Skidmore: A Town of Shadows and Secrets P2

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The shadows of Skidmore, Missouri run deeper than most people realize. Following the infamous vigilante killing of town bully Ken Rex McElroy, a disturbing pattern emerged as three devastating tragedies struck the same family in this tiny rural community between 2000 and 2004.

We begin with Wendy Gillenwater, a young woman trapped in the cycle of domestic violence and methamphetamine addiction. Her boyfriend Greg Dragoo's controlling behavior escalated to unimaginable violence, culminating in a brutal assault that took her life in October 2000. Though Dragoo was eventually sentenced to life imprisonment, this conviction marked only the beginning of the family's suffering.

Just months later, Wendy's cousin Branson Perry vanished without a trace. Last seen walking to return jumper cables to his shed, the 20-year-old disappeared in broad daylight, leaving behind all personal belongings including his wallet. What started as a missing person case soon revealed disturbing connections to the local drug scene, with witnesses placing Branson at a house that suspiciously burned down days after he went missing—before he was even reported absent.

The investigation took a bizarre turn when Jack Wayne Rogers, arrested for child pornography in 2003, was discovered to have described picking up and murdering a hitchhiker matching Branson's description in graphic online chats. Despite this disturbing lead, authorities believe the truth lies closer to home, with approximately nine individuals from the community likely involved in Branson's disappearance.

Twenty years later, the case remains unsolved. Multiple searches spanning wells, ponds, and abandoned structures across several counties have yielded no concrete evidence. Perhaps most heartbreakingly, Branson's closest family members—his father, mother, and grandmother—have all passed away without the closure they desperately sought.

Join me as we unravel these interconnected mysteries and explore how one family paid the ultimate price for a small town's culture of silence. What secrets still lurk beneath Skidmore's surface? Subscribe now to hear the conclusion of this three-part investigation into a community haunted by its past.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome back Crime Connoisseurs.
I'm your host, grace D.
Today we're picking up where weleft off last with Skidmore, a
town of shadows and secrets.
So if you haven't listened topart one, stop now and go give
it a listen.
If you're still here, thatmeans you're back and ready for

(00:21):
part two.
So let's recap, shall we?
We learned about Ken Rex McElroyand the reign of terror he put
on a small town in Skidmore,missouri.
Mcelroy was a man who hadcharges brought against him
ranging from theft, harassment,intimidation, assault to

(00:41):
attempted murder, just to name afew.
Mcelroy was found not guiltytime and time again, until he
met his match with B&B grocerystore owner Bo Boenkamp.
Now, remember, mcelroy had shotBoenkamp in the neck and left
him for dead after amisunderstanding happened with

(01:01):
some of the McElroy children.
Miraculously, boenkamp survivedand, like the stubborn old man
that he, was testified againstMcElroy at trial, where he was
found guilty for the first time.
However, mcelroy was sentencedto just two years in prison,
given the Missouri law at thetime, and his attorney, richard

(01:24):
Gene McFadden, filed for anappeal.
The judge released McElroy onbond until the appeal hearing.
Mcelroy then went to the town'sbar D&G Tavern, where he
brought an M1 assault rifle witha bayonet attached to it, made
threats against Boenkamp anddemonstrated with the weapon how

(01:46):
he would quote-unquote handleBo.
Three men in the tavern decidedthat they would sign affidavits
for the prosecution and testifyto this incident, since it
clearly violated the terms ofhis bail.
On July 10, 1981, on the day ofthe bail hearing, a large group

(02:08):
of men went to the courthouse tosupport the three men
testifying, only to find outthat it had been postponed until
July 20 due to schedulingconflicts.
A group of men went to theLegion Hall where there was an
impromptu town meeting withSheriff Danny Estes about what
could be done to protect thetown from McElroy's wrath.

(02:29):
It was suggested that they forma neighborhood watch, and while
the group was at the LegionHall, word got to them that
McElroy had shown up at D>avern.
Sheriff Estes told the men notto confront McElroy when they
went there.
Mcelroy sat at the bar with hiswife, trina, and a large crowd

(02:52):
gathered around them inside thebar.
He purchased a six-pack to goand then he and Trina returned
to the truck.
After they got into the truck,mcelroy placed a cigarette
between his lips.
After they got into the truck,mcelroy placed a cigarette
between his lips and, before hecould light it, shots rang out
and McElroy was dead.
Trina continuously stated thatDel Clement, one of the

(03:15):
co-owners of D&G Tavern, was oneof the shooters from behind.
She told this to lawenforcement, grand juries, the
media and anyone who wouldlisten.
However, the townspeople ofSkidmore all told another story,
or should I say, didn't tell.
Law enforcement interviewed 35people and no one would admit to

(03:40):
seeing or hearing anything.
Nearly 44 years later, themurder of Ken Rex McElroy is
still unsolved.
Most of the people who wereprominent in the case before
have since passed and no one hasmade a deathbed confession.
If there are people still alivethat know who's responsible for

(04:02):
the death of McElroy, they'renot dropping names.
This leads us to today's case.
At what cost did the people andsmall town of Skidmore pay for
their silence in the bloodshedof the town bully?
Since the death of Ken McElroy,there have been three other
significantly tragic events thathave plagued this extremely

(04:23):
small town and the kicker.
The three victims were allrelated.
Like always, with each person,we're going to start from their
beginning.
This is part two of Skidmore, atown of shadows and secrets.
We'll be right back In 2000,2001, and 2004,.

(05:17):
The same family living in thesmall town of Skidmore, missouri
, experienced three separatetragedies two murders and one
disappearance.
How can one family face so muchtragedy?
To better understand thefamily's dynamics, let's begin
by going over a brief familytree.
The family narrative startswith the marriage of Joanne

(05:41):
Hoffman and Asif D Babe Stinnettin 1965.
Joanne was already a mother toseveral children at the time of
their marriage, while Babe, whowas a widower, had his own kids
from the previous relationship.
When they decided to blendtheir families, they combined
their existing children with thenew ones that they had together

(06:04):
, ultimately forming a largefamily with nine children.
Among these nine children wasSandra, who went on to have a
daughter named Wendy Gillenwater.
This expansion of the familytree sets the stage for
understanding the complexrelationships and connections
within their lineage.

(06:24):
The complex relationships andconnections within their lineage
.
On January 8, 1975, in Fairfax,Missouri, wendy Naoko
Gillenwater was born to Randyand Sandra Gillenwater.
She was known for her kindheart and vibrant personality.
Wendy had a close-knit familyand many friends who adored her.

(06:44):
Wendy had a close-knit familyand many friends who adored her.
In the 1990s and early 2000s,skidmore began battling a
problem much more challenging todeal with than a town bully
Meth.
Meth is a highly addictive drugthat is cheap and easy to make.
People can buy what they needat a local Walmart and rural

(07:13):
Missouri led the county in homemeth labs in the 2010s.
Wendy Gillenwater becameaddicted to methamphetamines in
her early 20s alongside herboyfriend, greg Dragoo.
The two moved in together intheir late teens in 1994.
By October 2000, the two werestill together, but things were
really bad.

(07:34):
Dragoo was physically abusive,often due to his meth use.
Meth is a stimulant and whilesome people feel euphoric, some
become anxious and irritable.
It can also heighten thefight-or-flight reaction, making
people more likely to overreactto relatively minor issues, and

(07:54):
some people can also experiencepsychosis.
Drago was someone who dealtwith the so-called ice rage when
he was high.
Wendy was the target and heoften chose to vent his anger.
In addition to the physicalviolence in the relationship,
drago was extremely controlling.

(08:15):
His paranoia escalated rightalongside his meth use.
He didn't ever want Wendy toleave the house without him.
He isolated her from her family.
If Dragoo left Wendy home alone, he would sometimes take her

(08:38):
shoes with him or even herclothes, so she couldn't go
anywhere.
It can be challenging tounderstand why someone might
find it difficult to leave anabusive relationship.
Many people think how can aperson truly love someone who
treats them in such a harmfulway?
While it may be hard tocomprehend, this situation
occurs more often than werealize.
The abuser will make threats toharm the family, pet or the

(09:02):
children to keep control of thesituation and prevent the victim
from leaving, or they'll evengo as far as threatening to harm
themselves to make the victimfeel guilty for leaving, as if
you leave, I will end my lifeand it will be all your fault.
On average, it takes a victimof abuse about seven attempts

(09:24):
before they finally leave theirabuser and unfortunately, the
violence often escalates eachtime after each attempt.
In Wendy's case, there areadditional factors to consider,
such as her struggle withinactive addiction, such as her
struggle with inactive addiction, her lack of financial

(09:44):
resources and the fact that theywere living in poverty with
little to no access toassistance.
The nearest city with resourceswas an hour away and Wendy
could barely get away fromDragoo long enough to see her
family.
On October 16, 2000, 26-year-oldGreg Dragoo experienced an

(10:09):
explosive outburst of rage forreasons that remain a mystery.
He may not even understand thesource of his anger.
Himself.
At the time, he was under theinfluence of methamphetamine,
which likely fueled his violentbehavior.
The attack on Wendy startedunexpectedly and, although the

(10:30):
exact duration of the assault isunclear, it ended when Dragu
dragged Wendy, now renderedunconscious, into the backyard
around 1.30 pm.
A vigilant neighbor whowitnessed the horrifying scene
unfold immediately rushedoutside to intervene.

(10:51):
Recognizing the severity of thesituation, he quickly dialed
911 to report the assault.
It was only when Dragu becameaware of the neighbor's presence
that he finally stopped thebrutal attack.
Afterward, dragoo casuallywalked around to the front of
the house and sat on the steps,seemingly unfazed, as he awaited

(11:13):
the arrival of law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the paramedics whoarrived on scene found Wendy in
a state of clinical death.
They immediately performed CPRand provided artificial
respiration to stabilize hercondition before transporting
her to the hospital.
Despite the efforts of theparamedics to resuscitate her,

(11:37):
wendy never regainedconsciousness or the ability to
breathe on her own.
She was pronounced dead around5.15 pm that evening at the
hospital, devastating her familyand friends.
Following her death, the chargesagainst Greg Dragoo were
escalated from assault tohomicide.

(11:57):
An autopsy revealed extensiveinjuries on Wendy's body,
indicating a history of abuse.
The medical examiner found bothold and new wounds.
The cause of death wasconfirmed as blunt force trauma
to the chest and abdomen.
When interrogated by detectives, Drago confessed to the heinous

(12:21):
act, detailing his role inWendy's assault.
Consequently, he was chargedwith murder.
Despite the incriminatingconfession and a neighbor
prepared to testify that it wasindeed Greg Dragoo who had
forcibly pulled Wendy out of thehouse to continue the assault,
the case initially appeared tobe heading toward trial.

(12:42):
Reports from that periodsuggest that Dragoo was
considering pursuing a partialdefense indicating a complex
legal strategy in the wake ofhis violent actions.
In Missouri, a jury is allowedto consider convicting a
defendant on lesser charges.
Unlike some states where therecan be disputes between

(13:05):
attorneys about which chargesare included in jury
instructions, missouriconsistently explains lesser
included offenses to the jury.
This means that even if thestate charges someone with
first-degree murder and presentsthat case, the jury can convict
the defendant of any homicidecharge.

(13:26):
A partial defense virtuallymeans that the defendant
acknowledges guilt but arguesthat they are not guilty of the
most serious charge.
In this instance, dragu wascharged with second-degree
murder and his defense couldpresent a case to the jury for a
conviction of voluntarymanslaughter instead.

(13:47):
The situation can mean thedifference between decades.
In prison, dragu underwentpsychiatric evaluations which
revealed a severe substanceabuse problem and history of
significant childhood abuse.
Ultimately, he chose to pleadguilty to a second-degree murder

(14:08):
charge in August 2001, justbefore his trial was scheduled
to begin.
Wendy's family felt relieved toavoid the trial and the painful
details of what she had endured.
Hearing the medical examinerdescribe her injuries would have
been excruciating.
At Dragu's sentencing hearing,wendy's sister said in her

(14:30):
victim impact statement.
Quote I have been sentenced toa life without my sister.
I didn't have a say in thismatter and I didn't have a
choice.
But Greg Dragu has his life,his family and he had his choice
.
End quote.
The judge recognized thatDragoo had been a victim for

(14:52):
most of his life, having enduredhis own experience of abuse and
trauma.
He expressed sympathy for thechallenges that Dragoo faced
that led him to his currentsituation.
The judge also highlighted theimpact the drugs had on their
relationship.
However, he ultimatelyconcluded that, due to the
ongoing pattern of abuse Dragooinflicted on Wendy, he deserved

(15:16):
a life sentence in prison.
Greg Dragoo is stillincarcerated.
He appealed his conviction in2004, but appealing after taking
a plea can be challengingbecause there are usually no
trial errors to cite as groundsfor an appeal.
In Missouri, individuals whohave pleaded guilty can contest

(15:37):
their conviction based onineffective assistance of
counsel.
They can also appeal theirsentence if it exceeds the
maximum allowed.
However, second-degree murderis classified as a Class A
felony and the maximum sentencefor this offense is life in
prison, which is what Dragureceived.
His appeal was denied.

(15:58):
In Missouri, a life sentencefor second-degree murder
typically allows for paroleeligibility after 30 years.
Sentence for second-degreemurder typically allows for
parole eligibility after 30years.
Dragoo has already served 23years of that sentence, which
means he may be eligible forparole within the next decade.
Since Wendy's death, her familyhas become advocates for

(16:18):
domestic violence resources inrural areas.
In the 10 months between thetragic murder of Wendy and
Dragoo's guilty plea, theStinnett family endured yet
another heart-wrenching tragedy.
Among the blended family ofJoanne and Babe, which consisted
of nine children, was Bob Perry.

