Inscrutable Clues Haunt New Jersey Beach Disappearance | Mark Himebaugh Case Analysis

[@Panwere36]

*_I imagine the police also failed to locate a "Father of the Year" trophy._* The sublime way you gave that burn, Dr. Grande. So much respect for you for that.

[@nonprogrediestregredi1711]

*imagine*

[@Panwere36]

@@nonprogrediestregredi1711 , thank you for correcting me. Always spell or grammar checking keeps one humble.

[@nonprogrediestregredi1711]

@@Panwere36 No worries. I would want to be corrected also. Have a good day.

[@Panwere36]

@@nonprogrediestregredi1711 You as well.

[@batmang9014]

SUBLIME!

[@glendasully]

To me the artists sketch drawing looks almost identical to the creep that was caught & went to jail for abusing little boys

[@keekeejenkins6162]

Yeah I don't understand how this isn't a pursued avenue (maybe I missed something in the video though)

[@yayhandles]

According to Google maps, mid-day travel time between Philly and Del Haven is less than 2 hours by car, and a station wagon was observed. I don't know how on earth someone could possibly overlook this. The receipt quite literally means nothing.

[@LexieJay00]

That guy that looked like the sketch gotta be the one. And being arrested for a crime similar to what might have happened to Mark?? Too coincidental imo

[@yayhandles]

According to Google maps, mid-day travel time between Philly and Del Haven is less than 2 hours by car, and a station wagon was observed. I don't know how on earth someone could possibly overlook this. The receipt quite literally means nothing.

[@southphillylilly]

I lived in Philadelphia when this happened, and although I was only 12 years old, I remember being down the Jersey shore that very next summer, and then my child like mind, I was looking for Mark on the beach. How terrible that a child can disappear like that off the face of the Earth.

[@charliechurch5004]

Bless ur heart u were keeping an eye out 😞

[@106believer6]

Aww ❤ yes I would have done the exact same. Bless your little heart. It's like you were thinking he was just lost and people that hurt kids don't exist. That's so sweet of you and heartbreaking at the same time. I remember having those same kinda thoughts in that mindset when kids went missing around our town. God love ya and poor little Mark..

[@chrissy3735]

I lived in Philly at the time too and now I’m literally 5-10 minutes from Marks house 😢

[@sngray11]

Mark’s mother has been fighting so hard all of these years to get justice for Mark and to receive the answers that she has so desperately been searching for all of these years. Ana Garcia had an interview with Maureen last year on the True Crime Daily podcast. I really hope that Mark’s case is finally solved sooner rather than later. 🙏🏼

[@uanime1]

How has Mark's mother been fighting to get justice? There isn't any evidence that can be tested, there aren't any suspects, and it's not even clear if he was abducted or accidentally died.

[@charliechurch5004]

Is she still alive? 😞 poor woman

[@jeanettecoleman-mz7ie]

​@@uanime1accidently died!!!? 😂

[@uanime1]

@@jeanettecoleman-mz7ie The video specifically mentioned this as being possible.

[@ArohaStill]

​@@uanime1she has been putting herself and her son's image out there for 33 years. It surely is not easy for her to continue to talk about it all of the time but for her son, she does it.

[@barbaragroves]

I am so glad you covered this, Dr. Grande. I was 16 when this happened right down the road from me. It's true, these small towns during the that time didn't have much to do so a fire would attract attention. My mom babysat Mark and his brother a few times because Mark's brother was in boy scouts with my brother. My dad was part of the search party for Mark. To this day, I still think Jody had a part to play in the whole thing for revenge on Maureen. We were always warned away from the marshes because of sinkholes, but I don't think that happened. I think the sneaker was planted on the beach on purpose.

[@samb4697]

I agree that Jody had a part to play, especially since he went to work the day Mark went missing. No Father can go to work the day his son goes missing; this alone should make him a suspect.

[@yellowfolder]

@@samb4697 Surely Jody's behaviour shows that a father *can* go to work when their child is missing. Also, if Jody had something to do with it, don't you think they'd make some effort to at least pretend they cared? Some people respond oddly to stress and grief. The theory that Jody had something to do with it is probably the least likely. Personally, I think he was abducted by a sex offender who fantasised kidnapping and murdering boys, who was prosecuted for sex crimes against boys, and who highly resembled a stranger spotted in the area. All it would take to throw someone off your scent is rely on an erroneous or faked receipt.

[@lostandfound5145]

@@yellowfolderit’s clearly implied that she meant a “caring father”. I know, “no true Scotsman” fallacy, but still, surely you knew the spirit of what was being communicated. I agree that it’s utter hubris to attempt to judge how a person is feeling based on a tiny bit of info about a person’s emotional reaction to something so traumatic. Still seemed like a crap dad, though.

[@rmcar549]

That means we're right down the road from each other

[@supernova11711]

@@lostandfound5145Some people try to keep busy when something really traumatic is going on in their lives to keep their mind off of it. Especially men are much better at compartmentalizing and hyper focusing on one thing. Their brains are different. Women think of a million things at once but men can distract themselves when they’re trying not to think about a certain thing. Still though, I could see him going back to work a week later or something but to not even want to aid in the efforts to find your own child seems extremely cold and uncaring. So yeah, I agree. Doesn’t mean he had a part in it but does seem to indicate what kind of a father he was.

