Up and Vanished Weekly - Episode Summary: "VANISHED: Angel 'Tony' Torres"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Up and Vanished Weekly
• Host/Author: Tenderfoot TV
• Description: A weekly podcast delving into some of the most perplexing cases in crime, including missing persons, unsolved murders, and wrongful convictions. Hosted by Payne Lindsey and Maggie Freeling, the show collaborates with the true crime community to uncover the complexities behind each case.
• Episode Title: VANISHED: Angel 'Tony' Torres
• Release Date: March 26, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Up and Vanished Weekly, hosts Payne Lindsey and Maggie Freeling explore the mysterious disappearance of Angel 'Tony' Torres. Tony, a 21-year-old college student from Framingham University, vanished in May 1999 under circumstances that intertwine with the unsolved murder of 15-year-old Ashley Olette in Scarborough, Maine. This episode meticulously examines the connections, investigations, and lingering questions surrounding Tony's disappearance.

Background on Angel 'Tony' Torres

Narrator's Introduction (02:06 - 05:03): Tony Torres, a junior at Framingham University, frequently visited his family in Denmark, Maine—a three-hour drive from his Massachusetts campus. In spring break 1999, during a period of familial relaxation, Tony confessed to his father that he knew who killed Ashley Olette. This revelation foreshadowed his own disappearance three months later on May 21, 1999.

Host Maggie Freeling (05:03 - 07:02): Maggie introduces Tony as a vibrant young adult whose sudden disappearance left his family and community searching for answers. She emphasizes the lack of substantial leads from those last seen with him, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion with guest Kristen Seavey.

The Torres Family and Move to Maine

Narrator's Account (07:36 - 09:55): Tony's parents, Narciso and Ramona Torres, relocated from New York City to rural Maine in 1985 to escape the rampant crime and drug issues of the Big Apple. Adjusting to the serene yet insular environment of Denmark, Maine, the family navigated cultural shifts while maintaining close familial bonds. Tony, despite standing out in a predominantly white town, thrived socially and academically, embodying the family's values.

Maggie Freeling (09:55 - 12:07): Maggie delves into the family's transition, highlighting Tony's commitment to his studies in business, psychology, and Spanish, and his aspiration to assist underprivileged children. Her discussions with Kristen reveal Tony's deep familial ties and his regular visits home from college, underscoring the closeness that made his disappearance even more jarring.

Tony's Social Life and Involvement with Drugs

Kristen Seavey (12:07 - 13:36): Kristen sheds light on Tony's involvement in the party scene during his college years. While not a major drug dealer, Tony sold small quantities to friends for extra money—a secret likely kept from his family. This aspect of his life introduced potential vulnerabilities that would later intertwine with his disappearance.

The Murder of Ashley Olette and Its Connection to Tony's Vanishing

Narrator's Account of Ashley Olette (15:54 - 19:36): Ashley Olette, a 15-year-old from Scarborough, was found strangled on a rural road in February 1999. Her death remains unsolved, with suspicions pointing towards the party scene she was involved in. Notably, both Ashley and Tony were last seen with a young man named Jason Carney, known as Jay, creating a crucial link between their cases.

Kristen Seavey and Maggie Freeling Discussions (19:36 - 24:18): Kristen explains that while Tony and Ashley were part of overlapping social circles, Tony's role in the party scene was more subdued compared to Ashley's. Tony's confession to his father about knowing Ashley's killer adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that his disappearance may be directly tied to the unresolved murder.

Investigation and Theories Surrounding Tony's Disappearance

Timeline of Events (32:32 - 37:13): After confiding in his father during spring break, Tony returned to his studies and plans with his girlfriend, Beth. On May 19, he called his parents to inform them he was moving to a new apartment. Shortly after, Beth reported losing contact with him. Investigation revealed that Tony was last seen with Jay at a house party, after which Jay claims Tony was picked up by an unknown man in a red truck—a detail that remains unverified.

Suspicion Around Jay (40:56 - 43:13): Lt. Brian McDonough, referencing a 2016 news conference, labeled Jay as an individual with a "questionable past" and doubted his credibility regarding Tony's disappearance. Jay's later death from a drug overdose at age 36 adds another layer of intrigue, suggesting his continued involvement in the drug scene.

Host and Guest Analysis (45:54 - 53:44): Maggie and Kristen discuss the challenges in prosecuting such cases, emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence and the prevalence of hearsay in small-town investigations. Kristen posits that Jay may have held critical information about Ashley's murder, which could have made Tony a target if he was perceived as a threat. The duo also addresses theories ranging from drug-related confrontations to potential hate crimes, ultimately leaning towards Tony's disappearance being linked to drug dealings and the unresolved murder of Ashley.

Current Status and Ongoing Efforts

Maggie Freeling (53:44 - 56:56): Maggie highlights the injustice of Tony's prolonged disappearance, marking over 25 years since he was last seen. She emphasizes the Torres family's unwavering hope and the substantial $20,000 reward offered for information leading to Tony's whereabouts. The hosts advocate for renewed media interest and community engagement to finally bring closure to the case.

Final Remarks (56:56 - 58:03): The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to provide any tips or information that might aid in solving Tony Torres's disappearance, reiterating the importance of community involvement in cold cases.

Notable Quotes

• Kristen Seavey (06:11): "I try to really gather as much information as I can and paint a portrait of who that person was and not just like the surface level."

• Maggie Freeling (25:00): "Coincidences like that are just too perfect to ignore."

• Kristen Seavey (53:36): "I feel deep in my gut that people know exactly where he is. And I just don't know why they wouldn't come forward."

Conclusion

The disappearance of Angel 'Tony' Torres remains a haunting mystery intertwined with the unsolved murder of Ashley Olette. Despite years of investigation, the lack of definitive evidence and the complexities of small-town dynamics have hindered progress. This episode of Up and Vanished Weekly not only underscores the enduring pain of the Torres family but also calls for renewed scrutiny and public assistance to finally uncover the truth behind Tony's vanishing.

Listeners are encouraged to reach out with any information and to continue supporting efforts to resolve this long-standing case.