(16:40):
Bob had a son named Branson,who was six years younger than
his cousin Wendy.
Branson.
Kane Perry was born on February24, 1981.
He grew up in the small town ofSkidmore, nestled in the heart
of Missouri, surrounded by aloving family consisting of his

(17:00):
parents, bob and Becky, and abrother who was three years
younger.
The Perry household was knownfor its vibrant and welcoming
atmosphere.
According to a childhood friendof Branson's featured in the
docuseries, no One Saw a Thing.
The Perry home was the favoritegathering spot for local
children.
Bob and Becky intentionallycreated a fun and inviting

(17:24):
environment, making it a belovedhangout where laughter and
friendship flourished among theneighborhood kids.
Bob built an expansiveplayground set because he and
Becky believed that if the kidswere at their house playing they
would know where their kidswere and that they were safe.
It was a clever plan.

(17:45):
Bob and Becky owned andoperated a greenhouse business
together and everyone hadpositive things to say about
them.
They were a highly respectedfamily, known for their
integrity and successfulbusiness ventures, and they
raised two polite and well-lovedsons.
And they raised two polite andwell-loved sons.

(18:09):
Branson was deeply passionateabout martial arts, particularly
hapkido.
Hapkido is a Korean martial artthat emphasizes joint locks,
throws and strikes.
He dedicated years to hispractice and achieved the
esteemed rank of black belt, atestament to his commitment and
skill.

(18:30):
Branson graduated high schoolfrom Nottoway Holt High School
in 1999.
After graduating, he had hopesof serving his country by
enlisting in the Army.
Unfortunately, he did not passhis physical exam.
Concerned, he sought medicaladvice from his doctor, who
diagnosed him with tachycardia,a condition characterized by an

(18:52):
abnormally fast heart rate.
This revelation altered thetrajectory of his plans and
required him to rethink hisfuture ambitions.
Branson's medical condition ledto a troubling symptom His
heart rate would raceuncontrollably, often

(19:13):
disproportionately to the levelof physical exertion or activity
that he was engaged in at thetime.
Despite the seriousness of thisissue, it appears that he was
not placed on any medication tomanage it.
However, the condition wassignificant enough to disqualify
him from serving in themilitary, which had been one of

(19:33):
his dreams.
Following the disqualification,branson got a job as a roofer a
physically demanding job thatrequired resilience and skill.
Roofer a physically demandingjob that required resilience and
skill.
Unfortunately, after a periodof working in this role, he was
laid off due to economicdownturns that affected the
construction industry.

(19:53):
Finding steady work afterproved to be a tough challenge,
particularly in the ruralcommunity where he lived.
Opportunities were scarce andthe job market was limited in
such areas, making it difficultfor someone in his position to
secure stable employment.

(20:15):
In 2000, branson's familyunderwent a significant change
when his parents, bob and Becky,divorced.
By then, branson had alreadycompleted his education and
opted to remain in Skidmore withhis father, bob.
Meanwhile, his mother, becky,and Branson's younger brother,
who was only 16 at the time,relocated approximately 20 miles

(20:37):
away, further complicatingfamily dynamics and support
systems.
The divorce between Bob andBecky unfolded with a surprising
degree of grace, a rarity inthe often tumultuous landscape
of family separations.
Bob took the initiative to helpBecky with her move, carefully

(20:58):
packing boxes filled with sharedmemories, from family photos to
beloved toys that heldsentimental value for the two
boys.
This thoughtful gesture helpedmaintain an atmosphere of
cooperation, allowing their boysto experience a smooth
transition between homes, evenas their world altered around

(21:19):
them.
On Friday, april 13, 2001,branson's grandmother, joanne,
felt a strong urge to visit thehouse, concerned for her
grandson during this turbulenttime.
She arrived in the afternoon,hoping to ensure he was coping
well with the recent changes.
Bob had been recovering in thehospital for several days due to

(21:44):
an ongoing health issue.
Despite those circumstances,branson had shown remarkable
dedication, visiting his fatheroften.
However, during Joanne's visitwith Bob on Thursday the day
before, he expressed concernthat Branson had not come by on
Wednesday evening the 11th, asanticipated, had not come by on
Wednesday evening the 11th, asanticipated.

(22:05):
During their conversation, bobalso revealed that he had been
scheduled for discharge from thehospital that Friday.
However, the doctors had optedto keep him for a few more
additional days to monitor hiscondition more closely.
Joanne went to the house tocheck on Branson and to inform
him that his dad would not becoming home that day.

(22:27):
When Joanne arrived, she foundthe doors unlocked, music
playing loudly and Branson'sbeloved pet unfed.
She thought this was strange,but having raised nine kids, she
understood that 20-year-oldssometimes do unusual things.
She understood that20-year-olds sometimes do

(22:48):
unusual things.
On Saturday afternoon, joannereturned to the house, hoping to
find Branson there waiting forher.
Instead, she was met with anunsettling stillness.
Everything was just as she hadleft it.
Branson did not return home atall.
A wave of concern washed overher, prompting her to reach out
to some of Branson's closefriends to see if they knew

(23:11):
anything about his whereabouts.
Unfortunately, they wereequally in the dark.
Not only did they have no ideawhere he might be, but they all
also revealed that it had beenseveral days since any of them
had heard from him.
The situation weighed heavilyon Joanne's mind.

(23:31):
Meanwhile, on Sunday, bob wasfinally discharged from the
hospital and he called Branson'smother, becky.
During their conversation, heshared his worries about the
lack of contact from Branson andexpressed that he hadn't heard
from him in days.
Reflecting the same concern,becky admitted that she had not

(23:53):
received any messages or callsfrom her son.
Branson was becomingincreasingly difficult to reach,
raising alarms for his familyand friends.
Branson was free to come and goas he pleased, but his sudden
lack of contact was entirely outof character.
This unusual behavior causedincreasing concern among his

(24:17):
loved ones.
The following day, bob, joanneand Becky convened at the local
police station to formallyreport Branson missing.
Local police station toformally report Branson missing,
it was April 16th, three dayssince his family had first
realized his absence.
However, the investigationrevealed a more alarming truth.

