Episode 88: The Disappearance of Logan Schiendelman

Logan Schiendelman, a popular and charismatic high school football player, vanished without a trace in May 2016 at the age of 19. Born in 1996 in Tumwater, Washington, Logan was raised by his white grandmother, Ginnie Gebo, after his mixed-race mother, Hannah, pursued art school. Logan never knew his Saudi Arabian father, which later contributed to an identity crisis as he faced racism from peers in his predominantly white hometown during his senior year of high school. After graduating in 2015, he attended Washington State University but struggled socially, dropped out after his freshman year, and returned to live with his grandmother.   On May 19, 2016, Logan told Ginnie he had an "epiphany" and might be gone for a few days. That day, he sent a cryptic text to a girl he met on a dating app, saying, “I hope to survive this week.” He was never seen again. The next day, his black 1996 Chrysler Sebring was found abandoned on Interstate 5 with his wallet, phone, and some belongings inside. Witnesses reported seeing the car drifting across lanes, with a Caucasian man jumping out and fleeing into the woods. Another sighting mentioned a naked teenager in the area, possibly Logan, but searches with dogs and helicopters found nothing.   Investigations revealed Logan had been moody and paranoid after college, possibly linked to his marijuana use. His family noted tension with his sister’s boyfriend, who had a criminal record, though he passed a polygraph test. Logan had also recently met his Black paternal relatives, which brought him joy but may have caused friction with Ginnie. In 2017, a woman reported seeing Logan with two white men near his car on May 20, leading to a sketch of one suspect, but no solid leads emerged. The lack of blood or struggle in the car and the presence of valuables ruled out robbery.   Theories abound: Did Logan suffer a mental breakdown, possibly drug-related, and leave voluntarily? Or did he encounter foul play, as suggested by the witnesses and his uncle Mike, a retired deputy? Police found no evidence of a crime but believe he may still be alive. His family, including great-aunt Mary, who runs a Facebook page with 18,000 members, continues to search for answers, offering a reward. Logan would be 29 today, and his case remains unsolved, leaving his loved ones in anguished uncertainty.   Sources: Jan 15, 2017, page A16 - The Olympian at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/702079929/ Jul 01, 2017, page A3 - The Olympian at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/702084544/ Dateline: Missing in America podcast covers the May 2016 disappearance of Logan Schiendelman in Tumwater, Washington. (2023, June 21). NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/dateline-missing-in-america-podcast/dateline-missing-america-podcast-covers-may-2016-disappearance-logan-s-rcna90251   Join The Dark Oak Discussion: Patreon The Dark Oak Podcast Website Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok Youtube This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep