Your Front-Row Seat to Unsolved Mysteries

Exclusive insights, untold stories, and behind-the-scenes access you won’t want to miss. Welcome back to another gripping edition!

Author

David Yupa
October 16, 2024

We’re thrilled to have you back for another thrilling issue of Solved Files! Whether you’ve been with us from the start or you’re just joining the community, get ready for another deep dive into the world of true crime. In this edition, we’ve packed it full of exciting updates, exclusive insights, and new mysteries that are bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Here’s what we got for you today:

  • ✍️ Feature Case: The baffling disappearance of …

  • ✍️ Crime Facts vs. Myth

  • ✍️ Serial Killers Have …

  • ✍️ Tip of the Week

  • ✍️ Crime Puzzle

  • ✍️ Breaking News: the latest updates

  • ✍️ Behind the Scene: An inside look at the exclusive, uncut content available only on Patreon

The Disappearance and Murder of Heather Szekeres

Heather Szekeres vanished in the early hours of June 22, 2013, in Shawano, Wisconsin, under circumstances that remain as perplexing as they are tragic. The 32-year-old was last seen at a local bar called Final Lap, just yards away from the downtown apartment she shared with her husband, Rob Szekeres, their infant daughter, and Heather’s mother, Laurie Waddell.

image of Heather Szekeres

The night before her disappearance, Heather had been out with Laurie at Final Lap. Laurie left the bar around 1:00 AM, but Heather chose to stay a little longer. Witnesses claimed Heather left the bar around 2:00 AM—but she never made it home. Her husband Rob waited two days before reporting her missing, thinking she had voluntarily left, as she had done in the past. But this time was different.

The initial stages of the investigation were agonizingly slow. Shawano police believed Heather had left on her own, citing her history of temporarily leaving home. Even six months into the case, despite no sign of Heather, police stuck with their theory that she was missing voluntarily. This assumption contributed to the case going cold quickly, leaving Heather's family and friends in a cruel state of limbo.

Then, a breakthrough came almost a year later. In May 2014, human remains were found in a wooded area behind Peach Road, about 2.5 miles from Final Lap. It took another year for those remains to be confirmed as Heather’s. While this grim discovery answered one painful question, many others remained. The autopsy was inconclusive, and while her death was ruled a homicide, the exact cause remained unknown.

wooded area where Heather's remains were found

Heather's family was devastated by the news. Their grief quickly turned into frustration, with many blaming the Shawano Police Department for not organizing search efforts immediately after Heather was reported missing. Questions swirled: who was responsible for Heather’s death, and had they missed crucial chances to find her?

Under Scrutiny: The Husband

In most missing person and homicide cases, the spouse is often the first person investigators look into. Rob Szekeres was no exception, though Shawano police initially believed Heather had left on her own accord. Shortly after her disappearance, Rob took to Facebook, stating he had been questioned and cooperated with the police. He expressed his belief that Heather had left him voluntarily and defended himself against criticisms that he wasn’t actively searching for his wife, saying his job made it difficult for him to do so.

image of Rob Szekeres

However, the cracks in Rob and Heather’s relationship were well-known. In 2012, the couple had separated, largely due to financial stress, and Heather had even sued Rob for child support. The separation, while brief, cast a shadow over their marriage. Things took an even darker turn in December 2012, when Heather called 911 to report a domestic violence incident, accusing Rob of striking her in the face with a pillow. Rob was fined for the incident, but by mid-2013, it seemed like the couple had reconciled. Heather had posted a picture of herself and Rob just hours before she disappeared, seemingly signaling a new beginning for the pair.

A Bar Manager with a Dark Past

Another individual who came under scrutiny was Darwin Davis, the manager of Final Lap. Heather and Rob were regular patrons at the bar, and Heather knew Davis well. In December 2012, Davis was accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in the basement of the bar, and Heather was on the list of potential witnesses for the trial. At the time of Heather's disappearance, Davis was out on bond, which raised suspicions about his possible involvement.

A Renewed Investigation

After years of silence, a fresh lead reignited hope in 2024. Shawano County sheriff’s officials and the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation returned to the site near Highway MMM, where Heather’s body was found, following new evidence that could shed light on her murder. The specifics of what they discovered remain unclear, but investigators have confirmed they have a suspect. Whether this suspect is Darwin Davis, or someone else remains to be seen.

image of the investigation

With the investigation back in motion, there is hope that Heather's family may finally get the answers they've been searching for. While justice has been long delayed, there’s now a possibility it won't be denied. As Heather’s story continues to unfold, one question lingers—will the truth about what happened that night finally come to light, bringing closure to a case that has haunted Shawano for over a decade?

