Underestimated - Bobcat Media

Between 1976 and 1977, the illusion of suburban safety in Oakland County, Michigan, was shattered. A meticulous, clinical predator, dubbed "The Babysitter" abducted, held, and ritualistically returned the bodies of four young children, paralyzing the community with terror. But did the horror truly end with the official timeline of the Oakland County Child Killer (OCCK)?In this season finale, the Underestimated - Michigan's Missing Angels team: Tegan, Mackenna, Brenden, and Emery shifts the lens from the confirmed OCCK victims to a haunting web of unsolved disappearances from the same era. Could the long-term missing girls of Southeast Michigan, Kim Larrow, Kimberly King, Donna Serra, Cynthia Coon and Nadine O'Dell be part of the same grim puzzle?We dive deep into the chilling overlaps in geography, timing, and criminal signatures. From the shadow of convicted killer Arthur Ream to the terrifying specter of organized predatory networks like North Fox Island, we explore whether these cases represent a evolving lone wolf or a pack of monsters hiding in plain sight. More importantly, we strip away the decades-old labels of "runaways" to remember the real children at the heart of these cold cases. They aren't footnotes in a serial killer's history. They are missing angels, and they deserve to be found.Special thanks to Nina Innsted from the Already Gone podcast, Detective Joe Keimig, the Canton community, and the families who refuse to let the truth fade.

Detective Kenneth Robinson opens up about his investigation into the disappearance of Kim Larrow and his interviews with convicted murderer Arthur Ream. From suspicious connections to missing girls across Metro Detroit to a lack of physical evidence, this episode explores the theories, obstacles, and lingering mysteries surrounding one of Michigan’s most haunting cold cases.

In this episode, we sit down with Emma Abney to discuss Arthur Ream and her connection to Cindy Zarzycki and the other victims. Emma has personal experiences to valuable insights, she shares her perspective on having a spiritual connection with Arthur Ream and the victims. From meaningful discussions to lighter moments, this episode offers something for everyone. Tune in to hear Emma’s story and discover the experiences that have shaped who she is today. 

In this episode we share the very real effect that the actions of the adults in our country have had on teens approaching voting age. We fell as though we are inheriting a world full of hate and violence. We aim to correct course. We are asking for the generation ahead of us to begin doing the work. Together, let's make the world a kinder place.

Learn about the confusing ICE situation, get a step by step rundown on the death of Renee Good, and learn what might have caused Alex Preti's death. 

In this episode we dive into some of the sketchy pasts of our elected officials, specifically those elected into our highest offices. We break down how this has occurred and why it's such a problem. Today's Sponsor:Witherow Auto Body - Buchanan, Michigan.  Call 269-231-2528 for a free estimate

Linda Weldy was a girl living in LA Porte, Indiana who disappeared shortly after Brandie Peltz had and many speculate that they have a possible connection. If you have any tips or information about the case, please email us at [email protected]

Darlene Hulse was taken from her home in Argos, Indiana in the summer of 1984. Her kidnapping ended with her tragic death, and her family has never stopped grieving. In the years following this event, rumors have connected her case to Brandie. In this episode, we will be giving a brief overview of Darlene’s circumstances and what similarities, if any, are shared with Brandie Peltz.If you have any tips or information about the case, please email us at [email protected]

 In this episode of Michigans Missing Angels, we move from the topics we discussed in the previous episodes such as Arthur Ream and specific victims like Cindy Zarzycki and Kim Larrow. We dive deeper into the discussion of other suspected victims involving Cynthia Coon, Donna Sera, Kellie Brownlee, Nadine O’Dell and Kimberly King. We will go into detail trying to explain and inform to you what we have learned about the other girls we have been investigating. We also explain the possible connection between Arthur Ream and these other girls. Today's Sponsors:Swirlyz Frozen Yogurt - Downtown Niles, MichiganHolt Bosse Marketing - St. Joseph, Michigan

In this episode, we pivot from the disappearance of fifteen-year-old Kim Larrow to examine the dark history of the man whose name permanently altered the investigation: Arthur Ream. While Ream was only ever convicted of one murder, the 1986 slaying of thirteen-year-old Cindy Zarzycki, his documented pattern of manipulation, isolation, and violence against young girls forced law enforcement to ask a chilling question: Was Cindy truly his only victim? This episode explores the thin line between strong investigative suspicion and definitive proof, examining how a convicted killer's shadow stretched across Michigan's coldest cases, and why he may have taken the ultimate answers to the grave.

