I would have to go with the Clark Rockefeller/Chichester/Crowe or whatever name he went by. This whole adventure was first reported nationally on unsolved mysteries in 1994, years later it spawned into another national case were "A Rockefeller " kidnaps kid and we get Lifetime movie about him, and tied into that leads to the eventual charges of a possible 28 year old double murder in California.
There has been no other case that originated from U M thats its origins can be connected to an old U M broadcast that grew to this proportion that eveyone first learned through U M.
My runner -up case is the Circleville Letter Writer, another epic case. :talk:

I tend to think of Cindy James when I think of UM. It's just such a bizarre case and there's not lot of information about it out there.

I thought there were at least two books on Cindy James, one by Neal Hall (the investigative reporter interviewed in the segment) and the other by her sister. There are other posters who know a lot better than I do on this one, though.

Well the case of Richard Mintz and Barbara Petrosky at the time of it's filming was the case that the show invested the most time production wise and I'm not sure if they ever surpassed it. It also drew in quite the audience as I remember so even though it isn't as discussed as much as other cases on the forum, you could make a case for it being the signature case in the history of the show.

I thought there were at least two books on Cindy James, one by Neal Hall (the investigative reporter interviewed in the segment) and the other by her sister. There are other posters who know a lot better than I do on this one, though.

"The deaths of Cindy James," by Neal Hall and "Who killed Cindy James?" by Ian Mulgrew.

Even though many here didn't like Neal Hall in the segment, his book is the better of the two. He never gives his opinion, he simply states the facts of every incident and the opinions of everyone who was a part of Cindy's life those several years. He's very objective and his book is well written. Ian Mulgrew's book, on the other hand, writes her off as a crack right away. His book also tends to jump back and forth through Cindy's life making the order of events confusing. He also tends to focus too much on Cindy's life growing up to justify his opinion of what caused her mental illness.

It's been about a year since I talked to Cindy's sister Melanie over emails about her book. She did send me a friend invite on Facebook, though. She mentioned that there was so much info she wanted to include that she decided to split it into two books. But then her father died and she had to put her mother into a nursing home and I felt guilty bugging her about the latest developments with her book. I hope it gets published soon.

"The deaths of Cindy James," by Neal Hall and "Who killed Cindy James?" by Ian Mulgrew.

Even though many here didn't like Neal Hall in the segment, his book is the better of the two. He never gives his opinion, he simply states the facts of every incident and the opinions of everyone who was a part of Cindy's life those several years. He's very objective and his book is well written. Ian Mulgrew's book, on the other hand, writes her off as a crack right away. His book also tends to jump back and forth through Cindy's life making the order of events confusing. He also tends to focus too much on Cindy's life growing up to justify his opinion of what caused her mental illness.

It's been about a year since I talked to Cindy's sister Melanie over emails about her book. She did send me a friend invite on Facebook, though. She mentioned that there was so much info she wanted to include that she decided to split it into two books. But then her father died and she had to put her mother into a nursing home and I felt guilty bugging her about the latest developments with her book. I hope it gets published soon.Thank you for the update! I would definitely like to read Neal Hall's book and her sister's if it ever comes to fruition. I'm not the biggest true crime reader but there are certain cases that I would go out of my way to attempt to learn more about.

Thank you for the update! I would definitely like to read Neal Hall's book and her sister's if it ever comes to fruition. I'm not the biggest true crime reader but there are certain cases that I would go out of my way to attempt to learn more about.

I bought Neal Hall's book 12 years ago off of Amazon for $2.00. There are a dozen copies available on Amazon right now....

http://www.amazon.com/Deaths-Cindy-James-Neal-Hall/dp/0771037848/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363838694&sr=1-1&keywords=the+deaths+of+cindy+james

Well the case of Richard Mintz and Barbara Petrosky at the time of it's filming was the case that the show invested the most time production wise and I'm not sure if they ever surpassed it. It also drew in quite the audience as I remember so even though it isn't as discussed as much as other cases on the forum, you could make a case for it being the signature case in the history of the show.

