The Yuba County Five - How It All Played Out (Part 2)

This video is the second part of a two-part series. It will cover analysis and speculation related to the evidence and timeline presented in part one.
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• The Yuba County Five -...
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[@TheMissingEnigma]

I thought it necessary to separate this video (which covers a lot of speculation) from the first video which covers mostly just facts and evidence. I know not everyone is a fan of speculation but there's so much out there and it is important to go over it. I'm sure many might disagree with my assessment of what certain facts/evidence might indicate. After looking at the available evidence, everyone usually tends to come to their own conclusion. I'm always interested in learning what everyone else thinks.

[@pauliedibbs9028]

Thank you for everything that you do 🙏

[@bunnyluver2176]

Love your videos! You are a true modern age journalist/investigator in the KZbin realm where others just regurgitate that same tired info from (IMO) Paulides who at best cherry picks "facts" to support his agenda and at worst is a complete fraud profiting off the misery of the friends and families who have losted loved ones and to my knowledge it doesn't seem he gives back to the families or charities in anyway. I'd love for you to cover more of his M411 stories. I'd love to see your take on the urban disappearances he covers in his later book or books. I question him on these because I recall him naming Madison, WI as a M411 "hotspot." I'm born and raised in Madison and I've never heard of any disappearances let alone enough to be a hotspot. I have heard of LaCrosse WI potentially. I'd love to see your take on the "Manchester Pusher" cases and also the "Smiley face serial killers" as well. You do excellent research and use sound logic. I don't mind waiting on videos because they no doubt take a long time to research. Even my husband who doesn't usually like this kind of content loves your channel. Keep up the good work. When diesel prices go down and my trucking husband manages to get his head above water I will become a patreon. Thanks for your hard work. I like, comment and share to boost you in the algorithm! I also mention your channel in comments for ppl asking for good channel recommendations.

[@Old_Indian_Trick]

I like the 2 part approach. Your speculation is presented as speculation so there is nothing wrong with that and your ideas are logical, I also reject paranormal theories. Schons' behavior is definitely sketchy but it doesn't explain why the boys drove up the mountain, that is definitely the most difficult part of the mystery. Good work.

[@suprcrzy]

You did a great job with this 2 part series! 🙏

[@marhawkman303]

@@Old_Indian_Trick Yeah, this is the big mystery... why were they even there? 45 years later, and dozens of attempts at investigating... we still don't know this one basic fact. We know enough about their lives that... it's unthinkable that they'd planned to be out later than midnight. They weren't dressed to be out in the snow, they had plans that were not.... that... WHY?!?!?! this is the core of the mystery, the case will never make sense until this question is answered.

[@beeley]

Poor men. I feel so bad for Gary. Not only was he freezing to death while taking care of a dying friend, but he was probably experiencing hallucinations too.

[@ericgonzalez_5187]

yeah. :( Gary was schizophrenia.

[@lizc6393]

It's almost too awful to think about, honestly.

[@kissarococo2459]

He still tried to make him comfortable and fed hoping someone would come eventually. They were there months languishing. Maybe that's why they went to the cabin in the first place, to be found but got lost and took the long route there? It is difficult to estimate distances in snow if you think you are in better shape for a long walk than you really are.

[@gr3yh4wk1]

If he did indeed do all of this, he was a damn hero for sure. That is some endurance capacity.

[@janettamcgee8124]

I believe that Matthias died on the mountain sometime after he left the Forestry cabin.

[@theshape3988]

I can't believe how detailed this series is. I've heard this story told by multiple youtubers but none of them was close to being this in depth

[@redred222]

merc docs did a vid a couple years ago, that was the best until this one everyone else is either too short or makes it look like it was some kinda of big foot, or aliens or something

[@sebastiansegovia1415]

Same dude! This case is far from new to me. But the deets most certainly are!

[@lukewarm2075]

Same I wasn't going to watch but this is the best version by far

[@brotherbrovet1881]

I used to work for Gateway decades AFTER this. I'd never heard all the details before.

[@snakebitmcgee6532]

Fr

[@UltraJimbo]

I have lived in Chico, Oroville, and Yuba City. I was born February 23rd, the day before they went missing. I've followed this story my entire life and have always felt a connection with the boys. I know the area very well and i find it equally as difficult to believe that they simply got lost. It is worth noting that the Yuba City exit that is shown in the video 30:10 did not exist in 1978. Highway 99 was indeed a straight shot to Gridley then on to Yuba City. But to cross over to highway 70 meant slowing down, entering a turn lane to the left, and often coming to a complete stop while waiting for oncoming traffic before you could turn onto 149. Then another stop to turn onto 70. There were no overpasses, no chances to miss your exit. They simply did not exist and wouldn't be constructed for at least another twenty years or more. Something happened to alter their route. It was no accident. Why drive to Oroville? Was there road construction or an accident that forced them to turn toward Oroville? Why then drive through Oroville and up into the mountains? This was not a wrong turn. I visit the area on occasion. The campsite and the area the car was found. Seeing the place for yourself you can't help wondering why they were there. Excellent video. I look forward to more.

[@kuxiong2554]

Possibly Oro Dam Blvd West/ca162. Even so they had to make right turn on Olive Hwy/Ca162 toward Quincy. I hunt all those areas up there but had been challenging due to Bear Fire. The exact location of this incident is Palmetto. The trail they were found is called Cold Water area if you're familiar.

[@mikesmusicden]

I agree with you completely. I know the area pretty well and there must have been some very pressing or emergent reason for them to make this turnoff. There is no way they could accidentally turn off of 99 (like some people do today with the 99/149 junction) back in the 70s. Something happened to get this whole chain of events rolling, and it happened on Highway 99.