(24:39):
Branson had actually vanishedfive days prior, on Wednesday
April 11th.
On that day, branson hadinvited a friend named Gina over
to his home, marking that thelast time anyone had interacted
with him.
Branson was determined to cleanthe house meticulously, from top

(25:01):
to bottom.
He wanted to ensure that whenBob returned home from his
hospital stay, he wouldn't haveto worry about anything related
to the house.
As he moved through the rooms,faking enthusiasm to distract
himself from the underlyingstress, gina watched him closely
.
At one point she noticed himopen a kitchen cabinet, retrieve

(25:23):
a small, nondescript object anddart out the back door with it
with an unreadable expression.
With curiosity piqued, ginafollowed him with her eyes,
wondering what he could possiblybe up to.
Upon his return.
She asked about the item thathe had taken, but he simply
shrugged off her curiositywithout providing a clear answer

(25:46):
.
It was less of a deliberaterefusal and more of a distracted
dismissal, as if he had otherthoughts occupying his mind.
Outside of the house, there weretwo men hunched over Bob's car,
which was parked on the street,attempting to fix the
alternator, their toolsclattered, as they worked

(26:06):
diligently, oblivious to thetension building inside the
house.
It's possible that Bransonsimply delivered something to
them without informing Ginaabout it, as explaining could
take longer than the matter wasworth.
However, even small details canseem like potential clues when
someone goes missing.
After cleaning the house for alittle while longer, gina

(26:31):
decided to take a shower.
When she stepped out of thebathroom, she noticed one of the
men who had been working on thecar earlier now standing in the
kitchen, rummaging through thecabinets, as if searching for
something specific.
Curiously, she approached himand asked what he was looking
for.
He simply replied that hewasn't searching for anything in

(26:55):
particular before leaving thekitchen and returning outside to
continue working on the car.
This incident marked the secondtime that someone had gone into
those cabinets since Gina wasthere.
She asked what it was about andwas dismissed without any
explanation.
It raised a troubling questionwhat was in those cabinets that

(27:18):
prompted such secrecy?
Later on, around 3 pm, as Ginawas upstairs, she heard the
unmistakable sound of the porchdoor closing, cutting through
the quiet of the house.
She gazed out the window andspotted Branson in the yard.
She called out to him, askingwhat he was doing.

(27:40):
He casually responded that hewas simply returning the jumper
cables to the shed, where theywere typically stored after use.
However, some reports suggestthat he also mentioned needing
to take care of another matterand told her that he'd be right
back.
On the other hand, otheraccounts focus solely on the

(28:00):
jumper cables, neglecting anymention of his other errand.
Branson's mother, becky,expressed her frustration and
confusion, revealing that shereceived varying stories about
the events of that day fromdifferent sources.
Branson's mother, becky,expressed her frustration and
confusion, revealing that shereceived varying stories about
the events of that day fromdifferent sources.
Given these inconsistencies,it's no wonder that they made

(28:22):
their way into the mediacoverage.
Meanwhile, gina mentioned that,after completing her chores
inside the house, she waited forBranson to come home, expecting
him to be back shortly.
When he didn't, she assumedthat he had become preoccupied
with something else and decidedto leave, thinking nothing of it
.
The two men who were busyworking on the car in the front

(28:43):
of the house claimed that theydidn't see anything unusual.
They're working on the quietstreet of a small town, making
it seem strange that neither ofthem noticed Branson strolling
by or heard him getting into avehicle.
It's worth considering, though,that their attention was
entirely focused on Bob's car,with tools spread out all around

(29:06):
them and the sound of their ownwork perhaps drowning out any
external noises.
In the midst of their tasks,it's entirely possible that
Branson passed by them withoutthem even realizing.
According to the family, all ofBranson's personal belongings
remained in the house, offeringlittle indication of where he

(29:28):
might have gone.
Remained in the house, offeringlittle indication of where he
might have gone.
Because of this, it suggeststhat he had left voluntarily and
didn't expect to be away for anextended period of time.
Even his wallet was founduntouched at home, a thorough
search of the shed next to hisproperty revealed that the
jumper cables were missing,implying that Branson may have

(29:50):
disappeared after walking only afew feet from his home to the
shed.
Organized search efforts beganon Tuesday, april 17th,
initially focusing on the Perryproperty and gradually extending
to surrounding areas.
Volunteers and search teamscombed the nearby fields and

(30:13):
wooded regions hoping to findany sign of Branson.
Investigators faced significantchallenges as they began the
official search six days afterBranson was last seen.
The time that had elapsed haddiminished the viability of
leads and adverse weatherconditions throughout the week

(30:33):
further complicated thesituation.
As a result, it was decidedthat deploying scent dogs would
not be effective, so they werenot included in the search
efforts.
In an attempt to leave no stoneunturned, search teams
meticulously scoured a varietyof abandoned structures.

(30:55):
Their efforts includedcarefully examining old barns,
dilapidated farmhouses and evenan empty school, hoping that one
of these locations might hold aclue to Branson's whereabouts.
That one of these locationsmight hold a clue to Branson's
whereabouts.
Each location was searchedthoroughly, but no evidence had

(31:18):
been uncovered to explain hissudden disappearance.
If any evidence was foundduring these searches, it has
not been made public.
An alert was placed onBranson's bank account, which he
had only recently opened, butthere was no activity.
The investigation relied onwitness statements as no
significant clues or forensicevidence existed.

(31:40):
One of the key statements camefrom Bob Perry, branson's father
.
Before I share what he said, Iwant to clarify something.
This story has been repeated inseveral sources, nearly
identical each time, which makesme believe that everyone is
pulling from a single source.

(32:00):
In many cases, they seem tosimply copy and paste the
information.
The source is Diane Fanning'strue crime book Baby Be Mine,
which covers the other case thatwe'll be covering next.
The book includes a sectiondedicated to Branson, where an
important statement is mentioned.

(32:22):
The story goes that on April 7th, shortly before he went missing
, branson visited the home of aneighbor named Jason.
Jason was about 10 years olderthan Branson.
During his visit, branson tooka drug, but was unsure of its
identity, supposedly while high,branson, stripped down naked,

(32:44):
danced around, shaved his pubichair and then engaged in sexual
activity with Jason.
Branson went home afterward andtold his father what had
happened.
He was very upset about it.
Bob had suspected that Bransonwas gay already and that was not
the issue for him.

(33:05):
However, as we know,intoxicated consent is not truly
consent.
Trigger warning Both Bransonand Bob believed that the older
neighbor had purposely givenBranson something in order to
rape him.
Bob seriously contemplatedvisiting Jason's house to

(33:28):
confront him about the troublingincident involving Branson.
However, after weighing hisoptions, he chose not to go
through with it.
He chose not to go through withit.
Living in a tight-knitMidwestern town where the fear
of homophobia loomed large, bobwas acutely aware of the risks.
This pervasive anxiety likelyplayed a significant role in

(33:51):
both his and Branson's decisionto remain silent about the event
leading up to Branson'smysterious disappearance.
Leading up to Branson'smysterious disappearance.
Let's take a moment to revisitmy clarification disclaimer.
I currently have just onesource for this story, which is
attributed to Bob.
Although I find it hard tobelieve that Diane Fanning would

(34:13):
fabricate such information, itis essential to highlight when
details are derived from asingle source.
This practice remains vital tomaintain transparency, even when
I have confidence in thatsource's reliability.

(34:40):
According to Fanning, bobbelieved that Branson might have
hitchhiked to stay with a closefriend who lived in Kansas City
, which is about an hour and ahalf away from Skidmore.
Given that Branson was upset,it was possible, but he didn't
have a vehicle and would haveneeded to hitchhike to get there
.
However, the rest of the familydid not think that Branson was
the type to hitchhike.
As far as they knew, he hadnever done so before.
Nevertheless, when someone goesmissing, every lead is worth

(35:03):
following.
They contacted the friend inKansas City, but he hadn't heard
from Branson.
Some wondered if Jason wasinvolved in making Branson quiet
about what happened.
However, as far as I can tell,he was investigated and cleared
of any suspicion.

