Who Took Misty Copsey? - Episode 1: Misty is Missing

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of Who Took Misty Copsey?, host Sarah Cailean delves into the perplexing 1992 disappearance of 14-year-old Misty Copsey from the Washington State Fair in Puyallup, Washington. This episode sets the stage for a gripping true-crime investigation, exploring the mysterious vanishing of a young girl and the subsequent failures in the investigation that have left her family searching for answers over three decades later.

The Night of Disappearance

On September 17, 1992, Diana Smith, Misty's mother, experiences one of the most heartbreaking moments of her life. Diana drops off Misty and her best friend, Trina, at the fairgrounds, granting them their first taste of independence without adult supervision. Misty, dressed in a pair of Diana’s stonewashed jeans, seemed excited and responsible. Diana recounts, “[03:56] Diana Smith: ...I told the bus, you better get that bus home. And I said, I'd let you go...”

Later that evening, Misty contacts Diana to report that she has missed her bus. Concern turns to fear when Misty suggests she can find a ride home with an 18-year-old friend named Reuben Schmidt. Diana advises Misty to contact their grandmother instead, but Misty assures her, “I promise” ([06:03] Diana Smith: ...She said, I promise. And I never heard from her again).

Immediate Aftermath

As hours turn into days, Misty fails to return home. Diana's attempts to reach out to Misty's friend Trina and Reuben yield no answers. The mounting anxiety leads Diana to file a missing persons report with the Pierce County Sheriff's Office around 1:42 PM ([04:54] Narrator: ...) Despite her proactive efforts, the initial police response is dismissive, categorizing Misty's disappearance as a runaway case—a classification Diana vehemently disputes.

Lack of Evidence and Leads

The investigation stalls with little evidence. The only tangible clue emerges five months later when a search party discovers a pair of jeans, socks, and underwear along Highway 410. Recognizing the jeans as her daughter’s ([07:20] Narrator: ...Misty’s room is untouched...), Diana confronts the police, but skepticism remains. The last confirmed sighting is by a bus driver around 9:20 PM, who saw Misty inquire about buses to Spanaway ([06:03] Diana Smith: ...She started walking away before he finished explaining).

Investigation Over the Years

Over the years, Diana tirelessly pursued leads, often feeling dismissed by law enforcement. Her relentless search even led her to interact with the Cowlitz Indian tribe, hoping to leverage new resources for missing Native American women. Tragically, Diana passed away in 2020, but her son, Colton Smith, continues the quest for truth, determined to honor his mother's unwavering dedication ([14:31] Diana Smith: ...she was still missing in 30 days...).

Present-Day Investigation by Sarah Cailean

Fast forward to 2025, cold case investigator Sarah Cailean takes on Misty’s case. Driven by a mix of professional duty and personal empathy, Sarah interviews Diana’s son, Colton, who shares, “[17:45] Diana Smith: You know, for years my mom felt like people thought she was crazy.” Sarah aims to unravel the tangled web of anonymous tips, old police records, and media reports to determine whether Misty’s disappearance was the work of a serial killer or someone within her circle.

Potential Suspects and Theories

Sarah explores various theories, considering the prevalence of serial offenders in Western Washington during the late 80s and early 90s. Statistics reveal that nearly 90% of women and girls murdered in the U.S. are killed by someone they know ([27:40] Narrator: ...) This leads Sarah to scrutinize individuals close to Misty, including Reuben Schmidt, whose inconsistent statements raise suspicions ([49:12] Cloyd Steiger: ...he was weird and he was a kind of a freakish guy too).

The Role of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe

An important aspect of Misty’s identity is her membership in the Cowlitz Indian tribe. This affiliation complicates her classification in missing persons databases but also opens avenues for additional resources dedicated to missing and murdered Indigenous women. Diana had insisted, “[24:37] Diana Smith: The tribe wanted her to be labeled as both Caucasian and Native American...”

Current Status and Future Directions

Despite decades passing, Misty’s case remains unsolved. The recent involvement of retired detective Cloyd Steiger, who reviewed the case for the Attorney General's office, suggests a renewed interest in uncovering new evidence ([42:52] Narrator: ...Cloyd's a retired Seattle homicide detective...). Sarah plans to revisit key locations, follow up on old leads like the anonymous caller Tammy, and collaborate with experienced investigators to uncover what truly happened to Misty Copsey.

Personal Impact

The emotional toll on Misty’s family is palpable throughout the episode. Diana’s journal entries reveal her profound grief and struggle to cope with the loss: “[36:26] Narrator:... grief... “I never thought the pain would go away or get any less...” ([12:50] Narrator: ...). Colton embodies his mother’s resilience, vowing to continue the search for answers despite the years of frustration and sorrow.

Conclusion

Episode 1 of Who Took Misty Copsey? serves as a poignant introduction to a cold case that has haunted a family for over thirty years. Through meticulous storytelling, personal testimonies, and a critical examination of the investigative shortcomings, Sarah Cailean sets out on a determined quest to uncover the truth behind Misty’s disappearance. As the series unfolds, listeners are invited to join in the pursuit of justice for a young girl who vanished without a trace, raising questions about the efficacy of law enforcement and the enduring pain of unresolved loss.

Notable Quotes:

• “[04:54] Narrator:... Misty’s room is untouched from how she had left it the day before.”

• “[07:09] Diana Smith: I just knew. I just knew.”

• “[17:45] Diana Smith: You know, for years my mom felt like people thought she was crazy.”

• “[24:37] Diana Smith: The tribe wanted her to be labeled as both Caucasian and Native American.”

Key Takeaways:

• Misty Copsey’s disappearance remains a baffling mystery with minimal evidence.

• Police initial handling of the case as a runaway has been widely criticized.

• Family perseverance, particularly by Diana and Colton Smith, has been central to keeping the case alive.

• The intersection of Misty’s Native American heritage adds complexity to the investigation.

• Sarah Cailean’s fresh perspective brings hope for new breakthroughs in this longstanding cold case.

Who Took Misty Copsey? promises to delve deeper into these aspects in the episodes to come, shedding light on the dark corners of Misty's disappearance and the relentless search for justice by her family and dedicated investigators.