[@drdenniswaltersmithsr8874]

I am Dr. Dennis Walter Smith Sr. I met Jody Himebaugh, Mark's father in 1994. I was inspired by his story and wrote "MISSING CHILDREN" initially for the Mark Himebaugh foundation. The song is now under review for the "Oscars Academy Award for 2024. I have never met Maureen - Mark's mother, but talked with her on the phone a few times in 1994-95. I disconnected myself from Jody Himebaugh in February of 1996 and have not spoken to Maureen in 28 years. I reached out to her on social media, but unable to connect. I pray for Mark's return daily and have been submerged in the fight for missing and exploited children for 29 years. I continue to pray for a miracle and am fighting, through song, to bring global awareness to missing children and child sex trafficking.

[@mardyneszelc9771]

I can't forget this case, living in South Jersey it was kinda unbelievable possible crimes like this didn't occur. Maureen his mother vowed never to sell the home, so Mark knew where to find her. Heartbreaking, dad sounds like a real winner. That man Thomas Butcavage absolutely looks too similar to the sketch. He is serving time for sexual assult on young boys. Coincidence?

[@mykidsaresupercute]

Yeah, it's all too much of a coincidence. The receipt could have come from anyone really. It's not a good alibi.

[@chad3232132]

I'd say I generally agree with Dr. G's conclusions in the vast majority of cases he covers, but I think he's off base on this one. Butcavage killing Mark is absolutely the most likely scenario. Beyond a reasonable doubt? Definitely not, but I think he's the main suspect and it's at least 50/50 he did it.

[@yayhandles]

According to Google maps, mid-day travel time between Philly and Del Haven is less than 2 hours by car, and a station wagon was observed. I don't know how on earth someone could possibly overlook this. The receipt quite literally means nothing.

[@jayhache5609]

Exactly this. @@yayhandles

[@elizabethhammstudent4850]

Poor child. I'm glad that you're bringing the case to light. I hope that his family gets answers. If someone hurt Mark, I hope that he gets justice. Thanks for another video.

[@liliannaogrady1391]

The mention of an adult, in a car, possibly asking Mark a question such as what's going on or something similar got me thinking. Please don't pull over and ask kids questions, Moms and Dad's are teaching their children not to approach cars. It confuses kids on what to do. Even though, most of the time, people don't mean any harm, it only takes one bad person

[@kymo6343]

it seems ttly sketch why anyone would even do that bc if you have a question about the area why would a kid know instead of an adult anyways?

[@s.b.sieber2007]

Excellent point. I remember back in my younger days, stopping to ask a young boy of about eleven for directions in a neighbourhood I didn't know. I was with my friend who had shaggy black hair and we were driving a white van! That poor kid looked terrorized, (in spite of that he gave us good directions.) I still feel bad about that day. What were we thinking?

[@melissaconover4528]

yes and also the guy was near the couple why didn't he ask them.

[@christiangasior4244]

Dude, that sketch was dead on. That’s gotta be the guy. He was in Philly which is pretty damn close so it’s really not out of the realm of possibility. Not to mention he admitted he wanted to do something like this and then later got caught for crimes against boys. Surprised how easily that theory was dismissed by the Doc.

[@martinkdoorstoperception.1913]

xactly that tape he had of the red haired kid, who was on that tape with the child was it someone high up then it disappears or dismissed this guy was a groomer they groom an get kids for others. think epstein Maxwell elite pedo rings.

[@yayhandles]

According to Google maps, mid-day travel time between Philly and Del Haven is less than 2 hours by car, and a station wagon was observed. I don't know how on earth someone could possibly overlook this. The receipt quite literally means nothing.

[@vikramgupta2326]

I know. I'm from South Jersey. Straight shot across the Walt Whitman Bridge, 42 south, head towards the shore. Its not like this guy was operating in South Dakota.

[@melissaconover4528]

he had ties to the area as well due to somebody being in the singing quartet (relative) in cape may that marks father was in. Coincidence? Mark's father probably new the guy too.

[@Tranquility32]

@@vikramgupta2326Hi. I know, right? I’m in Jersey, and driving / commuting 1.5 hours for anything isn’t unusual for us. And boy that sketch sent chills up my spine!

[@LynnCooks]

I had just graduated from LCMR high school when this happened. My dad was with the Cape May County Sheriff's department at the time. This was huge and to this day in the area still kind of is. It's true, there isn't much to do in South Jersey after Labor Day. The area is very sparsely populated in the off season. This missing kid felt like everyone's kid at the time. Very sad. Most agree it had to have been the rare stranger kidnapping. For a parent to never have closure, that has to be pure agony. 💔 Thank you Dr. Grande for keeping this story circulating. And for making us Jersey natives smile with your little jabs at the state 😜

[@MsAmique]

Love that no one has forgotten Mark!

[@sweetpea6843]

Was the security guard ever a suspect?