(35:25):
A promising lead emerged fromGina's statement.
She revealed that Branson hadstarted to associate with local
drug dealers, engaging not onlyin drug use but also
participating in the supplychain by providing essential raw
materials for methamphetamineproduction.
This situation highlights theprofound impact that meth can

(35:48):
have on rural communities, wherethe lack of resources and
limited opportunities can fosteran environment conducive to
drug trafficking and abuse.
Job opportunities in many areasare often scarce, particularly
in small towns where economicprospects are limited.
In such environments, illicitactivities can become a common

(36:12):
means of survival, and drugs inparticular can offer a way to
generate income when legitimateemployment is hard to find.
Branson, facing the challengesof unemployment after being laid
off, may have resorted toassociating in the manufacturing
of methamphetamine as adesperate attempt to secure some

(36:33):
financial stability.
The nearest metropolitan area toSkidmore, where the majority of
these drugs were sold, is StJoseph, missouri.
This city has beensignificantly impacted by the
methamphetamine epidemic, whichhas detrimental effects on the
community, including increasedcrime rates, health crisis and

(36:58):
social instability.
Crime rates, health crisis andsocial instability.
If you do a Google search formeth in St Joseph Missouri, it
will reveal numerous articlesand reports highlighting the
severity of the situation.
The reality is alarming,illustrating a community
grappling with the far-reachingramifications of drug addiction

(37:19):
and trafficking.
Grappling with the far-reachingramifications of drug addiction
and trafficking.
In their investigation intoBranson's disappearance,
authorities in St Joseph tappedinto local drug connections and
consulted informants, conductinginterviews with several
individuals connected to theunderground scene.
Through these inquiries, thepolice developed a strong belief

(37:42):
that Branson's fate wasintricately linked to
drug-related activities.
However, they have chosen tokeep the specifics of this
connection confidential, whichhas led to much speculation in
the community.
Two weeks after Bransonvanished, an unexpected,

(38:02):
perplexing piece of evidenceemerged.
The jumper cables, previouslyunaccounted for during the
initial search of the shed, werediscovered resting just inside
the entrance.
They were positioned in plainsight, not concealed or hidden.
They were positioned in plainsight, not concealed or hidden.

(38:28):
Yet their presence raisedquestions about how they could
have been overlooked during thefirst investigation.
This baffling find deepened themystery surrounding Branson's
disappearance and added anotherlayer of complexity to the
ongoing investigation.
It remains uncertain fromavailable reports when someone
last entered the shed, raisingquestions about how long the

(38:48):
jumper cables were kept there.
We cannot determine whetherthey were placed in the shed
just moments before theirdiscovery or if they had been
neglected there for several days.
According to the family'sunderstanding, the cables were
not subjected to fingerprintanalysis.
The material from which thecables were made of is not

(39:10):
conducive for retainingfingerprints.
Even if a partial print hadbeen located, the cables had
been handled by numerousindividuals, making it highly
unlikely that any resultingevidence would be meaningful.

(39:34):
The most pressing questionsurrounding the jumper cables is
their intended purpose.
Why were they returned to theshed in the first place?
What could have promptedsomeone to take the considerable
risk of being seen on theproperty while carrying them?
If there was a genuine fear ofbeing caught, why not simply
dispose of them in the river orsome other remote location?
What could possibly justify thedecision to return them to the

(39:56):
shed instead of eliminating theevidence altogether as a risk
for a kidnapper or a murderer totake.
It doesn't make sense.
Four months after Branson'smysterious disappearance, the
sheriff spoke with the St JosephNews Press, revealing that

(40:16):
investigators had identified theindividuals Branson was last
seen with.
However, he expressedfrustration over the lack of
cooperation from theseindividuals.
He indicated that they wereBranson's friends but suspected

(40:37):
that their silence stemmed fromtheir involvement in something
illegal that may havecontributed to his disappearance
.
This reluctance severelyhindered the investigation, as
every lead seemed to stall dueto their unwillingness to share
information.
On top of that, an ongoingrumor began circulating within
the community, suggesting thatBranson was at another residence

(40:59):
in Skidmore after being lastseen by Gina.
If this rumor holds any truth,it could connect the group the
police are investigating as timeprogressed.
Nine months after Bransonvanished, the Missouri State
Highway Patrol publiclyacknowledged that they and the

(41:21):
other law enforcement agenciesinvolved in the case had reached
an impasse, with no substantialleads to pursue.
The growing uncertaintysurrounding Branson's fate has
left investigators and hisfamily in a state of distress,
desperate for answers.
A year after Branson'smysterious disappearance, his

(41:44):
family sought the assistance ofMissouri psychic Joyce Morgan.
It's essential to note that itwas primarily Bob and Joanne who
made contact with her, giventhat Becky was not on board with
their decision.
In fact, becky Harper doubtsabout Joyce's intentions,
believing that she was merelylooking to profit from their
tragedy and gain publicattention.

(42:06):
In contrast, joyce reportedlyoffered her services without
charge, claiming a genuinedesire to help the family find
closure.
During her consultation, joycemade startling assertions,
stating that Branson had beenkilled on the same day he
vanished.
She provided the police withvivid details about the

(42:28):
circumstances surrounding hisdeath, including insights into
who she believed was responsiblefor the crime.
Additionally, she confidentlypredicted that Branson's body
would be discovered in the nearfuture.
However, as time continued topass, now stretching to 24 years
since his disappearance, itseems that her prediction has

(42:51):
not come to fruition, leadingmany to question the accuracy of
her insights.
Bites Joanne explained thatthey had solicited the help of a
psychic simply because theyfelt that they had exhausted all
other options and were growingincreasingly desperate for
answers.
Meanwhile, becky was primarilyfocused on the idea of providing

(43:12):
a monetary reward.
The law enforcement officialswere convinced that the events
surrounding Branson'sdisappearance unfolded in
Skidmore and that severalindividuals were aware of
crucial details.
In her pursuit for the truth.
Becky was determined to coaxone of these potential witnesses
into revealing what they knew.

(43:34):
She believed that offering afinancial incentive would be the
most effective approach if asense of guilt or moral
obligation wasn't enough toprompt someone to come forward.
In that case, the allure of asubstantial cash reward,
potentially amounting to severalthousand dollars, might finally

(43:54):
compel them to speak out.
Becky had been diligentlypursuing her education in IT,
attending classes and investingcountless hours into her studies
.
To support herself during thisendeavor, she worked as a
waitress.
Over time, she saved asubstantial amount of money,

(44:24):
setting her sights on along-awaited vacation, a
well-deserved getaway to relaxand recharge after the intense
grind of balancing work andschool.
However, when Bransonmysteriously disappeared, becky
made a decision that any lovingmother would.
Instead of using herhard-earned savings for the
vacation that she had dreamed of, she redirected all of those
funds toward a reward forinformation on Branson.
By the time she had depletedher life savings and the funds

(44:48):
generated through variouscommunity fundraisers, she had
successfully established a$5,000 reward for information
regarding the case.
Unfortunately, despite thissignificant incentive, no one
came forward with the crucialinformation needed to solve the
mystery surrounding Branson'sdisappearance In a notable turn

(45:12):
of events.
In April 2003, two years afterBranson vanished, a suspect
emerged.
Two years after Bransonvanished, a suspect emerged.
This individual was intriguingbecause he was not connected to
the notorious Skidmore drugscene, which had been at the
center of the earlierinvestigations.