Crime Facts vs Myth

Myth:

Missing adults aren't taken as seriously as missing children.

Fact:

While cases involving children get more immediate attention due to their vulnerability, law enforcement agencies take adult disappearances seriously, especially when there are signs of foul play, mental health concerns, or the person is considered at risk.

Real-Life Example: In the case of Tiffany Daniels, a 25-year-old woman who went missing in 2013 from Pensacola, Florida, law enforcement took her disappearance seriously despite her being an adult. Tiffany’s family reported her missing after she failed to return home from work, and her abandoned car was found near a beach. Given the unusual circumstances of her disappearance, and potential mental health concerns she had before vanishing, the police treated the case with urgency, conducting extensive searches and following numerous leads.

This case shows how adult disappearances are taken seriously, especially when suspicious circumstances arise. Despite her age, Tiffany’s case has received widespread attention and law enforcement dedication.

Serial Killers Have High IQs

The idea that serial killers are criminal masterminds with exceptionally high intelligence is a popular trope in films, TV shows, and even some documentaries. However, the reality is more nuanced. While some notorious killers, like Ted Bundy, had above-average intelligence, many others had average or even below-average IQs.

Exploring the Myth:

The portrayal of serial killers as highly intelligent often comes from cases where their ability to evade capture for years is mistaken for brilliance. For instance, Bundy was a law student and known for his cunning and charm, which allowed him to lure his victims without raising suspicion. His intelligence, combined with his manipulative nature, gave the illusion that all serial killers share these traits.

The Reality:

However, intelligence among serial killers varies just as it does in the general population. Gary Ridgway, the infamous Green River Killer, had an IQ of 82, which is below average. Yet, Ridgway was one of the most prolific serial killers in U.S. history, murdering at least 49 women. His success in avoiding capture wasn’t due to genius-level intelligence but rather because he targeted vulnerable individuals and operated in a time before forensic technologies were advanced.

Other Examples:

  • Henry Lee Lucas, known as “The Confession Killer,” was involved in numerous murders, but his IQ was reportedly as low as 84. His capture wasn’t a matter of him outsmarting law enforcement but rather a result of disorganization and luck on his part.

  • Edmund Kemper, another infamous killer, was highly intelligent, with an IQ of 145. He openly spoke about his murders in great detail, displaying his sharp mind and understanding of human psychology. However, his high IQ did not prevent him from leaving evidence behind or from seeking attention by confessing to his crimes, which eventually led to his arrest.

Conclusion:

Serial killers come from all walks of life, with varying levels of intelligence. The myth that all serial killers have high IQs is largely a result of sensationalized media and the desire to distance these individuals from the rest of society. Understanding that intelligence isn’t a defining trait in serial killers helps to demystify these individuals and can lead to a more realistic understanding of their crimes.

What to Do if You Witness a Crime

If you find yourself witnessing a crime or suspicious activity, your safety and how you react are crucial. Here’s what you should do:

  1. Stay Safe: If possible, get to a safe location without drawing attention to yourself.

  2. Take Mental Notes: Remember key details like what the suspect looks like, what they’re wearing, or any vehicles involved.

  3. Don’t Intervene: Unless you are trained, it’s better to avoid confrontation. Call law enforcement as soon as you can.

  4. Report Quickly: The faster you can report the incident, the more likely police will be able to respond in time.

  5. Be Ready to Give Details: When reporting, provide specific details about what you saw—time, location, descriptions of people involved, and the nature of the crime.

Decode a Killer’s Message

Interactive Crime Puzzle: Decode a Killer’s Message

Get ready to test your detective skills and dive into the mind of a real-life criminal. In this edition, we’re challenging you to solve an interactive puzzle inspired by one of the most infamous unsolved cases: the Zodiac Killer. Known for taunting police and media with cryptic letters and ciphers, the Zodiac Killer left behind a trail of clues that still baffle investigators and true crime enthusiasts alike. Now, it's your turn to try and crack the code!

Background:

Between 1968 and 1969, the Zodiac Killer terrorized Northern California, claiming to have murdered at least five people. What made this case particularly chilling was his habit of sending taunting letters to local newspapers, some of which included ciphers that he claimed would reveal his identity. While a few of these ciphers have been solved, others remain unsolved to this day.

This puzzle is inspired by Zodiac's infamous 340-character cipher, sent to the San Francisco Chronicle in 1969, which remained unsolved for over 50 years until a team of codebreakers cracked it in 2020.

The Puzzle:

Here’s your chance to test your cipher-solving abilities with a similar puzzle. Below is a cipher inspired by the Zodiac’s unsolved messages. Can you figure out what the hidden message says? If you succeed, you'll uncover a chilling statement related to the Zodiac Killer case.

