23: Bianca Piper

The episode discusses the mysterious disappearance of 13-year-old Bianca Piper, who vanished while taking a walk in Foley, Missouri, on March 10, 2005. The narrative begins with her family background, emphasizing their struggles, including Shannon Tanner's challenges with her daughters’ mental health and her eventual divorce from David Piper. Bianca faced significant behavioral issues, diagnosed with ADHD and severe bipolar disorder, which complicated her social interactions and education.

On the night before her disappearance, Bianca had a troubled conversation with her mother, resulting in her decision to take a longer walk to calm down. Shannon dropped her off on a rural road, but Bianca never returned home. A frantic search ensued as temperatures dropped, but no leads were found. The investigation expanded but led law enforcement to theorize foul play due to the remote nature of the area and lack of evidence suggesting she had wandered off.

Over the years, media coverage heightened awareness of Bianca's case, but tragic family incidents and turmoil overshadowed the investigations. Shannon faced legal issues, and Bianca’s sisters experienced difficulties as well, contributing to a narrative of dysfunction.

The case of Bianca's disappearance was linked to several unsolved cases, including those of Sean Hornbeck and other local children, but no concrete evidence ever connected the suspected abductor or pointed to a clear resolution. Despite occasional claims from family members suggesting knowledge of Bianca's fate, investigations yielded no leads, leaving her family to grapple with their loss and the hope of someday receiving closure regarding her fate.