dee Dee Blanchard, Andrea Yates and Casey Anthony come to mind. But maybe, you know, of others. It's a unique kind of disdain that we feel for them culturally. It's offensive in a way that being a bad father isn't. Maybe because it so rarely happens. But it does happen. Stories like these are memorable because they're so black and white. These women are villains. Their children are the victims. Their offenses are so unimaginable, they become infamous. The story I'm going to tell you today is a bit different. As you heard in the intro, it involves a child in danger and a mother whose actions directly led to his death. But in this story, the definition of victim and perpetrator isn't so clear. That could be the reason this story hasn't gotten more visibility in the media. The characters don't fit into the usual boxes we see in true crime stories. As you'll hear, this story is nuanced, which I love, but also makes me uncomfortable in a new way. Now, as a parent, the questions it brings up poke at the edges of this genre of true crime. Questions like where is the line between self determination and mental illness? Who is to blame when a conspiracy theory inspires actions that endanger lives? When is it time to step between a mother and her child? And would you dare to risk it? Because honestly, the situation would have to be very dire, knowing what I know now. The mother in our story is named Rebecca Vance. Becky to her loved ones. And anyone who knew Becky inevitably knew her sister Christine as well. They did almost everything together, lived together, worked at the same microchip factory, made decisions together. Becky was older, but the sisters were less than two years apart. Born in 1980 and 82 in Colorado Springs, they looked so similar growing up that many thought they were twins. Both were petite, reaching only about 5ft tall with long dark hair and almond skin. Some say their closeness was forged during a chaotic childhood. When the girls were young, their mother left their father abruptly and raised them on her own for seven years. When she remarried, she introduced them to a whole new family. By all accounts, it seemed like this new step family was wonderful for the girls. Their stepfather Edward was attentive and devoted to them, and they gained a stepsister named Trevila, to whom Christine was especially close. Even so, it's not hard to understand how a transition like this would lead to some stress at home and draw the girls closer to each other. But despite their closeness, there were clear differences in the sisters personalities. It was obvious to anyone who saw them that Becky was the dominant one. Call it oldest child syndrome, but Becky was the kind of girl who always seemed to have a plan. She got excellent grades, worked an after school job, and always seemed to have a vision for her life. Becky was also dominant when it came to her relationship with Christine. According to those close to the girls, Becky seemed to take on some of the caregiving during their family's turbulent years. She was fiercely loyal to Christine and the two remained very close in adulthood. In their early 20s, both took jobs at the same tech manufacturing plant in Colorado Springs. They'd wake up, put on their all white smocks, shoe covers and hair nets, clock their hours at the factory, and return to their childhood home where they lived with their mother and stepfather. According to her friends, Becky had also always been a recluse. She didn't have many friends and was content to stay home and hang out with her mother while Christine went out for drinks after work. In an article from Outside magazine, Becky's stepsister Trevila says that Becky always kept to herself and never really liked to be around people. I actually don't think that this is a red flag. Not yet. This tendency toward isolation became even more noticeable as Becky got older. When the sister's mother died of cancer in 2007, Becky took it especially hard. She regretted not spending more time with her and not giving her a grandchild. It seemed like her mother's death put Becky's life into a different perspective. A year later, in 2008, Becky got pregnant. The father's name was Eric Burden, a handsome guy she met at work. The two were never very serious and Becky had no problem handling the pregnancy and childcare on her own. She wasn't interested in having a partner. She wanted a child, maybe even a piece of her mother. Back in 2008, Becky gave birth to a boy. She named him Talon. He was a sweet, soft kid with kind eyes and dark hair, like his mom. Although Becky seemingly boxed Talon's father Eric out of the picture, she did become close with his mother, Marilyn. Talon would end up spending lots of time at his grandma Marilyn's house and they developed a close bond. Talon loved animals and was very sensitive to the feelings of those around him. As he grew up, he also developed a love for computers and gaming. He would spend hours playing Super Mario Bros. And Roblox with his friends. He'd even include Marilyn in his games. In an article from New York Magazine, Marilyn described the way Talon would put Marilyn's character quote on his back and carry me in the game because he knows the areas that I would not do so well. Eventually, Becky and Talon moved out of Becky's childhood home and into a unit at the Windmill Apartments in Colorado Springs. From their building, they could see Pike's Peak jutting out like a jewel on the horizon. Christine would end up moving into the same building shortly after. It was an idyllic spot close to the foothills, but Becky and Christine probably didn't appreciate their surroundings as much more than a nice view. The sisters didn't hike or camp. That is, until Becky started talking about going off grid.