I love that segment--not for what happened, of course, but because of how it showcased what character Barbara Petrofsky had. Utterly amazing woman.

Yeah, it was a shame that Richard Mintz wasn't a U.S. citizen, and he ended up not paying a dime in the civil case.

With UM having so many cases and being such an important program, I don't know that we can narrow it down to just one case.

There has been no other case that originated from U M thats its origins can be connected to an old U M broadcast that grew to this proportion that eveyone first learned through U M.

Come again?

Angela Hammond. They re-ran that case so much. I hope her case is solved someday, it's been almost 22 years since she was abducted.

Angela Hammond. They re-ran that case so much. I hope her case is solved someday, it's been almost 22 years since she was abducted.

No cases were rerun as much as Edward Harold Bell and Resurrection Mary, but Angela Hammond is certainly up there as a "signature" case. It's impossible for me to narrow it down to one, though.

The Wackers. Not only is it one of the most remembered and one of the most unsettling segments, people are still debating to this day as to whether the couple were really targets of an unknown stalker or if they were behind it.

I also forgot to mention that the Sharon Kinne case is one of the top cases. The longevity of it and the many times it was aired makes my top 10. Beverly McGowan's murder is also up there.

I bought Neal Hall's book 12 years ago off of Amazon for $2.00. There are a dozen copies available on Amazon right now....

http://www.amazon.com/Deaths-Cindy-James-Neal-Hall/dp/0771037848/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363838694&sr=1-1&keywords=the+deaths+of+cindy+jamesAlright, thanks. I'll definitely grab a copy ASAP.

I also forgot to mention that the Sharon Kinne case is one of the top cases. The longevity of it and the many times it was aired makes my top 10. Beverly McGowan's murder is also up there.Your current avatar is one, too.

Seriously, that picture might be one of the creepiest shots to come from the show.

Could THIS be in the running for the Unsolved Mysteries signature case?

http://www.onehellofaneye.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/GeraldineElizabeth-Carmichael_Dale-815x1024.jpg

I'd vote for him/her; In matter of fact, if the company would fold, I would believe in her vision.
Joking aside, if he/she would have followed through, who knows? Heck, dreams are why the heart beats (I think).

Your current avatar is one, too.

Seriously, that picture might be one of the creepiest shots to come from the show.

I agree, very creepy and piercing. I can only pray that Patricia got help and was taken in and taken care of by some nice people. I'd hate to think she's been dead all this time even though I am certain she has been. :(

Yeah, her case makes me sad also. I had a nervous breakdown myself, and the loss of who you used to be really hurts. If Patricia is still alive, hopefully she reinvented herself.

Yeah, I can only hope that she started a whole new life somewhere after gathering herself together but it's pretty unlikely.

That picture, though... it really says it all.

I think Patricia ran into someone bad and got murdered :( I hope not, but that's my feeling.

My vote for the "signature segment" is definitely the Circleville Letters. It has all the elements of a truly great UM segment:
1. Possible murder of Ron Gillespie and potential LE cover-up (and unexplained alcohol level).
2. Rumours and gossip and the inabilityto rule out all of the key players, including the sheriff.
3. A sordid affair that obviously really pissed someone off.
4. Possible frame-job that put Paul Freshour in jail.
5. The harassing letters, which continued after Freshour was locked up.
6. UM getting a letter directly from the writer!!
7. Getting to view parts of the actual letters, the creepy voice reading them to us viewers, and the creepy-ass music while it was all going down! Yikes!
8. And, of course, the fact that this case will most likely NEVER be solved.
All of these things add up to THEE best UM segment, in my opinion. It actually isn't my personal favourite, but to me it best reflects UM (or at least what I enjoy about UM).

Well among some of those mentioned,Danny Casolaro generally comes to mind for many. Not one of my favorite cases mind you,but the typical definitive UM case.
Angela Hammond and Cindy James,definitely. The Circleville letters segment is probably the most obnoxious one to me.
I also think that for those who aren't big UM fans,they immediately think "ghosts","Loch Ness" and "aliens". And everyone always thinks of the General Wayne's Inn segment,specifically the head on the stove,and then the Comedy store ghost.

