August 9, 2025 • 19 mins
Today we’re journeying to a historic coastal city in Georgia during the mid-1970s, where the disappearance of a mother and her two teenage children shattered a community’s sense of safety and sparked a search that has persisted for nearly half a century. We’re exploring the 1975 disappearance of Ellen Marie Durham, aged 40, her daughter Sarah Elizabeth Durham, aged 15, and her son David Michael Durham, aged 13, from Savannah, Georgia, who vanished after a family outing, leaving behind a trail of fragmented clues and a case that remains proofless due to the absence of their bodies and unanswered questions about their fate. This is a story of a devoted family, a fleeting moment of vulnerability, and a community’s relentless pursuit of the truth. So, settle in for an exhaustive journey into a mystery that continues to haunt and compel.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:18):
Welcome to the thirty sixth episode of Proofless, where we
delve into the heart of America's unsolved mysteries, cases that
linger in the shadows, confounding investigators and leaving communities with
questions that echo across decades. I'm your host, Anna Burger,
and today we're journeying to a historic coastal city in
Georgia during the mid nineteen seventies, where the disappearance of
(00:42):
a mother and her two teenage children shattered a community's
sense of safety and sparked a search that has persisted
for nearly half a century. We're exploring the nineteen seventy
five disappearance of Ellen Marie Durham, aged forty, her daughter
Sarah Elizabeth Durham, age fifteen, and her son David Michael Durham,
(01:02):
aged thirteen, from Savannah, Georgia, who vanished after a family outing,
leaving behind a trail of fragmented clues in a case
that remains proofless due to the absence of their bodies
and unanswered questions about their fate. This is a story
of a devoted family, a fleeting moment of vulnerability, and
a community's relentless pursuit of the truth. So settle in
(01:25):
for an exhaustive journey into a mystery that continues to
haunt and compel. Let's set the scene. It's June nineteen
seventy five in Savannah, Georgia, a picturesque city of about
one hundred and thirty thousand people in Chatham County. Renowned
for its cobblestone streets, Spanish moss straped oaks, and historic squares,
(01:46):
Savannah is a blend of Southern charm and port city energy,
with its bustling River Street, antebellum mansions, and vibrant arts scene.
The Ardsley Park neighborhood, a middle class enclave of bungalows
and tree lined avenues, is a place where families attend
church picnics, kids bike to Forsyth Park, and neighbors gather
for porch chats. The Oglethorpe Mall, a modern shopping center
(02:09):
on Abercorn Street, is a teen hotspot with its record stores, arcade,
and movie theater. Ellen Marie Durham forty, a single mother,
raises her children, Sarah and David, in a charming two
story home on East forty sixth Street. Ellen born September fifth,
nineteen thirty four. To a local teaching family. Is a
resilient woman with short blonde hair, green eyes, and a
(02:31):
five six frame, known for her warm demeanor, her work
as a history teacher at Savannah High School, and her
passion for local preservation. Sarah born April tenth, nineteen sixty
with long brown hair, blue eyes, and a five to
four frame is a sophomore, a talented painter, and an
aspiring architect who dreams of studying at Savannah College of
(02:52):
Art and Design. David born July fifteenth, nineteen sixty one,
with sandy hair, hazel eyes, and a lanky five five
frame is an eighth grader, a chess enthusiast with a
knack for science, and hopes to become an astronomer. The
Durham family is a pillar of Ardsley park Ellen. Widowed
since her husband James, a Coast Guard officer, died in
(03:14):
a nineteen seventy two voting accident, raises her children with
love and discipline, balancing her teaching job with volunteering at
the Telfair Museum, where she guides tours. Sarah, nicknamed Sadie
by David, is outgoing, often seen sketching savannahs squares or
organizing art club events at school. David, quiet but sharp witted,
(03:35):
is a chess club star, spends hours stargazing with his
telescope and tutors classmates and science. The family attends First
Baptist Church, where Ellen sings in the choir, and their
home is a hub for neighbors, with Sarah's friends painting
murals in the garage and David hosting chess matches. Ellen
is protective in forcing a nine pm curfew, but encourages
(03:56):
her children's ambitions. In June nineteen seventy five, as summer begins,
the Durhams are planning a family trip to Tybee Island,
a favorite beach destination. On the evening of June seventh,
nineteen seventy five, Savannah is warm and humid, with temperatures
in the high seventies and a salty breeze from the Atlantic. Ellen,
(04:18):
Sarah and David plan to attend a community art fair
at Forsyth Park, followed by dinner at a nearby diner
on Broughton Street. Ellen, dressed in a white blouse, khaki
skirt and loafers, carries her purse with her wallet, keys
and a history book. Sarah in a yellow sun dress,
sandals and a silver bracelet. Brings her sketchbook to draw
(04:39):
at the fair. David, in a blue t shirt, jeans
and sneakers, carries a small backpack with his chest set.