[@safetyman3]

With all of the mental challenges this group of young men referred to as “The Boys” dealt with on a daily basis, I have always wondered why they were allowed to travel such a distance, by car, unsupervised. With each man’s unique mental challenges, it seems it was inevitable, and predictable, that eventually something would go awry.

[@safetyman3]

This story has always intrigued me and this is the best and most detailed account and analysis I have seen. Thank you!

[@GabeGinorio]

I commuted from YC to Chico for college. Before the connection between 99 and 70, getting from one to the other usually meant traveling to Gridley, or taking back roads. How the boys got from 99 south to 70 north, and then up that road, which to this day I avoid, is baffling.

[@damianmasq5134]

Schons reminds me of that story about a dude stranded on a snowed out road that signaled with a flashlight at a plane. A passenger was a local sheriff or some such, saw the guy and knew where he was and how screwed he was. Explained to the steward, help was sent, Guy was rescued and it was a heart warming story. Until it was discovered that guy was only on that road because he had literally just murdered a couple people.

[@bjorntheviking6039]

Well that was a trip of a story to read. What was the guy's name?

[@damianmasq5134]

@@bjorntheviking6039 Alan lee phillips, 1982. Had to go look it up, couldn’t remember his name for the life of me. There’s lots of videos on the guy.

[@norml.hugh-mann]

​​@@damianmasq5134 that was in Alaska wasn't it? After he killed the whole town and was trying to Intercept the mail plane and kill them too? McCarthy Alaska I think

[@damianmasq5134]

@@norml.hugh-mann nay, that was Louis D. Hastings, I believe. Alan Phillips killed a couple young women in Colorado that were hitchhiking home. That Alaskan case is a real trip though, talk about going to extremes!

[@Thorrnn]

I heard that story on Mr. Ballens yt channel!

[@brodyarmbar5332]

Mathias was called the "odd man out", yet it seems he was the one who tried to take care of the others in that situation. Very sad situation altogether. RIP to all of them

[@lilacgiraffe1179]

I think being the odd man out is more because he was the last to join the group and his mental disability was not intellectual and more mental illness. I wholeheartedly believe he took care of his friends as best he could. .

[@walterswanson3867]

@@lilacgiraffe1179 Also because his body was never found.

[@nickdarr7328]

Thank you for not blaming Gary or implying he was guilty. Every channel seems to act like he did something and I always found that unfair. Especially since Gary likely cared for the man found in the trailer

[@PointNemo9]

That's a theory but there's no evidence for it at all, just speculation.

[@vespiary2066]

@@PointNemo9 No evidence for it at all? There's good evidence, both of his feet were badly frostbitten, he was unable to prepare meals himself, and he lived on a further month or so.

[@PointNemo9]

@@vespiary2066 How is that evidence of guilt?

[@vespiary2066]

@@PointNemo9 Sorry, I meant in regards to evidence that Gary cared for the other man in the trailer.

[@PointNemo9]

@@vespiary2066 Oh, I meant that there is no evidence of Gary being guilty

[@hillbillyscholar8126]

BEST missing person mystery channel on KZbin without question. Thanks for such a thorough investigation once again.

[@ShirleeKnott]

👍

[@sherryceltic9856]

Agreed!

[@bunnyluver2176]

Hands down best!!!

[@MegaMacReal]

Makes me realize how much more Paulides could be doing (wearing a mic, drier room, any post-production)

[@Tom-uv7ry]

Not even close you have seen anything then there's well better channels with professionals too he's said nothing thats not already public information

[@imogenx9145]

Appreciate you not making villains out of those suffering from schizophrenia. Great coverage, stuff I didn't know about the case in here.

[@johndonahue3509]

Yea ok, YOU left out criminal tho simp.....serial killers are rarely mentally illl Huh brainIAC

[@JDM-is-my-name]

Me too. My maternal grandmother has schizophrenia and she is very harmless. It's really weird that people insist that having hallucinations or hearing voices make you a bad person. My grandmother mostly just get confused or have conversations with herself, but she takes her medications easily. I know that Mathias had violent behaviour, but the idea that not having your medication for a few days (from the original incident) would make you murder someone? Especially your close friends

[@dianauwu1312]

​@@JDM-is-my-nameMental Health in general is still highly stigmatized in the US, especially "severe" or chronic conditions like Schizophrenia. It wasn't that long ago that any serious disorder got you sent to a glorified prison, isolated from society.

[@jenniferbreaux7385]

This is the best explanation for this case I've seen. Those poor boys.

[@sherryceltic9856]

Makes you stop and count blessings, doesn’t it?

[@jenniferbreaux7385]

@@sherryceltic9856 absolutely. Pits my petty difficulties into perspective.

[@67marlins]

@Jennifer Breaux I agree completely Jennifer, I feel sick thinking that those kids may have been bullied, hurt and victimized

[@jenniferbreaux7385]

@@67marlins I just can't figure out why they were on that road. Mr Schon is definitely shady and I feel he has some sort of involvement. I guess all we'll ever know is that those poor men died a terrible death.

[@67marlins]

@@jenniferbreaux7385 Too horrible to think about, imagine if one of them were your cousin, or brother.

[@randy4768]

While having a heart attack, he had double vision. 5 men became 10 and one car was now two. The second car was blurry and he thought it looked more like a pickup truck.

[@karakreativevlog]

I know people can survive a heart attack, but I don't think that's what happened to him. He could've just gotten sick or maybe had an anxiety attack. I seriously doubt he had a heart attack. He still may have had double vision though.

