Ep 18. Missing By Design

In season 5, episode 18 of the riveting true crime series Disappeared, viewers are introduced to the story of Missing By Design. The episode explores the mysterious disappearance of a young woman named Jessica Heeringa. Jessica was a twenty-five-year-old mother who worked at a gas station in Norton Shores, Michigan. On the night of April 26, 2013, she was working the late shift alone. It was a busy night, and many people came in and out of the gas station. However, at some point between 11 pm and 11:15 pm, Jessica vanished without a trace.

The episode begins by setting the scene for Jessica's disappearance. We see footage of the gas station where she worked and hear from Jessica's family and friends about the kind of person she was. Jessica was described as bubbly, outgoing, and dedicated to her young son. Her disappearance was completely out of character, and it left her loved ones devastated.

As the investigation into Jessica's disappearance begins, various theories are explored. Some speculate that Jessica was a victim of human trafficking, while others think that she was the victim of a random act of violence. However, one theory quickly gains traction - the theory that Jessica's was a targeted abduction.

The investigation reveals that Jessica's gas station had been burglarized several times in the months leading up to her disappearance. In fact, just two weeks before she went missing, the cash register had been stolen. Police began to look into the possibility that someone may have been watching the gas station with the intention of abducting Jessica.

The episode introduces viewers to Jessica's ex-boyfriend, Dakotah Quail-Dyer, who was quickly identified as a person of interest in the case. Dakotah had a history of violence towards women, and he had been arrested for assault just weeks before Jessica disappeared. However, despite being questioned by police, he denied any involvement in Jessica's disappearance.

As the investigation continues, the episode explores some of the challenges faced by the police. There is a lack of physical evidence, and no one seems to have seen anything suspicious on the night Jessica vanished. Furthermore, the fact that she was working alone means that there were no co-workers who could shed light on what happened.

Despite these challenges, the investigation into Jessica's disappearance continues. Police begin to focus on a silver minivan that was seen in the vicinity of the gas station on the night she vanished. They release a composite sketch of the driver, and they receive several tips from the public. However, none of the leads pan out, and the case goes cold.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as they witness the devastating impact of Jessica's disappearance on her family and friends. They hear from her mother, who is determined to find out what happened to her daughter. They also hear from the lead detective on the case, who is equally committed to solving the mystery.

Despite the lack of answers, the episode ends on a hopeful note. We learn that, in the years since Jessica disappeared, her family has continued to search for her. They have organized vigils, put up billboards, and raised awareness about her case. While they still don't know what happened to Jessica on that fateful night, they are determined to find out.

Overall, season 5, episode 18 of Disappeared - Missing By Design - is a fascinating and heart-wrenching look at the case of Jessica Heeringa. It offers a unique insight into the challenges faced by police in missing persons cases, and it highlights the importance of community involvement in these investigations.