Personally for me,Tammy Lynn Leppert and Anthonette Cayedito are the "typical Um cases". Of course they are also some of my most favorite cases.

But ultimately,Danny Casolaro. That's "the one" as far as I'm concerned. It is as far as Bill Clinton is concerned as well........:eyes2:

Yes, the whole INSLAW Octopus/ Casalero/Morgan/Johnson mystery with Don Devereux. Mysterious, controversial, and intriguing.

I think Patricia ran into someone bad and got murdered :( I hope not, but that's my feeling.

My vote for the "signature segment" is definitely the Circleville Letters. It has all the elements of a truly great UM segment:
1. Possible murder of Ron Gillespie and potential LE cover-up (and unexplained alcohol level).
2. Rumours and gossip and the inabilityto rule out all of the key players, including the sheriff.
3. A sordid affair that obviously really pissed someone off.
4. Possible frame-job that put Paul Freshour in jail.
5. The harassing letters, which continued after Freshour was locked up.
6. UM getting a letter directly from the writer!!
7. Getting to view parts of the actual letters, the creepy voice reading them to us viewers, and the creepy-ass music while it was all going down! Yikes!
8. And, of course, the fact that this case will most likely NEVER be solved.
All of these things add up to THEE best UM segment, in my opinion. It actually isn't my personal favourite, but to me it best reflects UM (or at least what I enjoy about UM).

Ehh...I don't know. I used to love this segment when I was younger and I believed everything I heard, but now when I watch it I kind of resent how the show insulted our intelligence with their portrayal of the story. This narrative should've been on Jerry Springer rather than UM. Really, it was a trashy family drama and I was believed that the truth was Occam's Razor. The lowpoint of this seggie was when they said that the woman and the superintendent did indeed have an affair, but they started it AFTER the accusations. I am a gigantic UM fan...but come on.

Same goes for the legendary Wendy Camp/Chad Noe segment. That being said, the WC/CN segment would be my nominee as UM's signature case.

Right off the bat, I can think of two cases I've always remembered from watching as a child:

Angela Hammond. Especially the design on the back of the truck.

The little girl who talked to Lon(Con?) and Mr Gordy

Didn't the guys who were interviewed say something like "there was no question she was a woman"? With a stance like that? roflol

Could THIS be in the running for the Unsolved Mysteries signature case?

http://www.onehellofaneye.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/GeraldineElizabeth-Carmichael_Dale-815x1024.jpg

brad bishop

Grateful Dead Jason?

Angela Hammond, The Whackers, Redwood city fire, and the Circleville letters. Those 4 cases seem to stick to my mind the most. Tough to choose just one as a signature UM case. If I had to choose one it would be Circleville.

My vote is Son of Sam - probably because that's the one that got me hooked.

But I'd also give nods to the Baskins, William Bradford Bishop, and the Eliot Ness segments too.

Anyone recall career thief Donald Eugene Webb? He shot that Pennsylvania police chief Greg Adams in 1980, and was an F.B.I. 10 Most Wanted fugitive for a long time (the guy was never officially caught). I believe that segment was one of the first to air when UM became a weekly program.

Anyone recall career thief Donald Eugene Webb? He shot that Pennsylvania police chief Greg Adams in 1980, and was an F.B.I. 10 Most Wanted fugitive for a long time (the guy was never officially caught). I believe that segment was one of the first to air when UM became a weekly program.

In the very first special hosted by Raymond Burr, DEW is also briefly mentioned on a Ten Most Wanted "roll call" after the Terry Lee Connor/Joseph Daugherty segment.

Checked the FBI website just yesterday actually, and there's still an "active" poster for him, although he's been removed from the Most Wanted list.

In April 2005, an unidentified man in Detroit was using Webb's name, age and social security number. Detroit police trailed the address to a burned-out house in a poor section of town. Authorities consider this a case of identity theft, although a very unusual one.