[@svensimpson4130]

Schones wasn't exactly a reliable witness, but that is a good angle.

[@weirdshibainu]

@@karakreativevlog Same...ever walked 7 miles in the freezing cold? Your body is under a lot of duress. If he'd had a heart attack, he wouldn't have made it...then what does he do? He thought he had a heart attack, he takes aspirin and gets a ride home...instead of a hospital. His story is sketchy.

[@loredanadincu7930]

@@karakreativevlog he was to the hospital after lady. But you where there right , and you know better

[@jackbuff_I]

@@weirdshibainu the aspirin part stood out to me.. aspirin, is well known blood thinner and ppl with heart problems have been known to use it widely for that purpose alone.

[@Alex-hp2rs]

I think Schons' crying in the hospital is one of the most suspicious things from him. Possibly him accepting the fact that he directly or indirectly caused the deaths of 5 people.

[@carnivoreisvegan]

I'm a cardiac nurse, and emotionality is really common during/after heart attacks. It would definitely be sus if it weren't for the heart attack, but having had a heart attack, much less so.

[@slopadoodle]

Something is definitely unsettling about that, and the very same thing that occurred to me. Plus it was not long after the incident, while perhaps all the boys were still alive. It just kind of feels as though possibly that Shoen's hard life--- whether directly or indirectly--- finally ended up costing someone, and in this case 5 young men working very hard to be an active, positive part of their community. I speculate that why none of the accounts mention Shoen being pressed about his crying and such by the authorities is because of concern about his already having suffered a heart attack in case the pressure of an interrogation might could have caused him further health issues.

[@larmondoflairallen4705]

Please don't ever serve on a jury where you have to decide the fate of someone.

[@Abandonedmaul]

Thank you for prefacing the part about Gary Mathias and calling him a victim. I’ve seen a lot of assumptions about him having some integral part or even planned this, but I’ve always found it unlikely. It is very likely that he started withdrawing from his medication not long after they disappeared and became very physically sick and disoriented. There would be no way for him to think very clearly. I’ve always felt like they were all scared by something or somehow convinced they couldn’t go back.

[@Zeruel3]

If he was going through withdrawal from his meds (and starving on top of that) and still took care of Ted Weiher while he was dying (like it seems he did) then that's honestly pretty incredible and says a lot about Mathias's character and resolve that he could endure that and take care of his friend

[@kellykane7586]

I Too was glad that Gary wasn't vilified, while anything is possible I just feel like it's kind of a lazy conclusion to come to.

[@victory8928]

@@kellykane7586 agree plus it is just sensationalising the case and disrespecting the family and him when there is absolutely no evidence to show that he had been involved in the reason for why all of them died. Just because his body wasn't found doesn't mean he was involved as I am sure anyone who understands the area could understand. He probably was scavanged by all sorts of critters and his remains would have been away from the search area and probably no noticed by anyone since people only stumbled onto their previous hideout due to visiting the base. I do hope they are able to find something of him so that his family has a body to bury

[@HeyLeFay]

Very true, especially because, while he was medicated, he was the most functional of the group and likely the one that drove them up there. He likely felt some sort of responsibility over the others and I can’t imagine the guilt he felt over the whole situation.

[@ThomasfromDenmark1]

Hard to imagine how horrible this must have been for these poor soules. Afraid of the dark. Watching their friends succumb during the route. Hunger, frostbites. A living nightmare - even for a normally functioning person - let alone a mentally challenged one.

[@mistrjt9213]

But a normally functioning person would have the wherewithal to use all the resources they had at their disposal to survive. Or not get into that situation in the first place. It’s obvious the cumulative low IQ of all these guys contributed to their demise. Lots of poor and questionable actions.

[@shannsimms9072]

This just breaks my heart. Thinking about how terrified they must have been out in the cold and dark.

[@burtonupchurch1690]

At least one of the boys hated the cold and several were scared of the dark. Gives me chills thinking of having to wander off into the thick snow and woods in the dark without proper clothing on like for many miles.

[@lizc6393]

​@@burtonupchurch1690 I can't imagine being their parents, having to live and linger every night thinking about what their babies experienced in their last days and weeks.

[@NickyBlue99]

I was really scared until I made it out of the mountains

[@skiller189x4]

Agree that the main mystery of the overall enigma is WHY did the group leave the Highway heading to home and safety and end up on an isolated mountain road so far away? Everything that transpired later are just repercussions from that one fateful decision, a decision that doesn’t seem to have been in any of the men’s character to make.

[@eduardocolella]

This is the central point, indeed. Only logical answer: someone forced them to.

[@johannaholmgren8088]

Only Gary would have had the whatever to make that kind of decision. He was schizophrenic not slow or mentally handicapped. But the question is still...Why? Even if he'd somehow decided that it was necessary he'd have had to convince Jack to drive that way. Those boys, from the sounds of it, were highly unlikely to vary any of their routines. There would have to be a very compelling reason and the only one that makes sense is that they were afraid.

[@winnkey]

Drug drop?

[@janettamcgee8124]

That's my opinion.

[@AdamTheGuitarist]

Shady guy obviously drove them there (he did what he said they did to him)

[@herpmcderp7666]

I think the idea that the boys felt threatened by Schonz who was worked up and had a heart attack makes the most sense to me. The back window being down would be a way the boys could have talked to Schonz without the latter being able to reach the cars wheel or door locks; maybe Schonz walked to the back of the car to try and convince the boys how to back out / down the pass and was behind the car when his heart attack struck; making them flee- not wanting to back over Schonz and being unable or unwilling to drive past the stuck car. The detail that he was calling out for help and was ignored may have been a detail he compulsively lied about; where he may have been hollaring for help after he'd scared them away. Schonz' statement at the lodge seems profound, but I have the idea that 'I should've done this two years ago' could refer to something he'd planned on doing from that point on; rather than what happened that night. He could have planned on attempting to quit drinking after drunkenly driving up a mountain and having a heart attack; and when he was in the hospital he may not have realized his temper doomed the boys leading to his emotional episode.

