‘Suspect’ chronicles Jonelle Matthews’ disappearance and case updates since 1984
In 1984, 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews disappeared, and her case ran cold for over 30 years. “Suspect’s” second season, “Vanished in the Snow,” examines Matthews’ case that stumped law enforcement and her family. At the time of her disappearance, President Ronald Reagan called upon journalists to find more clues, and her face was printed on milk cartons, drawing national attention.
After Matthews vanished, residents in her Colorado hometown extensively searched to no avail, and each lead ran dry. All persons of interest were cleared. The only evidence found at the family’s home were foot prints in the snow that looked like someone had tried to cover up with a garden rake from the Matthews’ garage.
Matthews’ remains were found near the Rocky Mountains in 2019. This find unraveled new questions about her abductor, murderer, and if answers had been floating around the whole time. On the podcast, hear from Matthews’ friends, family, and those involved in the case. We’ll also learn about the recent trial and verdict.
Years after Matthews’ disappearance, Twin Falls Idaho resident, Steven Pankey, was named a person of interest. When Matthews disappeared, he lived in Greeley, Colorado, and her family said they did not know him.
Authorities searched Pankey’s home, and in 2020, he was indicted for kidnapping Matthews from her home and shooting her. The indictment also mentioned that Pankey knew about the rake and shared that it was used to cover shoe prints outside the Matthews’ residence, a detail that was previously kept from the public.
Pankey was arrested and pled not guilty for kidnapping and first degree murder. His trial started in 2021, and he was found guilty of falsely reporting to authorities, but a mistrial was declared for counts of kidnapping and murder.
In 2022, Pankey stood trial, and he was found guilty for all counts including first-degree murder and kidnapping. He was sentenced to life in prison with parole as a possibility after 20 years.
Stream “Suspect’s” investigations from the beginning of each season. Season 1 was a whodunnit that chronicled Arpana Jinaga’s murder case from 2008.
For new episodes this season, tune in weekly wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Discover