Cipher:

XQF VLZK RFM EBQJFLK WLSQP

KR I BLDQR VMOLN RLQ BWQA YLFM

CZ VLJP RFM KQZ JMQLR FP LQBR VZR LBRD

QZ VLJFP JLRL LBRI

Clue 1: Substitution Cipher

This puzzle uses a simple substitution cipher, where each letter of the alphabet is replaced by another letter. Your first task is to determine the pattern by which letters are shifted or substituted.

  • For example, if "A" is substituted with "C," all instances of "A" would become "C," and vice versa.

Clue 2: Common Letters

Look for frequent letters that often appear in English sentences. Letters like E, T, A, and O are common in the English language, so they could help you identify key patterns. The letter “L” appears multiple times in the cipher—could this represent “E” or “A”?

Clue 3: Short Words

Focus on the shorter words, like "KR" and "CZ." These could represent common English words like "IS," "TO," or "IN." Decoding the shorter words can provide a foothold for cracking the longer sentences.

Clue 4: Famous Phrases

The Zodiac was known for his cryptic, boastful messages. Keep in mind that his ciphers often revealed eerie statements, like his desire to collect “slaves for the afterlife” or how much he enjoyed his crimes. The hidden message may contain similar language.

Your Task:

  • Step 1: Start substituting letters and look for common word patterns.

  • Step 2: Use the clues provided to guide your decoding process.

  • Step 3: Once you think you’ve cracked it, compare your message to famous phrases or statements made by the Zodiac to see if they match his style.

keep an eye out for our next edition, we will show you the creepy message you wont believe it once you’ve solved it.

BREAKING NEWS  

Who is Terryon Thomas, the TikTok star known as Mr Prada accused of second-degree murder?

Terryon Thomas, a popular TikTok creator with over 4 million followers on his main account, gained initial fame for his comedic and relatable videos. However, many of his videos sparked controversy as he was frequently accused of copying content from other creators without giving proper credit.

This week, the 20-year-old made headlines for a far more serious reason. Thomas was charged with second-degree murder and obstruction of justice in connection with the death of 69-year-old therapist William Nicholas Abraham.

The case has generated a social media firestorm, with speculation swirling about Thomas’ relationship with Abraham. Posts on TikTok and X, some amassing millions of views, fueled discussions around Thomas’ potential involvement in the crime.

Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Thomas was arrested in Dallas on Tuesday, just days after Abraham’s body was found on the side of a highway near Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. Authorities have stated that Abraham died from blunt-force trauma.

Efforts to reach Thomas’ management team for comment have been unsuccessful.

Who is "Mr. Prada"? Terryon Thomas, who goes by the handle @mr.prada456, first rose to prominence on TikTok in late 2022. Known for recreating other users' videos nearly shot-for-shot, Thomas quickly gained notoriety on the platform. His unapologetic stance on accusations of plagiarism turned him into a meme, with some TikTok users dubbing themselves “Mr. Prada victims” in a tongue-in-cheek response to his actions. Despite the criticism, Thomas dismissed the backlash, at one point posting that he was "unbothered" by the negativity, though that video has since been deleted.

Over the past year, his followers began expressing concern for his mental health, particularly after Thomas posted cryptic messages, including one hinting at loneliness, a declaration that he no longer wanted to be called “Prada,” and several videos in which he appeared with a shaved head and eyebrows.

The Allegations Against Thomas Thomas is now facing serious legal trouble. He was charged with second-degree murder and obstruction of justice following the discovery of William Nicholas Abraham’s body. According to an affidavit, authorities found blood, sharp objects, and other weapons inside Thomas' home. Surveillance footage also captured Abraham entering Thomas’ apartment complex the day before his body was discovered.

Witnesses reported seeing Thomas dragging a tarp down the stairs and loading it into Abraham’s car, according to the affidavit. After a traffic stop in Dallas, where he was allegedly driving Abraham's car without authorization, Thomas was arrested. He faces additional charges, including unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and aggravated criminal damage to property.

Thomas is currently being held in Dallas, awaiting extradition to Louisiana. As of now, he does not have a lawyer, and no court date has been set.

Public Reaction Since the news broke, speculation about Thomas’ potential motive has run rampant across social media. Several viral posts falsely linked Thomas to a 2015 case involving Abraham, where the therapist was accused of inappropriately touching an 11-year-old client. However, those claims have been debunked. Prosecutors did not pursue the case, and there is no evidence to suggest that Thomas had any involvement in that incident.

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office has stated that the investigation into the relationship between Thomas and Abraham is ongoing, with no clear motive yet established.

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