[@balazsvarga1823]

He could have meant quitting drinking. But he could have just yelled at them and called them names, being drunk, and them being, well, less than bright, they fled, and he was in no shape to chase after them and collect them all. Than he thought he would get the chair and shit up about it, thinking they froze to death before he even got to the bar, and that any search party would be useless at helping them.

[@TigerLily61811]

Schon's story always felt off to me. He drives all the way up a mountain in the dark just to see how much snow there is? That's kind of weird isn't it? If the boys got stuck in the snow, they might have gotten out of the car to push while Jack rolled the window down to give them directions. Alternately they might have come up on Schon's car and gotten out to try and figure out how to turn the car around without getting stuck. If that was when Shon heard voices and approached them, perhaps started yelling at them... that might have caused one of the boys to get scared and run off. (They would already be under stress from being lost). If one ran off into the dark, then the others would have gone after him. Perhaps they simply got turned around in the darkness and the snow and thought they were heading back to the car, but actually ended up going deeper in the woods. But it still doesn't answer what they were doing up there in the first place.

[@JasonCoffman-xu5ks]

@@balazsvarga1823 but shons did not actually quit drinking. he was drunk on that drive. I think he meant he should have put his foot down about the boys already by 2 years ago. As sympathetic as we may want to be about them, they, especially Gary, were more than likely a pain in the ass to a lot of people. (Because of the 15 years prior, 13 of which was when he was not treated, he would have many many people who hated him enough want to kill him) Gary was constantly provoking fights and getting in trouble with the law. If it were just about Shon yelling at them, they would have run up the road a bit, stopped, talked about it and reconsidered, But better yet, they would have beat the shit out of him, I think he did yell at them, but more than likely, with a gun in his hands, I think that Shons or someone chased them a good bit up the road with guns, and that is the reason Shons had the heart attack. Those men (especially Gary, but also others) were very, VERY capable to defend themselves with no guns involved. They likely went up there to score some marijuana at one of those communities behind them, someone got pissed at Gary, about his prior hideous behavior and they were chased up there, where the altercation continued, on foot, resulting in this horrible tragedy. And with overwhelming likelihood. it involved firearms Being mentally handicapped does not change people into little angels. Quite the opposite. They were young men doing what young men do but with less inhibitions than normal young men have, with greater chance to make poor decisions. Then they interacted with impatient, law breaking , drug peddling losers who have no empathy, and were a bit sociopathic, and this resulted Garys need for drugs took them on a bad trip. Dont do drugs of any kind

[@karenc4544]

I don’t think he had any heart attack. The things he did after, like walking seven miles in snow and never mentioning a heart attack to anyone that night, indicate he did not. He would have died trying to get back if he did. I think he had a panic attack after he attacked them. They have very similar symptoms, including vomiting and incontinence.

[@JasonCoffman-xu5ks]

@@karenc4544 He walked those moles quite slowly. He could have had a mild heart attack. But I think of he did ,he had that heart attack during the stress of attacking the "boys". More than likely he threatened them with a gun, even firing it. Then hid the gun somewhere, adding to physical stress Certainly he had a big part on what happened. This dude was hot a decent person by any stretch

[@anthonyd115]

Excellent part 2. There’s also another theory allot of the mens families believe surrounding someone who Gary Mathias knew. They refer to him as ‘The Town Bully’ and this guy was a very sadistic and evil man. The town bully knew Gary and one of Gary’s sisters was dating the bully at the time. This bully had a crew and they would regularly sell and take drugs, rob from people and shops, torment people and also assault bystanders and commit multiple arsons throughout the mid 70s in Yuba city. This bully would regularly beat up Gary and his step dad and set fire to Gary’s sisters car when she broke up with her. Ted Weiher and Jackie Huett also knew of the town bully. A member of this gang came forward to Mathias’ mother a week after the men vanished and told her that the town bully had killed Gary and forced the other men, who were witnesses to a murder, up the mountain road. 2 days after he told Gary’s mother this he died of a drug overdose. This town bully is still alive and lives in marysville. He became a pastor in the 80s.

[@bunnyluver2176]

Oh wow. You'd think the authorities would have known?

[@babsiiee81]

@@rogerscottcathey They're saying that the member of the gang who told the family about what the bully did died, not the bully himself

[@anthonyd115]

Yes this is what I meant. Apologies if I worded it wrong. My sources are from MopacAudio who interviewed the Huett family and Gary’s younger sister Tammie in the YubaPodcast series And also Drew Beesons interview with Claudia and Tom Huett on Drew’s KZbin channel. There is another theory involving the mens basketball coach. In the police files Lance Ayres interviewed him and this coach refused to tell authorities where he was on the night of Feb 24th / Morning of the 25th Feb. He was also Late for the special Olympics basketball game on the 25th Feb which is odd considering he’s the gateway gators basketball coach.

[@endtimesninja1235]

Nah I've heard this too and this Shoans guy was directly responsible for whatever happened whether he meant for what happened to happen or not. He was trying too hard to hide what happened from law enforcement. At the very least he lied about that truck because of what ended up happening.

[@coderexe30]

He addresses this. Did you not watch the video first?

