Ethan Dawson Is Gone: A Child Taken in Plain Sight

What this episode covers

In May 1989, two-year-old Ethan Dawson vanished from a crowded playground — no scream, no struggle, no trace. Months later, another child disappeared in the same place. Was this coincidence… or a calculated predator at work? This episode uncovers the chilling mystery, the red-ball lure, and the investigation that changed a city’s sense of safety forever. Listen now to step back into the day everything went wrong.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/criminal--6152643/support.This episode includes AI-generated content.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Criminal?

This episode is 50 minutes long.

When was this Criminal episode published?

This episode was published on January 20, 2026.

What is this episode about?

In May 1989, two-year-old Ethan Dawson vanished from a crowded playground — no scream, no struggle, no trace. Months later, another child disappeared in the same place. Was this coincidence… or a calculated predator at work? This episode uncovers...

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

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