[Unknown (Commercial Voice)]

Let's be real Life happens. Kids spill, pets shed and accidents are inevitable. Find a sofa that can keep [e-mail] Starting at just $699, our sofas are fully machine washable inside and out so you can say goodbye to stains and hello to worry free living. Made with liquid and stain resistant fabrics, they're kid proof, pet friendly and built for everyday life. Plus, changeable fabric covers let you refresh your sofa whenever you want. Need flexibility? Our modular design lets you rearrange your sofa anytime to fit your space, whether it's a growing family room or a cozy apartment. Plus, they're earth friendly and trusted by over 200,000 happy customers. It's time to upgrade to a stress free, mess proof sofa. Visit washablesofas.com today and save that's washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

You know that fantasy where you run into your ex while looking impossibly cute and wildly unbothered? Hill House makes the perfect dress for that moment. Or if you're just running errands, Hill House Home is the brand behind the viral nap dress, known for its signature smocking, ultra flattering fit and comfort that makes it a favorite for just about everyone. Celebrities like Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Anne Hathaway and Mindy Kaling have all been spotted in Hill House. These dresses are the definition of versatile, perfect for running errands in the morning and stylish enough for dinner or a party that night. And it's not all they carry. They started with bedding back in 2016 and now you'll find bathrobes, pajamas, children's clothes and maternity, all with the cut prints. And it's so true. The hardest time picking out one nap dress because the prints are so dreamy and beautiful. But now that I have it, I'm going to wear it all day, every day. I'm going to throw on my leather jacket at night and look like a total badass. Cowboy boots or cute heels. Whatever it is, this nap dress can make it look classy. You look like that classy lady you see at the airport. Hill House makes fun fashion that makes you Feel good. Get 15% off your first order of $100 or more at Hill HouseHome.com with code MURDER15. That's MURDER15 for 15% [e-mail] Goodbye.

Now I'd like to introduce you to Meaningful Beauty, the famed skincare brand created by iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford. It's her secret to absolutely gorgeous skin. Meaningful Beauty makes powerful and effective skin care simple and it's loved by millions of women. It's formulated for all ages and all skin tones and types. And it's designed to work as a complete skin care system, leaving leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth and nourished. I recommend starting with Cindy's full regimen which contains all five of her best selling products including the amazing youth Activating Melon Serum. This next generation serum has the power of melon leaf stem cell technology. It's melon leaf stem cells encapsulated for freshness and released onto the skin to support a visible reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. With thousands of glowing five star reviews, why not give it a try? Subscribe Try today and you can get the amazing Meaningful Beauty system for just $49.95. That includes our introductory five piece system, free gifts, free shipping and a 60 day money back guarantee. All of that [e-mail].

[Ryan Seacrest]

Lo's July 4th savings are worth celebrating. Get up to 40% off select major appliances and get an additional 10% off two or more select major appliances. Hurry. These July 4th deals won't last long. Lowe's we help you Save. Valid through 7 9. Selection varies by location while supplies last. See Lowes.com for more details.