They leave home around five pm in Ellen's nineteen seventy
three Dodge Dart, with Ellen driving. A neighbor, missus Jenkins,
sees them pulling out of their driveway, waving as they
head toward downtown. At five thirty PM. An art fair
(05:01):
volunteer confirms seeing the trio browsing booths with Sarah sketching
a fountain. Around seven thirty pm, a diner waitress on
Broughton Street serves them shrimp and grits, noting they seemed cheerful.
A final witness, a parking lot attendant, reports seeing three
people resembling the Durhams near the diner's lot at eight
fifteen p m. Standing by a dark green pickup truck
(05:23):
with a man described as forty five fifty five years
old five eleven, with short gray hair, a beard, and
a denim shirt, but dim lighting obscures details. This is
the last confirmed sighting of Ellen, Sarah and David Durham,
when the family doesn't return by ten pm. Ellen's sister, Margaret,
who lives in Pooler, calls friends in the art fair.
(05:44):
Finding no trace. At eleven pm, Margaret reports them missing
to the Savannah Police Department SPD. The next morning, June eighth,
a jogger finds Ellen's Dodge Dart parked at a rest
stop off Interstate ninety five, six miles from downtown, locked
with no signs of a struggle. Inside. Police find Ellen's
(06:05):
purse containing her wallet and keys, Sarah's sketch book, and
David's backpack. Volunteers, neighbors, church members, and students from Savannah
High search downtown, Forsyth Park, and the Savannah River banks,
while divers check the river. On June ninth, a hiker
finds Sarah's bracelet class broken in a ditch off Abercorn Street,
(06:27):
three miles from the rest stop. The bracelet, identified by Margaret,
is sent for analysis, revealing a small blood stain, later
confirmed as Sarah's, a positive type, but insufficient for DNA profiling.
In nineteen seventy five, on June tenth, a dog walker
finds David's sneaker laces missing in a wooded lot off
(06:49):
Duran Avenue, four miles away. The finds escalate the case
to a suspected triple abduction, and the SPD sets up
a command post at the Chatham County court House. The
investigation focuses on the family's last movements. The waitress's seven
thirty p m sighting confirms they left the diner, likely
heading to their car. The parking lot attendants account narrows
(07:12):
the window to eight fifteen to nine p m. The
man in the Denham shirt becomes a focal point, with
a sketch release depicting a rugged man with glasses. A
second witness, a gas station clerk near Abercorn Street, reports
seeing a woman resembling Ellen around eight thirty p m
standing near a green pickup truck with a man matching
the description, but no license plate was noted. A third witness,
(07:35):
a trucker, saw a boy resembling David near Durn Avenue
at nine p m walking with a man, but the
sighting is unconfirmed due to distance. The SPD interviews art
fair staff and diner patrons, finding no conflicts. Margaret provides
photos Ellen at the museum, Sarah with her sketch book,
David with his telescope offering a five thousand dollar reward,
(07:59):
later raised to one hundred thousand with donations from the
school district and local businesses. The case grips Savannah, dominating
the Savannah Morning News and WSAV TV. The Durham's Extended
Family appears on Good Morning America and The Today Show,
sparking national coverage on NBC Nightly News. Tips flood in
(08:19):
a motel clerk reports seeing a family in Brunswick. A
fisherman claims a sighting in Charleston, South Carolina. None are verified.
The FBI joins, given the possibility of interstate kidnapping along
I ninety five, setting up a task force with the SPD.
They analyze a partial tire track near the bracelet, matching
a common goodyear tread, but it's inconclusive. Cadaver dogs alert
(08:41):
to assent in the Duran avenue lot, but digging uncovers
only debris. The investigation targets local men with criminal histories.