[@thebeasters]

It's wild being here for work. Mega mansions and such but very quiet. It's still good I enjoy nature and make my own adventures

[@LexieJay00]

I’m a new viewer and I swear it’s taken me way too long to realize he’s roasting the hell outta people and places on purpose lol he’s so soft spoken I thought, no surely I’m just taking his words out of context 😂

[@RipsGirl]

He's got a very dry sense of humour and keeps such a great straight face while delivering lol

[@reneegardner2286]

oh yeah you're definitely new 😅

[@abelis644]

Dr. Grande is very funny, I love his humour. Welcome to this great channel!😊

[@westcoastgaming4124]

Welcome to the comedy show 😭😭

[@yankees29]

He’s the king of deadpan

[@visitlucyland]

As someone who has lived close to that area (south Jersey shore) during the off season, like it was at the time Mark disappeared, you are completely correct that the whole town would be drawn to something like a fire. There is absolutely nothing happening in the off season in these towns. For that reason I think it's easy to understand why no one was paying attention to Mark. Very sad.

[@Dodgeowner]

I lived close to the area also. I was thinking the exact same.

[@thebeasters]

Yeah I'm in LBI and you could hear a pin drop right now

[@z.startedafire]

every time I drive by Del Haven, i get really sad, and i hold my daughter's hand and we pray hoping his mother gets some answers. So sad, she never moved, or changed her number... I only live 15 minutes away. 🥺 the book still haunts me till this day

[@lorischeirer-tp9gw]

There was a boy who disappeared in a city where he lived. He walked down a street in the city in broad daylight and was never seen again. His name was Louis Mackerly. He was younger than this boy, but Allentown, PA is only 80-85 miles north of this area. Not sure of the year but was not too much time between them.

[@samanthab1923]

I’m in Bucks Co. don’t remember that case but I feel there was another case from Easton that they used a psychic on.

[@dlc5166]

I just read Louis Mackerly's case - he went missing 1984 - eerily similar with a man/woman who called themselves Frank and Elizabeth - blue station wagon. He reported he was abused at a local park to a school counselor and the day of his disappearance ran scared into a sandwich shop saying a group of boys were chasing him. Just horrible to think what may have happened to this child and that he had made a report previous.

[@samanthab1923]

@@dlc5166 Wow, that’s terrible.

[@lorischeirer-tp9gw]

@@samanthab1923 It was in 1984.

[@lorischeirer-tp9gw]

@@samanthab1923 Yes that was a missing girl…she was found murdered later by ppl she knew. She was a young adult.

[@dlc5166]

My heart sunk when you flashed that picture of Thomas Butcavage up on the screen. I confronted a guy that looked exactly like him at Philadelphia Zoo probably 1994/1995 for taking/trying to take pictures of my 3 year old son. We were at the fountain area after getting a bite to eat and my son was playing and running around the fountain and I noticed this guy, all in black, with a professional type camera outfit across the way with the lens aimed at my son. I jumped up and put myself in front of the camera view to block him, walked over to confront him and asked him what the h*ll he was doing, you don't take pictures of someone's kid without permission. He said he was taking pics for the zoo and I was like, oh no, not without my permission you don't take pics of my kid. He just seemed like a real creep. Very bold. When you mentioned Philadelphia, I just thought OMG, was that who that was way back then. I remember the Mark Himebaugh case from 1991 - a lot of stuff started going on back around then or we were hearing more of it on the news.

[@Dr.Pancho.Tortilla]

you're a very brave lady. May Allah protect you and your kids.

[@holdencawffle626]

You sound paranoid

[@dlc5166]

@@holdencawffle626 I might sound paranoid, but I've told the story of this day to many people over the years. When people accuse others of paranoia for being aware in a situation as the one I described, it's very undermining to their intelligence.

[@dlc5166]

@@Dr.Pancho.Tortilla Thank you.

[@Agrillot6]

@@dlc5166don’t doubt yourself, our women’s/mother’s intuition was developed over a millennia to make us aware of dangerous men, and any man who seeks to give you doubts probably has ulterior motives.

[@behrwillsonn3181]

The sneaker could have been planted by the abductor to create confusion or mislead the investigation.

[@Love-like-Lucy]

My favorite, comedian psychologist! I need Dr. grande in my life!

[@Tailionis]

His comedy is so bad, but that's why we love him

[@kathywright7395]

Same ❤

[@SpitefulAZ]

Dr. Big

[@adam__mark]

Grew up in South Jersey and Mark’s picture was all over the place! Grocery stores, bulletin boards, even milk cartons, I believe.. so many memories came back, just seeing his photo. May he rest in peace!

[@jdd3786]

I grew up in the 90s in South Jersey, and remember seeing his photo on the side of milk cartons every day for years. This was surreal to watch because that's all we knew about him.. that photo frozen in time.

[@visualmoon2771]

Same

[@LynnCooks]

Same. My dad was with the Cape May County sheriff's dept. This case was and still is such a big case in the area. :(

[@strangelove0108]

All over the parkway toll booths. It was posted everywhere.. lives on in my and my husband’s memories.

[@jdd3786]

@@strangelove0108 Same here.

[@MrRyan-wu4jx]

Literally everywhere. Every restaurant and business in Wildwood/Cape May had his picture in the window in the mid 90s.

[@Jared_Wignall]

I’ve not heard about this case before, but it’s always unfortunate whenever anybody goes missing, especially a child. Thank you for the work you do Dr. Grande, take care!

[@CorinneCrow]

I grew up in Ocean City, I’m a year younger than Mark. I don’t know how to even describe the bubble that existed for year round residents in that area. This was so scary our parents didn’t let us do anything alone for a long time after mark. His face is absolutely burned into my mind for the rest of my life.

[@dustin628]

I think they should take a long hard look at the security guard. I've heard so many of these cases where it turned out to be the rent-a- cop.

[@snowmiaow]

Agree, that story was strange.

[@twown]

As a New Jersey native, I'm preparing to watch this while bracing myself for an onslaught of Jersey insults.

[@purpleslurple5149]

I was surprised (disappointed? 🤔) in how few there ended up being 🤣

[@NuNugirl]

Embrace the insults. It keeps more people away from moving to Jersey.

[@thebeasters]

I know it's literally awesome here and I'm a transplant

[@MrRyan-wu4jx]

@@thebeasters Jersey is awesome. Most people’s insults stem from some NYC suburbs being an industrial wasteland. But the rest is great.

[@foffjerkholes4995]

I personally have driven through the Arm Pit of America (New Jersey for those that need a nudge) and was APPALLED at the seemingly endless amounts of toll booths on Interstate 95, that out numbered the total number of toll booths if you added every state combined on that route from South Florida to Rhode Island. However, most of my best friends from college came from NJ, so at least the people are great😅

[@Noname-zx4xj]

You are the hardest working KZbinr Dr. G. Your content is ready and fully analysed every single day. For most of us, our day doesn't complete without your videos. Thank you so much. Plus, I've never been this early.

[@Dr.Pancho.Tortilla]

Posting KZbin videos is not "hard work" at all Please don't exaggerate

[@abelis644]

​@@Dr.Pancho.Tortilla You're not a doctor, or even a janitor at a hospital, please don't exaggerate.

[@yayhandles]

I'm pretty sure Simon "Fact Boy" Whistler probably takes the cake on the "hardest working" end, but that doesn't make Dr. Todd's efforts any less impressive.

[@gabe-po9yi]

It looks to me like the attack probably occurred on the beach. I can picture an 11-year old boy, out on his own, with permission to go to an area near the seaside, to take advantage and go down to the beach. Mark was a slight boy and no match for an adult, and the shoe came off when he was snatched up. He might not have laced his shoe up very tightly because of the injured foot. I doubt he was taken out of the neighborhood, or even very far at all, and was disposed of in the marsh. It’s very sad and frightening how many opportunistic violent criminals are out amongst us.

[@melissaconover4528]

that is what I was thinking too. maybe the shoe came off in the struggle

[@Lucy-yf9eb]

Dear Dr Grande. I am a fan of yours from New Zealand. I would love for you to look at the case of Dr Laura Dickason, a doctor mum who murdered her 3 children and is on trial at the moment in New Zealand. There is huge divide here as to whether she is a poor innocent mum who wasn't given enough help or a cold blooded killer. Thank you

[@careip]

I just watched his analysis of that case b4 this one. Very sad.

[@candyorange266]

Did anyone investigate the guard? A person who was involved might make up a story about seeing the victim going off with someone.

[@maureeningleston1501]

I applaud you Dr Grande for always covering such a variety of interesting cases.

[@hannahrosa5485]

kidnapped, i think. i was nearly kidnapped as a young teen by two people, a man and a woman who were asking directions to get to Toronto. paul bernardo and humalka come to mind.

[@betterbee1304]

Oh boy, New Jersey is in the title. My home state is gonna get it today!! ❤ Thanks for the video Dr. Grande, I needed something to listen to on my lunch break.

[@Robin-xt7yo]

😅😅 Dr. Grande's digs at NJ are funny.

[@LDiamondz]

If the crime wasn't so serious, I'm sure there would have been tons of jokes. 😅

[@thebeasters]

​@@Robin-xt7yoIt makes for a boring state when you don't have mass shootings of children

[@CousinAAE]

I like the deadpan comments, lightening the mood of this tragic story.

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

I have seen pictures of Mark in the grocery stores in New Jersey for years! What a sad case😢 Thank you for the review, Dr. Grande.❤

[@thelocalmaladroit8873]

Thank you, Dr Grande. If my kid disappeared like this I would lose my mind.

[@AFBudgets]

I would fall down and never get up again 😢

[@Dr.Pancho.Tortilla]

"Losing your mind" because of a kid? Please don't exaggerate

[@carolnahigian9518]

A mothers Worst night- Mare.

[@marylevin9262]

​@@Dr.Pancho.Tortillawow you really need to be quiet 😑

[@abelis644]

​@@Dr.Pancho.Tortilla Not funny. Keep your day job at the grocery store.

[@azuresonic69]

Dr. G! Comin' atcha with the driest humor and the greatest non-diagnosing but speculating analysis I've ever witnessed! Keep on keepin' on, Dr. G!

