Who Took Misty Copsey?

Episode 7: Closing In

Podcast: Who Took Misty Copsey?
Host: Sarah Cailean (ID)
Date: August 27, 2025

Overview

In this pivotal episode, host and investigator Sarah Cailean intensifies her focus on Reuben Schmidt, a key figure in the 1992 disappearance of 14-year-old Misty Copsey. Through new interviews, family histories, and examination of Schmidt's former family property, the episode delves into the persistent suspicions and shadowy family dynamics surrounding the case. Sarah also consults renowned profiler Dr. Ann Burgess, weighing the possibility that Misty's disappearance was not the work of a serial killer, but rather someone familiar to her. The episode is marked by emotional conversations, disturbing family secrets, and fresh investigative leads.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Renewed Scrutiny on Reuben Schmidt (01:29–06:25)

• Sarah recaps Reuben's suspicious behavior:
  • Reuben was Misty's 18-year-old friend who she called for a ride the night she vanished.
  • He made incriminating statements to his boss about search efforts.
  • His roommate, James Tinsley, told police Reuben abruptly left to pick up Misty.
  • Reuben claimed “blackouts” explaining his movements, especially his unexplained trip to his grandmother's secluded farm—close to where Misty's jeans were found.

“After everything I've learned about Reuben Schmidt...I truly cannot understand why police haven't gone after him harder as a suspect.” — Sarah (01:29)

2. The “Jane” Interview: Family Secrets and Allegations (06:25–22:00)

• Jane, a credible Schmidt family acquaintance, shares:
  • Personal connection: Knew the family well in the ‘90s, describes a deeply dysfunctional environment shaped by matriarch Olia Gunderson.
  • Direct accusation: Firm belief Reuben is responsible for Misty's death (“I believe to my core that Reuben did it.” — Jane, 06:52)
  • Chilling anecdote: Reuben arrived at his grandmother’s late at night, “covered in dirt” and acting odd—the relative suspected Misty might be buried on the property (07:43).
  • Family 'code': The family protected each other, with criminal histories spanning generations.

“She's the ringleader. Dude, she is bad news...She encouraged them...how to trick the system and get away with stuff.” — Jane on Olia Gunderson (08:40)

• Possible leverage over police: Jane speculates the family may have had dirt on local law enforcement, hindering the investigation.
• On the mysterious “Halim Khan”:
  • Sarah tries to verify a Facebook post alleging Julie, Reuben’s sister, helped him pass a lie detector test—a post likely authored by another family member, Derek.

3. The Schmidt Family Farm: Break-ins and Possible Evidence Recovery (22:00–36:42)

• Sarah visits the former Schmidt family farm, now owned by Erin and Lindsay, after learning of its potential significance:
  • Break-in patterns: Multiple break-ins occurred after the property changed hands; little of value taken, but a specific old truck bed toolbox was targeted (30:01–30:48).
  • Local suspicion: Neighbors immediately suspected former Schmidt family members; a possibly ‘reddish orange’ truck was seen, fitting descriptions of a family vehicle (35:00).
  • Missed evidence: Owners unknowingly discarded large amounts of possible evidence—including photos and records—that might have aided the case.

“Had we known that this was even on anybody's radar? I think all of that just went to the dump.” — Lindsay (36:06)

• Property size questions: The original farm once spanned over 50 acres; only some portions have been searched.
• Owners' cooperation: Erin and Lindsay express openness to future searches, moved by empathy for Misty’s family (“If we can help in any way, that would be great.” — Erin & Lindsay, 39:22)

4. Expert Analysis: Serial Killer versus Known Offender (41:30–46:30)

• Dr. Ann Burgess, leading criminal profiler, weighs in:
  • Police bias: Original authorities dismissed Misty as a runaway, a common and critical failure for missing juveniles in the '90s.
  • Case comparison: The Green River Killer (Gary Ridgway) dumped victims openly; Misty’s complete disappearance suggests a personal connection and purposeful concealment, not serial predator behavior.

“If you profile that this was someone that knew her...otherwise if it was just a serial killer...they would have just dumped the body. What's the sense of going to such detail to hide it?” — Dr. Ann Burgess (45:05)

• Next step: Recommends consulting a forensic anthropologist to search for clandestine graves—Sarah immediately begins this process.

5. Moving Forward: Emotional Toll and New Avenues (46:30–End)

• Sarah reflects on the emotional weight and small acts of kindness: Deeply affected by the new owners’ willingness to help and the persistent grief of Misty’s family.
• New focus: Enlists forensic anthropologist Marion Davidson for specialized searches; prepares to pursue more family leads and potential locations for Misty’s remains.

“We'll never know what was in those dump truck loads of Schmidt family stuff that got tossed or if a member of the Schmidt family returned to grab something of evidentiary value.” — Sarah (37:02)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On family silence:
  “That’s how they were. If one brother went and, you know...they come running.” — Jane (18:25)
• On the investigation’s failings:
  “My memory is that you don’t have many investigators that really know about [no body homicides]...Certainly not back in ‘92.” — Dr. Burgess (44:10)
• Empathy from new property owners:
  “I hope that this family gets some closure...Everybody deserves that.” — Lindsay (39:00)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Reuben Schmidt’s suspicious actions recapped: 01:29–06:25
• Jane’s interview: family insights and allegations: 06:25–22:00
• Schmidt family farm and break-in investigations: 22:00–36:42
• Consultation with Dr. Ann Burgess on serial killer theory: 41:30–46:30
• Conclusion and next investigative steps: 46:30–end

Closing Thoughts

This episode moves the Misty Copsey investigation closer to potential answers by exposing troubling new suspicions around Reuben Schmidt and his family, uncovering years of lost opportunities and possible evidence, and narrowing the focus toward known offenders rather than serial predators. The impact of trauma, both on those who lost Misty and those caught in a web of family dysfunction, resonates throughout. With new expert help, Sarah is poised for a direct search for clues, holding onto hope that long-awaited closure for Misty’s family might be within reach.