A drifter, Charles Charlie Edward Harris forty eight, a former
dock worker with a nineteen seventy three arrest for assault,
becomes a suspect, Harris matching the sud Denham shirtman's description,
was seen near Broughton Street that night. Questioned on June thirteenth,
(09:05):
he claims he was fishing at Tybee Island, but his
alibi lacks witnesses. A search of his trailer finds a knife,
a map of Chatham County, and a pair of muddy boots,
but no link to the Durhams. He fails a polygraph
citing stress, but is released. Another suspect, Robert Bobby Lee Thompson,
forty one, a truck driver, was spotted near Abercorn Street. Thompson,
(09:29):
with a nineteen seventy four arrest for theft, drives a
green Chevy pickup, but a search finds no evidence, and
his alibi hauling freight is verified. A third lead points
to a transient James Jimmy Ray Davis, known for loitering
near Forsyth Park. Davis, seen on River Street, provides no
clear alibi, but is released. Theories about the family's fate multiply,
(09:52):
each shrouded in uncertainty. The primary hypothesis is that they
were abducted from the rest stop, possibly assaulted and killed.
The brace slit sneaker in bloodstains suggest a struggle with
their bodies hidden, perhaps in the Savannah River, a landfill,
or the Okefinokee Swamp one hundred miles away. A nineteen
seventy six search of a Chatham County dump prompted by
(10:14):
a tip about suspicious bags, yields nothing. Another theory posits
a targeted attack by someone who knew their routine, possibly
a museum volunteer or school acquaintance. Ellen's visibility as a
teacher made her recognizable, but no suspects emerged from her circles.
A third theory, fueled by Savannah's role as a port city,
(10:34):
suggests a trafficking ring, given reports of missing persons in Georgia.
A nineteen seventy five FBI report notes trafficking activity in Jacksonville,
Florida Adam, Florida, but no evidence links the Durhams. A
fourth theory speculates they fled due to personal issues, but
Ellen's stable job in the family's close ties dismiss this.
(10:54):
A fringe hypothesis raised in a nineteen seventy seven Savannah
Morning News article didj just a connection to occult activity,
citing rumors of cults in rural Georgia, but investigators find
no evidence the Durham's extended family becomes relentless advocates. Margaret,
joined by Ellen's brother Thomas, coordinates searches, canvassing I ninety
(11:16):
five rest stops and rural areas. They distribute flyers at
Oglethorpe Mall, and River Street, appearing on Unsolved Mysteries in
America's Most Wanted Sharing. Ellen's museum guides, Sarah's paintings and
David's chest set, offering a one hundred and fifty thousand
dollar reward by nineteen seventy eight. In nineteen seventy six,
they found the Durham Family Foundation, supporting missing persons cases
(11:39):
and school safety programs. The emotional toll is profound Margaret
battle's anxiety. Thomas keeps the Durham's home intact with their
belongings and their cousins struggle with loss. Annual vigils at
First Baptist Church draw hundreds, lighting candles for Ellen, Sarah,
and David. The investigation sees renewed efforts over the decade.
(12:00):
In nineteen eighty three, Detective Laura Bennett reopens the case,
re interviewing Harris, Thompson and Davis. Harris, now in jail
for a nineteen eighty burglary denies involvement but fails another polygraph.
A nineteen eighty nine tip leads to a search of
the Savannah River after a boater reports a submerged bag
but divers fine debris. In two thousand, the SPD uses
(12:23):
DNA technology to retest the bracelet's bloodstain, confirming Sarah's type
but yielding no new profiles. The cold case unit, formed
in nineteen ninety six, links the case to other missing
persons in Georgia, including a nineteen seventy four case in
Brunswick and a nineteen seventy six case in Augusta, suggesting
a possible serial predator. The investigation explores the theory of
(12:46):
a regional killer operating along I ninety five, analyzing patterns
of abductions in the Southeast. Detailed interviews with Diner staff
reveal inconsistencies in timelines, prompting a two thousand and five
recanvas of broad in street businesses, but no new leads emerge.
In twenty twelve, a retired FBI profiler suggests the crime
(13:08):
mirrors the modus operandi of serial offenders active in the
nineteen seventy seventy such as Ted Bundy, who was in
Florida during that period. Though no direct link is established,
the case's psychological dimensions add complexity. Criminologists suggests the perpetrator
may have been a charismatic predator, using familiarity to lure
(13:29):
the family. As the parking lot attendant's account implies a
non threatening interaction, the lack of forced entry in the
car suggests trust or coercion. The accomplice theory, though unproven,
aligns with patterns in nineteen seventy's abductions, where groups exploited
transient heavy areas like Savannah's port. The SPD profiles potential suspects,
(13:51):
focusing on men with histories of predatory behavior, but the
absence of forensic evidence hampers progress. A twenty fifteen psychological
analysis the perpetrator may have targeted families to maximize control,
a rare but documented trait in serial offenders. The case
reshapes Savannah's social and legal landscape. The Oglethorpe mall and
(14:13):
River Street install security cameras, a rarity for nineteen seventies venues.
