76: Oakley Carlson

This episode recounts the heartbreaking story of Oakley Carlson, a five-year-old girl who went missing under troubling circumstances. The narrative begins with her foster parents, Jamie Jo and Eric Hiles, who provided Oakley with a loving home after she was removed from her biological parents due to their substance abuse issues.

Oakley's life took a tragic turn when she was returned to her biological parents, who faced serious allegations of abuse and neglect. Despite Oakley's foster parents raising concerns before her return, the state agency did not take adequate measures to ensure her safety. The podcast details the unsettling events leading up to Oakley's disappearance, including a house fire and alarming testimonies from her siblings about her treatment at home.

The turning point came when Oakley’s sister revealed to her school principal, Jessica Swift, that Oakley was no longer living with them and suggested she had been 'eaten by wolves.' This prompted Jessica to alert the authorities, leading to an investigation that found no trace of Oakley. The episode highlights the failures of the child welfare system and the shocking indifference of her biological parents after Oakley's disappearance. Ultimately, Oakley's case stands as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for accountability in child protection services and the preservation of vulnerable children's rights.