The premiere episode of Michigan's Missing Angels dives into the tragic, unresolved 1981 disappearance of 15-year-old Kim Marie Larrow from Canton Township, Michigan. Rather than focusing solely on true-crime theories, the episode aims to look past the decades-old labels to restore Kim's human dignity and piece together what is actually known about the night she vanished. The episode closes with a reminder that Kim was a real person whose life was cut short, leaving behind a grieving family and an empty void. She is not an isolated statistic; her case is tied to a haunting list of names in the region, including Kimberly King, Kellie Brownlee, Nadine O’Dell, Cynthia Coon, and Donna Sera. The next episode will look closely at the patterns and theories connecting these missing girls. 

In this episode we dive into what the pros and cons of solving these hardhitting issues in our country, and what not having issues to campaign on would mean.Today's Sponsor:Cedar Lane Stables -  269-240-7182

In this episode we dive into some of the sketchy pasts of our elected officials, specifically those elected into our highest offices. We break down how this has occurred and why it's such a problem. Today's Sponsor:Peterson Farms - Call 269-240-7181

This episode explains the history of the party system in our country, how partisan politics have evolved over the years, and how people perceive the values of the opposing political parties.  Today's Sponsor:2nd & Main Coffeehouse in downtown Niles. Visit 2ndmaincoffee.com and use code "coffee26" to get 15% off of your order.

As we continue our deep dive into the book, we are looking into the behaviors allegedly displayed by the mysterious Passerby and Brandie’s mother, Roxie.If you have any tips or information about the case, please email us at [email protected]

In this episode, we will break down the suspects listed in the book The Passerby, written by Thomas Ray Crowell, who investigated Brandie’s case while he lived in Argos.If you have any tips or information about the case, please email us at [email protected]

Brandie Peltz was an 11-year old girl who died on December 11th 1986. She was found floating in a bathtub with her home on fire by a strange community member who claimed to just be passing by.In this episode we hope to demystify the rumors surrounding this small-town murder, and raise awareness for a little girl who deserved better.If you have any tips or information about the case, please email us at [email protected]

This episode features Janett's thoughts and words, spanning from the day she started her job at Gambles up to 4 days before her murder. We learn about her inner personal conflicts, conflicts with people in her life, and even struggles she was having with the people that she works with. Through her own words we get a deep look into who Janette really was.

In this episode we revisit the Janette Roberson case from Season 1. From a FOIA request, Chelsy was able to obtain Janette's diary from the year before she was tragically murdered in the basement of the Gambles Hardware in Reed City, Michigan. Today for the first time, we here directly from Janette.  Her own words, from April of of 1982 through the day she landed the job that ultimately led to her death.

After our interviews with Jodi Johnson and Jason Joiner something became clear, we didn’t have such a concrete story for this case. In this episode we look at the several differences between the two family members’ statements on what they think could have happened to Steven along with his life at home. With these comparisons we also see a new side of the story and a new possibility.

 We interviewed Steven Kraft’s cousin Jason Joiner, who offers a very different perspective on Steven’s home life and his parents.  After our lengthy search for more information on Steven we found him through a news interview done on Steven’s disappearance. We contacted him and thankfully he agreed to an interview with us. In this interview Jason shares his suspicion about what may have truly happened and what he saw after that tragic day. Today's Sponsors:Bob's 19th HoleWelsh & Sons Electric

In this episode, we share with you our final thoughts and theories based on all of the information we learned over the course of the year.