Savannah High School mandates safety escorts and curfews, reflecting a
broader shift in George's approach to child safety. The Durham
Foundation supports thirty five missing persons cases by twenty twenty five,
funding searches, advocacy, and scholarships in the family's names for history, art,
(14:35):
and science students. Margaret testifies before George's legislature in nineteen
seventy seven, advocating for a state missing Person's database enacted
in nineteen eighty. The case influences national policy, contributing to
the nineteen eighty two Missing Children Act and the nineteen
ninety National Child Search Assistance Act. Community groups established neighborhood watches,
(14:58):
and parents form safety committees, reflecting a cultural shift toward
heightened vigilance in the post nineteen seventies era. Media coverage
plays a pivotal role. Local outlets like The Savannah Morning
News published daily updates in nineteen seven seventy five, with
editorials calling for better policing and rural patrols. National programs
(15:19):
like forty eight Hours two thousand and three, Dateline NBC
twenty ten, and The Vanished Podcast twenty seventeen revisit the case,
keeping it in the public eye. The podcast with twelve
million downloads by twenty twenty five. Explores the psychological impact
on Savannah, noting how the case fueled fears of family
(15:40):
abductions and heightened parental vigilance. Online reddits are unsolved mysteries
and ex posts debate theories, with users analyzing the serial
killer hypothesis and comparing the case to other Georgia disappearances,
such as the nineteen seventy six Atlanta child murders, though
no direct links are confirmed. A twenty nineteen thread on
(16:04):
x garnering eighteen thousand engagements speculates about a Savannah based
trafficking ring, but investigators dismiss it for lack of evidence.
Social media amplifies tips, but most are dead ends, reflecting
the challenge of sifting through public speculation. Forensic advancements offer
hope but fall short. In twenty sixteen, the SPD partners
(16:27):
with a private lab to retest the bracelet and sneaker
using advanced DNA techniques, but environmental exposure renders samples unusable.
Ground penetrating radar used in a twenty twenty search of
the Okefinoki Swamp detects anomalies, but excavations reveal only animal remains.
A twenty twenty four tip about a body in a
Chatham County landfill prompts a search, but no human remains
(16:51):
are found. The SPD's Cold Case Unit, under Detective Sarah Mitchell,
continues to pursue leads, collaborating with the FBI's Behavioral Analysis
Unit to refine suspect profiles. Mitchell's twenty twenty four report
notes the case's complexity, citing the lack of bodies, Savannah's
transient population, and the nineteen seventies limited forensic capabilities as barriers.
(17:14):
The nineteen seventies context adds layers to the investigation's challenges.
Savannah's growth as a port and tourist destination attracted drifters,
complicating suspect tracking. The era's pre DNA forensic limitations relied
heavily on witness accounts, which faded over time. Socioeconomic dynamics
and Savannah shaped the case's early handling. Ardsley Park's middle
(17:38):
class status drew intense media focus, but some critics in
a twenty twenty one Savannah Morning News op ed argued
similar cases in underserved areas received less attention. The Vanished
podcast explores the psychological impact on Savannah, noting how the
case fueled distrust in public spaces and reshaped community interactions.
(17:59):
The relatives remain steadfast. Margaret organizes annual searches combing rural
Georgia with volunteers. Thomas, now in his seventies, maintains a
scrap book of the family's photos. Ellen's museum guides, Sarah's paintings,
and David's chest set. The foundation funds scholarships and safety
programs supporting Savannah's youth. Community support remains strong, with Savannah
(18:22):
Saint Patrick's Day Parade dedicating Afloat to the Durhams since
nineteen seventy six. A twenty twenty five vigil at First
Baptist Church draws eight hundred attendees, Reflecting the cases enduring grip.
The proofless nature lies in the unknowns. Who took Ellen,
Sarah and David. Was it a lone predator, a group
or a trafficking ring. Are their bodies in the river,
(18:44):
swamp or beyond? Margaret tells the Savannah Morning News in
twenty twenty five. Our family is out there waiting for us.