[Mary Kay McBrayer]

Visit your nearby Lowes on Colorado street in Kennewick. In November of 2019, the Vance sisters didn't know it yet, but they were about to face two events that would send their lives in a direction no one saw coming. The first was the death of their stepdad Edward. Even though he wasn't Their birth father, Edward, had become a stabilizing presence for Becky and Christine. Now both of the sisters parental figures were gone and their stepsister Trevela could see that those losses were taking a toll, especially on Becky. According to Trevila, Becky had always kept to herself. But after the deaths of her mom and stepdad, she became even more reclusive. She told Outside magazine, quote, when you're by yourself for so many years and don't have many friends or anything, your thoughts can get to you. And the isolation was only going to get worse. The second life altering event facing the Vance sisters was the COVID 19 pandemic, which was about to rip through the country and upend their routines. If Becky was reclusive before the pandemic pushed her even further inward. In May of 2020, Talon received his fifth grade diploma from the seat of his mom's car. A few months later, Becky called Marilyn to tell her she was quitting her job. She didn't give any explanation of what she would do next. Trevola told New York magazine she became much more secretive. What Becky was doing, as her friends and family would later learn, was spending more and more time online. I don't need to remind you how full of fear we all were. During the early days of the pandemic, Becky was one of the many Americans who found validation and solace on conspiracy theory forums and prepper YouTube channels. As the world became more and more unpredictable, being prepared felt more and more important. I don't know about y', all, but for me, during those early days, the line between prepared and prepper became really hard to identify. But there was a line. Becky regurgitated stories about Klaus Schwab, the Great Reset and the Global elite to friends and family. An old acquaintance of Becky's shared a text message she sent to him around this time with a reporter from Outside Magazine. It read, I know I probably sound like a conspiracy theorist, but there are insane plots to take away our soul and humanity. Soon, Becky tipped over the edge, from reclusive to fearful. The more she read, the more convinced she became that the world outside her door was unsafe. And her isolation and fear extended to Talon as well. By this time, Talon's school had gone remote, so he was staying home and rarely seeing other kids. He played games on his iPad and switch with his online friends, but Becky forbade Talon from using the messaging function. Talon had hit puberty now, and Becky seemed to be having trouble letting go of her little boy, Christine Trevila, and Talon's grandmother Marilyn, all voiced concerns about his isolation and lack of contact with others his age. Trevila explained in New York magazine that, quote, becky wanted to be with him 24 7. She was so loving, so sweet. It was cute, but at the same time it was too much. The women wondered how Talon would grow up to be a mature adult if he wasn't learning social skills. In 2021, Talon turned 12. His school opened up again for in person learning. But Becky kept him at home. Home was becoming the only safe place. It wasn't just Talon that Becky exerted control over. Remember how I said that Becky was a bit of a mother figure for her sister Christine? Now that the sisters were living together at the Windmill Apartments, their parent child relationship developed even further. She kept an eye on Christine the way older sisters do. But now that they were adults in their late 30s, it was overbearing and Becky could be a bully. Becky didn't think Christine should drink or smoke. She didn't think Christine should date guys who didn't treat her well. And she wasn't afraid to tell Christine when she thought she could lose a few pounds. One of the most fascinating sources we have for this story is Christine's text messages to her stepsister Trevila. In one message, Christine wrote, it got a little frustrating in the car earlier. She becky kept telling me no drinking. I simply told her I felt like a rebelling teenager. Becky's influence over Christine extended to her political and conspiratorial beliefs too. Christine started echoing Becky's talking points about the great reset and the end of the world as we know it. Yes, this is a thing online. She would text Trevilla about how Trevilla should stop taking medications because the government was putting biosensors inside them. Travilla could tell Christine was depressed. She said to Christine in a text message, all I ask is please watch how she treats you and don't let her manipulate you. You can live your own life. Christine replied, no, it's cool, but you know, that's a different kind of love and all. That's when the talk about going off grid started. It was Becky's idea. If living in modern society meant existing at the mercy of a corrupt government and a malicious Illuminati, the safest thing for the health of her family would be to get out. How do you escape their control? You go where they can't reach you. You remove yourself from everything, tying you to the ones in power, money, tech, medication, infrastructure and a dress. You skim down to the essentials. You go back to what's natural? You go back to the land. But just because it's natural doesn't mean it's safe. Especially in a place like the Colorado Rockies. Christine wasn't convinced at first. She was worried about her nephew and didn't trust Becky's ability to take