In this episode, we read Jerry Libertowksi’s immunity statement. He gave this statement explaining what Myron told Jerry about the crime. 

This episode is a reading of a potential accomplice of Jerry Libertowski, Myron Hunsberger. He gave this statement revealing details of the crime, in exchange for his immunity. 

In this episode, we revisit the case of Chris Temple through the lens of his father. Though he is now deceased, he wrote a detailed memoir of the events following his son’s disappearance. Two years of anguish and grief are brought to light after 35 years.

Beverly Wivell was a 30 year old woman who died on the corner of Gotfredson and Ford road on September 18th, 1989. Although her case went cold for nearly 35 years, a man has now been apprehended in connection with her murder.

FBI Profiler Jim Clemente returns to the class to evaluate the profile that the students developed.  He shares his insights and provides a few minor adjustments that send shivers down the spines of the group.  At the end of the episode the profile is compared to all known suspects, and one and only one emerges as the students' most likely person of interest.

In this episode, the students apply the teachings of renowned FBI Profiler Jim Clemente to Janette's case.  They analyze Janette's victimology and the crime scene behaviors.  All of this information is used to develop a profile that suggests the original investigators were looking in the wrong direction from the very beginning.

Furthering our investigation, we talk about connections that were made, unheard interviews from investigators and evidence that we have been able to collect.If you have any information regarding the murder of Chelsea Small or the suspect seen in the surveillance video, please email us at [email protected] or contact the Taylor Police Department directly.

On November 12 2013, 30 year old Chelsea Small was Fatally Shot at her place of work, In this episode we will go through Chelsea's background and the events that had occurred on that November day.

Finding any information on Steven's case was a long and arduous process. Missing information along with the speculation of the public left us with little to go off of. With only our gathered knowledge and what we were able to find through FOIAs, interviews, and news stories it was finally able to lead us to somewhere new. 

In this episode we will go over the commonly discussed theories. From mysterious cars, suspicious storm drains, Israel Keyes, and intoxicated men, we cover it all. Then, we will discuss our personal opinions and how we are feeling about the case.   

On February 15th, 2001 a 12 year old boy named Steven Kraft went missing from his neighborhood in the Benton Harbor Neighborhood of Benton Heights. Steven was supposed to only be out for a couple hours at most, but he never returned home. The search for Steven hasn’t ended but with the case becoming 24 years old the story has been pushed aside and we have picked it up once again. This episode tells the story of that night 

Our investigation reveals that Jerry Libertowski was not only a suspect in Janis Sanders' disappearance . . . but he was also the main suspect in the disappearance of one of his other ex-girlfriends, Janeice Langs.  In this episode we compare the circumstances of the two cases, and how Janis' case overshadowed Janeice's in the media.

In this episode, we explore Janis Sanders’ early life, her complicated family history, and the events leading up to her mysterious disappearance. From discovering she once walked the same halls as us to piecing together her final moments at Pete’s Patio, our team uncovers haunting clues and conflicting accounts. As the investigation deepens, so does our connection to Janis—and our determination to find the truth.Today's Sponsor:Milanos Pizza - Niles, Michigan

On July 20, 1975, 24 year old Janis Sanders vanished without a trace, after clocking out of her shift at a local restaurant in Niles, Michigan.  Nearly 50 years later a group of high school Investigative Journalism students dive deep into her cold case, uncovering disturbing details, lost connections and new questions.  In this first episode we take you through the beginning of our journey:  how we found Janis' story, why we chose to tell it, and what we've uncovered so far.Today's Sponsor:Wings Etc. - Niles, Michigan

Connie Lynn Royce was a 24 year old woman who went missing from the Hayloft Bar, in Mount Clemens Michigan on June 1st, 1990.Email with tips or information about the case to [email protected]'s sponsor:Navaro Concrete - Northwest IndianaCall for estimate at 219-214-8524