The relatives keep Ellen's books, Sarah's sketches, and David's telescope
a testament to a truth still elusive. That's all for
the thirty sixth episode of Proofless. The Durham Family's disappearance
(19:04):
is a tragedy that shook a coastal city and reshaped
community safety. If you have information, contact the Savannah Police
Department or visit Durham Familyfoundation dot org. Share your thoughts
on our website or social media, and join us next
time for another journey into the unknown. Until then, keep
searching for answers.
Welcome to the thirty sixth episode of Proofless, where we
delve into the heart of America's unsolved mysteries, cases that
linger in the shadows, confounding investigators and leaving communities with
questions that echo across decades. I'm your host, Anna Burger,
and today we're journeying to a historic coastal city in
Georgia during the mid nineteen seventies, where the disappearance of
(00:42):
a mother and her two teenage children shattered a community's
sense of safety and sparked a search that has persisted
for nearly half a century. We're exploring the nineteen seventy
five disappearance of Ellen Marie Durham, aged forty, her daughter
Sarah Elizabeth Durham, age fifteen, and her son David Michael Durham,
(01:02):
aged thirteen, from Savannah, Georgia, who vanished after a family outing,
leaving behind a trail of fragmented clues in a case
that remains proofless due to the absence of their bodies
and unanswered questions about their fate. This is a story
of a devoted family, a fleeting moment of vulnerability, and
a community's relentless pursuit of the truth. So settle in
(01:25):
for an exhaustive journey into a mystery that continues to
haunt and compel. Let's set the scene. It's June nineteen
seventy five in Savannah, Georgia, a picturesque city of about
one hundred and thirty thousand people in Chatham County. Renowned
for its cobblestone streets, Spanish moss straped oaks, and historic squares,
(01:46):
Savannah is a blend of Southern charm and port city energy,
with its bustling River Street, antebellum mansions, and vibrant arts scene.
The Ardsley Park neighborhood, a middle class enclave of bungalows
and tree lined avenues, is a place where families attend
church picnics, kids bike to Forsyth Park, and neighbors gather
for porch chats. The Oglethorpe Mall, a modern shopping center
(02:09):
on Abercorn Street, is a teen hotspot with its record stores, arcade,
and movie theater. Ellen Marie Durham forty, a single mother,
raises her children, Sarah and David, in a charming two
story home on East forty sixth Street. Ellen born September fifth,
nineteen thirty four. To a local teaching family. Is a
resilient woman with short blonde hair, green eyes, and a
(02:31):
five six frame, known for her warm demeanor, her work
as a history teacher at Savannah High School, and her
passion for local preservation. Sarah born April tenth, nineteen sixty
with long brown hair, blue eyes, and a five to
four frame is a sophomore, a talented painter, and an
aspiring architect who dreams of studying at Savannah College of
(02:52):
Art and Design. David born July fifteenth, nineteen sixty one,
with sandy hair, hazel eyes, and a lanky five five
frame is an eighth grader, a chess enthusiast with a
knack for science, and hopes to become an astronomer. The
Durham family is a pillar of Ardsley park Ellen. Widowed
since her husband James, a Coast Guard officer, died in
(03:14):
a nineteen seventy two voting accident, raises her children with
love and discipline, balancing her teaching job with volunteering at
the Telfair Museum, where she guides tours. Sarah, nicknamed Sadie
by David, is outgoing, often seen sketching savannahs squares or
organizing art club events at school. David, quiet but sharp witted,
(03:35):
is a chess club star, spends hours stargazing with his
telescope and tutors classmates and science. The family attends First
Baptist Church, where Ellen sings in the choir, and their
home is a hub for neighbors, with Sarah's friends painting
murals in the garage and David hosting chess matches. Ellen
is protective in forcing a nine pm curfew, but encourages
(03:56):
her children's ambitions. In June nineteen seventy five, as summer begins,
the Durhams are planning a family trip to Tybee Island,
a favorite beach destination. On the evening of June seventh,
nineteen seventy five, Savannah is warm and humid, with temperatures
in the high seventies and a salty breeze from the Atlantic. Ellen,
(04:18):
Sarah and David plan to attend a community art fair
at Forsyth Park, followed by dinner at a nearby diner
on Broughton Street. Ellen, dressed in a white blouse, khaki
skirt and loafers, carries her purse with her wallet, keys
and a history book. Sarah in a yellow sun dress,
sandals and a silver bracelet. Brings her sketchbook to draw
(04:39):
at the fair. David, in a blue t shirt, jeans
and sneakers, carries a small backpack with his chest set.