[@michelerobinson702]

Mark was from my town and I’ve followed this case for sooooo long. I’d suggest you read the book “Where is Mark?”. Unfortunately I think you are missing some key points here…. His father is almost certainly involved…and so is Thomas

[@lauranewell9137]

Yes.

[@didirobert3657]

OMG! Please explain? Or should we read the book, "Where is Mark?"

[@dineomokgosi411]

It blows my mind how the police & Dr Grande continue to overlook this creep and the striking similarities in the sketch. Unbelievable!

[@DarlynSmith-ib5cm]

As a mother of 2 sons with losing my youngest son 17 years ago. I feel the pain that mark's mother is going through. Thank you for your analysis of story mark's story. Mark and his mother are now in my prayers. You're most likely analysis is very sad to think that he was kidnapped and then in child porn is something no mother wants to ever hear. But I do have to agree with you in most analysis. Thank you again for spreading the word, stories like this need to be told. Than though they are very painful.

[@FJH4th]

His foot was injured on that side. He could’ve easily left his shoe untied, and he just came off without a struggle. Someone could’ve been using his credit card to create an alibi.

[@canine5700]

The highlight of my night! I love your content:) Thank you for uploading so consistently!

[@HarmonyInspired]

Considering what we now know about child exploitation, I think it is quite possible they used a girl to lure him to the abductor. Nine is young, but possible, or could have been a teen girl who was small for her age. Or the guard could have been deliberately lying to cover his own involvement, but I think this is a lower possibility.

[@anthonyjames713]

I don't think there was a girl. No one else saw her.

[@melissaconover4528]

I often wondered if the was infact Mark with a girl at the park and maybe the girl was not a girl but a boy with long hair.

[@didirobert3657]

I believe that's just what happened! That little girl was used as a lure!

[@barbiesergio7663]

This would be my kids father if something like this happened esp my son. One more song, one more thing to do, gotta go here gotta go there, leaving mom w/ kids, having toys for himself. No one is as important as himself. If you could do a short about what type of narcissism would be categorized this way (his father's reactions) , I would so appreciate it. 😊

[@aquatarkus2022]

I can't believe he didn't address the father's non-response.

[@barbiesergio7663]

Yeah. I was hoping it would come up in the observations at the end. Perhaps he had a drug/ alcohol/gambling problem hinting or something with "exposed himself with various people" during the investigation.

[@sds5502]

Dad was a real piece of work. Just like my son's dad was and he is with a single mom who baby daddy is a real piece of work also. This girls sisters baby daddy has 3 kids, and spends most of his time in County Jail for child support. The up side is that these guys are better off in jail because then they have no contact with the kids. My son's father was a convicted felon for child abuse and endangerment with dealdy weapon. Those were only of the charges he acquired for the treatment of girlfriends boy. And in father's rights states these judges allow visitation without supervision. I fought that for years and got nowhere. I had to put in place my own rules when he wanted to see my son. It's so sad, how some individuals treat their kids. AND THE COURTS ALLOW IT TO HAPPEN.

[@reneegardner2286]

sounds like an overt narcissist compared to a sneaky covert narcissist, possibly malignant?

[@didirobert3657]

@@sds5502 That's horrific that he was still able to have access to your son unsupervised!

[@Agrillot6]

With the found shoe probably being loose on his foot due to his foot pain, and the traffic being rerouted I wonder if someone might have hit him with their car, knocked him out of his shoe and panicked and threw him in the car. I know it’s probably not all that likely we’ll ever know, but it just crossed my mind. Poor kid, poor mama.

[@zivlekos]

I grew up down there and know the story well. Some things not mentioned are that his shoe was found later that night on the bay beach. Police actually saw footprints in the sand beyond the shoe revealing a bare foot and sneaker treaded foot that went on for some time. This suggested Mark was walking with one shoe on and one shoe off. No other foot prints or tire treads were near by his set of footprints. An emergency k9 dog followed his sent north to Roosevelt Blvd. where it's assumed he made it and where he was seen by some of the witnesses mentioned in this video.

[@azn1011]

i know it's difficult, but i wonder how thoroughly the police searched the marshland

[@barbaragroves]

They did. My father was part of the search party and they covered that area for days.

[@azn1011]

@@barbaragroves poor kid 😥

[@MrRyan-wu4jx]

Everybody looked everywhere for years. It can’t be overstated how publicized this disappearance was in Jersey Shore towns.

[@shaunl446]

I'm the same age as Mark and lived just a town south on the Delware Bay. Its crazy to think my parents still let me and my brother go anywhere we wanted despite this happening so close. I guess it was a different time or maybe my parents were just careless. Who knows.

[@Herculesdega]

You never cease to throw the shade on New Jersey but we love you bro 😅

[@sharonwilfong503]

I enjoy your unsolved crimes more than anything else. Even though you're only theorizing, it still gives a kind of closure, at least for me. Thanks for a great video.

[@kimberlygabaldon3260]

Thank you, Dr. Grande. I wonder; if the fire was caused by arson, maybe the arsonist had planned all along, (knowing that a fire would draw a crowd), to grab some kid during the chaos. Wouldn't most arsonists be pretty sociopathic or psychopathic, anyway?