care of them both. But she also didn't want to be left behind. Becky was her closest family member, her roommate, her protector, her world. And eventually, Christine came around. Leaving turned out to be simple. In summer of 2022, Christine quit her job and told her coworkers she was moving. She wouldn't be bringing her cell phone, so she asked a friend from work to send her a photo of himself to remember him by. Travilla grew worried about her stepsisters. She knew about the off grid plan and didn't approve. No one did. But what can you really do to stop someone you love from doing anything? They were determined. In July, Becky's communication with friends and family grew distant. She dropped off the urn of her mother's ashes at Trevila's house and gave her cat Oreo to one of Trevila's neighbors. According to New York Magazine, Becky sent the following text message to an acquaintance as they prepared to leave town. They really want to merge man with machine, and I refuse to let them do that to me or my son. I don't know when all of this will happen, but I think it's important for people to get out while they still can. To me, these actions, giving away possessions and saying your goodbyes sound like the actions of a suicidal person. On August 1, 2022, Becky and Talon stopped by Marilyn's house. Becky handed her a box containing three of Talon's old T shirts, a few school photos, a stuffed animal, and a flower pot with a footprint that he'd made for Mother's Day. Becky told Marilyn they were moving to West Virginia, where her birth father lived. Marilyn was confused. Becky had never mentioned her dad before. Marilyn offered to let Talon stay with her, but Becky shook her head. We have to move to be safe, Becky said. What about their stuff? Would they be in touch? Would Talon have his iPad? Becky explained that where they were going, there wouldn't be good. Internet. As Becky and Talon prepared to leave, Marilyn turned to Talon for a hug goodbye. As Marilyn leaned down, Becky whispered in her ear, he doesn't know anything. Marilyn felt concerned, confused, and helpless. This whole thing was so mysterious. But what could she do? How long would it be until she saw her grandson again? From where they lived in Colorado Springs, Becky Christine and Talon drove 170 miles about 3 1/2 hours west to a campground near a mountain called Gunnison. It was a beautiful drive, weaving around Pikes Peak and into the Rocky Mountains. The campground they chose was called Gold Creek, and it was at just under 10,000ft in elevation. Visitors to Gold Creek Campground tended to be summer hikers and backpackers. It was open from May to September, but once the weather turned cold and snow covered the ground, the only folks passing through were hunters. Snow accumulated in October and cell service was non existent. It's likely the Vance family stayed for a few days at one of the well trodden campsites with a picnic table and a fire pit. But they soon went searching for a more secluded area where they could set up a permanent hidden camp. They found their perfect spot 200 yards east across a creek through a patch of thick vegetation in a clearing protected by tall spruce trees. Here, Talon would be safe. Here, there would be no biosensors or microchips. Here they could live in peace. And those first few weeks probably were peaceful. Articles about this case describe it as a gentle haven. Clean mountain air, the sound of a trickling creek behind you, the sun on your face, the warm grass beneath you, the government, Klaus Schwab, skeptical family members. It all feels very far away. Back home in Colorado Springs, Marilyn was growing worried. She left voicemails not knowing that Becky and Christine had gotten rid of their phones. She didn't think to file a missing persons report or call Child Protective Services. Becky had always been a very dedicated present mother. If Becky wanted space, that was her right. Who was Marilyn to question her parenting? The mountain home the Vance sisters created for themselves was later described by investigators as an $80 Walmart tent. Underneath it was a tarp to keep them off the cold ground. But no ground pads. Anyone who's done cold weather camping knows that ground pads are a necessity if you want to get any kind of sleep. Instead, there was a blue quilt laid out under their sleeping bags. The sleeping bags themselves were warm, but not designed for winter weather. The first snow of the year came in late October. By November 16, the low temps were hovering around 0 degrees Fahrenheit. To filter their water, they had Lifestraws, a product designed for emergency use and backup filtration on light hikes. They aren't designed to withstand freezing temperatures and not intended for long term camping. For food, they brought multiple seed packets to grow things like kale, herbs, carrots and peppers. While those plants can grow in such a climate, they would require diligent care and something like a greenhouse to protect them from the elements. It seems they relied on prepared food instead, judging by the trash found at their campsite, which included ramen noodle packets, canned soup, Vienna sausages, candy bars and fruit juice. In October, the trio drove into Gunnison, 45 minutes away from camp, where they called Becky and Christine's birth father, Donald. They asked him to wire them $500, which he did right away. It's likely they spent the money at Walmart on a small campfire stove, which would burn sticks and leaves and generate lots of heat. They also bought more food, batteries and toilet paper. Then they returned to their shelter. It was the group's last known contact with anyone.