They leave home around five pm in Ellen's nineteen seventy
three Dodge Dart, with Ellen driving. A neighbor, missus Jenkins,
sees them pulling out of their driveway, waving as they
head toward downtown. At five thirty PM. An art fair
(05:01):
volunteer confirms seeing the trio browsing booths with Sarah sketching
a fountain. Around seven thirty pm, a diner waitress on
Broughton Street serves them shrimp and grits, noting they seemed cheerful.
A final witness, a parking lot attendant, reports seeing three
people resembling the Durhams near the diner's lot at eight
fifteen p m. Standing by a dark green pickup truck
(05:23):
with a man described as forty five fifty five years
old five eleven, with short gray hair, a beard, and
a denim shirt, but dim lighting obscures details. This is
the last confirmed sighting of Ellen, Sarah and David Durham,
when the family doesn't return by ten pm. Ellen's sister, Margaret,
who lives in Pooler, calls friends in the art fair.
(05:44):
Finding no trace. At eleven pm, Margaret reports them missing
to the Savannah Police Department SPD. The next morning, June eighth,
a jogger finds Ellen's Dodge Dart parked at a rest
stop off Interstate ninety five, six miles from downtown, locked
with no signs of a struggle. Inside. Police find Ellen's
(06:05):
purse containing her wallet and keys, Sarah's sketch book, and
David's backpack. Volunteers, neighbors, church members, and students from Savannah
High search downtown, Forsyth Park, and the Savannah River banks,
while divers check the river. On June ninth, a hiker
finds Sarah's bracelet class broken in a ditch off Abercorn Street,
(06:27):
three miles from the rest stop. The bracelet, identified by Margaret,
is sent for analysis, revealing a small blood stain, later
confirmed as Sarah's, a positive type, but insufficient for DNA profiling.
In nineteen seventy five, on June tenth, a dog walker
finds David's sneaker laces missing in a wooded lot off
(06:49):
Duran Avenue, four miles away. The finds escalate the case
to a suspected triple abduction, and the SPD sets up
a command post at the Chatham County court House. The
investigation focuses on the family's last movements. The waitress's seven
thirty p m sighting confirms they left the diner, likely
heading to their car. The parking lot attendants account narrows
(07:12):
the window to eight fifteen to nine p m. The
man in the Denham shirt becomes a focal point, with
a sketch release depicting a rugged man with glasses. A
second witness, a gas station clerk near Abercorn Street, reports
seeing a woman resembling Ellen around eight thirty p m
standing near a green pickup truck with a man matching
the description, but no license plate was noted. A third witness,
(07:35):
a trucker, saw a boy resembling David near Durn Avenue
at nine p m walking with a man, but the
sighting is unconfirmed due to distance. The SPD interviews art
fair staff and diner patrons, finding no conflicts. Margaret provides
photos Ellen at the museum, Sarah with her sketch book,
David with his telescope offering a five thousand dollar reward,
(07:59):
later raised to one hundred thousand with donations from the
school district and local businesses. The case grips Savannah, dominating
the Savannah Morning News and WSAV TV. The Durham's Extended
Family appears on Good Morning America and The Today Show,
sparking national coverage on NBC Nightly News. Tips flood in
(08:19):
a motel clerk reports seeing a family in Brunswick. A
fisherman claims a sighting in Charleston, South Carolina. None are verified.
The FBI joins, given the possibility of interstate kidnapping along
I ninety five, setting up a task force with the SPD.
They analyze a partial tire track near the bracelet, matching
a common goodyear tread, but it's inconclusive. Cadaver dogs alert
(08:41):
to assent in the Duran avenue lot, but digging uncovers
only debris. The investigation targets local men with criminal histories.
A drifter, Charles Charlie Edward Harris forty eight, a former
dock worker with a nineteen seventy three arrest for assault,
becomes a suspect, Harris matching the sud Denham shirtman's description,
was seen near Broughton Street that night. Questioned on June thirteenth,
(09:05):
he claims he was fishing at Tybee Island, but his
alibi lacks witnesses. A search of his trailer finds a knife,
a map of Chatham County, and a pair of muddy boots,
but no link to the Durhams. He fails a polygraph
citing stress, but is released. Another suspect, Robert Bobby Lee Thompson,
forty one, a truck driver, was spotted near Abercorn Street. Thompson,
(09:29):
with a nineteen seventy four arrest for theft, drives a
green Chevy pickup, but a search finds no evidence, and
his alibi hauling freight is verified. A third lead points
to a transient James Jimmy Ray Davis, known for loitering
near Forsyth Park. Davis, seen on River Street, provides no
clear alibi, but is released. Theories about the family's fate multiply,
(09:52):
each shrouded in uncertainty. The primary hypothesis is that they
were abducted from the rest stop, possibly assaulted and killed.
