All Episodes

January 24, 2025 61 mins

This is about missing and murdered children. Listen with care.

In episode 77, Melanie Perkins McLaughlin, creator and host of Open Investigation, the 8-part investigative podcast, and documentary filmmaker of "Have You Seen Andy?" shares her story of her missing childhood friend, Andy Puglisi, and the new discoveries in his almost 50-year-old unsolved case.

Melanie recounts meeting Andy - the cute older boy - their blossoming friendship, and the last day she spent with him. Within hours of her leaving the pool that day, Andy was gone. Last seen in the late afternoon of Sunday, August 22, 1976 - this date is a detail that developed in Melanie's research for the podcast. It is a detail that has an impact on how law enforcement handled the investigation. It is one of the most important discoveries made during the research for the podcast. An unexpected revelation in a recorded audio tape uncovers a crucial clue, challenging previous assumptions about Andy's disappearance. As we recount childhood memories, we recognize the profound impact of childhood trauma. I believe the day Andy disappeared, marked the beginning of Melanie's advocacy journey to uncover the truth of her friend.

We discuss the importance of scientific advancements DNA technology, genetic geneology, and  in identifying  solving cold cases.

Massachusetts Missing & Murdered Persons Advocacy Coalition (MMMPAC), massmissingandmurdered.org

Have You Seen Andy?, streaming on MAX

GedMatch

Advocacy Con,
advocacycon.com

Power Twins Activate! Form of family advocates using true crime for good.

Support the show

Follow Instagram | Facebook | BlueSky | TikTok | Threads | YouTube
For show notes & source information at CrimeoftheTruestKind.com

Give the dogs a bone tip jar: buymeacoffee.com/truestkind
Become a patron: Patreon.com/crimeofthetruestkind

This podcast has minimal profanity but from time to time you get one or some curse words. This isn't for kids.

Music included in episodes from Joe "onlyone" Kowalski, Dug McCormack's Math Ghosts and Shredding by Andrew King


Support the show: patreon.com/crimeofthetruestkind


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark as Played
Transcript

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.