[Unknown (Commercial Voice)]

Let's be real Life happens. Kids spill, pets shed and accidents are inevitable. Find a sofa that can keep [e-mail] Starting at just $699, our sofas are fully machine washable inside and out, so you can say goodbye to stains and hello to worry free living. Made with liquid and stain resistant fabrics, they're kid proof, pet friendly and built for everyday life. Plus, changeable fabric covers let you refresh your sofa whenever you want. Need flexibility? Our modular design lets you rearrange your sofa anytime to fit your space, whether it's a storage grocery, growing family room or a cozy apartment. Plus, they're earth friendly and trusted by over 200,000 happy customers. It's time to upgrade to a stress free, mess proof sofa. Visit washablesofas.com today and save that's washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

You know that fantasy where you run into your ex while looking impossibly cute and wildly unbothered? Hill House makes the perfect dress for that moment. Or if you're just running errands. Hill House Home is the brand behind the viral nap dress, known for its signature smocking, ultra flattering fit and comfort that makes it a favorite for just about everyone. Celebrities like Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Anne Hathaway and Mindy Kaling have all been spotted in Hill House. These dresses are the definition of versatile, perfect for running errands in the morning and stylish enough for dinner or a party that night. And it's not all they carry. They started with bedding back in 2016 and now you'll find bathrobes, pajamas, children's cloth and maternity, all with the cutest prints. And it's so true. The hardest time picking out one nap dress because the prints are so dreamy and beautiful but now that I have it, I'm going to wear it all day, every day. I'm going to throw on my leather jacket at night and look like a total badass. Cowboy boots or cute heels. Whatever it is, this nap dress can make it look classy. You look like that classy lady you see at the airport. Hill House makes fun fashion that makes you feel good. Get 15% off your first order of a hundred dollars or more at Hillhouse Home.com with code murder15. That's murder15 for 15% [e-mail] goodbye.

Now I'd like to introduce you to Meaningful Beauty, the famed skincare brand created by iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford. It's her secret to absolutely gorgeous skin. Meaningful Beauty makes powerful and effective skin care simple and it's loved by millions of women. It's formulated for all ages and all skin tones and types and it's designed to work as a complete skincare system leaving leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth and nourished. I recommend starting with Cindy's full regimen which contains all five of her best selling products including the Amazing Youth Activating Melon Serum. This next generation serum has the power of melon leaf stem cell technology. It's melon leaf stem cells encapsulated for freshness and released onto the skin to support a visible reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. With thousands of glowing five star reviews, why not give it a try? Subscribe subscribe today and you can get the Amazing Meaningful Beauty system for just 49.95. That includes our introductory five piece system, free gifts, free shipping and a 60 day money back guarantee. All that [e-mail].

[Ryan Seacrest]

Lowe's knows July 4th savings are worth celebrating. Get up to 40% off select major appliances and get an additional 10% off two or more select major appliances. Hurry up. These July 4th deals won't last long. Lowe's we help you Save. Valid through 7 9. Selection varies by location while supplies last. See lowe's.com for more details.

