True Crime Garage Episode 852 Summary: The Disappearance of Edna Thorne

Episode Title: Edna Thorne
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Podcast: True Crime Garage
Hosts: Nick and the Captain

Introduction to Edna Thorne's Disappearance

In Episode 852 of True Crime Garage, hosts Nick and the Captain delve into the enigmatic case of Edna Christine Thorne, a 15-year-old girl who vanished from Philadelphia on June 24, 1975. Despite the passage of five decades, Edna's disappearance remains unresolved, leaving her family and the community grappling with unanswered questions.

Nick begins the discussion by setting the scene:

"This is the missing persons case of 15-year-old Edna Thorne. And this is True Crime Garage. It has been 50 years to the day since a teenage girl walked out the door and has never been seen again." (Timestamp: 02:21)

Background and Disappearance

Edna Thorne was born in February 1960 and disappeared at the age of 15 after leaving her family's home on Front Street in Philadelphia. On the day she vanished, Edna was reportedly heading to a horse stable to visit a pony gifted to her by her relatively new brother-in-law, Frank Ryan. Notably, before leaving, she invited her 13-year-old sister to join her, but her sister stayed behind for undisclosed reasons.

Nick provides additional context:

"Edna had recently graduated from Stetson Junior High School. She left her family's home to visit her new horse at the stable on Tioga Street, near Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood." (Timestamp: 06:00)

Eyewitnesses confirmed seeing Edna at the stables and even interacting with friends during that day. However, after leaving the stables, Edna was never heard from again.

Investigation and Media Attention

Despite the serious nature of the case, Edna's disappearance did not receive significant media coverage or a substantial reward, factors that might have otherwise galvanized public interest and assistance. This lack of attention has been a persistent theme over the years, making Edna's case a standout among the over 5,000 annual missing teen reports in Philadelphia, where only about 1% are considered bona fide mysteries.

The Captain reflects on the investigative challenges:

"Edna's case is not unlike teens who went missing before her and after. Unfortunately, sometimes folks simply mysteriously vanish." (Timestamp: 04:00)

The Philadelphia Police Department has kept the case open for decades, but with limited new leads. In March 2012, there was a slight resurgence when the police revisited the case and sought DNA samples from family members, signaling a potential breakthrough. However, conflicting reports emerged when a family member reportedly canceled their DNA submission, raising suspicions about possible obstruction within the family.

Theoretical Suspects and Family Dynamics

A key point of discussion revolves around Frank Ryan, Edna's brother-in-law, who had given her the pony. Allegations surface suggesting that Frank may have sexually assaulted Edna, leading to a possible motive for her disappearance. Although these claims remain unproven, they cast a shadow of suspicion over Frank, especially considering his presence at the stables on the day Edna went missing.

Nick questions the credibility of these allegations:

"If Frank Ryan were involved, why would he have gifted Edna a pony unless it was to manipulate or control her?" (Timestamp: 35:53)

Furthermore, family dynamics add another layer of complexity. While Edna's sister Deb actively seeks answers through a dedicated Facebook page, Elvira, another sister, has remained silent about Edna in her obituary, hinting at possible family tensions or secrets.

The Captain muses on Elvira's silence:

"Elvira's obituary doesn't mention Edna, which could imply significant family discord or undisclosed truths." (Timestamp: 48:28)

These conflicting narratives within the family fuel speculation that internal family issues may have hindered the investigation or concealed critical information.

Possible Leads and Current Efforts

Over the years, sporadic tips and claims have poured in, including a mysterious caller alleging to know Edna's whereabouts and stating she was buried in Pennypack Park. However, the vastness and complexity of the park make it an unlikely and difficult place to locate a shallow grave, leading the hosts to doubt the validity of such claims.

Nick expresses skepticism:

"Burying a body in Pennypack Park, which spans over 1,600 acres, is highly impractical and unlikely without concrete evidence." (Timestamp: 20:15)

In 2012, efforts to collect DNA from family members aimed to potentially link unidentified remains to Edna, but these were stymied by cancellations, suggesting possible tampering or fear within the family.

The Captain emphasizes the importance of DNA collection:

"Casting a wide net with DNA can help connect missing persons to recovered remains, but reluctance from family members complicates this." (Timestamp: 56:40)

Additionally, connections to other missing teen cases from the same era and geographical proximity hint at a broader pattern, though no definitive links have been established.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Despite extensive discussion and analysis, Edna Thorne's disappearance remains unsolved, with the community and her family still seeking closure. The hosts underscore the importance of public awareness and encourage anyone with information to come forward.

Nick concludes with a call to action:

"If you have information regarding Edna's whereabouts or information that could further the investigation, please call in a tip to the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-TIPS. That's 215-686-8477." (Timestamp: 59:27)

The episode serves not only as a deep dive into a cold case but also as a poignant reminder of the enduring pain families endure when a loved one vanishes without explanation.

Notable Quotes

• Nick: "This is the missing persons case of 15-year-old Edna Thorne. And this is True Crime Garage. It has been 50 years to the day since a teenage girl walked out the door and has never been seen again." (02:21)

• The Captain: "Edna's case is not unlike teens who went missing before her and after. Unfortunately, sometimes folks simply mysteriously vanish." (04:00)

• Nick: "Burying a body in Pennypack Park, which spans over 1,600 acres, is highly impractical and unlikely without concrete evidence." (20:15)

• The Captain: "Casting a wide net with DNA can help connect missing persons to recovered remains, but reluctance from family members complicates this." (56:40)

• Nick: "If you have information regarding Edna's whereabouts or information that could further the investigation, please call in a tip to the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-TIPS. That's 215-686-8477." (59:27)

Final Thoughts

Episode 852 of True Crime Garage offers a comprehensive exploration of Edna Thorne's mysterious disappearance, highlighting the challenges of solving cold cases, especially those lacking initial media coverage and public interest. Through meticulous analysis and empathetic discussion, the hosts honor Edna's memory and seek to reignite interest in her case, hoping that renewed attention may one day bring justice and closure.

For listeners eager to contribute, remember to reach out to the Philadelphia Police Department with any pertinent information.

Recommended Listening:

• Happened to Holly Bobo – A deep dive into the abduction and murder of Holly Bobo, available on ABC's 2020 podcast feed.

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