(45:32):
To fully understand how thissuspect came to be on police
radar, we need to take a stepback in time.
This journey will require us toretrace our steps, but I assure
you it will all come togetherin the end.
It began in January 2001, whenthe FBI launched Operation
Candyman, an extensiveinvestigation targeting online

(45:55):
child pornography.
This initiative aimed touncover individuals involved in
disturbing and consuming illicitcontent on the internet,
ultimately revealing a complexweb of criminal activities that
would intersect with the ongoinginvestigation into Branson's
case.
The investigation uncovered anetwork that ensnared numerous

(46:20):
individuals, including MichaelDavidson.
Authorities found a substantialcollection of disturbing images
on his computer, evidencepotent enough to guarantee him a
lengthy prison sentence.
In addition to this alarmingmaterial, investigators also

(46:49):
discovered graphic online chatlogs in which Davidson
communicated with otherpredators, revealing the dark
underbelly of his interactions.
Among these individuals wasJack Wayne Rogers, a man who was
trusted as both a minister anda Boy Scout leader in Fulton,
missouri, a town, approximatelyfour hours from Skidmore.
The juxtaposition of hisrespectable roles with his
participation in vile onlineconversations about pedophilia

(47:13):
and sexual violence is deeplyunsettling.
In an alarming account, rogersrecanted a chilling incident in
which he picked up ablonde-haired hitchhiker from
Skidmore.
He described in graphic detailthe horrifying actions he took
against the young man, whichultimately led to the boy's

(47:34):
death.
The details concerning theyoung man he had picked up were
alarmingly consistent withBranson Perry's physical
description, including hisheight, build and distinctive
features.
Additionally, the circumstancessurrounding the encounter and
the timeline coincided eerilywith the events leading up to

(47:55):
Branson's disappearance.
Up to Branson's disappearance, athorough investigation of
Roger's home and office revealeda shocking array of graphic and
disturbing images that no oneshould ever have to witness.
These discoveries raisedserious concerns about Roger's
involvement in Branson's caseand painted a chilling picture

(48:18):
of his character.
It was revealed that this wasnot his first offense.
In 1992, he pleaded guilty tothe offense of receiving child
pornography through the mail,resulting in a four-month jail
sentence Following his release.
The start of the internetdramatically changed the

(48:40):
landscape of illicit materialaccessibility.
With this new technology, hefound himself with even greater
opportunities to obtain suchcontent online, significantly
expanding his access andincreasing his ability to get it
online without detection.
Before we continue, I just wantto give you guys a heads up

(49:03):
about what we're going to becovering.
While this episode has beendifficult, I must address some
details about violence againsttrans women that cannot be
overlooked.
In addition to the childpornography, there were
photographs of Rogers posingwith severed male genitalia.
The investigation revealed ahorrifying reality.

(49:26):
Rogers was conducting illegalgender confirmation surgeries in
makeshift hotel room clinics,preying on the desperation of
trans women grappling withprofound gender dysphoria.
As one investigator described,these procedures were not
medical interventions.
They were unqualified andunlicensed butcher jobs.

(49:52):
Rogers displayed a shockingdisregard for the health and
well-being of the women involved.
There was no attempt atreconstruction, no concern for
long-term care, only crude,often dangerous removal
procedures.
The emotional toll on thesewomen was immense, compounded by
the complex nature of theirconsent.

(50:12):
One woman bravely spoke atRogers' eventual sentencing on a
range of charges andarticulated this complexity with
striking clarity.
Initially, she didn't perceiveherself as a traditional victim.
She had, after all, consentedto the surgery.
However, the revelation ofRogers' actions shattered this

(50:34):
perception.
She learned that Rogers hadcallously posed for photographs
with the severed tissue,treating the women's bodies as
objects of grotesque fascination.
This wasn't a misguided attemptto assist the trans community,
as some might have initiallyspeculated.
It was a calculated act ofexploitation, a demonstration of

(50:58):
utter contempt for the women heclaimed to help.
This woman's testimonyhighlighted the insidious nature
of Roger's actions.
He didn't just performdangerous procedures.
He violated the trust ofvulnerable individuals,
exploiting their desperation foraffirmation and their need for

(51:19):
gender-affirming care.
He stripped away their dignity,not only through the procedures
themselves, but also throughhis callous treatment of their
bodies.
The woman's experiencehighlighted the fact that
consent, while essential,doesn't negate the potential for
exploitation, especially whenpower dynamics are so deeply

(51:40):
skewed and the promise of reliefis so desperately sought.
The investigation into Roger'sactivities revealed a deeply
disturbing pattern.
Chat logs and photographssuggested he was mutilating
individuals for his own sexualgratification, treating them as
objects for his perverse desires.

(52:01):
This pattern extended beyondthe women he operated on, as his
alleged interactions withBranson Perry in the chat logs
also hinted to a similar form ofmutilation.
However, when confirmed withthis evidence, rogers vehemently
denied any involvement inBranson's disappearance.

(52:22):
He claimed that the chat logswere pure fantasy, a product of
his imagination.
He insisted he had never metBranson, never picked him up,
and that his knowledge of thecase stemmed solely from a
missing persons flyer.
He portrayed himself as merelyfilling in the blanks with his

(52:43):
twisted mind, creating afictional narrative.
The blanks with his twistedmind, creating a fictional
narrative.
Despite the graphic content ofthe chat logs, investigators
were unable to charge Rogerswith Branson's disappearance or
murder.
The lack of cooperatingphysical evidence rendered the
chat logs inadmissible as aconfession.
There was no body, no crimescene, nothing to connect Rogers

(53:07):
to Branson beyond his own words.
A potential lead emerged withthe discovery of a necklace in
Rogers' possession.
Bob Perry, branson's father,identified it as resembling one
of Branson's own a turtle's clawpendant.
However, dna testing yielded noresults.

(53:28):
Crucially, there were nophotographs of Branson wearing
the necklace, making itimpossible to definitively prove
that it was his.
Becky acknowledged that Bransonowned a lot of jewelry in that
style, but couldn't recall thatspecific piece.
Bob Perry was also not presentthe day that Branson disappeared

(53:49):
, so he could not confirm whatjewelry Branson was wearing that
day.
It's important to emphasizethat, while the necklace
identification is noteworthy, itwas far from a smoking gun as
it is sometimes portrayed indiscussions of this case.
The lack of definitive proofleft investigators with
frustrating limitations whenRogers was charged and pleaded

(54:14):
guilty to the other offenses,becky attended every court date,
hoping for a breakthrough, somepiece of information that would
shed light on her son'sdisappearance However, that day
never came would shed light onher son's disappearance.
However, that day never came.
Over time, becky's perspectiveevolved.