The brace slit sneaker in bloodstains suggest a struggle with
their bodies hidden, perhaps in the Savannah River, a landfill,
or the Okefinokee Swamp one hundred miles away. A nineteen
seventy six search of a Chatham County dump prompted by
(10:14):
a tip about suspicious bags, yields nothing. Another theory posits
a targeted attack by someone who knew their routine, possibly
a museum volunteer or school acquaintance. Ellen's visibility as a
teacher made her recognizable, but no suspects emerged from her circles.
A third theory, fueled by Savannah's role as a port city,
(10:34):
suggests a trafficking ring, given reports of missing persons in Georgia.
A nineteen seventy five FBI report notes trafficking activity in Jacksonville,
Florida Adam, Florida, but no evidence links the Durhams. A
fourth theory speculates they fled due to personal issues, but
Ellen's stable job in the family's close ties dismiss this.
(10:54):
A fringe hypothesis raised in a nineteen seventy seven Savannah
Morning News article didj just a connection to occult activity,
citing rumors of cults in rural Georgia, but investigators find
no evidence the Durham's extended family becomes relentless advocates. Margaret,
joined by Ellen's brother Thomas, coordinates searches, canvassing I ninety
(11:16):
five rest stops and rural areas. They distribute flyers at
Oglethorpe Mall, and River Street, appearing on Unsolved Mysteries in
America's Most Wanted Sharing. Ellen's museum guides, Sarah's paintings and
David's chest set, offering a one hundred and fifty thousand
dollar reward by nineteen seventy eight. In nineteen seventy six,
they found the Durham Family Foundation, supporting missing persons cases
(11:39):
and school safety programs. The emotional toll is profound Margaret
battle's anxiety. Thomas keeps the Durham's home intact with their
belongings and their cousins struggle with loss. Annual vigils at
First Baptist Church draw hundreds, lighting candles for Ellen, Sarah,
and David. The investigation sees renewed efforts over the decade.
(12:00):
In nineteen eighty three, Detective Laura Bennett reopens the case,
re interviewing Harris, Thompson and Davis. Harris, now in jail
for a nineteen eighty burglary denies involvement but fails another polygraph.
A nineteen eighty nine tip leads to a search of
the Savannah River after a boater reports a submerged bag
but divers fine debris. In two thousand, the SPD uses
(12:23):
DNA technology to retest the bracelet's bloodstain, confirming Sarah's type
but yielding no new profiles. The cold case unit, formed
in nineteen ninety six, links the case to other missing
persons in Georgia, including a nineteen seventy four case in
Brunswick and a nineteen seventy six case in Augusta, suggesting
a possible serial predator. The investigation explores the theory of
(12:46):
a regional killer operating along I ninety five, analyzing patterns
of abductions in the Southeast. Detailed interviews with Diner staff
reveal inconsistencies in timelines, prompting a two thousand and five
recanvas of broad in street businesses, but no new leads emerge.
In twenty twelve, a retired FBI profiler suggests the crime
(13:08):
mirrors the modus operandi of serial offenders active in the
nineteen seventy seventy such as Ted Bundy, who was in
Florida during that period. Though no direct link is established,
the case's psychological dimensions add complexity. Criminologists suggests the perpetrator
may have been a charismatic predator, using familiarity to lure
(13:29):
the family. As the parking lot attendant's account implies a
non threatening interaction, the lack of forced entry in the
car suggests trust or coercion. The accomplice theory, though unproven,
aligns with patterns in nineteen seventy's abductions, where groups exploited
transient heavy areas like Savannah's port. The SPD profiles potential suspects,
(13:51):
focusing on men with histories of predatory behavior, but the
absence of forensic evidence hampers progress. A twenty fifteen psychological
analysis the perpetrator may have targeted families to maximize control,
a rare but documented trait in serial offenders. The case
reshapes Savannah's social and legal landscape. The Oglethorpe mall and
(14:13):
River Street install security cameras, a rarity for nineteen seventies venues.