[@BigZebraCom]

Just a reminder, I'm not diagnosing anybody in this video; only speculating about what could be happening when a beach disappears like this.

[@dissidentfairy4264]

It's possible the guard created an elaborate description of the girl because he was over-compensating for his own involvement in the crime. It's a sad case. I feel he was taken by a predator. His father's care less attitude at the time of his abduction was pathetic. Business as usual. 🧚‍♀

[@malumusera]

The minute he mentioned the guard my thoughts were the same as yours. Sounds very suspicious.

[@dissidentfairy4264]

@@malumusera A liar usually over explains which is why I feel the guard may have done the same because he may have been trying to cover up his own crime.

[@malumusera]

@@dissidentfairy4264 I know

[@jamesbowman6925]

@@malumusera And this kind of thinking is why people don't want to come forward as witnesses.

[@jamesbowman6925]

And this kind of thinking is why people don't want to come forward as witnesses.

[@KatSpade1018]

Ok I have a few diff concerns... The guy by the station wagon... The sketch did look alot like him and just because he had a receipt for a purchase in Pennsylvania from that same night doesn't mean anything. I mean he's a pedo, he was standing outside of the station wagon at the side of the street, he spoke to a little boy that was walking by and alone. Mark goes missing.... He could have planned out to find a child that night and had an acquaintance in Pennsylvania send him that receipt for proof that he was out of state that night to give him an alibi. Plus, the guy that had relations with him sometime later says he showed him video proof of him doing bad things to a boy with red hair. So questions... The person that gave the description to the sketch artist... Did they ever show a real photo of that guy to the person that gave the description and ask hey is this the guy you saw?? The guy that saw the red headed boy in the video, did they show him a photo of Mark and ask if that was the little boy?? The person that saw the man by the station wagon talk to Mark... Did they see if Mark continued down the street after the interaction and did the guy suddenly leave after Mark passed by. Why was he standing outside the car anyway and the woman sitting inside. To me it looks like he was gonna use his strength to grab a kid and throw him in the car while she sped away. It seems like to many coincidences with this guy. One more person ... The security guard. Is there any evidence of him being at his post the entire evening? Did anyone actually see him there between 3:30 when Mark left home and 5 when he was missing because the fact that he described what the little girl looked like that was walking with Mark and her jacket so specifically but no one came forward and said oh yeah that was my daughter. No one's daughter came forward and said I walked to the park with Mark the day he went missing. That sounds strange. He could have fabricated that story as red herring. He may have followed Mark and started talking to him and grabbed him. The fact nothing about this little girl even existing has been proven.... Sounds kinda sketchy. For me he is a person of interest in the story, however, I feel very strongly it's the guy from the real photo, with the long hair and glasses. I feel like he's the guy by the station wagon and he was specifically out hunting that evening along with his get away driver. That's all I got. Thx Dr. G! ❤ What the hell was up tho about his dad exposing himself in an obscene way multiple times to people. Like, I don't think he had anything to do with it but what the hell is up with the people in that town....

[@katim2644]

I think the girl, if there were one, was part of the snatch-scheme. Hooker's wife was an essential part of Collen Stand's kidnapping. the sneaker could have been placed anywhere by a kidnapper so its location is irrelevant. I find the sketch looking like a child predator who could have been in the area very compelling.

[@adriel7229]

Philadelphia was only an hour and a half away. He easily could have been in both locations that day. In fact I would expect it.

[@yayhandles]

Scrolling through the comments section, I am genuinely surprised it took so long to find someone making this connection. Adults using children to gain the trust of other children, for one reason or another, is certainly not unheard of; there are accounts of abduction attempts using this very method, if not also confirmed instances of it that I am simply unaware of. According to Google maps, mid-day travel time between Philly and Del Haven is less than 2 hours by car, and a station wagon was observed. I don't know how on earth someone could possibly overlook this. The receipt quite literally means nothing. I believe that the guy asked if Mark would escort his "daughter" to the playground or somewhere to have fun, etc. The girl, as per the "script", suggested/requested they go somewhere isolated/away from adults/"to the woods", while the adults trailed and waited for the right moment.

[@adriel7229]

@@yayhandles I was a truck driver for 15 years. Any time I went to south Jersey I went through Philadelphia. Unless the kidnapper lived in Jersey or up the east coast (so, if he came from literally anywhere else in the US) he would have passed through Philly on his way in and out.

[@melissaconover4528]

I think the girl could of possibly been a boy with long hair. The witness was far from them and the coat they described the "girl" was wearing sounds more like a boy's coat.

[@enfenfenf]

As a guy from New Jersey I cam confirm it is a state worth escaping from. On a more serious note, I grew up next to a lot of marshes as well. And I almost died sinking into the marsh as a little boy. Him going into the marsh and not coming back is very plausible.

[@jeanholmes7976]

Thank you Dr. Grande…..what a sad sad case. I wish the family peace, 💕from Jean.

[@david-dj8or]

You say it is uncommon for a male and female team to abduct a child. I have read of a number of cases. Jaycee Dugard being the most known. Elizabeth Smart was also held by a male and female. In Australia there were also cases.