[@bobmoretti4893]

In 1978 I lived in Chico as a boy, so this story has always intrigued me. I have watched a ton of videos of this story and yours, here, parts 1 & 2, are hands down the most detailed I have seen. And this part puts such a good theory in the balance, one that makes sense based on the evidence. Simply the best, this series, this channel. With that said, there is one inaccuracy at the 30 minute mark: in 1978 Hwy 99 was not yet a divided multi-lane highway and was a straight shot to Yuba City, to go to Oroville at that time would've required an actual left turn (I think on 149, the intersection was at the top of that hill in the vid and there were no bridges of any kind at the time, 149 'dead-ended' into 99 to the west and 70 to the east) which itself would lead to a stop at a t-intersection with a stop sign, and the boys would've had to make a right turn onto 70 into Oroville (which was also not a divided multi-lane hwy in '78). Two distinct and deliberate turns to drive from Chico to Oroville in 1978. In this context of time the Boys never missed an exit because there wasn't one to miss. 99 Chico to Yuba City was a true one-road drive.

[@bserer]

Not a rant or a rave but a long shot story with a question. In the mid 70's I was driving home to Chester for the weekend during a terrible snow storm. On 32 up near the campgrounds I rounded a corner and there was a guy about my age (mid 20's) walking in the middle of the road with no coat. He seemed to be oblivious to his surroundings. I stopped and found him to be almost incoherent. I got him into my car and turned the heat up high. The trip was slow due to the snow (about 45 - 60 minutes for what should have been about 30 minute). By the time we were finally getting to Chester he was able to talk. He was going to call his friends in Chico to come get him. I explained that would take hours due to the weather and he should let me take him to my parents, but he insisted he would be fine and that I drop him off at the gas station to call and wait. I did not feel this was the best but he was an adult and I could not make him come with me. During my drives to Chester I often wonder what happened to him. If anyone has had a friend, parent, etc. relay this story I would love to hear more about the situation. I never did find out how he got there especially since there was no vehicle, and he did not have a coat. He was in a state of hypothermia but by the time I dropped him off seemed much better.

[@gf301]

This is the award -winning quality we've come to expect from Nick's videos, I learnt quite a bit more than I have from previous accounts. I see nothing paranormal, just an incredibly strange sequence of events. Excellent two -parter.

[@markwebster5749]

Nice one 👍

[@Druchii]

Honestly thank you so much for not blaming Gary. Schizophrenia gets such a bad rep by people who have never experienced someone with it or actually have had it and it pretty much never leads to harm on others and far more common is self harm. The evidence (that you have clearly pointed out in your videos) points to the fact that Gary stayed looking after his friends until the end and once his friends were at peace he then went to help himself, yet because his mental health and PAST criminal actions (past criminal incidents aren’t fact of guilt - far from a hard concept to grasp) some idiots online reading surface level facts believe he was somehow guilty. RIP to all these lads, they seemed like good guys who deserved the world. I think the most likely theory is what you stated. The guys were driving and possibly driving closely behind schonez as they weren’t sure where they were going and being close to a car gave them comfort as if the lead was moving they would be fine right?Cars got stuck and Schonez was an aggressive ass and possibly in a drunk state he started a fight and possibly Gary squared up to defend his friends and it caused the guy to freak out and have a heart attack. When this happened (or because the confrontation) the lads ran and it led to the horrid event. RIP to the guys.

[@VeckSMWC]

Excellent video! Thank you so much for respecting Gary Mathias here and painting him as the victim he most certainly was in this situation. I've watched other recollections of these events before, and many seem to enjoy pinning a lot of the blame on the guy who struggled with schizophrenia for decades and was doing much better at this point in time. Really breaks my heart

[@sylvianapalma958]

It breaks my heart too as I also suffer from schizophrenia. I hate how we're always portrayed as evil murderers by those who don't do their research.

[@eviehammond9509]

Being a true crime fan I have heard & seen this case covered many, many times. I have to say out of all of them, Sir you by far did the best job. Ive learned things about this case I never even heard of in any review of it. Thank you for the time & effort it clearly must take to do this with such an attention to detail. Your investigative & research skills make most investigators doing the same seem like amateurs. IMO I tend to believe there was an altercation with the the boys & Joseph Schoen that night. I still dont fully understand the " he was checking on the snow" motivation to even be there on that mountain road to begin with. You're right in saying we may never know for sure, but IMO there was a confrontation & those boys even though not dressed appropriately for the current weather outside still opted to run away on foot rather than go back to the warmth & safety of their vehicle. They ran into the cold & snowy night even though a few of them were even afraid of the dark. That kind of a decision is usually made purely out of fear. Its definitely a fight or flight response & they chose flight regardless of the potential consequences. Why else would you opt for that as a way out of that situation??? Also Schoen's multiple versions of the story leading attention away from himself & the uncontrolled crying at the hospital could be from something he regretted doing & now has to live with. Did the confirm he actually suffered a heart attack after he went to the hospital? I only ask because could he be exaggerating his health issue looking for sympathy as in saying, " how could I threaten multiple younger men & make them afraid enough to run away into the snowy night when I was suffering a heart attack"?? The story in itself is just tragic. These boys clearly were doing their best with the limitations they each had & still had their whole lives ahead of them. To have all those hopes & dreams end following a night of fun out with your closest friends & to end up starving & freezing to death is unfathomable. I realize most of their family members who were living when this tragedy took place have now probably passed on. I can only imagine the worry, the realization that their child is dead without any reason as to why it happened had to be nothing short of torture in their remaining days. I hope wherever anyone directly involved with this tragic case has finally found a sense of peace. It may have not been resolved in this life, but Im sure it will be in the next for whoever was responsible.

