Up and Vanished Weekly: Episode Preview – "Terror in Atlanta"
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Hosts: Payne Lindsey and Maggie Freleng
Podcast: Up and Vanished Weekly by Tenderfoot TV
Overview
In the preview episode titled "Terror in Atlanta," hosts Payne Lindsey and Maggie Freleng delve into the mysterious disappearance of 10-year-old Darren Glass in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 14, 1980. This episode sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of a case that intertwines community celebration with unsettling questions about child safety and potential foul play.
Case Background
Maggie Freleng introduces the case with a personal touch, stating, “Hey y’all, it's Maggie. I hope you're enjoying Up and Vanished Weekly. Here's a sneak peek of next week's case” (00:07). She provides the foundational timeline:
- Date & Location: September 14, 1980, Atlanta, Georgia.
- Event: Darren Glass, aged 10, left his foster home at 2290 Memorial Drive Southeast to attend an Atlanta Braves baseball game with a local church group.
- Game Outcome: The Braves narrowly defeated the Padres with a score of 4-3, leading to widespread city celebrations.
Disappearance Details
The joyous atmosphere quickly turned grim as Darren failed to return home. The narrator outlines the conflicting reports surrounding Darren's disappearance:
- Witness Accounts: Some witnesses reported seeing Darren exit the church bus mere blocks from his foster home after the game. In contrast, other accounts present differing sequences of events.
- Foster Mother's Statement: Fannie Mae Smith, Darren’s foster mother, confirmed, “Darren came home briefly before heading back outside” (00:20). She received a mysterious phone call from someone claiming to be Darren, which abruptly ended before she could respond, after which Darren never returned or communicated again.
Investigation Efforts
Despite extensive search efforts, Darren remains missing. Maggie updates listeners on recent developments:
- Neighborhood Canvassing: On the day of the preview, police conducted a canvass in Darren’s old neighborhood, distributing updated photos to hundreds of residents without success. Maggie notes, “Darren Glass wasn't found today, nor was the boy” (01:52), emphasizing the ongoing mystery.
Unanswered Questions and Suspicions
The central question haunting Darren's disappearance is whether he ran away or became another victim of the notorious Atlanta child murderer. The narrator poses this as a pivotal point of contemplation:
“Darren's disappearance raised one haunting question. Had he simply run away? Or was he yet another victim of the infamous Atlanta child murderer?” (02:07).
This query opens avenues for exploring potential connections to a broader pattern of child disappearances and possible serial offenses in the area during that time.
Potential Leads and Challenges
Further complicating the case, Darren's foster brother, Eric Carr, claims to have had phone contact with Darren as late as November 1980. However, law enforcement has been unable to verify this claim, adding another layer of uncertainty to the investigation.
Moreover, multiple reported sightings have been pursued by authorities, yet none have led to Darren's discovery, highlighting the challenges faced in resolving long-term missing person cases.
Community Impact and Legacy
The disappearance of Darren Glass remains a poignant example of how a single missing person case can resonate through a community for decades. It underscores the complexities law enforcement faces in uncovering truths amid conflicting testimonies and the enduring hope of a family yearning for answers.
Conclusion
"Terror in Atlanta" sets the stage for a gripping investigation into Darren Glass's disappearance, blending factual reporting with investigative storytelling. As Payne Lindsey and Maggie Freleng prepare to unpack this case, listeners are invited to explore the intricate web of clues, community narratives, and unanswered questions that define this enduring mystery.
Stay tuned to Up and Vanished Weekly for a comprehensive deep dive into Darren Glass's disappearance and the broader implications it holds within the realm of true crime investigations.
Timestamp References:
- 00:07 – Maggie introduces the episode preview.
- 00:20 – Narrator provides details of Darren's disappearance.
- 01:52 – Maggie updates on the latest search efforts.
- 02:07 – Narrator poses the central question of the episode.
Note: Advertisements and promotional segments were omitted to focus solely on the episode's content.