[@Throatzillaaa]

Dr. Grande isn't saying it never happens; he's even done videos on several cases involving a male and female working together to abduct children. He's just speaking about the likelihood when comparing statistics. I know it can feel natural to think, "It can't be that uncommon because I can name 8 cases that involve a man and woman team kidnapping children." But statistically, when looking at the number of child abductors as a whole, it is uncommon. Most child abductors are men working alone, but that isn't to say that there aren't outliers. In fact, the uncommon and more upsetting nature is probably the very reason that you and many others can recall these sorts of cases more easily than other cases of child abduction. The media tends to spend more time reporting on them because of how unusual they are. And for that same reason, these cases are probably more likely to be discussed in podcasts and just remembered overall by individuals.

[@david-dj8or]

@@Throatzillaaa You make a good point that being unusual would attract media interest and as such make it seem more common. I had not seen any videos on this channel about a team of male and female abductors. One of the most cruel cases was when a man and woman in Australia abducted and murdered Sian Kingi. I tend to watch these type of videos after a case in Australia (Karmein Chan) The media and police called on the public to nominate a suspect and a huge witch hunt took off. 27'000 men were named (including myself) Of these 73 were charged with an offence (not connected to the case) 73 in 27'000 works out to 1 man charged per 370 men named.

[@JinJinDoe]

If you have watched 'The Serpent' - also worked as a pair, using the woman mostly to create a false sense of safety.

[@relax2dream164]

No theories, just a heartfelt sadness that this beautiful lively boy is gone, just disappeared. His poor Mom. 😥❤️🇨🇦

[@TunaLam44]

I love your channel and how you provide a scientific analysis

[@sp8ng3r84]

I was 7 years old at this time and I still remember getting driven home on the school bus when this occurred. There was a back up on the road due to the fire and the traffic re-routing. I think of Mark from time to time and the photo of him really takes me back to that day. Thanks for your analysis!

[@Bebecat477]

I feel terrible for his mother. The not knowing. I feel he was probably abducted by someone unknown to him. I highly doubt he is still alive. The child cases crush me. Thanks Doc

[@MsAmique]

I live near Hammonton NJ. This happened when I was a teen. I think of him often. 😢💔

[@j3suisd3]

💔

[@Yung_Fettuccine]

Honestly I think there’s a high chance that Thomas guy did it. He looks almost exactly like the police sketch, was arrested for crimes against boys, allegedly had a video of the missing kid being abused and his only alibi is a receipt where the police are unsure if the time on it is even correct. Does it really matter that a woman was seen with him? She could have been his accomplice, he abducted the kid when she wasn’t around or she simply didn’t care. It’s hard to imagine that someone hanging around with a child molester/murderer would be a nice and responsible person.

[@We_Are_All_Vultures]

Im sure the father thought he was afflicted with a terrible son, when the fact is he was a terrible father.

[@zenawarrior7442]

Sounds like he fell into the marsh area possibly. Missing cases are always difficult. Great points again. Thanks Dr G😊💟💟

[@chillmurray7529]

Could the shoe have been brought to where it was found? To try and throw off the investigation?

[@SusanRaickle]

I'm from the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland n the marshes here are very similar to those in Delaware n South Jersey. There are peat bogs out there, n it's entirely possible for a person to fall into a hole in the marsh n simply disappear. I remember several cautionary tales as a child of this happening to local people. Victim of a peat bog would be my theory instead of an elaborate kidnapping.

[@strangelove0108]

I am local and well aware of this but it doesn’t explain the shoe..

[@libbyclement5148]

Thank you 🌼 It’s always heartbreaking when there is no closure for families but raising awareness let’s people know that he hasn’t been forgotten 🌼

[@davidmenke7552]

Dr. Grande- please do an analysis of why I am so SAD now that Pee Wee Herman is dead :( Thank you.

[@michellejohnsen912]

Oh, me too. He had cancer and was 70 years old. He lived a good long life.

[@debbiec4530]

New Jersey! Come on Doc- did you ever live there ever? You know I did!🤠💕

[@marissasimas9258]

Ana Garcia on True Crime Daily did a podcast episode with Mark’s mother. Very sad.

[@dfailsthemost]

Couldn't the dogs have tracked the shoe scent in reverse chronological order? Meaning, couldn't Mark have traveled from that direction and removed the shoe when he got to where it was found?

[@groominator-magneticequato7195]

Thought the same. There would have been a scent in, and out. if I wanted to throw off the scent of dogs or cops, taking an article of clothing and planting it seems like a common move. Wish they’d said more about that .

[@EvenDarkerClapz]

“They didn’t find his father of the year award” you savage AF Dr. G!!!! 🤩😎😂

[@Flamsterette]

Thanks for the upload, Dr. Grande! I've never heard of this case. I look forward to your analysis.

[@sophiaisabelle027]

We appreciate your analysis. Keep up the good work.

[@TheLurker1647]

Hold up...the police say, "hey can we sit down and talk with you" and the suspect says, "sure, just FYI, I really would like to kidnap and murder a 12-year old ginger lad. I didn't in this case, but I just want to be up front with you guys, I sure do fantasize about it." WTF.

