Up and Vanished Weekly: VANISHED - Dr. Cheryl Lamont Pearson
Hosts: Payne Lindsay & Maggie Freeling
Release Date: April 23, 2025
Produced by: Tenderfoot TV
Introduction to the Case
In the episode titled "VANISHED: Dr. Cheryl Lamont Pearson," hosts Payne Lindsay and Maggie Freeling delve into the mysterious disappearance of Dr. Cheryl Lamont Pearson, a 37-year-old pediatrician from Memphis, Tennessee. Despite her respectable career and stable personal life, Cheryl vanished without a trace on the night of January 4, 2002, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions.
Disappearance Details
On the evening of January 4, 2002, Cheryl attended a Memphis Grizzlies basketball game at Pyramid Stadium. Around 1:00 AM, after feeling ill during the game, she decided to leave early. Cheryl communicated with her family, reassuring them she was en route home despite her discomfort. However, Cheryl never arrived, and by 7:00 AM, her sister discovered she was missing from her upscale Bartlett residence.
Notable Quote:
"Dr. Cheryl Lamont Pearson was dependable, loving, and family-oriented. Nothing in her life stood out as potentially dangerous," stated Maggie Freeling at [06:04].
Investigation Findings
Initial investigations revealed that Cheryl's car, a 2001 blue Audi, was found abandoned at the Quail Ridge apartment complex two days after her disappearance. The vehicle was unusually clean, having been systematically detailed—with no fingerprints or signs of struggle inside.
Key evidence included:
- A mysterious phone call Cheryl received at 01:58 AM.
- Cheryl's insulin pump and diabetes supplies left behind.
- Her cell phone and pager were found untouched, despite her being on call that weekend.
Notable Quote:
“In 2006, the car was just too clean. It was cleaner than normal. It had been totally detailed,” Detective Lee from the Bartlett Police Department explained at [11:34].
Theories and Suspects
The episode explores various theories surrounding Cheryl's disappearance:
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Foul Play: The absence of signs of forced entry or theft suggests someone knew Cheryl and had intentions beyond robbery.
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Family Involvement: Cheryl’s brother-in-law, Chuck, with a shady past and a significant life insurance policy ($150,000) in favor of Cheryl's sister, becomes a person of interest. His criminal history includes robbery, raising suspicions about his potential motive.
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Medical Emergency: While Cheryl was an insulin-dependent diabetic, the evidence points away from a simple medical episode, given that she left behind her necessary medical supplies.
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Unknown Caller: The late-night call from a gas station payphone hints at premeditation, as it bypasses traceable cell phone records.
Notable Quote:
“The call to me is so interesting because 1 AM... someone knew she was awake or knew her schedule,” Maggie Freeling pondered at [18:18].
Interview with Jamie Albright
Jamie Albright, a member of the Tenderfoot TV team and previous guest on the show, provides deeper insights:
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Unsolved Mysteries: Emphasizes the lack of media attention compared to other high-profile cases, suggesting that increased coverage might have led to a resolution.
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Critical Evidence: Highlights the unusual behavior of leaving essential items behind and the meticulously cleaned car as indicators of foul play.
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Family Dynamics: Discusses the strained relationship between Cheryl’s family and law enforcement, potentially hindering the investigation.
Notable Quote:
"I think the only way this case is solvable is if someone just speaks up. Someone comes out and says, I saw my husband..." - Jamie Albright at [46:07].
Current Status and Ongoing Investigation
Cheryl Lamont Pearson was eventually declared dead, but her case remains unsolved nearly 25 years later. A retired detective continues to work on the case, utilizing modern cold case identification techniques and seeking closure for Cheryl's family. Efforts include cross-referencing DNA databases and encouraging public tips, with a substantial reward offered for information leading to an arrest.
Notable Quote:
"There’s a $41,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons or person responsible for Cheryl’s disappearance," Maggie Freeling announced at [46:57].
Conclusion
The disappearance of Dr. Cheryl Lamont Pearson remains one of Memphis's enduring mysteries. With limited evidence and looming questions about possible motives and suspects, the case highlights the complexities and challenges in solving long-term missing persons cases. Hosts Payne Lindsay and Maggie Freeling underscore the importance of public awareness and continued investigative efforts in bringing answers to Cheryl's family.
Call to Action
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Dr. Cheryl Lamont Pearson, the Bartlett Police Department can be contacted at 901-385-5558. Tips can also be shared via email at casesenderfoottv. A reward of $41,000 is offered for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.
Credits:
Up and Vanished Weekly is produced by Tenderfoot TV in association with Odyssey. Hosts are Maggie Freeling and Payne Lindsay. The show is written by Maggie Freeling, Payne Lindsay, and John Street. Executive producers are Donald Albright and Payne Lindsay.