"The thing you need to know is Conor'sville is a small community. So word starts to spread about the disappearance that night and the next morning. And it rattles people like things like a missing teen doesn't happen here." — Britt
"The stuff that's making us pull our hair out 37 years later, like, I think it may remind us like, oh, it must not be important, because if it was, surely McQuinley would be on it." — Britt
"It echoes so much of what I learned covering Darlene Hulse's case for the deck investigates like in small town, Indiana, you'd think there would just be one bad guy. Like you think it's going to be obvious, but there are so many possibilities." — Britt
The disappearance of 18-year-old Denise Flum on March 28, 1986, from Connorsville, Indiana, is presented as a case defined by parental dedication and persistent investigative challenges. Denise was last seen leaving her home to search for a lost purse from a prior party. Initial police response was dismissive, treating her as a runaway teenager, despite her parents' immediate concerns. The discovery of her car abandoned in a secluded lane several miles from her intended destination eventually prompted a more serious investigation, but yielded few immediate clues.
Over the years, several individuals became persons of interest, including Denise's ex-boyfriend, Sean McClung, who had a reportedly unhealthy relationship with her. Another individual, Mark Hughes, a known criminal with a history of theft and violence, was also investigated after being in the vicinity around the time of Denise's disappearance. Most notably, Benny Johnson, an acquaintance of Denise through Sean, became a significant focus due to multiple alleged confessions to friends and suspicious circumstances surrounding his family's property, including the discovery of blood at a cabin. However, Benny Johnson's family's legal representation prevented extensive questioning for many years.
The investigation has been hampered by a lack of documented evidence, particularly from the lead investigator who was a cousin of Denise's father. Despite numerous tips, searches, DNA database entries, and re-examinations of persons of interest, Denise's whereabouts remain unknown. In a recent development, Sean McClung, while ill, confessed to his involvement, claiming he pushed Denise, leading to her death, but later recanted his confession, alleging it was made to secure his release and a financial reward. The case also briefly considered alleged serial killer Larry Hall, who has a history of inconsistent confessions. The episode concludes by emphasizing the unwavering hope of Denise's family and the ongoing, though often stalled, efforts to find answers.