[@augustek5382]

yep, he was lazy on this video. Everything was all over the place in this video. The suspect's sketch was just too good and then the Grande says it is unlikely he was involved. Hm... If the boy went missing into the woods how would the police dog lose the tracks/scent of the boy?? Seems like the dog lost the scent due to abduction... Or was it hailing that evening or what?

[@TheQueensWish]

I think Thomas admitted this so called “murder fantasy” as a way to have plausible deniability if the police polygraphed him and he failed questions about whether he hurt Mark. This was probably his only idea of what to tell them since he didn’t know what evidence the Police had and might confront him with. By all accounts he hurt many people.

[@beatle1956]

Who allows an 11 yr old to go to the scene of a FIRE by himself?

[@crismartin3137]

Thank you for your as always thorough and interesting analysis of this case. As a detective with 30 ears experience in Policing I agree with your 3 hypotheses however my preferred one with the information you have provided would be that he came to harm in the marshes that said of course I would never close my mind to he other possibilities and hope that in the fullness of time his family can get the answers they need and deserve. Thanks again keep them coming.

[@mikeballard8404]

Another excellent analysation, I've don't remember hearing about this case but you had a lot of facts, thanks Doc.

[@jenanne31]

Yay! Another terrific Dr. Grande video!

[@bunnymad5049]

This poor kid and his family. I'm so sorry. I pray the family will receive answers at some point - hopefully soon. I'm suss about the guard talking about the girl ... ???

[@goldiesamarripa4824]

Hi Dr. Grande, it's always a delight to catch your case studies on you tube. They are interesting and thorough. Your voice is so clear, concise and warm. I'm so grateful I can spend time with you each day. On a side note I like the pink shirt you wore a few days ago.

[@cathyhunnemeder3064]

Dr Grande I remember this case from the beginning as I lived in the neighboring town Rio Grande NJ. Yes it is a small rural area. Not too much for kids to do. The tide on the Delaware bay is semi diurnal perhaps footprints were covered up? The last name Maree is known in this area. Just my thoughts on this case

[@missydee9109]

His poor mother. I hope one day she gets answers. 😢

[@yayhandles]

Just my two cents: Adults using children to gain the trust of other children, for one reason or another, is certainly not unheard of; there are accounts of abduction attempts using this very method, if not also confirmed instances of it that I am simply unaware of. According to Google maps, mid-day travel time between Philly and Del Haven is less than 2 hours by car, and a station wagon was observed. I don't know how on earth someone could possibly overlook this. The receipt quite literally means nothing. I believe that the guy asked if Mark would escort his "daughter" to the playground or somewhere to have fun, etc. The girl, as per the "script", suggested/requested they go somewhere isolated/away from adults/"to the woods", while the adults trailed and waited for the right moment.

[@clootscalhoun9481]

That computer store receipt seems a bit on the nose for me. Not at all convinced that guy is innocent.

[@chevystuffs5971]

Ughh. Mark's Brother was my classmate. This was such a big deal back then. I was a latch key kid as many others were. Everyone was terrified.

[@agostinodublino1387]

can someone remember the name of that young men (psychological impaired in some way) that was around with his mom, she need the public bathroom but as she came out he wasn't there, and he disappeared forever? Has Dr Grande already analized it? It was a so odd case that there was some degree of suspect about the mother.

[@rinyc9100]

Sounds interesting

[@thierrymarcellus9082]

Great work! Waiting for your opinion on David Grusch, Dr. Grande.

[@dmclover5475]

My dad was similar growing up, he bought boats while we were in big financial trouble. We've been poor ever since.

[@vickinoeske1154]

Very sad, and so hard on loved ones who never have an answer on what happened to their child.

[@kmdn1]

What did you mean when you said "Maureen said Jodi believed in punishing Mark." You never finished your sentence...? Punishing Mark.... for....? Or do you mean... Punishment in general? As in disciplining his kid? Isn't punishing/disciplining your kid just a part of parenting? How does one "believe in" punishment? I am so confused

[@MaryRasmussen-b6u]

A very interesting story ...Dr Grande..a great topic I say........a difficult one to solve & Such a sad one. I feel sorry for the boy and rest of the family too. Good luck!

[@eltonbaloyi7991]

Poor New Jersey 😊Dr Grande won't give it a chance.Thanks Dr G for another great video

[@thebeasters]

It actually has four of the 10 wealthiest counties in the United States, so we're doing okay

[@Stichting_NoFa-p]

Can you analyze the ufo whistleblower situation?

[@homeownerwithacombover]

"father of the year trophy" 😂. That was a good one!!!!

[@lisahand8968]

That's my town.I was a kid this was big. I live here still.

[@jeffforcella2786]

I’ve always been fascinated by this case. I remember driving to Florida and seeing this poster in the rest stops on the way south. I don’t live far from where this happened and think about it often. I wish there was a way I could help.

[@ellenbremner9100]

Love your videos and your professional insights!

[@bills6093]

Is it possible the guard is involved and made up the story of Mark and the girl to misdirect?

[@clicheguevara5282]

I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on the serial killer/rapper King Von. There's a great documentary about him on KZbin if you aren't familiar.