Savannah High School mandates safety escorts and curfews, reflecting a
broader shift in George's approach to child safety. The Durham
Foundation supports thirty five missing persons cases by twenty twenty five,
funding searches, advocacy, and scholarships in the family's names for history, art,
(14:35):
and science students. Margaret testifies before George's legislature in nineteen
seventy seven, advocating for a state missing Person's database enacted
in nineteen eighty. The case influences national policy, contributing to
the nineteen eighty two Missing Children Act and the nineteen
ninety National Child Search Assistance Act. Community groups established neighborhood watches,
(14:58):
and parents form safety committees, reflecting a cultural shift toward
heightened vigilance in the post nineteen seventies era. Media coverage
plays a pivotal role. Local outlets like The Savannah Morning
News published daily updates in nineteen seven seventy five, with
editorials calling for better policing and rural patrols. National programs
(15:19):
like forty eight Hours two thousand and three, Dateline NBC
twenty ten, and The Vanished Podcast twenty seventeen revisit the case,
keeping it in the public eye. The podcast with twelve
million downloads by twenty twenty five. Explores the psychological impact
on Savannah, noting how the case fueled fears of family
(15:40):
abductions and heightened parental vigilance. Online reddits are unsolved mysteries
and ex posts debate theories, with users analyzing the serial
killer hypothesis and comparing the case to other Georgia disappearances,
such as the nineteen seventy six Atlanta child murders, though
no direct links are confirmed. A twenty nineteen thread on
(16:04):
x garnering eighteen thousand engagements speculates about a Savannah based
trafficking ring, but investigators dismiss it for lack of evidence.
Social media amplifies tips, but most are dead ends, reflecting
the challenge of sifting through public speculation. Forensic advancements offer
hope but fall short. In twenty sixteen, the SPD partners
(16:27):
with a private lab to retest the bracelet and sneaker
using advanced DNA techniques, but environmental exposure renders samples unusable.
Ground penetrating radar used in a twenty twenty search of
the Okefinoki Swamp detects anomalies, but excavations reveal only animal remains.
A twenty twenty four tip about a body in a
Chatham County landfill prompts a search, but no human remains
(16:51):
are found. The SPD's Cold Case Unit, under Detective Sarah Mitchell,
continues to pursue leads, collaborating with the FBI's Behavioral Analysis
Unit to refine suspect profiles. Mitchell's twenty twenty four report
notes the case's complexity, citing the lack of bodies, Savannah's
transient population, and the nineteen seventies limited forensic capabilities as barriers.
(17:14):
The nineteen seventies context adds layers to the investigation's challenges.
Savannah's growth as a port and tourist destination attracted drifters,
complicating suspect tracking. The era's pre DNA forensic limitations relied
heavily on witness accounts, which faded over time. Socioeconomic dynamics
and Savannah shaped the case's early handling. Ardsley Park's middle
(17:38):
class status drew intense media focus, but some critics in
a twenty twenty one Savannah Morning News op ed argued
similar cases in underserved areas received less attention. The Vanished
podcast explores the psychological impact on Savannah, noting how the
case fueled distrust in public spaces and reshaped community interactions.
(17:59):
The relatives remain steadfast. Margaret organizes annual searches combing rural
Georgia with volunteers. Thomas, now in his seventies, maintains a
scrap book of the family's photos. Ellen's museum guides, Sarah's paintings,
and David's chest set. The foundation funds scholarships and safety
programs supporting Savannah's youth. Community support remains strong, with Savannah
(18:22):
Saint Patrick's Day Parade dedicating Afloat to the Durhams since
nineteen seventy six. A twenty twenty five vigil at First
Baptist Church draws eight hundred attendees, Reflecting the cases enduring grip.
The proofless nature lies in the unknowns. Who took Ellen,
Sarah and David. Was it a lone predator, a group
or a trafficking ring. Are their bodies in the river,
(18:44):
swamp or beyond? Margaret tells the Savannah Morning News in
twenty twenty five. Our family is out there waiting for us.
The relatives keep Ellen's books, Sarah's sketches, and David's telescope
a testament to a truth still elusive. That's all for
the thirty sixth episode of Proofless. The Durham Family's disappearance
(19:04):
is a tragedy that shook a coastal city and reshaped
community safety. If you have information, contact the Savannah Police
Department or visit Durham Familyfoundation dot org. Share your thoughts
on our website or social media, and join us next
time for another journey into the unknown. Until then, keep
searching for answers.
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