Digest

The podcast "Hysterical Early End" delves into the chilling disappearance of Susie Streeter, Stacey McCall, and Cheryl Levitt in Springfield, Missouri, on June 6, 1992. The episode begins by introducing the case and the three young women, highlighting their plans for the future and their last known whereabouts. It then explores the events leading up to their disappearance, including their decision to stay at Susie's house after graduation parties and the discovery of their absence the next morning. The podcast then focuses on the initial investigation, detailing the frantic search efforts by the families and friends of the missing women, as well as the arrival of Springfield police officer Rick Booko at the scene. The episode highlights the suspicious nature of the crime scene, with the lack of evidence of a struggle or break-in, the presence of personal items left behind, and conflicting reports about the women's whereabouts. The podcast explores the challenges faced by investigators in finding leads, including the difficulty of believing a single person could kidnap three adult women without leaving evidence, the lack of any known enemies or motives, and the initial focus on Sheryl Levitt's background. It then introduces a potential suspect, a transient man seen lingering around Cheryl Levitt's house on the days leading up to the disappearance, but the hope of finding him fades as he is not seen again. The episode also explores the involvement of a local psychic, Ruth, who provides visions of the abduction, including the description of two men in a van and the use of a gun. While her insights offer hope to the families, they ultimately do not lead to any breakthroughs. As the investigation stalls, public outrage and pressure mount on the Springfield police department, with criticism directed at Chief of Police Terry Knowles for his micromanagement and the decision to scale back the number of investigators working on the case. The episode concludes by summarizing the lack of progress in the investigation and the potential for the case to go unsolved, highlighting the impact of the case on other investigations due to the allocation of resources. The podcast then delves into the timeline of the Springfield 3 case, starting with the initial investigation and the gradual decline of resources dedicated to it. It highlights the frustration of those involved, particularly Bart Streeter and Janice McCall, who felt the case was being neglected. The episode introduces Robert Cox, a suspect who had been arrested in Texas for various crimes, including robbery and abduction. His history of violence and criminal behavior made him a prime suspect in the Springfield 3 case. The podcast reveals Cox's connection to the murder of Sharon Zellers in Orlando, Florida, and his initial conviction, which was later overturned due to insufficient evidence. The episode details how Steve Zellers, Sharon's brother, contacted investigators in Springfield about Cox's criminal history. Cox provided an alibi, claiming he was with his girlfriend and mother, which was confirmed by them. However, investigators remained suspicious and interviewed him in a Texas prison in 1996, where he hinted at the women's deaths and burial location. The podcast reveals that Cox's girlfriend admitted to lying about his alibi, further fueling suspicions about his involvement. Investigators continued to investigate him but lacked concrete evidence. The families of the victims, particularly Cheryl Levitt's father, were convinced of Cox's guilt, while Cox maintained his innocence and claimed to be a victim of the case. The episode discusses Cox's manipulative behavior and his fear of the death penalty, which may have influenced his actions in the Florida case. The hosts express their belief that Cox is the strongest suspect. The podcast highlights the ongoing investigation and the numerous tips received by the Springfield police. Despite the lack of new information, the families of the victims remain convinced of Cox's involvement. The hosts express their desire for the case to be solved, emphasizing the need for closure for the families and friends of the victims. They suggest sending a skilled and intimidating detective to interview Cox.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Disappearance of the Springfield 3

This chapter introduces the case of the disappearance of Susie Streeter, Stacey McCall, and Cheryl Levitt, focusing on the events leading up to their disappearance on June 6, 1992. It describes their graduation plans, their decision to stay at Susie's house, and the discovery of their absence the next morning.

00:00:37

The Initial Investigation and Suspicious Crime Scene

This chapter details the initial investigation into the disappearance of the three women, including the frantic search efforts by their families and friends, the arrival of Springfield police officer Rick Booko at the scene, and the suspicious nature of the crime scene at Cheryl Levitt's house. It highlights the lack of evidence of a struggle or break-in, the presence of personal items left behind, and conflicting reports about the women's whereabouts.

00:15:17

The Search for Leads and a Potential Suspect

This chapter explores the challenges faced by investigators in finding leads in the case, including the difficulty of believing a single person could kidnap three adult women without leaving evidence, the lack of any known enemies or motives, and the initial focus on Sheryl Levitt's background. It then introduces a potential suspect, a transient man seen lingering around Cheryl Levitt's house on the days leading up to the disappearance, but the hope of finding him fades as he is not seen again.