[@nigelcreighton2411]

Why did they leave the Highway? Was the altercation earlier at the basketball game?

[@nigelcreighton2411]

Schons was definitely involved, I think your right. A disagreement in the car park after the game leads to another confrontation at the store which leads to a chase. To try and loose their pursuers the boys turn off at Mathias instruction towards a town with a police station, through a total coincidence they run into Schoens who has issue with Mathias over Schoens daughter being assaulted by Mathias, there’s another altercation with Schoens threatening the boys, the boys already freaking out, take off on foot to escape this threat of violence only to tragically get caught out in arctic conditions with inadequate clothing, in the middle of the night, in unfamiliar terrain, with their mental handicaps. Truly terrifying and frighteningly sad.

[@Dravianpn02]

​@@nigelcreighton2411Mathias assaulted schonns daughter? Then that explains the "2 years ago" comment if the incident was 2 years ago. That solves it right there.

[@Zeruel3]

Exceptional video, your theory about Schons sounds quite plausible, it would explain why he broke down at the hospital, he realized the boys were disabled and what he'd done started to sink in

[@slycat956]

What Did he do? The kids were alive for weeks after their encounter

[@Zeruel3]

@@slycat956 If he's the one who scared them to head up the trail then he sealed their fate and lead to Bill Sterling, Jack Madruga and Jackie Huett freezing to death, Ted Weiher starving to death and Gary Mathias probably freezing to death too

[@MrBombastic302]

@@slycat956 he may have scared them, causing them to run and ultimately leading to their deaths.

[@ceegee9064]

Maybe, but let's not discount the fact that he had a terrifying, life-changing experience and that sort of thing can leads to people being unusually emotional.

[@barrydickins3476]

It would seem like there was an accomplice to have the boys that far out of the way. Nonetheless those boys were scared and filled with adrenaline to go that far and on that path. It cannot be a coincidence that Ted Whier had previously been in that area, and Schon mentioned going to check on his cabin. Also could be nothing but I find it odd schons daughter had Down syndrome and that area was almost purposefully not searched.

[@lordrahl2345]

Great video. The exit shown to Yuba city, however, didn't exist back then. It was actually much easier to get back to yuba as there was no exit to yuba. You just stayed on 99. No chance they got up there by accident.

[@TheMissingEnigma]

Thanks for that info. I was wondering about that.

[@sasquatchrosefarts]

​@@TheMissingEnigmayuba 5 were poisoned, hence the defecation and vomit. Feed them a drug, they feel sick.... And puke and poo,....then...... Tell them you have shelter and begin walking with them up to "a cabin". And they die in the cold.

[@sethstine4698]

They passed the exit. They never turned around. They had several opportunities to correct course but didn't. Why? Instead, Madruga kept driving, further away from their home, up a remote mountain road that was covered in ice and snow. Why? These are the "million dollar questions" in regards to this case. If these questions were to ever be definitively answered, it would be key to solving the "why", "how", and "who" surrounding this mystery. It was no accident that they drove past the Yuba exit and just kept driving. There was a REASON that they drove up that mountain road that night. And whatever that reason was, it is 100% correlated to their demise.

[@karenc4544]

This is the only question that is a mystery. They had to be lured up there, they never would’ve just changed course on their own.

[@sethstine4698]

@@karenc4544 yep. 💯

[@CoralHullforJesusChrist]

I read that an altercation occurred in the carpark after the game, with the guys and the girl in the pickup truck, that were known to the boys. I think that ... the boys were then followed, once they purchased their snacks to eat on the way home. They took a detour off the highway and drove into Oroville to get help, but everything was closed in the main street. They then continued on a route to Mathias's friend's place, but they missed the turn off. From there on, it was a slow speed car chase up into the mountains. The boys couldn't turn back and after being stuck behind Schons with the pickup truck behind them, they made a series of wrong decisions that lead to their tragic deaths. I believe the boys were being bullied and threatened by the guys in the pickup truck and were too afraid to return to Madruga's car and so they went on, with three of them making it to the cabin. Schons half saw/ knew what had happened, but didn't want to get involved.

[@marhawkman303]

interesting info... if true. could be useful indeed.

[@razorfett147]

Would help explain why the boys would choose to flee uphill as opposed to going back the way they came. Also goes a long ways towards explaining how they ended up there in the first place

[@marhawkman303]

@@razorfett147 yeah, one thing this video didn't dive into: why?. this mystery has a single question that needs answered. why were they there at all? They had no reason or desire to be there, so why would they be there?

[@silvertbird1]

If the altercation did indeed occur then what you say seems the most likely explanation for what happened from anything that has occurred to me.

[@nigelcreighton2411]

This is a compelling theory and explains why the boys were on that road, and the red truck sighting. Shoen’s comment “I should have done it two years ago” can’t help but suggest his involvement in this case.

[@hugs_nicolle7263]

I think we can all tell you have a kind heart and only display facts. Imagine struggling with schizophrenia and people rush to blame everything on you. I think you did a phenomenal job❤

[@kentuckyjerk323]

I enjoy how you explain more logical theories. 411 guy would be blaming Bigfoot, Aliens and the Loch Ness Monster. This video on this case is one of the better ones I've heard by far.

[@bunnyluver2176]

Seriously! I love this channel and think David Paulides is a greedy fraud.

[@MitchJohnson0110]

Yeah I used to be pretty interested in the, "missing 411" thing until I dug into him more. Dude definitely is missing a couple marbles. Like, some of the people he lists as missing actually wound up being found and he doesn't mention it.