(54:36):
She eventually came to believethat Rogers had no involvement
in Branson's disappearance andthat he had indeed constructed a
sick fantasy about him afterseeing the missing persons flyer
.
This shift in her beliefhighlights the complex emotional
journey of families dealingwith unsolved disappearances and
the struggle to reconciledisturbing circumstantial
evidence with the lack ofconcrete proof.

(55:00):
Jack Wayne Rogers is currentlyin federal prison.
His sentencing brought closureto the cases against him, though
the full extent of his actionsmay never be known.
He is currently serving alengthy sentence and will not be
eligible for release until 2028at the earliest.
Given his age 80, at the timeof this recording, there's a

(55:24):
possibility he might not surviveto his release date, adding to
the disturbing picture ofRogers' character.
In 2014, a former teenager whois now a Presbyterian minister
came forward with allegations ofsexual abuse.
He stated that Rogers assaultedhim in 2000, when he was a

(55:46):
teenager.
He stated that Rogers assaultedhim in 2000 when he was a
teenager.
At the time, rogers was servingas a chaperone on a youth trip
to a national conference inMaryland.
This revelation is particularlyalarming as it occurred only
eight years after Rogers hadpleaded guilty to child
pornography charges.

(56:06):
The fact that he was allowed tochaperone a youth trip after
such a conviction raises seriousquestions about the oversight
and judgment of thoseresponsible.
Rogers likely has additionalvictims who have not yet come
forward.
His history and patterns ofbehavior strongly suggest a
broader scope of abuse.

(56:26):
Patterns of behavior stronglysuggest a broader scope of abuse
.
However, despite the suspicionsurrounding Rogers, it's
increasingly believed thatBranson Perry was not among his
victims.
While Rogers' presence and hisdisturbing actions offer a
convenient explanation for somein the Skidmore community, who
might find it easier to believean outsider was responsible, law

(56:53):
enforcement's working theorypoints to a different conclusion
.
The police strongly suspectthat someone within the Skidmore
community is responsible forBranson's disappearance.
While difficult to accept forsome, this theory is based on
their investigative findings andthe lack of concrete evidence
linking Rogers to Branson.
It's a somber reminder thatsometimes the most unsettling

(57:13):
truths lie closest to home.
Over the years, the Sheriff'sDepartment continued to pursue
leads in Branson Perry'sdisappearance utilizing various
investigative techniques.
One approach involvedquestioning individuals arrested
for other offenses, such asdrug-related crimes, hoping to

(57:34):
glean information aboutBranson's fate.
The Sheriff's Departmentdeveloped a strong theory about
what transpired through thisprocess.
According to their findings,branson Perry had recently begun
experimenting with drugs, adetail corroborated by Gina's
statement.
Also, branson was reportedlyinvolved in procuring supplies

(57:57):
for methamphetamine production.
This involvement placed him ina potentially dangerous and
volatile environment.
Adding another layer ofcomplexity to the investigation
was Branson's reportedinteraction with a local police
officer.
The details of this encounterremain undisclosed, but it

(58:19):
reportedly caused concern amongsome individuals who feared
Branson might divulgeinformation to avoid facing
potential charges.
Based on their investigativeefforts, the Sheriff's
Department believes that therewere nine key individuals
involved in Branson'sdisappearance.
They have not released thenames of these individuals, but

(58:42):
their assertion indicates abelief that Branson's
disappearance was not a resultof a random act, but rather a
planned event involving aspecific group.
The search for Branson Perry hasbeen a long and difficult
journey, marked by numerousleads, dead ends and the
persistent hope for closure.

(59:02):
Over the years, the Sheriff'sDepartment has pursued countless
tips, ranging from phone callsto anonymous leads, resulting in
periodic searches and digsacross a wide area from
Burlington Junction to Quitman.
The case's first leadinvestigator was Steve
Whittington, who served as asergeant and an investigator

(59:24):
with the Nottoway CountySheriff's Office from 1997 to
2010.
Whittington recalled extensivesearch efforts in the initial
year following Branson'sdisappearance.
During that first year afterBranson disappeared, whittington
said that he recalled diggingup a septic tank in Holt County,
an area north of Skidmore, aspot in Quitman, and that they

(59:49):
searched as many wells as theycould find, following up on
leads and even the weakestrumors, just in case they could
find something that would putthem on the trail to Branson.
As the investigation progressed,and after conducting over 100
interviews in the first twomonths, law enforcement's focus

(01:00:11):
shifted towards Branson'sconnections to the drug scene in
and around Skidmore and Quitman, a small unincorporated area
south of Skidmore.
Specifically, they concentratedon witness statements placing
Branson at a home east ofQuitman after he left his home
in Skidmore.
Whittington told the forumquote I'm sure this is all tied

(01:00:36):
to drugs.
After more than two decades,most serious theories about what
happened to Branson Perryinvolved people he knew through
drugs.
End quote.
Darren White, a Nottoway CountySheriff's Deputy in 2001 and
later Sheriff from 2009 to 2017,told the forum quote.
I can tell you that there werea lot of people that were

(01:00:59):
involved in the drug community,involved in selling, and there
were a whole bunch of them, thatthey were all familiar with
each other.
End quote.
A particular house on a gravelroad east of Quitman repeatedly
surfaced in rumors and anonymoustips as a hub for drug activity
.
White confirmed that witnessesplaced Branson at this house

(01:01:23):
after he left his home.
He also recounted hisexperience as a deputy on duty
when the house burned down.
White admitted that when hewasn't entirely certain about
the exact sequence of events andneither was Whittington.
However, he was confident aboutone crucial detail when the
house burned down, branson hadnot yet been reported missing.

(01:01:47):
According to White's bestrecollection, the fire occurred
sometime within the five-daywindow between the last time
Gina saw Branson at his home onWednesday the 11th and when
Branson's family reported himmissing on Monday, the 16th.
He speculated that the firemost likely happened on either
Friday or Saturday night.

(01:02:08):
White said there was a lot ofactivity that went on out there
but by the time of the fire theyhad all abandoned the place.
And this was in retrospect,after Branson went missing, but
before that was reported.
But before that was reportedend quote.

(01:02:31):
On that Friday or Saturdaynight.
White said that he responded tothe fire at the house quote by
the time that we got the calland got there, there was
absolutely nothing left.
It had burned to the ground.
End quote White believes thehouse is central to Branson's
disappearance, saying, quoteWhite believes the house is
central to Branson'sdisappearance, saying, quote the
best theory is that the houseis where he was actually
murdered.

