The Martin Family: Secrets of the Columbia River Gorge | 1958

Step into the foggy streets of Portland in December 1958, where a seemingly perfect family—Ken and Barbara Martin along their three daughters—vanished without a trace. From their cheerful "Candy Lane" home to their fateful trip in search of a Christmas tree, this haunting case captivated the Pacific Northwest as well as the rest of the nation. Featuring nearly daily coverage in newspapers like The Oregonian, the disappearance was a story of unresolved twists, from mysterious sightings of their vehicle to the eventual chilling discovery of two bodies in the Columbia River.Join us as we delve into the investigation of a case that clearly haunted lead Detective Walter Graven of the Portland Police Bureau. We’ll explore suspicious ties to ex-convicts, and uncover the enigmatic role of the family’s sole survivor, Donald Martin. Did a stolen .38 Colt Commander hold the key to the mystery? Was the family's demise the result of a tragic accident—or something far darker? This episode reexamines one of Oregon's coldest cases and its lingering mysteries. Visit our website! Find us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Patreon, & more! If you have any true crime, paranormal, or witchy stories you'd like to share with us & possibly have them read (out loud) on an episode, email us at [email protected] or use this link. There are so many ways that you can support the show: BuyMeACoffee, Spreaker, or by leaving a rating & review on Apple Podcasts. Sources