Digest

This episode of True Crime Garage delves into the perplexing disappearance of Brian Schaeffer, a medical student at Ohio State University who vanished in 2006. The episode features an exclusive interview with retired Columbus police sergeant John Hurst, the lead investigator on the case. Hurst provides a detailed account of the investigation, including the initial steps taken, the cooperation of Schaeffer's family and friends, and the challenges faced in pursuing leads. He discusses the various theories surrounding Schaeffer's disappearance, including foul play, a possible new identity, and even suicide. Hurst also sheds light on the role of Clint Florence, a friend of Schaeffer who declined to take a polygraph test, and the speculation surrounding Schaeffer's sexuality. The episode concludes with Hurst's personal thoughts on the case and his belief that Schaeffer likely left the bar alive but was never seen again. The episode also highlights the importance of continued investigation and the hope that someone may come forward with information that could finally solve the mystery.

Outlines

00:00:13

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the episode and the topic of discussion, the disappearance of Brian Schaeffer. It also features a shoutout to sponsors and supporters of the show.

00:02:35

The Disappearance of Brian Schaeffer

This Chapter delves into the details of Brian Schaeffer's disappearance, providing background information on his life, his relationship with Alexis Wagner, and the events leading up to his vanishing. It also explores the various theories surrounding his disappearance, including foul play, a possible new identity, and suicide.

00:05:28

Interview with John Hurst

This Chapter features an exclusive interview with retired Columbus police sergeant John Hurst, the lead investigator in the Schaeffer case. Hurst discusses his experience with missing persons cases, the initial steps taken in the investigation, and the challenges faced in pursuing leads. He also shares his thoughts on the various theories surrounding Schaeffer's disappearance and the role of Clint Florence, a friend of Schaeffer who declined to take a polygraph test.

00:27:21

The Aftermath and Continued Investigation

This Chapter explores the events following Schaeffer's disappearance, including the death of his father and the continued investigation. It also discusses the challenges faced in pursuing leads, including the prevalence of false information and the difficulty of verifying tips. Hurst shares his personal thoughts on the case and his belief that Schaeffer likely left the bar alive but was never seen again.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the initial steps taken in the investigation of Brian Schaeffer's disappearance?

  The Columbus Police Department was contacted by Schaeffer's family and went to his apartment to speak with his father, brother, and girlfriend. They learned that Schaeffer was supposed to be going on a trip to Miami with his girlfriend and possibly getting engaged, which raised red flags for investigators. They checked to see if he had changed his airline ticket, but it was never used. They also obtained access to his financial records, but there was no indication that he had purchased an engagement ring.

• What role did Clint Florence play in the investigation?

  Clint Florence was a friend of Schaeffer who was with him on the night of his disappearance. He declined to take a polygraph test and refused to answer certain questions from investigators. This led to speculation that he may know more about Schaeffer's disappearance than he is letting on. Hurst believes that Florence could have provided valuable information about Schaeffer's plans and intentions on the night he disappeared.

• What are some of the theories surrounding Schaeffer's disappearance?

  Theories surrounding Schaeffer's disappearance include foul play, a possible new identity, suicide, and even the possibility that he was intoxicated and fell into a dumpster. Hurst believes that Schaeffer likely left the bar alive but was never seen again. He also discusses the speculation surrounding Schaeffer's sexuality and whether he may have run away to start a new life.

• What challenges did investigators face in pursuing leads in the Schaeffer case?

  Investigators faced numerous challenges in pursuing leads, including the prevalence of false information, the difficulty of verifying tips, and the lack of cooperation from some individuals, such as Clint Florence. They also had to contend with the speculation and rumors circulating on the internet, which made it difficult to separate fact from fiction.

• What is the current status of the Schaeffer case?

  The Schaeffer case remains unsolved. Hurst believes that it is likely a case that will never be solved, but he hopes that someone may come forward with information that could finally provide answers. He also emphasizes the importance of continued investigation and the need to keep the case in the public eye.

Show Notes