[@TheVampireFishQueen]

@@MitchJohnson0110 I don't really agree with you guys on him being a outright fraud, he has done alot of good and has brought a lot of cases into the limelight.

[@fight4ourright306]

Gross misrepresentation of David Paulides. David has multiple scources backing his work. Including ex FBI, government contractors, and ex special military. Paulides has also talked to hundreds of families personally, and hiked the exact trails people went missing on. What are your credentials again?

[@kentuckyjerk323]

@@fight4ourright306 He quotes mental illness.

[@thejoeshow1530]

I think it’s possible that the comment “I should have done this two years ago.” Could have been either misheard or misspoken and meant that he should have walked to the store two hours ago.

[@angelica3744]

I'm thinking it could also have meant that he should have gotten his health in check two years ago (to avoid the heart attack he had).

[@HHalftroll]

If the boys thought that they caused Schons heart attack and "killed" him, they might have freaked out and decided to run away and hide out from the imagined consequences. All they needed was a reason to run, and the weather would do the rest.

[@yvettepaulson4967]

It’s amazing that 2 of them lived so long without heat and very sad no one checked the camp to rescue them!!! I think they just got lost and didn’t know what to do. Poor guys.😢

[@burtonupchurch1690]

I don’t know. I think that’s underestimating their intellect and common sense way too much despite their disabilities. They had just driven out of snow and into snow and decided to wander further up hill and off road into deeper snow and woods at night instead of heading back down hill on the road where there eventually isn’t snow and you cant get lost.

[@shelso1300]

Me too. Like, avoiding one thing that led to another thing, etc.

[@evanmarschand9930]

I've dug into this case quite deeply for several years. I can tell you have put a TON of work on this. Incredible job. Every theory I can come up with always has those 1 or 2 exceptions, those "Well, if that's true then what about THIS?" I don't think we'll ever know exactly what happened.

[@mollylittlewolf9192]

I heard where Mathias had walked hundreds of miles long before...he had walked home. I think someone had control over these guys. The guy with the heart attack was odd.

[@NASkeywest]

Yea I would like to know if he had an actual heart attack.

[@hardver8855]

In some video which i watched 1 2 years before, from some crime channel i dont remember, but i do remember that he mentioned Gary Mathias, due to his schizo, was sometimes walking really long distances like 50 100 miles or so, also i know a guy from my town who also was diagnosed schizo, in his 20ies, he also when goes out, he is wandering and going for miles without eating etc. Seems possible to me. And what i find in general to all schizo patients, they have this crazy strength and endurance, and are prone to go out and about, walking, and walking, for hours and nights, running from something, and covering miles.

[@H0mework]

@@hardver8855 Wow I know someone I suspect has schizophrenia and he walks a lot. I wonder why that is. There was a homeless man who was set fire to that was also knoej to cover long distances by me.

[@hardver8855]

@@H0mework seems possible quite. Cause Schizophrenia is like a really specific condition and illness. I think they can cover miles and miles without eating without stopping. Just going. I find it odd.

[@kissarococo2459]

@@hardver8855 He had more endurance than the others and got into the cabin safe. But was then wrecked with guilt when he got back to his senses and saw he had lost his friends. Only one had stamina to keep up with him thinking Gary was leading him to safety without realizing he was in a midst of an episode. My friend with that condition said she used to carry hours of conversation and walks with an imaginary friend she was sure was really there and she thought she was completely lucid when she was just walking in circles. That makes me think his friends thought he was leading them to somewhere because people assume mentally ill people act in crazed manner when in such state.

[@roviwoteap2375]

Important point - the boys had a big game the following day, in which case they would have driven straight home, as it was getting late and at least an hours drive. Why would they drive in the opposite direction up a mountain track? Did they know there were trailers up there and if so, why would they go there at such a late hour? These seem to be the biggest unanswered questions, not Schons, or his welfare. That’s just a red herring, a distraction from what really went on beforehand.

[@bholdr----0]

I wasn't aware of the targeting of the gateway project with fires and murder... That's horrible. I'm only(?!) in my forties, yet I can remember how socially acceptable it was in my youth to mock or even target people with any kind of disabilities... This garbage still happens, but, thankfully, much more rarely, and isn't acceptable anymore, generally. Thanks for mentioning it.

[@MultiSycorax]

This two part video really tied this case up for me, whether we have an answer or not, The Missing Enigma gave us all the information to make the conclusions ourselves, outstanding.

[@webheadwonder9597]

Really appreciate your thoughtful speculation. I've spent years working with the special needs community and the most likely theory you mentioned really rings true to my experience. Hard to say why the boys ended up in the mountains but how they reacted to a potential altercation and fled makes a lot of sense

[@clenchedfistsyndrome1439]

23:00 TWO HOURS, not “two years.” It’s very possible Joseph misspoke due to exhaustion and the heart attack. As you stated, Joe procrastinated for two hours until he made the trip to shelter. - (So it’s likely that when he got there, he regretted not making it there two hours earlier, misspoke, and created a red herring)

[@HellyeahRook]

You do a much better job at presenting the facts and evidence of this story than any other youtuber. And that is saying a lot because this story has been covered by every channel that covers creepy stories, or disappearances.

[@HellyeahRook]

@Have a nice day cope and seethe

[@bunnyluver2176]

Been waiting with bated breath for part 2 and you didn't fail to deliver! Your research and ability to think critically and logically set you apart from 99.9% from any videos with similar subject matter.

[@coderexe30]

Dude. Great work here. Your theory about Shons being followed by the 5 boys is brilliant. I never thought of that possibility.

