True Crime All The Time Unsolved
Episode 453: Dottie Caylor
PodcastOne | Hosts: Mike Ferguson & Mike Gibson
Release Date: February 23, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode explores the troubling unsolved disappearance of Dorothy “Dottie” May Caylor (née Kaler), who vanished in Concord, California, in June 1985. Hosts Mike Ferguson and Mike Gibson ("Gibby") methodically walk through the events leading to her disappearance, the subsequent investigation, and the cloud of suspicion surrounding her husband, Jewel Kaler. The hosts blend detailed case analysis with their trademark conversational style, examining each theory and piece of evidence with seriousness while keeping the discussion accessible.

Key Discussion Points

1. Introduction to Dottie and Her Disappearance

• Dottie Caylor: Born 1944 in Ohio, devout Catholic, legal secretary, later suffered from severe agoraphobia.
• Disappearance (06/12/1985):
  • Husband Jewel claimed to have dropped her at the Pleasant Hill BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) Station for a trip to visit a friend.
  • No evidence she ever boarded a train; she was never seen or heard from again.
  • Marriage described as troubled, with a history of abuse allegations and impending divorce.

Quote (Mike Ferguson, 02:49):
"On June 12, 1985, Jewel Kaler dropped his wife Dottie off at a train station... investigators learned more about the Kalers' troubled marriage, they began to suspect Jewel had something to do with his wife's disappearance."

2. Marriage History and Underlying Tensions

• Jewel and Dottie met in 1970; Jewel used a fake name initially and concealed his first marriage (05:21).
• Multiple allegations of domestic violence, notably a 1981 incident where Dottie drove herself to the hospital after being struck (09:33).
• Dottie suffered from agoraphobia; Jewel often worked away from home, increasing isolation and marital strain (07:22, 09:00).

Quote (Mike Ferguson quoting Unsolved Mysteries, 08:31):
“Dottie had what doctors have called agoraphobia. She would stay inside most of the time. She couldn’t even apply for a job, much less hold one down. It was a real problem.”

3. Signs of Separation and Preparation to Leave

• Dottie secretly joined a women's support group, established a new bank account, redirected mail to a P.O. box, and began assembling important documents and money without Jewel's knowledge (13:36).
• Both were pursuing separate relationships—Jewel was engaged to another woman months before Dottie vanished (15:18).
• Divorce proceedings underway; Dottie packing Jewel's belongings for storage, setting legal division of property (18:08).

4. Day of Disappearance & Unfolding Investigation

• Timeline (June 12-17, 1985):
  • Dottie last seen at BART station. Took overnight bag, purse with crucial items (bee sting kit left behind).
  • Jewel claims to find her car and purse later; leaves odd notes mixing affection with frustration and blame (23:56).
  • He waits five days to report her missing, quickly packs and repaints the house, and moves to Utah (25:13, 26:00).

Quote (Mike Ferguson, 24:08):
“If you’re going to leave a note, why would you put some of this stuff in a note that just... it seems strange to me.”

• Her friends quickly grow suspicious: Dottie’s purse and money remain untouched, and she had no contact with anyone (24:55, 28:06).

5. Suspicion on Husband Jewel Kaler

• Jewel’s statements to media and police are often inconsistent and callous. He described Dottie as a “problem” now “behind him” after moving to Utah (29:40).
• He never had Dottie declared deceased, but eventually filed for divorce on grounds of desertion, receiving their marital assets 18 years after her disappearance (32:43).
• Behavioral red flags: quick liquidation of property, suggesting Dottie wanted him “to see other women,” conflicting reports about who drove which car to the station (38:12).

Quote (Mike Ferguson, 29:40):
“Since I’ve... gotten settled and into a new job, and that whole problem is behind me, things are really pretty good. So I have... one glaring thing that jumps out at me—how would you say now the whole problem is behind me when there’s no resolution to her disappearance?”

6. Police Reinvestigation & Public Fallout

• In 2004, after Jewel ran for office in Utah, the Concord PD reopened the case, describing Dottie’s disappearance as “suspicious.” (34:08)
• Allegations surfaced that Jewel poured a concrete patio shortly after Dottie went missing, leading detectives to suspect a burial on the property.
• Jewel’s public statements become inconsistent—sometimes saying he drove her, sometimes saying she drove herself (37:57).
• A mysterious, detailed letter (and map) postmarked 1988 claimed Dottie was killed and buried under a birch tree, with some handwriting similarities to Jewel. DNA from stamp did not match him (49:46–51:56).

7. The 29-Point Affidavit Against Jewel

Detectives listed 29 reasons suspecting Jewel in her murder:

• Documented violence and Dottie’s fear of him.
• Jewel’s secret engagement and “herculean” efforts to be with his fiancée, writing he’d “do anything for her, even kill.”
• Contradictory statements to police and suspicious actions post-disappearance.
• Rental agreement for house signed before Dottie was missing.
• Implausible story regarding both their cars at the train station. (47:06–49:35)

8. Dead Ends, Decades Later

• 2005: Investigators obtained a warrant, excavated yard and checked for blood evidence; nothing found (44:56).
• Dottie’s sister Diane fought to have Dottie declared deceased and continued to blame Jewel (40:43).
• Despite years of suspicion, Jewel is only ever a “person of interest”—never named a suspect.

Quote (Mike Ferguson quoting Detective Messick, 53:02):
“It’s still a matter of what we can prove and what we can’t prove. And I think, you know, when you really boil anything down as far as a case goes, I mean, that’s the bottom line.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the contradictions in Jewel’s story
  (Mike Ferguson, 55:13):
  “If he drove her to the train station, did he drive her car or his car? And depending on the answer to that, then how did the other car ultimately show up at the train station?”

• On emotional detachment
  (Mike Ferguson, 56:17):
  “But to talk about the fact that you don’t remember that your wife at the time went missing, that, to me, is so implausible.”
  (Mike Gibson: “Yeah, I kind of call it bullshit.”)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Background on Dottie & Relationship: 03:13–09:00
• Domestic Violence & Marital Strain: 09:33–13:34
• Dottie’s Preparation for Independence: 13:36–16:25
• The Day Dottie Disappeared: 18:38–23:56
• Jewel’s Odd Behavior After Disappearance: 24:55–26:29
• Police Perspective & 29 Point Affidavit Details: 45:43–49:35
• The 1988 Anonymous Letter: 49:46–51:56
• Investigative Dead Ends & Final Thoughts: 53:01–57:33

Overall Tone and Conclusion

Mike and Gibby maintain their signature balance of seriousness with moments of levity, but remain clear-eyed about the gravity and lingering injustice of the case. They express frustration at the accumulation of suspicious behavior—much of which is incriminating when viewed collectively—yet acknowledge the persistent lack of evidence. The hosts ultimately invite listeners to form their own conclusions, noting time is running out for answers as primary individuals age and evidence fades.

If You Have Any Information

Concord Police Department: (925) 671-3240
Case Number: 85-12-5575

For True Crime Fans and Newcomers Alike

This episode is a thorough, sobering look at a decades-old mystery, mixing detail, skepticism, and empathy for both the victim and those left behind. The hosts' candid analysis and exploration of the unanswered questions will be valuable for both dedicated followers and newcomers to the case.