Disappeared Season 3 Episode 3 Murky Waters
- TV-PG
- January 17, 2011
- 43 min
-
8.4 (34)
In "Murky Waters," the third episode of the third season of "Disappeared," viewers follow the perplexing case of a missing college student. The episode begins with a reenactment of a conversation between the student, named Leah Roberts, and her sister on March 9, 2000. Leah, who was 23 years old at the time, was living in North Carolina and expressed a desire to see the country by driving to California. Her sister advised against it, considering Leah's recent struggles with depression and bipolar disorder. Despite her sister's concerns, Leah set off on her journey shortly thereafter.
Nearly a week later, Leah's vehicle, a Jeep Cherokee, was found in a rest stop parking lot in Washington State. The doors were unlocked, the keys were in the ignition, and there was no sign of Leah. The rest stop was near the Skagit River, which was searched by authorities in case Leah had fallen in or was swept away. However, no evidence of her was found.
The episode escalates as viewers learn more about Leah's circumstances leading up to her disappearance. Leah had recently ended a romantic relationship and had also lost her job. She had started taking medication for her bipolar disorder but had not yet found it to be helpful. Further complicating matters, Leah's family discovered that she had emptied her bank account and left her cat behind.
Leah's family launches an extensive search for their daughter, deploying billboards, flyers, and contacting the media. At the time, Leah was listed as a missing person with the National Crime Information Center, but no leads came forward.
As the episode progresses, viewers are introduced to potential theories surrounding Leah's disappearance. Some claim that she may have fallen into the river and drowned, while others suggest that she may have intentionally disappeared in order to start a new life. However, no concrete evidence is found to support either theory.
Throughout the episode, viewers witness interviews with Leah's family and friends as they struggle to come to terms with her disappearance. They describe Leah as someone who loved music, was artistic, and was always moving around, making her absence all the more devastating.
The episode touches on the impact that Leah's disappearance had on local communities as well. In particular, residents of Concrete, a small town near the rest stop where Leah's Jeep was discovered, describe how they came together to aid in the search for her. The case also received national attention, with news outlets such as "America's Most Wanted" and "48 Hours" covering Leah's story.
"Murky Waters" ultimately leaves viewers with more questions than answers. Leah Roberts' disappearance remains unsolved, and her family continues to search for answers nearly twenty years later. The episode serves as a reminder of the anguish experienced by families of missing persons and emphasizes the importance of continued efforts to locate those who have disappeared.