Digest

This podcast delves into the perplexing disappearance of Max De Vries, a 14-year-old boy who vanished while on vacation in Aruba with his family. The case centers around a suspicious encounter with David Stacey Sr. and his son, David Stacey Jr., both of whom provided conflicting accounts of the events leading up to Max's disappearance. The investigation reveals inconsistencies in David Stacey Sr.'s statements, raising concerns about his involvement. A background check reveals a past arrest for crimes against children, further fueling suspicions. Despite the FBI's involvement, the investigation hits dead ends, and the case is eventually shelved. Years later, new information emerges from David Stacey Jr.'s ex-girlfriends, suggesting a possible connection between David Stacey Sr. and Max's disappearance. David Stacey Jr. is later arrested for violent crimes, further complicating the case. The case gains renewed media attention after being featured in a documentary series, prompting Yvonne De Vries, Max's mother, to call on the FBI to reopen the investigation. Despite the lack of progress in the investigation, Yvonne De Vries establishes a charitable endowment called "Max to the Millions" to honor her son's memory and help others in need.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Disappearance of Max De Vries

This episode explores the mysterious disappearance of Max De Vries, a 14-year-old boy who vanished while on vacation in Aruba with his family. The case involves a suspicious encounter with a man named David Stacey Sr. and his son, David Stacey Jr., both of whom provided conflicting accounts of the events leading up to Max's disappearance.

00:00:25

Investigation and Inconsistencies

The investigation into Max's disappearance reveals inconsistencies in the statements given by David Stacey Sr. to the police, raising suspicions about his involvement. A background check reveals a past arrest for crimes against children, further fueling concerns.

00:18:09

FBI Involvement and Dead Ends

The case is brought to the attention of the FBI, who open an investigation. However, the investigation hits dead ends, and the case is eventually shelved.

00:32:43

New Leads and a Troubled Past

Years later, new information emerges from David Stacey Jr.'s ex-girlfriends, suggesting a possible connection between David Stacey Sr. and Max's disappearance. David Stacey Jr. is later arrested for violent crimes, further complicating the case.

00:34:38

Media Attention and Renewed Hope

The case gains renewed media attention after being featured in a documentary series, prompting Yvonne De Vries, Max's mother, to call on the FBI to reopen the investigation.

00:38:47

Max to the Millions Endowment

Despite the lack of progress in the investigation, Yvonne De Vries establishes a charitable endowment called "Max to the Millions" to honor her son's memory and help others in need.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the key inconsistencies in David Stacey Sr.'s statements to the police?

  David Stacey Sr. initially claimed that Max swam towards shore after they were separated, but later changed his story, saying Max was floating calmly. He also provided conflicting details about their actions on the jet skis and the reason for their trip to Aruba.

• Why did the Aruba Police initially dismiss the case as an accident?

  The Aruba Police seemed eager to close the case quickly, possibly to avoid negative publicity and protect the tourism industry. They did not conduct a thorough investigation, despite Yvonne De Vries's requests for further inquiries.

• What new information came to light from David Stacey Jr.'s ex-girlfriends?

  David Stacey Jr.'s ex-girlfriends revealed that he had mentioned Max's disappearance and expressed guilt about it. They also shared concerns about David Stacey Sr.'s behavior towards children, suggesting a possible pattern of abuse.

• What is the significance of the documentary series "Never Seen Again"?

  The documentary series brought renewed attention to Max De Vries's case, prompting Yvonne De Vries to call on the FBI to reopen the investigation. It also helped raise awareness about the case and the lack of justice for Max and his family.

• What is the purpose of the "Max to the Millions" endowment?

  The "Max to the Millions" endowment is a testament to Yvonne De Vries's resilience and her desire to honor her son's memory by helping others. It provides financial assistance to families in need, particularly those with children in the NICU.

Show Notes