"We think you need to make up your mind about what you're going to do before 2012, or else I'm going to have to show you what I can do about your parents." — Phoenix Golden (via Goldia Golden, summarizing a note)
"I mean, at this point, in 2011, 2012, St. Louis had a massive human trafficking problem. According to a two-part documentary titled The Disappearance of Phoenix, Cold and St. Louis is one of the top 10 cities for human trafficking in the United States. An Interstate 70, which runs right through it, is known as the Sex Trafficking Superhighway." — Britt
"But the Reeves birth certificate still exists. And theoretically, she could maybe use it to assume a new identity." — Ashley Flowers
The episode recounts the mysterious disappearance of 23-year-old Phoenix Golden on December 18, 2011. Her mother, Goldia, immediately sensed something was wrong when Phoenix did not return home by her usual curfew. Initial attempts to report Phoenix missing were met with reluctance from law enforcement, who dismissed the case due to Phoenix being an adult. This initial dismissal set a precedent for what the family perceived as an inadequate investigation, characterized by a lack of urgency and contradictory information regarding the discovery and processing of Phoenix's vehicle.
As the family pursued their own investigation, they uncovered several key details that raised further questions. These included the existence of an unknown boyfriend with whom Phoenix had lived, her failure to enroll in college classes for the fall semester, and a cryptic note suggesting she was under pressure to make a decision. The discovery of Phoenix's 1998 Chevy Blazer in East St. Louis under suspicious circumstances—engine running, door ajar—further complicated matters, especially after conflicting accounts emerged regarding the state of the vehicle when it was found. The episode highlights the family's persistent efforts, including distributing flyers, contacting media, and eventually hiring a private investigator, in their quest for truth.
The investigation also explored the pervasive issue of human trafficking in St. Louis, with theories suggesting Phoenix may have been abducted or lured into such a situation, particularly given the city's status as a trafficking hub. Further revelations, including the existence of a second cell phone and a second birth certificate, added layers of complexity, suggesting the possibility of Phoenix attempting to start a new life, potentially to escape a difficult situation or relationship. The episode concludes with the family's enduring hope for answers and a plea for information, emphasizing the ongoing impact of Phoenix's disappearance and the challenges of unresolved cases.