(01:02:51):
That's the best theory, that hewas murdered in that house and
that ultimately, of course, whenthe house was destroyed by fire
, any possible evidence thatmight have been there would have
been destroyed in the fire.
End quote would have beendestroyed in the fire.
End quote Nottoway CountySheriff Randy Strong also

(01:03:14):
confirmed that Branson was lastseen at a residence that burned
down days later.
Strong confirmed to the forumthat he was referring to a house
equipment based on evidencegathered before he became
sheriff.
He said he did not want toshare more for fear of putting
someone in danger due to theexplicitness of the information.
Despite the focus on theburned-down house, investigators

(01:03:37):
acknowledge this does not solvethe crime.
The investigation has beenhampered by the lack of concrete
evidence.
White said, quote there wasjust a lot of little pieces of
information but not enough toput everything together.
End quote.
As former sheriff Whiterecounted to the forum, saying,

(01:03:58):
quote there were a lot of tipsand how do you determine what's
credible and what's not credible, but they took everything
pretty serious and there were alot of people that spent a lot
of time looking in wells andponds and just all kinds of
places in several counties.
It never went anywhere.
End quote.

(01:04:20):
Despite the lack of conclusiveresults, law enforcement
remained committed toinvestigating any and all
potential leads.
White said, quote one time itwas reported that he was put in
a barrel and they threw him inthe river and there was a report
that he was buried and then dugup and then reburied multiple
times and then at one pointthere was a report that he was

(01:04:42):
buried under a bridge andnothing ever came of that.
So you know, here we are allthese years later and it's just,
it's pretty frustrating.
End quote.
A particularly notable incidentoccurred in 2009, during
White's tenure as sheriff.
Acting on a tip from a prisonerin Holt County who claimed to

(01:05:07):
have been present when BransonPerry was buried, the sheriff's
office conducted a two-dayexcavation of a well in Quitman

(01:05:28):
deep and never found anythingthen.
And then later on he recantedand said that he really didn't
know and that he just saw it asan opportunity to get out of
jail for a while.
But there again, you know youget these tips and you can't
just ignore them.
End quote.
The subsequent excavation was asubstantial undertaking
spanning two days and involvingthe digging of a 23-foot deep

(01:05:49):
hole.
This excavation covered aconsiderable area measuring
approximately 20 feet by 40 feet, indicating a thorough and
extensive search effort.
Adding another layer to thehistory of the investigation, a
local farmer residing one and ahalf miles east of Quitman

(01:06:09):
recalled a previous search ofhis property.
Several years prior to the 2009excavation, law enforcement had
conducted a search on his land,specifically looking for an
abandoned well.
This earlier search, however,had not yielded any results.
Highlighting the persistent andvaried efforts undertaken to

(01:06:30):
locate Branson, this incidenthighlights the difficult balance
between pursuing every lead anddealing with the inherent
unreliability of someinformation.
The following year, in 2010,branson's mother, becky,

(01:06:52):
demonstrated her unwaveringdetermination by offering a
$20,000 reward.
This financial incentive wasaimed at encouraging individuals
with potential informationabout her son's whereabouts to
come forward, highlighting thefamily's continued hope and
active pursuit for answers.
The passage of time has addedanother layer of sorrow to the

(01:07:13):
case.
With each passing year, fewerindividuals remain who might
possess vital information.
Tragically, branton Perry'sclosest family members have also
passed away.
His father, bob, died in 2004.
In February 2011, becky passedaway after a prolonged struggle

(01:07:36):
with melanoma.
Her death marked a poignantmoment in the ongoing search for
Branson.
Joanne reflected on thecommunity's efforts, saying
quote Around town we searchedevery oil well, every outside
toilet.
Joanne reflected on thecommunity's efforts, saying
quote this statementencapsulated the exhaustive and

(01:08:02):
widespread nature of the localsearch efforts in the years
following Branson'sdisappearance.
Nature of the local searchefforts in the years following
Branson's disappearance.
Monica Kaysen, the founder of QCenter for Missing Persons and
a close friend of Becky's,emphasized the enduring

(01:08:22):
commitment to finding Branson.
She revealed that she and otherclose friends had made a solemn
promise to Becky to continuethe search for her son.
This promise reflected the deeppersonal involvement and the
sense of responsibility felt bythose close to the family.
Becky's obituary solemnly notedthat she was preceded in death
by her son, branson.
This acknowledgement in herobituary served as a stark

(01:08:45):
reminder of the enduring lossand the unresolved nature of
Branson's disappearance.
Becky was buried beside anempty plot reserved for Branson.
This plot was marked with hisdate of death as April 11, 2001,
the very day he vanished day hevanished.

(01:09:09):
This symbolic gesturehighlights the family's enduring
hope for his return ordiscovery of his remains, and
the profound impact hisdisappearance had on their lives
.
Four years later, in 2015, thecommunity mourned the loss of
another link to Branson'sdisappearance his grandmother,
joanne Stinnett.
Joanne had been a pillar ofstrength and a constant presence

(01:09:31):
in the search for her grandson.
Her words recalling theexhaustive searches painted a
vivid picture of a communityunited in their efforts.
Her passing marked the loss ofsomeone who held Branson close
in her heart and dedicated yearsto trying to bring him home.
Darren White said, quote thesad part is that his mother and

(01:09:55):
his grandmother have both passed, so I guess in some way they're
now with him and so they dohave their final answer for
people that are of faith.
But while they were both living, they really devoted a lot of
time to trying to get someanswers and some resolution, but
it just never happened.
End quote.

(01:10:18):
After the 2009 dig, theinvestigation faced a period of
relative quiet, with fewsignificant developments, until
2022.
At that time, sheriff Strongrevealed to the news press that
his agency had identified asuspect but lacked the crucial
evidence, namely Branson's body,to bring charges.

(01:10:40):
The case was reignited onceagain when the sheriff's office,
acting on a credible tip,conducted a week-long stakeout
and search of another well inQuitman.
The FBI was brought in toassist, but ultimately this lead
also proved fruitless.
Captain Austin Hahn of thesheriff's office stated quote

(01:11:04):
this is still an open case, sothe investigation portion of
this never really stops for us.
We are still going to takeevery single tip in, we are
going to follow up on everysingle tip that's provided and
if we believe that that tip iscredible, we are going to pour
resources into following up.
End quote the investigationinto Branson Perry's

(01:11:30):
disappearance remains open, atestament to the enduring
commitment of law enforcement tofinding answers despite the
daunting challenges and thepassage of time.
Hopefully, one dayinvestigators can end their
search and bring the family theanswers they need, and that's
the case of Wendy Gillenwaterand Branson Perry.

(01:11:52):
But we still have one more caseto cover that has plagued this
family, and it's one that is anabsolute heartbreaker.
Come back next week for thefinal part of Skidmore, a town
of shadows and secrets.
You can find Crime Connoisseurswherever you listen to your

(01:12:13):
podcasts.
Please follow, subscribe andleave a review.
Be sure to follow us on socialmedia at Crime Connoisseurs for
updates and bonus content, asalways.
Thank you all so much forlistening.
In the meantime, keep it classy, connoisseurs, and I'll catch
you on the next case.
Outro Music.