Wow, that is a fun little fact Blackout, for sure.

Wow, that is a fun little fact Blackout, for sure.

:)

btw we are only 4 hours and 40 minutes away from eachother at the moment lol

Another fun fact!

Angola must be a small town??

Yeah, it's a small town, but also close to a major highway, so it isn't too bad in traveling. One does need a car though, unless they want to bike a half hour to a major grocery store or pharmacy.

it looks like it's on the edge of western NY??

That about right; an hour away from Erie, PA. On another note I think New York State as a whole sees Western New York as their toilet bowl:-)

That about right; an hour away from Erie, PA. On another note I think New York State as a whole sees Western New York as their toilet bowl:-)


that is pretty much true :D



but WAY upstate like Canton an Potsdam might be even worse

Yeah, I suppose "the" New York gets all the spoils.

UM had so many incredible stories, but the Missing Person's case of Audrey Moate sticks out.

The supernatural/ghost stories always bugged me but the stories with the haunted bunks and the haunted hotel (with the laughable head on the stove:lol:) also stand out!

Christian Laettner -4 Final Fours-all time NCAA tourney great and Sabres scrapper and hard noser Pat Kaleda and from Angola. :wave:

Here are some that stick out in my mind as "signature" cases:

Angela Hammond

Beverley McGowan/Elaine Parent case

Michael Rosenblum

Cindy James

Circleview Letters

That about right; an hour away from Erie, PA. On another note I think New York State as a whole sees Western New York as their toilet bowl:-)

I thought that was New Jersey. *ducks*

I lived in CNY for a while and they had to inform me that it was not Upstate. Where I'm from, there are 4 part of New York State. NYC, Westchester, Long Island and Upstate. :)

As for the topic, Angela Hammond, Kerri Lynn Nixon, Dutch Shultz Treasure, Christopher Chichester (which turned out to be even weirder than we could have dreamed!) and the Loretto Chapel.

That's true, BuffaloBill; I actually went to high school with Christian Laettner's sister Katie (I was a year ahead of her, and surprised she was attending a public school).

Yeah, I think the Audrey Moate-Thomas Hotard case has some of that UM mystique to it, and I'd like to include Sharon Kinne. I wonder if A.) Sharon Kinne is still alive and had another family B.) How long that spouse lived (six weeks?). I know Margo Freshwater was made to be a femme fatale during her segment, but their circumstances are MUCH different.

I would have to say the bowling alley murders, 23 years now and still nothing.

Yeah, it's grown into a tough case; well, if South Boston gangster Whitey Bulger can be captured, there should be hope for almost any case. You'd think this case would have been an easy solve, though.

I can't pick just one case, because several of them are favorites of mine. My favorite type to watch and discuss were the ones involving a murder or a missing person and a "did they do it or not" suspect.

Yes, hard to narrow it down, but I have to go with Angela Hammond and Tami Lynn Leppert.

Probably two of my favorite episodes was the Alcatraz episode (I have the TV movie "Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story" on the same cassette/disk) and the "Diabolical Minds" segment. Actually, the only segments that I'm easily bored with are the UFO segments (with the exception being the "missing time" segment).

I'll start my first post ever by saying that the signature UM case is what I think is my favorite: Cindy James. That segment was just like a perfect mystery. I just ordered one of the books about it so I can learn more. That case has always intrigued me.

From the outside looking in... Texas most wanted.

Famous actor- popular case that was solved. Those were important aspects to legitimize um as a show.


Beyond that there were better cases as the signature case doesn't necessarily mean the best. It's too difficult to pick one that was better or more popular than the others. As time goes on I seem to gain new favorites. Right now the ohio serial truck driver stands out for me because it seems impossible to solve and I've driven around ohio a lot and think about the case when I see multiple trucks stopped on the side of the highway early in the morning.

Another case that stands out is the ih 70 killer. I agree with many of the others that were mentioned here. There are so many perplexing cases that have been featured in other media.

