Summary of Up and Vanished Weekly: VANISHED – Korrina Malinowski & Annette Sagers

Podcast Information:

• Title: Up and Vanished Weekly
• Host/Author: Tenderfoot TV
• Episode: VANISHED: Korrina Malinowski & Annette Sagers
• Release Date: March 12, 2025

Overview

In the episode titled "VANISHED: Korrina Malinowski & Annette Sagers," hosts Payne Lindsay and Maggie Freeling delve into the mysterious disappearances of Korrina Malinowski and her daughter Annette in rural Mount Holly, South Carolina. This case, spanning over three decades, remains unsolved and is fraught with inconsistencies and unanswered questions. The hosts explore potential motives, scrutinize the investigation's shortcomings, and highlight the broader issues of intimate partner violence that may have played a role.

Introduction to the Case

The episode opens with the chilling details of November 1987, when Korrina (often called Corey) Malinowski vanished without a trace. Her daughter, Annette, followed less than a year later under similarly mysterious circumstances. The hosts set the stage by outlining Corey's loving nature and her strained relationship with Steve Malinowski, her husband, who struggled with unemployment and substance abuse.

Rob [09:05]: "But the little that we do know could raise suspicion that there may have been violence and abuse in the home and some have drawn the conclusion that this may have played a part in what happened to them."

Discrepancies in Steve Malinowski’s Accounts

Steve Malinowski's accounts of Corey's disappearance were immediately suspect. Initially claiming Corey left after an argument to go for a ride, Steve later contradicted himself by stating she departed in another vehicle, which law enforcement found implausible given the property's dense woods and poor visibility.

Rob [10:26]: "At the time, Steve was working as the caretaker on the plantation... It would have been impossible for Steve to see Corey get into a car from inside the house."

These inconsistencies fueled suspicions that Steve might be withholding critical information or involved in the disappearances.

The Second Disappearance: Annette Sagers

Eleven months after Corey's disappearance, Annette Sagers vanished from the bus stop near their home. A crumpled note, allegedly written by Annette, read:

"Dad, mom came back. I have to go with her. Love, Annette." ([17:39])

The note's authenticity was confirmed through handwriting analysis, although it remained unclear whether Annette wrote it willingly or under duress.

Rob [17:58]: "He finds the note and was angry and crumpled it... whether she was forced to write the note or it had been written under duress."

Investigation Challenges

The lack of physical evidence made the case particularly challenging. Over the years, despite media attention and a dedicated cold case unit established in 2016, authorities have not uncovered concrete leads.

Maggie Freeling [23:41]: "These challenges make it highly unlikely that a solution in this case will come from traditional investigative tools."

Steve Malinowski remains a person of interest but has not been charged. His later felony charges for unrelated domestic child abuse in Florida further tarnished his credibility.

Interview Insights: Confronting Steve Malinowski

Payne Lindsay secured a rare interview with Steve, accompanied by Corey's estranged sons, Thomas and James. The interaction was tense and revealing:

Payne Lindsay [29:05]: "Law enforcement still really cares about this case... They are actively poking around when and where they can to get anything."

During the interview, Steve exhibited nervous behavior and evasiveness, particularly when questioned about physical confrontations with Corey.

Maggie Freeling [43:20]: "He could have acted in a way that indicates guilt... he doesn't care at all."

These behaviors intensified suspicions that Steve might be more involved than previously thought.

Broader Context: Intimate Partner Violence

The hosts emphasize that the disappearances may reflect the broader epidemic of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the United States, where over one-third of women experience violence from intimate partners.

Maggie Freeling [06:30]: "Over one in three women... have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime."

This context suggests that the turbulent relationship between Corey and Steve could have been a catalyst for the tragic events.

Emotional and Psychological Toll

The podcast poignantly captures the enduring pain of the family left behind. Corey and Annette's disappearance not only shattered their immediate family but also left lasting scars on Corey's siblings and extended relatives.

Maggie Freeling [50:29]: "My heart truly breaks for this entire family... they have family that still love and care about them and deserve answers."

Hope for Resolution

Despite the cold case status, the hosts remain hopeful that future technological advancements and renewed investigative efforts may eventually uncover the truth.

Payne Lindsay [49:31]: "I think the biggest hope is keeping tabs on that guy... Maybe this time his conscience exists. You can only hope that."

They call for continued public attention and assistance, urging anyone with information to come forward.

Conclusion

The disappearance of Korrina Malinowski and Annette Sagers remains a haunting mystery, emblematic of the unresolved cases plagued by inadequate evidence and complex interpersonal dynamics. Up and Vanished Weekly sheds light on the emotional devastation endured by the victims' families and underscores the critical need for persistent investigative endeavors. As Payne Lindsay and Maggie Freeling navigate the labyrinth of this cold case, they honor the memory of Corey and Annette by keeping their stories alive and advocating for justice.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Rob [00:27]: "Stephen Malinowski picks up the phone receiver and begins dialing. He's trying to reach his wife Karina's family... months later, another bizarre twist emerges."

• Maggie Freeling [07:04]: "Leaving a relationship is factually the most unsafe time for someone... there's a lot of information we don't know..."

• Rob [17:58]: "The handwriting analysis confirmed that the note had been written by Annette, though the expert could not determine if she was forced..."

• Payne Lindsay [29:09]: "Law enforcement still really cares about this case... They're not unaware of this."

• Maggie Freeling [43:20]: "He could have acted in a way that indicates guilt... but he remains a person of interest."

• Payne Lindsay [49:31]: "I think the biggest hope is keeping tabs on that guy... Maybe this time his conscience exists."

• Maggie Freeling [50:29]: "My heart truly breaks for this entire family... they deserve answers."

Additional Resources

If you have any information about Korrina Malinowski and Annette Sagers' disappearances, please contact the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office Cold Case Unit at 843-719-4465 or visit coldcaseserkeleycountysc.gov. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or stalking, reach out to the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

This summary captures the essence and critical details of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and those interested in the case.