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June 28, 2025 24 mins
Content Warning: This episode contains detailed discussion of child abduction, sexual violence, and murder. Listener discretion is advised.

In February 2009, 14-year-old Amber Dubois disappeared while walking to school in Escondido, California. Her family searched tirelessly—without answers. A year later, 17-year-old Chelsea King went missing during her routine run in a nearby park.
Was this a total coincidence that two young girls completely vanished? Or was there a serial killer to blame? In this episode, we piece together the facts behind Amber’s disappearance, the shocking investigation into serial offender John Gardner, and how one mother’s heartbreak became a mission to protect others.

Hosted by Ashley and Ricky Plum of Crime Salad.

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Episode Resources & Support Links
If you'd like to support the families affected by today’s case or learn more:
Amber Dubois Memorial Foundation
 https://www.amberduboisfoundation.org
Chelsea’s Light Foundation
 https://www.chelseaslight.org

If you or someone you know has been impacted by a case like this, here are some organizations offering grief support and victim advocacy:

National Center for Victims of Crime
 https://victimsofcrime.org
Parents of Murdered Children (POMC)
 https://pomc.org
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
 https://www.rainn.org | 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
The Dougy Center—Grief Support for Children & Families
 https://www.dougy.org
Crisis Text Line
 Text HOME to 741741 (free, 24/7 crisis support)


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