Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie
"The problem is that by the time they're finding this, because of the length of time that she was probably out there, because of the flooding, the remains are too decomposed, at least to tell just from looking at her." — Britt
"The problem is when Tom pulled into the parking lot just minutes later, he says Adrian wasn't there. He parked, he waits a bit, he tries calling her, doesn't get an answer, calls a couple more times, still no answer." — Britt
"And Keen thinks it might just be too many coincidences. I mean, I kind of agree with him. That is so many coincidences." — Ashley Flowers
The episode chronicles the disappearance of 19-year-old Adrienne Salinas, who was last seen leaving a party early on a Saturday morning. Her father reported her missing after being unable to contact her. Initial accounts from her roommates and boyfriend, Fran, provided a confusing timeline involving her leaving and returning to her apartment, and then leaving again in her own car. The investigation was further complicated by the discovery of her car, which had sustained damage and was found abandoned a few blocks from her apartment, but without essential items like her car key and purse. Investigators obtained exigent phone records which revealed numerous calls to Fran and a single call to a local cab company.
The investigation led to interviewing the cab driver, Tom Simon Jr., who stated he met Adrienne briefly but she ultimately did not get in his cab. His interview was conducted under unusual circumstances, including a conference call with his father while he was driving passengers. A tip later emerged regarding a passenger who observed Tom acting suspiciously and finding a hacksaw in his trunk. Despite subsequent surveillance and a request for DNA, investigators found no direct evidence linking Tom to Adrienne's disappearance. The case took a significant turn when a tip from a former friend of alleged serial killer Brian Patrick Miller, known as "The Zombie Hunter," suggested a connection due to geographic proximity, his known modus operandi, and his presence in the area at the time of Adrienne's disappearance.
Ultimately, the remains of Adrienne Salinas were discovered in Weeks Wash following a severe rainstorm. Due to decomposition and the elements, the exact cause of death could not be determined, and the manner of death was classified as undetermined. Despite extensive searches and interviews, no definitive suspect has been identified, and the case remains open with investigators actively pursuing new leads.