Podcast Summary: The Megyn Kelly Show – "Alternate Theories, Alarming Details - Part 4 of Megyn Kelly Investigates: Baby Lisa's Disappearance | Ep. 1025"
Release Date: March 13, 2025
Introduction to the Case
In Episode 1025 of The Megyn Kelly Show, titled "Alternate Theories, Alarming Details - Part 4 of Megyn Kelly Investigates: Baby Lisa's Disappearance," host Megyn Kelly delves deep into the chilling case of Baby Lisa, who vanished from her crib in October 2011. As the family approaches the 14th anniversary of her disappearance, the mystery surrounding her whereabouts intensifies, giving rise to numerous theories and unsettling details.
The Family's Unyielding Search
Deborah Bradley and Jeremy Irwin, Lisa's parents, have been tirelessly searching for their missing daughter for over a decade. Their hope remains undiminished, despite limited progress in the investigation.
Deborah Bradley [04:09]: "Yeah, there's a lot of that and I mean it's, it's pretty, it's pretty frustrating and you have a lot of hate and anger on aspects like that, but there's nothing you can do about it and that's not going to help get Lisa home any faster."
The emotional toll on the family is palpable. Annual vigils, relentless personal investigations, and a $100,000 reward offer by philanthropist Christy Haas Schiller underscore their desperate bid to locate Lisa.
Investigations and Alternate Theories
Despite initial suspicion falling on John Tanko, a 42-year-old with a criminal history, the case remains unsolved with no arrests made. In 2011, authorities indicated they had moved beyond Tanko, leaving the family in a prolonged state of uncertainty.
Deborah Bradley has taken matters into her own hands, conducting extensive personal research which led her back to her local area, raising suspicions about potential connections to nearby criminal elements.
Deborah Bradley [05:16]: "I've done my own thing because there isn't anybody to help. I have sat in courtrooms. I have done my own surveillances... I started to hear things. I mean, people talk."
New Leads from Police Documents
Megyn Kelly and co-authors Missy Rasmussen and Jackie Heller obtained supplemental police interview reports involving Chad Huber, a car theft suspect who implicated new individuals in Lisa's disappearance:
- Matt Shaver: Owner of a house where Megan Wright, associated with drug activities, was staying on the night Lisa vanished.
- Boris Dubinski: A convicted criminal alleged to have paid $15,000 to Dane Greathouse to move Lisa's body.
- Cody Allnut: An 18-year-old with schizophrenia who was allegedly involved in the case.
Missy Rasmussen [17:08]: "Interesting. Very, very interesting."
Despite these revelations, each individual denied involvement:
Dane Greathouse [18:34]: "I'm glad you guys came over and talked. Honestly, I just hope this can bring light to the case and in time, things get solved."
Police Involvement and Public Perception
The family expresses frustration over the Kansas City Police Department's apparent lack of ongoing communication. While reporter Jim Spellman believes authorities conducted thorough investigations, the family contends that the police have neglected the case over the years.
Deborah Bradley [22:23]: "They think that she's dead somewhere and mom did it and they're going to, they're not even trying to prove that. I mean, they're just done, they're done with it."
This disconnect has fostered feelings of abandonment and distrust towards law enforcement, exacerbating the family's distress.
Psychological Impact on the Family
The prolonged uncertainty has significantly affected Deborah and Jeremy's relationship, leading to their separation in 2022. Their sons remain a focal point, with both parents striving to provide a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos.
Jeremy Irwin [27:12]: "I think that God put us together because he knew we would be able to survive long enough to be there for each other in positive ways."
Expert Insights and Opinions
Crime experts Phil Houston and Bill Stanton weigh in on the case, addressing the plausibility of the theories proposed by Rasmussen and Heller. They express skepticism toward the credibility of certain allegations but empathize with the family's plight.
Phil Houston [32:26]: "I believe that she has, but it's also her undoing, I believe... if I've committed a crime as heinous as this, I find it hard to believe I'd be running around telling people that we, you know, we've done this and so forth."
Conclusion and Future Steps
As the investigation remains stagnant, the family continues to hold onto hope, leveraging DNA databases like Ancestry.com and 23andMe to potentially reconnect with Lisa. Megan Kelly urges listeners to aid in the search by sharing Lisa's current photo and providing any tips through dedicated channels.
Deborah Bradley [28:48]: "I've tried to convince myself that she's no longer here and to move on, but I can't. I'm going with my gut and my heart. She's out there somewhere. She's a beautiful little girl, and we're gonna find her."
Looking Ahead
The episode concludes with a teaser for the final installment, promising revelations about John Tanko and his potential connection to the case.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Megyn Kelly [00:25]: "We're tackling the disappearance of baby Lisa. She vanished from her crib in the middle of the night in October of 2011."
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Deborah Bradley [04:09]: "There's a lot of hate and anger on aspects like that, but there's nothing you can do about it and that's not going to help get Lisa home any faster."
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Missy Rasmussen [17:08]: "Very, very interesting."
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Phil Houston [34:04]: "If I've committed a crime as heinous as this, I find it hard to believe I'd be running around telling people that we've done this and so forth."
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Deborah Bradley [28:48]: "I'm going with my gut and my heart. She's out there somewhere."
Final Thoughts
This episode of The Megyn Kelly Show masterfully intertwines investigative journalism with emotional storytelling, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of Baby Lisa's disappearance and the intricate web of theories surrounding it. By presenting firsthand accounts, expert opinions, and newly uncovered police documents, Megyn Kelly ensures that the quest for truth continues, keeping the conversation alive in hopes of finally resolving this heart-wrenching case.