267: Re-release: Cherie Westall

In this episode, the hosts delve into the tragic story of Cherie Westall, who disappeared in December 2000 at the age of 15. Cherie's early life was marked by instability, leading her and her siblings into state care due to their dysfunctional family background. Cherie found a loving foster family, the Schultzes, but her teenage years brought about behavioral challenges, resulting in her move to another foster home. Despite some improvements, the new environment did not alleviate her struggles. Just days before her disappearance, Cherie expressed a desire to return to her original foster family and had plans for her upcoming birthday.

On December 12, 2000, after a dental appointment, Cherie vanished without a trace, with her last known whereabouts being a phone booth where she attempted to reach her foster family. The episode highlights the inefficiencies and miscommunication between various agencies that contributed to the delay in reporting her missing, which ultimately hindered the investigation. The hosts discuss the possible theories behind her disappearance, weighing the likelihood of abduction versus running away, and emphasize the need for immediate attention in cases of missing children. Cherie's case remains officially unsolved, raising concerns about systemic failures to protect children in similar situations. The episode concludes with a poignant reminder of Cherie's identity and a call for any information regarding her case.