Podcast Summary: Who Took Misty Copsey? – Episode 3: Evidence?

Introduction

In Episode 3 of Who Took Misty Copsey?, host Sarah Kaelin delves deeper into the mysterious disappearance of 14-year-old Misty Copsey in September 1992. This episode, titled "Evidence?," explores the pivotal discovery of Misty's clothing, the controversial theories surrounding her disappearance, and the critical failures of the Puyallup Police Department. Through interviews with journalist Sean Robinson and a comprehensive examination of existing evidence, Sarah seeks to unravel the complexities of this cold case.

Sean Robinson’s Investigation

Sean Robinson, a seasoned investigative reporter with the Tacoma News Tribune, plays a central role in this episode. Robinson recounts his extensive work on Misty Copsey’s case, highlighting his 2009 investigative series titled "The Stolen Child." This series provided unprecedented access to the Puyallup Police Department's case files, revealing significant shortcomings in the original investigation.

• Quote:
  Sean Robinson [00:59]: "Detectives never found Misty's remains, and they have not been able to tie those genes or any evidence to any suspect."

Robinson emphasizes that the initial dismissal of Misty as a runaway was a grave mistake that hindered the investigation from the outset.

Corey Bober’s Role and Theories

A pivotal figure introduced in this episode is Corey Bober, a mid-20s contract subscription salesman and self-proclaimed armchair detective. Corey became obsessed with the Green River Killer case and developed a theory linking Misty's disappearance to this serial predator.

• Quote:
  Sean Robinson [10:26]: "Corey had a long standing theory that he would propound over and over and over and over again."

Corey's fixation was based on the timing and locations of Misty's disappearance relative to prior victims, Kim Delang and Anna Chabetnoy, both found near Highway 410. He believed that Misty was another victim of the same killer, predicting her disappearance based on a perceived pattern.

Discovery of the Jeans and DNA Evidence

Five months after Misty's disappearance, during a search organized by Corey Bober and led by Misty's mother, Diana, a pair of jeans, socks, and underwear were found in a ditch along Highway 410. Diana immediately recognized the jeans as Misty's, but skepticism from authorities cast doubt on their significance.

• Quote:
  Sean Robinson [16:10]: "So he had that theory in his mind before Misty disappeared and then when she disappears, he's like, ah, you know, I have it. Proof. Aha. Eureka."

Sarah Kaelin visits the site where the clothing was found, providing a firsthand account of the evidence's condition and reinforcing Diana's identification.

• Quote:
  Sean Robinson [12:23]: "He discovered that the zoo people had inadvertently sent the remains of Cindy the elephant to the landfill and they had to apologize and it was an embarrassment and Cory found it."

Despite Diana's confidence, DNA tests conducted in 2009 on hairs found on the jeans did not match Misty or her mother, leading authorities to dismiss the clothing as unrelated to the case.

• Quote:
  Sean Robinson [37:44]: "Prove that the genes were hers because they could never find any verifiable traces."

Puyallup Police Department’s Response

The Puyallup Police Department faced significant criticism for their handling of Misty's case. Initially labeling her a runaway, they failed to pursue critical leads promptly, leading to the loss of valuable evidence.

• Quote:
  Sean Robinson [42:16]: "Part of the problem was, I'm going to say class based in the sense that they looked at Diana and they said, okay, well, you're a trailer park mom, you're not a good parent, and your kid probably ran away because that's what happens most of the time."

Robinson highlights how biases and assumptions about Diana contributed to the neglect of the case, exacerbating the family's grief and delaying justice.

Interviews with Misty’s Family and Friends

Diana Copsey, Misty's mother, remains a steadfast advocate seeking answers. Her interactions with Corey Bober, though initially skeptical, led to a tenuous alliance fueled by desperation.

• Quote:
  Sean Robinson [24:28]: "I do not. I have spoken with him so many times, and I know a lot about how he thinks and works. I don't think Cory is a killer."

Diana's unwavering belief in Corey’s theory highlights the emotional toll the case has taken on her and her willingness to explore any potential lead, no matter how controversial.

Additionally, Misty's best friend, Trina, provides conflicting accounts of the night Misty disappeared. Her statements to the police have raised numerous questions, including the involvement of a 22-year-old Michael Reiner, which remains unexplored in detail.

• Quote:
  Sean Robinson [48:40]: "So Misty's like, I don't like Michael. I know what you and Michael are going to do."

Sarah Kaelin’s On-Site Investigation

Determined to assess the credibility of the evidence, Sarah Kaelin visits Highway 410. The physical examination of the site reinforces Diana's identification of the jeans but also raises further doubts about their authenticity.

• Quote:
  Sarah Kaelin [22:00]: "The way it was, like one leg pulled inside out. The underwear's in there. There's a sock. It feels like jeans at the scene of a sexual assault."

Kaelin meticulously analyzes the condition of the jeans and contemplates the likelihood of them being planted versus genuine evidence. Her on-site observations underscore the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the case.

Questions and Theories Raised

The episode poses critical questions regarding the legitimacy of the jeans as evidence:

1. Authenticity of the Jeans: Are the jeans truly Misty's, or could they belong to someone else?
2. Connection to the Green River Killer: If the jeans are genuine, does this link Misty to the Green River Killer, previously identified as Gary Ridgway?
3. Potential Planting of Evidence: Could Corey Bober have planted the jeans to support his theory?

Sarah Kaelin underscores these uncertainties, emphasizing the need for advanced DNA testing (m vacing) to conclusively determine the jeans' origin.

• Quote:
  Sean Robinson [26:36]: "The genes are like a metaphorical crossroads. If they're hers, then it's something. If they're not, you know, what is it?"

Conclusion and Current Status

Episode 3 leaves listeners with a compelling mix of established facts and lingering mysteries. While Diana Copsey remains convinced of the jeans' authenticity, skepticism from authorities and the possibility of planted evidence complicate the narrative. The investigation underscores significant procedural flaws by the Puyallup Police Department and highlights the relentless pursuit of truth by both the family and dedicated investigators like Sean Robinson.

Sarah Kaelin concludes the episode by expressing her determination to continue seeking answers, including attempting to locate Trina for further insights, thereby maintaining the episode's suspense and setting the stage for future revelations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sean Robinson [00:59]: "Detectives never found Misty's remains, and they have not been able to tie those genes or any evidence to any suspect."
• Sean Robinson [10:26]: "Corey had a long standing theory that he would propound over and over and over and over again."
• Sean Robinson [16:10]: "So he had that theory in his mind before Misty disappeared and then when she disappears, he's like, ah, you know, I have it. Proof. Aha. Eureka."
• Sean Robinson [24:28]: "I do not. I have spoken with him so many times, and I know a lot about how he thinks and works. I don't think Cory is a killer."
• Sean Robinson [42:16]: "Part of the problem was, I'm going to say class based in the sense that they looked at Diana and they said, okay, well, you're a trailer park mom, you're not a good parent, and your kid probably ran away because that's what happens most of the time."
• Sean Robinson [26:36]: "The genes are like a metaphorical crossroads. If they're hers, then it's something. If they're not, you know, what is it?"

Final Thoughts

Episode 3 of Who Took Misty Copsey? meticulously examines the tangled web of evidence, theories, and investigative oversights that have perpetuated Misty's enigmatic disappearance for over three decades. By highlighting the roles of key individuals like Sean Robinson and Corey Bober, alongside the emotional resilience of Misty's family, the episode paints a vivid picture of the ongoing quest for truth and justice in this haunting cold case.