Digest

This episode of Moms and Mysteries delves into the chilling and unsolved case of the Springfield 3, three women who disappeared without a trace in 1992. The episode begins with a brief introduction to the podcast and its hosts, Mandy and Melissa, who are preparing to travel to Nashville for CrimeCon. They then transition into the main topic of the episode, the disappearance of Cheryl Levitt, Susie Streeter, and Stacey McCall. The episode provides a detailed timeline of the events leading up to the women's disappearance, including their graduation ceremony, their plans for a trip to Branson, and their final night together at Janelle's house. The episode also explores the extensive investigation that followed, including the numerous leads, suspects, and theories that have been investigated over the years. The episode highlights the frustration and confusion surrounding the case, as well as the unwavering determination of the victims' families to find answers. The episode concludes with a discussion of the most probable theory, which suggests that a single man may have lured the women out of their home under the guise of a utility worker. The episode also touches upon the potential mishandling of the case by the Springfield Police Department, which may have hindered the investigation. The episode leaves listeners with a sense of unease and a desire for justice for the Springfield 3.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and June's Journey

This Chapter introduces the Moms and Mysteries podcast and its hosts, Mandy and Melissa. It also features a brief advertisement for the mobile game June's Journey, a mystery-solving adventure game that involves uncovering hidden objects, solving cases, and unraveling family secrets.

00:01:16

The Springfield 3: A Decades-Old Mystery

This Chapter introduces the main topic of the episode, the unsolved case of the Springfield 3. The hosts discuss their prior knowledge of the case and express their surprise that it remains unsolved after 32 years. They then delve into the details of the case, starting with the background of the three missing women: Cheryl Levitt, Susie Streeter, and Stacey McCall. The chapter focuses on the events leading up to their disappearance, including their graduation ceremony, their plans for a trip to Branson, and their final night together at Janelle's house.

00:24:37

The Investigation Begins

This Chapter details the initial investigation into the disappearance of the Springfield 3. It describes the police's arrival at Cheryl and Susie's house, their observations of the scene, and their initial suspicions of foul play. The chapter also highlights the media's involvement in the case, including the release of descriptions of the missing women and the emergence of the term "Springfield 3." The chapter concludes with a discussion of the victims' families' efforts to find answers and the unwavering determination of Stacey's mother, Janice, to find her daughter.

00:47:51

Leads and Suspects

This Chapter explores the numerous leads and suspects that have been investigated over the years in the Springfield 3 case. It discusses the various tips that have been received, including a potential sighting of the women at a diner and a tip that their bodies were located on farmland. The chapter also delves into the investigation of Robert Craig Cox, a man with a history of violence and a connection to the victims' families. The chapter highlights the inconsistencies in Robert's alibis and his tendency to play head games with the police.

01:05:01

The Case Remains Unsolved

This Chapter summarizes the current state of the Springfield 3 case, which remains unsolved and is considered a cold case. The hosts discuss the most probable theory, which suggests that a single man may have lured the women out of their home under the guise of a utility worker. The chapter also touches upon the potential mishandling of the case by the Springfield Police Department, which may have hindered the investigation. The chapter concludes with a call for anyone with information to contact the Springfield Police Department or Crime Stoppers.

01:07:49

Cicada Capital of the World

This Chapter features a lighthearted discussion between the hosts about cicadas, which are prevalent in Nashville, the location of CrimeCon. The hosts engage in a fun facts quiz about cicadas, revealing interesting information about their life cycle, their mating habits, and their loud buzzing sound. The chapter concludes with a humorous exchange about the potential for cicada-related chaos in Nashville.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the Springfield 3 case?

  The Springfield 3 case refers to the unsolved disappearance of three women, Cheryl Levitt, Susie Streeter, and Stacey McCall, who vanished without a trace in Springfield, Missouri, on June 7, 1992. Their disappearance remains a perplexing mystery, with no trace of their whereabouts or what happened to them.

• Who is Robert Craig Cox and why is he a person of interest in the Springfield 3 case?

  Robert Craig Cox is a man with a history of violence and a connection to the Springfield 3 case. He was previously convicted of murdering Sharon Zellers in Florida in 1978. Cox has been a person of interest in the Springfield 3 case due to his history of violence, his presence in Springfield at the time of the women's disappearance, and his inconsistent alibis. However, he has never been charged with any crime related to the Springfield 3 case.

• What is the most probable theory about what happened to the Springfield 3?

  The most probable theory is that a single man may have lured the women out of their home under the guise of a utility worker. This theory is supported by the fact that there were no signs of a struggle inside the house and that the women's belongings were left behind.

• What is CrimeCon?

  CrimeCon is a large annual true crime convention that brings together true crime enthusiasts, experts, and professionals. It features panels, presentations, workshops, and other events related to true crime. CrimeCon provides a platform for attendees to learn about various cases, meet with experts, and connect with other true crime fans.

• What are cicadas and why are they relevant to this episode?

  Cicadas are insects known for their loud buzzing sound, particularly during their emergence periods. They are characterized by their large, transparent wings and their distinctive song, which is often described as a high-pitched chirping or clicking. Cicadas have a unique life cycle, spending most of their lives underground as nymphs before emerging as adults for a short period of mating and reproduction. The hosts discuss cicadas because they are prevalent in Nashville, the location of CrimeCon, and they engage in a fun facts quiz about these insects.

Show Notes