Digest

This podcast delves into the perplexing disappearance of Gretchen Fleming, a 27-year-old woman who vanished from Parkersburg, West Virginia in December 2022. The podcast paints a vivid portrait of Gretchen, highlighting her free-spirited nature, love for fashion, and passion for makeup. It traces her journey from Parkersburg to Raleigh and South Carolina, including her relationship and eventual breakup with a boyfriend. The episode details the events leading up to Gretchen's disappearance on December 3rd, 2022, including her grandmother's curfew rule and her tendency to stay at friends' houses for extended periods. The podcast then focuses on the family's frantic search for Gretchen and their initial concerns. The episode describes the family's investigation, including their visits to Gretchen's favorite bars and their encounter with a man who dropped off Gretchen's purse. The episode introduces John, the last person known to be with Gretchen, and explores his account of the events. The podcast reveals the discovery of surveillance footage from My Way Lounge, which shows Gretchen leaving with a man named Preston Pierce. The episode details Preston's background, including his previous career as a police officer and allegations of inappropriate behavior towards women. The episode describes the execution of search warrants on Preston Pierce's home, car, and storage unit. It highlights the release of false information by the media regarding a body found in the Ohio River, causing immense distress to Gretchen's family. The podcast emphasizes the unwavering support of the Parkersburg community for Gretchen's family. It details the community's involvement in search efforts, including a large-scale search of Mountain Wood Park and a well in the Ravenswood area. The episode highlights the creation of a t-shirt designed by Gretchen's sister, Emma, to raise money for the reward and spread awareness. It includes excerpts from a press conference where Gretchen's family and law enforcement appeal for information. The episode provides updates on the investigation one year after Gretchen's disappearance. It highlights the continued efforts of law enforcement, including the examination of evidence by multiple agencies. The episode concludes with a message of hope and support for Gretchen's family.

Outlines

00:00:06

Gretchen Fleming's Disappearance: A Frustrating Case

This episode delves into the frustrating case of Gretchen Fleming, a 27-year-old woman who vanished in December 2022. The podcast highlights the strong support from Gretchen's family and the dedicated efforts of law enforcement in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

00:01:39

Gretchen Fleming: A Free-Spirited Soul

This episode provides a detailed portrait of Gretchen Fleming, emphasizing her free-spirited nature, love for fashion, and passion for makeup. It explores her journey from Parkersburg to Raleigh and South Carolina, including her relationship and eventual breakup with a boyfriend.

00:12:47

Gretchen's Disappearance: The Start of a Mystery

This episode details the events leading up to Gretchen's disappearance on December 3rd, 2022. It highlights her grandmother's curfew rule and Gretchen's tendency to stay at friends' houses for extended periods. The episode then focuses on the family's frantic search for Gretchen and their initial concerns.

00:14:15

The Investigation Begins: Clues and Suspects

This episode describes the family's investigation, including their visits to Gretchen's favorite bars and their encounter with a man who dropped off Gretchen's purse. The episode introduces John, the last person known to be with Gretchen, and explores his account of the events.

00:23:39

Surveillance Footage Reveals a Mystery Man

This episode reveals the discovery of surveillance footage from My Way Lounge, which shows Gretchen leaving with a man named Preston Pierce. The episode details Preston's background, including his previous career as a police officer and allegations of inappropriate behavior towards women.

00:33:21

The Investigation Intensifies: Search Warrants and False Information

This episode describes the execution of search warrants on Preston Pierce's home, car, and storage unit. It highlights the release of false information by the media regarding a body found in the Ohio River, causing immense distress to Gretchen's family.

00:38:22

Community Support and Continued Search Efforts

This episode emphasizes the unwavering support of the Parkersburg community for Gretchen's family. It details the community's involvement in search efforts, including a large-scale search of Mountain Wood Park and a well in the Ravenswood area.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the key details about Gretchen Fleming's life and personality?

  Gretchen was a free-spirited individual who loved fashion, makeup, and reading. She had a close relationship with her father and stepmom but had a strained relationship with her biological mother. She moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, and later South Carolina, before returning to Parkersburg.

• What are the circumstances surrounding Gretchen's disappearance?

  Gretchen left her grandmother's house on December 3rd, 2022, and never returned. She had a curfew rule at her grandmother's house and was known to stay at friends' houses for extended periods. Her phone and purse were found at a bar, suggesting foul play.

• Who is Preston Pierce and why is he a person of interest in Gretchen's disappearance?

  Preston Pierce, whose real name is Darryl Lot, is a former police officer with a history of inappropriate behavior towards women. He was the last person seen with Gretchen at My Way Lounge. Surveillance footage shows him leaving the bar with Gretchen, and his account of the events has been questioned.

• How has the Parkersburg community responded to Gretchen's disappearance?

  The Parkersburg community has shown overwhelming support for Gretchen's family. They have participated in numerous search efforts, organized fundraisers, and held vigils in her honor. Their support has been a source of strength for the family.

• What is the current status of the investigation?

  The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement is actively pursuing leads. Preston Pierce remains a person of interest, and multiple agencies are examining evidence. The family continues to hope for answers and justice for Gretchen.

• What are some of the challenges faced by Gretchen's family and law enforcement in this case?

  The investigation has been hampered by a lack of evidence, conflicting accounts, and the spread of misinformation. The family has also faced emotional distress and the constant uncertainty surrounding Gretchen's fate.

• What is the significance of the surveillance footage from My Way Lounge?

  The surveillance footage from My Way Lounge is crucial evidence in the case, as it shows Gretchen leaving the bar with Preston Pierce. This footage has helped to identify Pierce as a person of interest and has provided valuable insights into the events leading up to Gretchen's disappearance.

• What is the role of the community in supporting Gretchen's family?

  The Parkersburg community has played a vital role in supporting Gretchen's family. They have organized search parties, fundraisers, and vigils, providing emotional support and practical assistance. Their unwavering support has been a source of strength for the family during this difficult time.

• What is the message of hope that the podcast conveys?

  Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the podcast conveys a message of hope and resilience. It highlights the unwavering support of Gretchen's family and the community, and it emphasizes the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to find answers and bring justice for Gretchen.

Show Notes