"I should have went to his house and got her. And why I didn't do that, I don't know. I don't know. And that's just haunted me all these years. I didn't get out of bed and go get her. But if I did, she would have just found some other way to go away, leave for a weekend and then come back." — Patricia Chapco (as relayed by Delia D'Ambrette)
"My opinion, I'm not a doctor or psychologist, but I can't even imagine what a mother who is maybe coming to grips or the realization that something really terrible has happened to their one and only child. I can't imagine what type of toll that would take on someone mentally, emotionally, spiritually. Sometimes, I can make people do things that other people would see as being irrational." — Detective Josh Grant
"There may be individuals previously unidentified who may have pertinent information surrounding Susan's disappearance." — Modesto Police Department Statement
The episode chronicles the perplexing disappearance of 15-year-old Susan Robin Bender in Modesto, California, in April 1986. Susan was last seen entering a green 1977 Ford van after telling friends she was going to Carmel. However, her mother, Patricia Chapco, reported her missing after Susan failed to return from a visit to an older couple, Bill and Becky. Patricia's suspicions quickly focused on Roger, an acquaintance and former boss with a history of legal trouble and inappropriate behavior, who was present when Susan called her mother that Friday night. The investigation faced immediate challenges, including Susan being initially classified as a runaway and conflicting accounts of her intended destination. Evidence found in Roger's apartment and van, including Susan's clothing and personal items, strengthened suspicions, but Roger maintained he simply "let her go" after picking her up. Despite Roger's subsequent convictions for arson, burglary, and other crimes, no direct link to Susan's disappearance was definitively established at the time.
Over the years, Susan's case has remained cold, with various theories and potential suspects emerging, including the infamous "speed-free killers," Wesley Sherman-Tine and Lauren Herzog, and serial offender Larry Singleton, though no concrete evidence has connected them directly to Susan. The episode highlights the immense emotional and psychological burden on Patricia, who has tirelessly sought answers for over 25 years, and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement. The Modesto Police Department reopened Susan's case in October 2021, citing potential for advancement and the possibility that previously unidentified individuals may possess crucial information, underscoring the enduring hope for resolution and justice for Susan and her family.
The disappearance of Susan Robin Bender is a complex narrative marked by fragmented information and the emotional weight carried by her mother. Initial reports suggested Susan was going to visit friends, but a critical phone call to her mother revealed she was in the company of a man named Roger, who had a history of inappropriate behavior. This detail, coupled with Susan's subsequent vanishing, made Roger a person of interest. The investigation encountered obstacles, including the initial classification of Susan as a runaway and conflicting statements about her whereabouts. Evidence discovered in Roger's possession, such as Susan's personal belongings, raised further questions, though Roger's statements offered little clarity. Despite Roger's subsequent criminal history, including convictions for arson and burglary, his direct involvement in Susan's disappearance remained unproven.
The case has seen numerous potential leads and theories explored over the decades, with no definitive conclusion. The possibility of involvement by other known offenders, like the "speed-free killers" or Larry Singleton, has been discussed, but direct connections remain elusive. The episode emphasizes the profound and persistent grief of Susan's mother, Patricia, who has dedicated years to seeking answers. The reopening of the case by the Modesto Police Department in 2021 signals a renewed commitment to finding new information, with authorities indicating that individuals beyond previously identified persons of interest might hold key details. This ongoing pursuit underscores the resilience required in the quest for truth in cold cases.
The story of Susan Robin Bender's disappearance is a testament to the enduring challenges in solving missing persons cases and the profound impact on the families left behind. The investigation has navigated conflicting accounts, circumstantial evidence, and the passage of time, with Susan's mother remaining a steadfast advocate for answers. The possibility of previously unidentified witnesses or new evidence suggests that the case, though cold for many years, may still hold the potential for resolution. The narrative underscores the importance of continued investigation and public awareness in bringing closure to families like Patricia Chapco's and ensuring that victims like Susan Robin Bender are not forgotten.