00:42:31

The Psychic's Insight and the Case Stalls

This chapter explores the involvement of a local psychic, Ruth, who provides visions of the abduction, including the description of two men in a van and the use of a gun. While her insights offer hope to the families, they ultimately do not lead to any breakthroughs. As the investigation stalls, public outrage and pressure mount on the Springfield police department, with criticism directed at Chief of Police Terry Knowles for his micromanagement and the decision to scale back the number of investigators working on the case.

00:49:59

The Unsolved Case and the Springfield 3 Timeline

This chapter concludes the episode by summarizing the lack of progress in the investigation and the potential for the case to go unsolved, highlighting the impact of the case on other investigations due to the allocation of resources. The podcast then delves into the timeline of the Springfield 3 case, starting with the initial investigation and the gradual decline of resources dedicated to it. It highlights the frustration of those involved, particularly Bart Streeter and Janice McCall, who felt the case was being neglected.

00:56:59

Robert Cox: A Suspect Emerges

This chapter introduces Robert Cox, a suspect who had been arrested in Texas for various crimes, including robbery and abduction. His history of violence and criminal behavior made him a prime suspect in the Springfield 3 case. The podcast reveals Cox's connection to the murder of Sharon Zellers in Orlando, Florida, and his initial conviction, which was later overturned due to insufficient evidence.

01:00:40

Cox's Alibi and Continued Involvement

This chapter details how Steve Zellers, Sharon's brother, contacted investigators in Springfield about Cox's criminal history. Cox provided an alibi, claiming he was with his girlfriend and mother, which was confirmed by them. However, investigators remained suspicious and interviewed him in a Texas prison in 1996, where he hinted at the women's deaths and burial location. The podcast reveals that Cox's girlfriend admitted to lying about his alibi, further fueling suspicions about his involvement. Investigators continued to investigate him but lacked concrete evidence.

01:07:10

The Case Remains Cold, but Hope Remains

This chapter highlights the ongoing investigation and the numerous tips received by the Springfield police. Despite the lack of new information, the families of the victims remain convinced of Cox's involvement. The hosts express their desire for the case to be solved, emphasizing the need for closure for the families and friends of the victims. They suggest sending a skilled and intimidating detective to interview Cox.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Susie Streeter, Stacey McCall, and Cheryl Levitt?

  The three women disappeared on June 6, 1992, after attending graduation parties. They were last seen leaving Janelle Kirby's house around 2 a.m. and were expected to meet friends at a water park the next morning, but never showed up.

• What were some of the unusual details found at Cheryl Levitt's house that raised suspicion?

  The women left behind their cars, purses, essential items like medication, and even some of their clothing. The broken glass on the porch, which was swept away, was also considered a potential piece of evidence.

• Why was it difficult for investigators to find leads in the case?

  The crime scene lacked evidence of a struggle or break-in, and there was no clear motive or known enemies of the victims. The initial focus on Sheryl Levitt's background also proved unhelpful.

• What role did the psychic, Ruth, play in the investigation?

  Ruth provided insights into the disappearance, describing two men in a van and the use of a gun. While her accuracy in describing the family's private lives was impressive, her tips regarding the crime did not lead to any breakthroughs.

• How did the Springfield police department's handling of the case contribute to its stalling?

  The Chief of Police was criticized for micromanaging the detectives, hindering their ability to use their expertise and judgment. The department also scaled back the number of investigators working on the case, diverting resources to other crimes.

• What are the key events that led to Robert Cox becoming a suspect in the Springfield 3 case?

  Cox's history of violent crimes, including the murder of Sharon Zellers in Florida, and the fact that he was living in Springfield around the time of the disappearances made him a prime suspect. The Zellers family's tip about Cox's criminal history further fueled suspicions.

• Why did investigators initially dismiss Cox as a suspect?

  Cox provided an alibi, claiming he was with his girlfriend and mother, which was confirmed by them. However, his girlfriend later admitted to lying about his alibi, raising serious doubts about his innocence.

• What is the current status of the Springfield 3 case?

  The case remains unsolved and is considered a cold case. Despite numerous tips and investigations, no trace of the missing women has been found, and no one has come forward with new information.

• What are the families of the victims hoping for in terms of the case?

  The families are seeking closure and answers about the disappearance of their loved ones. They hope that the case will be solved and that they will finally know what happened to Cheryl, Susie, and Stacey.

• What are the challenges in solving cold cases like the Springfield 3 case?

  Cold cases often lack new leads or evidence, making it difficult for investigators to make progress. The passage of time can also make it challenging to locate witnesses or gather information.

Show Notes