[Mary Kay McBrayer]

Visit your nearby Lowe's on Colorado street in Kennewick. In late November, the U.S. forest Service found Becky's abandoned car on the road leading to Gold Creek Campground. After attempting to call the phone numbers associated with the vehicle and finding them disconnected, the car was towed. It's unclear whether Becky ever knew Marilyn Talon's grandmother continued calling Becky's phone too. She never got through, but she kept calling anyway until December 15th when she heard a message that it was no longer in service. She continued to believe that one Day, Talon and Becky would show up again in her driveway after their stay in West Virginia. Finally, In July of 2023, nearly a year after Becky, Christine, and Talon had left town, Marilyn received a call about their whereabouts. An adventurous hiker had come upon what he called a mummy laying outside a tent at a site near Gold Creek campground. Investigators arrived at an ugly scene in unsettlingly beautiful surroundings. First, they noticed the piles of trash and dried feces. An awful smell enveloped the camp. The mummy the hiker described lay near a tree a few yards from the tent. The skin was leathery, and part of one arm was missing. Investigators couldn't determine the sex of the body. It was too decomposed. They looked inside the tent. The weird thing was, both doors were zipped up. When they peeled them open, they clearly saw another body in what looked like a pile of blankets next to it. As they attempted to access the body, they realized that it wasn't blankets, but a third body curled up inside a sleeping bag. This was a situation they'd never encountered before. Three bodies, one outside the tent. They doubted foul play, but couldn't imagine what had happened. At first, the conclusion they came to was that the person outside had died first. Perhaps the other two had carried the body outside until they could bury it or handle it in some way. It was the middle of winter, after all. Then they returned to their tent and likely died soon after. Inside the tent, investigators also found some helpful clues. Christine Vance's driver's license and journals from Becky and Talon. That's when they were able to put a story together. It was later determined that the first body, the one outside the tent, was Talon's. His remains weighed just 40 pounds, and multiple organs were missing, taken by the mountain's many scavengers. It's likely that Becky died next. By the end, her ribs were showing and her ankles were bony. Christine probably died last, curled in her sleeping bag alone. Hypothermia, which develops when a body loses heat faster than it can replenish it, can look like shivering and clumsiness at first. Real problems happen once the brain gets too cold, Speech gets slurred, muscles stiffen, and hallucinations can begin. Some people feel an urge to take off their clothes. Blood pressure drops, and the lungs fill with fluid. Eventually, the heart stops beating. Starvation can have a similar effect on the body. Energy drops so low that the body is forced to slow down. Delirium sets in. Decision making is impaired. Giardia, found in poorly filtered water, causes diarrhea to the point of severe Dehydration as well as exhaustion and death. If not treated, any one of these afflictions could have caused the death of the members of the Vance family. But it's postulated by law enforcement that they suffered from all three. Regardless of the official cause of death, their campsite and their remains are enough to tell us that the group suffered immensely. This case, if we want to call it that, leaves a flurry of questions trailing behind it. As far as law enforcement was concerned, one of the biggest questions was who, if anyone, was a victim? Was this a homicide? Child neglect? Abuse? Looking at the case in retrospect, at the bodies, at the evidence of starvation, at the poor wilderness preparation, it's easy to conclude that Talon was an unwilling victim. He was a child dependent on his mother for care, and the decision to go off grid was outside his control. So was the decision to stay off grid when things got dire. In that sense, his death was a direct result of his mother's parenting choices. But the tricky part here is that by all accounts, Becky was an attentive mother. Her mother in law and sisters say this explicitly in interviews. She wanted the best for her child. In fact, she was so committed to his safety that she was willing to abandon everything she knew to keep him out of harm's way, or at least what she considered to be harm's way. Which points to the other baffling element of this case, the imminent danger that Becky saw in the world around her. According to the sources she was consulting online, the end of the world was coming and fast. Systems of power couldn't be trusted. The safest option was to leave all of that behind and return to the original safe space, the Earth reality. Shows like Alone and Naked and Afraid are hugely popular in the US and they present wilderness survival as more or less doable for the Everyman. Participants suffer, sure, but they make their way. They remind us of a bygone way of living. The primitive existence that's always available to us if we choose it. But what they don't show is the months and years of preparation, the hard earned wisdom and skill that is required to make that life work, or the teams of people supporting the participants in big ways and small. What those end of the world as we know it YouTube channels don't consider is how much we rely on one another to survive, even when we go off grid. Ask any off gritter, being truly self sufficient is a fantasy. We need each other. Which is perhaps the most tragic reality of this story. That Becky, in her fear of others, separated herself from the only people who could truly ever save her. I'd like to shout out the excellent sources that I relied on for this episode. The first is an Outside magazine article called Please, I will give anything for you to come back. Written by celebrated journalist Ted Conover. It's a fascinating retelling of the incidents, with insights from Conover's considerable reporting in off gridding communities in Colorado and elsewhere in the US the other is a piece from New York Magazine called the Women who Walked Away by Elizabeth Weil. It's a touching look at the impact of Talon's death on his extended family and the way stories of leaving the world behind are interpreted differently depending on who is doing the leaving. I highly recommend both of these articles. For more information about this case and others we cover on the show, visit diversionaudio.com the greatest true Crime Stories Ever Told is a production of Diversion Audio. I'm Mary Kay McBrayer and I hosted this episode. This episode was written by Grace Heuerman. Our show is produced by Leo Culp, edited by Antonio Enriquez, theme music by Tyler Cash, executive produced by Scott Waxman and one more thing before I go. If you haven't already, I'll love you forever. If you pre order my forthcoming true crime book Madam Queen the Life and Crimes of Harlem's Underground Racketeer Stephanie Sinclair, there's a link to do it at your favorite retailer in our show's notes.