The disappearance of Adam Hecht. It's one of the few "unsolved" cases featured on the show. Not a single shred of an update after all these years I've been aware of the case. All I could find was other people discussing what could have happened. Not a word from any of his family members besides what's seen in the segment itself. I'm guessing his mother has passed away by now. But his brother is probably still out there. Tony is probably long gone too, considering he was homeless and seemed to have mental illness. Robert Stack gave us one last tidbit at the end of the segment. He said Adam's brother seen Tony one last time on the street, and he asked him where Adam was. Tony told him to spend some time with him and he would find out. Then he just walked away.

Maybe one day his brother will find this forum and give us a LONG awaited update.

Harold Hecht June 1, 1907 May 26, 1985, born in New York City, was a movie producer.

Harold Hecht is probably best remembered today for his association with the actor Burt Lancaster whom he "discovered" on the New York stage and brought to Hollywood, and with whom he formed an independent film production company, breaking from the then-powerful studio system. Their companies were Norma Productions, the Hecht-Lancaster company and, later with the writer-producer James Hill, the Hecht-Hill-Lancaster company.


His son , Adam Hecht disappeared in the 80s after befriending a homeless man and bringing him into his Beverly Hills home. When he had been missing for awhile his brother went to his apt and found the homeless man there but no sign of his brother. He is still missing.


He died at his Beverly Hills, California home in 1985, six days prior to his 78th birthday, he was interred in the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.

Good post Nicoge21. There is hope for all cases that are still unsolved. If somehow we can that story out there maybe a new lead will surface.

Adding to the chorus of Circleville, Wacker and Cindy James.

I would also add Dave Bocks (worker at NLO factory, radioactive remains found in furnace), Kurt Sova (17 year old male found dead in a ravine) and the "Omar" arsonist. I remember seeing that as a kid and the very next day finding an old Army jacket in the woods and being too terrified to even touch it.

I'd like to see the Hecht segment again but 'that-which-shall-not-be-named' took it all down. :( I am sure that I have seen it but may have been years ago.

Yeah, it really stinks that the website we don't speak of eliminated the content. I blame Meyer-Cosgrove; seems like a money grab. It shouldn't be; these are people, not some film:mad:

Just my two cents: I agree that it's next to impossible to name just ONE "signature" UM segment. That doesn't stop me from attempting to rise to the challenge. :)

1. Tammy Lyn Leppart
2. Angela Hammond
3. Patricia Meehan (obviously)
4. Circleville Letters-- only because of the creepy narration of the letters
5. The Orange Sock murders
6. Dennis DePue-- I had to come back here and add that one-- I was so creeped out by the segment that I insisted on sleeping on my mom's floor that night.:eek: :eek:

Just my two cents: I agree that it's next to impossible to name just ONE "signature" UM segment. That doesn't stop me from attempting to rise to the challenge. :)

1. Tammy Lyn Leppart
2. Angela Hammond
3. Patricia Meehan (obviously)
4. Circleville Letters-- only because of the creepy narration of the letters
5. The Orange Sock murders
6. Dennis DePue-- I had to come back here and add that one-- I was so creeped out by the segment that I insisted on sleeping on my mom's floor that night.:eek: :eek:
those are all great ones. I think I remember clearly the first time that I saw each of those and they all were very creepy or mysterious. To me the Circleville letters wasn't scary, but it was very mysterious and might be the most memorable. Someone said a. moate too. I think if UM dedicated 30 mins of their programming to a story it was usually a "signature" type of case.

But the general theme here with everyone is that there are just to many to choose one! that's what makes the show so great.

...and how did this thread go for five pages before someone brought up Judith Himes???

I thought of that one while I was in the shower. When I was a kid, I couldn't look at the screen when they showed her picture. It scared me too much.

I wonder if Judith Hime's body is in the ocean. Was that a cheap abortion that went wrong? No matter, I hope her body can be found someday.

...and how did this thread go for five pages before someone brought up Judith Himes???

I thought of that one while I was in the shower. When I was a kid, I couldn't look at the screen when they showed her picture. It scared me too much.

GREAT one. I think that's a perfect selection for this thread.