How Detectives Found an Unexpected Twist in the Rhys Pocan Case (Part 1)

This Crime Junkie episode explores one of Wisconsin's most haunting unsolved murders: the disappearance and death of Rhys Pocan. On August 10, 1989, Pocan, a 35-year-old Native American mother of four, vanished while taking a walk along National Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her sudden disappearance sent alarm through her family and community, launching what would become a decades-long search for answers. Weeks after her disappearance, investigators discovered the tragic truth when her dismembered remains were found scattered across multiple locations. Parts of her body were recovered from Nichol's Creek in Sheboygan County, while additional remains were discovered in Vernon Marsh located in Waukesha County. These grim discoveries transformed the missing person case into a murder investigation that would baffle detectives for years to come. The brutality of the crime and the scattered nature of the evidence suggested a perpetrator capable of extreme violence, yet despite extensive investigative efforts, her killer was never identified or brought to justice. For decades, the case grew cold as leads dried up and the investigation stalled. However, in 2022, the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office decided to revisit the case with fresh eyes and renewed determination. This reinvestigation represented a glimmer of hope that new evidence or witnesses might finally emerge to solve the mystery. Throughout the long years of uncertainty, Pocan's family has carried the weight of not knowing what happened to their loved one. Her daughter, Charlee Russ, has emerged as a determined advocate for her mother's case, working tirelessly to keep public attention focused on finding justice for Rhys Pocan. The episode examines the investigative details uncovered so far and highlights the unexpected twist that detectives discovered during their renewed efforts. Crime Junkie's Ashley Flowers presents this case with the responsible storytelling the platform is known for, ensuring that Rhys Pocan's story is told with respect for the victim and her grieving family. The case remains a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in solving violent crimes and the profound impact that unsolved murders have on families and communities, particularly within Native American populations.