[Unknown (Commercial Voice)]

Some dresses are for errands, some dresses are for parties, and then there's Hill House for dresses that do both effortlessly. Hill House Home is the brand behind the viral Nap dress, known for its signature smocking, ultra flattering fit and comfort that makes it a favorite for just about everyone. There has never been a dress that has been more made for me than the nap dress. You can wear it at home, you can wear it outside, you can wear it anywhere and you can take a nap in it. What more do you need? Get 15% off your first order of a hundred dollars or more@hillhouse home.com with code murder 15. That's murder 15 for 15% off at Hill House Home. Goodbye.

Every business has an ambition. PayPal open is the platform designed to help you grow into yours with business loans so you can expand and access to hundreds of millions of PayPal customers worldwide. And your customers can pay all the ways they want with PayPal, Venmo pay later and all major cards so you can focus on scaling up when it's time to get growing. There's one platform for all business PayPal open grow today at paypalopen.com loans subject to approval in available locations.

Millions of people have turned to Claude, the AI assistant from Anthropic because it just feels different. Where other AIs often sound a little robotic, Claude has been designed with special research that informs its character, meaning that Claude just gets it when it comes to empathy and emotional intelligence. That's why Claude has become the if you know, you know choice for dating advice, career coaching, gathering your thoughts for those important life decisions, and more. Give Claude a try for free at Claude.com that's C-L-A-U-D E.com and let us know how you feel the difference.

Homes.com is the only place where you can find specialized neighborhood guides with the in depth insider info home shoppers want. Very in depth info. Want to know if there's homes for sale in the area? We've got it. How long has a home been on the market? We'll know it. Average lot size?

[Mary Kay McBrayer]

Uh huh.

[Unknown (Commercial Voice)]

Proximity to local parks.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Of course.

[Unknown (Commercial Voice)]

Insight into your neighbor's divorce? We're working on it. Homes.com We've done your homework.

[Mary Kay McBrayer]

This is an iHeart podcast.