Chris Temple disappeared from the East Lansing area on April 22, 1990. He was having a bonfire in the woods with friends when he walked away, never to be seen again. Email with any tips or information on the case to [email protected]'s Sponsor:Witherow Auto Body - Buchanan, MichiganCall for a free estimate at 269-697-3095Or Email:  [email protected]

Paige Renkoski was a 30 year old substitute teacher, when she disappeared without a trace on May 24th, 1990 from the side of I-96 near Fowlerville Michigan.  In this episode we explore the details of Paige's case, and hope to raise awareness that will lead to justice for Paige.If you have any tips or information about the case, please email us at [email protected]'s Sponsors:Barron Lakeside Bar and Grill - Niles, Michigan2nd & Main Coffeehouse - Downtown Niles, Michigan.Mention "Underestimated" for 10% off of your order through the month of April.

This episode will begin with us talking about our discussion with Jeni Decker when we first started this case. We explain both of our struggles with trying to obtain police reports on Janette’s case. After we walk you through how we got the information we currently have, we look at the autopsy report to discuss Janette’s wounds and some of the weapons used. Putting all of our resources together, we ask a few more questions and share our theory that we believe flips the 4 decades long narrative about this case on its head.Today's Sponsor:Pool Tech MI - Call today for a free estimate at (269) 487-8550 or email at [email protected]

To start this episode, we will further look into the strange aspects that occurred to Janette leading up to her murder. Using this information, we were able to put together a victimology report for Janette. We also discuss the timeline of events to try to discover the exact time Janette was murdered. Today's Sponsor:CR Concrete - Call 269-357-1233 for a free estimate.  Mention "Underestimated" for 10-15% off of your project.

 In this episode, we introduce you to who Janette was as a person. Janette worked in the basement of the Gambles store in Reed City, where she was murdered on January 19th, 1983. We walk you through the layout of the basement to get an idea of how Janette was found and possibly how she was murdered. You will find interviews from some of Janette’s friends, family, and first responders that were at the scene that day.Today's Sponsor:Witherow Auto Body in Buchanan, MichiganCall for a free estimate at 269-697-3095Or Email: [email protected]

This episode breaks down the pre-offense behaviors of John Skelton, leading up to the disappearance of Andrew, Alexander and Tanner.  The group is forced to pivot their investigation, after a recent development in the case.If you have any information regarding the disappearance of the three Skelton brothers, contact law enforcement immediately or send an email to [email protected]'s Sponsors:Holiday Inn - Niles, MichiganCircle Federal Credit Union

Listen as we further discuss the disappearance of Andrew, Tanner, and Alexander Skleton, and the conflicting stories surrounding their father, John Skelton. We explore John’s questionable behavior, intense search efforts, and the emotional fight for closure by the boys’ mother, and you won’t want to miss it. Join us as we hunt for clues to piece together the fragmented details, and keep the boys’ voices alive in this gruesome case. Today's Sponsors:Gates Chevy World - Mishawaka, INIntegrity Real Estate - Niles, MI2nd & Main Coffeehouse - Niles, MIMention "Underestimated" for 10% off of your order in March

On November 26, 2010, three brothers: Andrew, Alexandar, and Tanner Skelton all went missing without a trace. Their father, John Skelton was the last to have seen them. Tune in to listen to all the twisting turns as our group of high school Investigative Journalism students explores this baffling case that left investigators with more questions than answers. Today's Sponsors:2nd & Main Coffeehouse - Mention "Underestimated" in the month of March for 10% off of your order.Campbell FordAesthetics by SofiaIronshoe Distillery

Underestimated by Bobcat Media is an investigative true crime podcast series, created by the Investigative Journalism students at Brandywine High School.  Thirty high school students have spent the school year investigating 5 cold cases.  Throughout this podcast the students will breakdown the cases,  reveal the work that they've been doing, and provide a voice for the victims of these crimes.Underestimated will premier on Wednesday, March 12th.