[@CharlieB.-]

Absolutely the best information out there about The Yuba Five! Part 1 & Part 2 are amazing. I’ve never seen a more thorough deep dive into this case. The amount of research and effort you put into Part 1 & Part 2 is so detailed. These 2 videos are packed full of previously unknown facts, information, & photographs and newspaper articles (to myself).Thank you. I appreciate you doing a deep dive on this case. I hope that one day Gary Mathias’ remains are located. We probably will never know exactly what happened to The Yuba Five.

[@tylerdejong6930]

Gary Mathias was on antipsychotics (presumably, since he was medicated for schizophrenia). Those are incredibly hard drugs to wean off of, since they inhibit a lot of different activities in the mind and stopping them causes serious side effects. Maybe he had a few pills with him, but he must have run out and been in severe withdrawal during this long period in the cabin. He most definitely would have been in terrible shape mentally, much more than before he was on medication.

[@crudbud]

I also think that Mathias was a partier and Chico is known as a Party Campus. Just because he was treated for Schizophrenia doesn't mean he didn't stop using. The odd thing is the boys were not robbed, car jacked or assaulted. So what is to gain by luring 5 kids up a mountain for nothing?

[@amerocker]

I think you mean "definitely _would_ have been..."

[@tylerdejong6930]

@@amerocker thank you! I changed it

[@amerocker]

@@tylerdejong6930 YW. 👍

[@nuckinfuts7610]

To call your coverage on this case impressive would be a massive understatement. I'm truly taken aback. I couldn't count just how many versions of this case I've listened to. Let's just say it's a lot. But this, THIS is remarkable.

[@Sandi-ke9mi]

I have listened to, and read, almost everything there is about this case. One thing nobody ever mentions, is that if they had frostbite on their toes, they probably had frostbite on their hands, which would limit how much they could do with them. They were not dressed for that kind of weather and they didn’t have anything but light jackets. They definitely wouldn’t have had any gloves. Your theory about Mr. Shons makes sense to me. Because his statement didn’t. I worked on the crime survey for the Department of Commerce and there is a much higher incidence of crimes being committed against handicapped people. Vulnerable people are easier targets, unfortunately. Well done. Excellent videos. 🙏🏻💕

[@ishmiel21]

I thought you did an excellent job of breaking down this tragic case. While I think the dude, who had the heart attack might be at fault for what happened I also have another theory. I feel like the group of missing men could’ve gotten into an altercation with some jerks after the basketball game, and the jerks chase them in their car which is why the group got so off their usual way home. The dude who had a heart attack might have actually seen a bunch of people during that night because that’s how many people there were and he just didn’t notice one of the cars. I don’t know though. It’s just very sad.

[@nickyblue4866]

💯

[@melissadorshimer1749]

But during this road rage incident they stopped to get chocolate milk and candy?

[@ishmiel21]

@@melissadorshimer1749 The incident could've started after, or while, the group was at the store buying snakes. Maybe they accidentally bumped into some douche bag while they were shopping and that started the thing. Or maybe there was an incident in the parking lot of the store.

[@karenc4544]

He didn’t have any heart attack. How did he walk seven miles in the snow without dying if he did?

[@karenc4544]

@@melissadorshimer1749Incident happened after the store

[@b_dy]

This case is so eerie to me. It bothers me so much that we have no clue at all why they went out there.

[@svenskanorsk]

The only question that really matters is “why did they drive up that road?” They made it to the game…so why didn’t they make it home?

[@orangesilver8]

I think any theory needs to explain how they ended up on the mountain. It's a simple drive from Chico to Yuba, and they've made it before. They seemed fine while at the basketball game and at the market nearby. It's unlikely they'd get lost and it's ridiculous that they'd get so lost that they drive so far up a snowy mountain. Then running further up the mountain when their car is slightly stuck, instead of either pushing the car or just going down the mountain indicates maybe being chased. Schons could have affected the situation in some way, but something was already forcing them up there.

[@PanzerIVAE]

I've seen many people tackle this on KZbin but this is probably one of the most concise and proper takes on it all. Honestly amazing.

[@wasshisface]

"I should have done this two years ago" could just have been in reference to walking back to the bar. Having been in a healthier condition two years' earlier

[@fajile5109]

Did he quit drinking that night? I guess not.

[@NextToToddliness]

Great job covering this case. I definitely learned a lot more than I had in previous attempts to go over it. It seems a lot of people who talk about what happened, or could've happened to these men, have already made up their minds over the specifics. I've never been compelled to consider the paranormal in this case [or really any other, for that matter], so the pursuit of some semblance of truth was that much more uncertain. I now think that Shcons had something to do with it, and knows much more than he admitted. The idea of him suffering a heart attack in some kind of altercation is highly likely, but we will never know. That confession was also pretty compelling, but you always have to consider the source. It really is a fascinating and tragic case, because the real-world causes are myriad. I just can't help but think about these poor men suffering in conditions they hated the most, because they felt burdened by guilt, and how absolutely heartbreaking that is. Someone cared for Weiher until he died. Someone watched their friend slowly die, and couldn't do much, but provide him with what little comfort they could. That's horrifyingly sad. - RIP

[@darren3589]

What an absolutely fantastic presentation of the facts and the most logical speculative conclusion I have personally heard regarding this case. I think that you are essentially right on the money with your theory about their disappearance. I think your timeline of events makes most sense, with Huett succumbing to the situation prior Weiher and Mathias' arrival at the Forest Service camp. I would wager that Mathias unfortunately met the same demise as the rest of them did, with him making it far enough away to not be found in a search. Decomposition and animal predation in the following months, as the weather warmed, would be significant and would easily eliminate any realistic chance of his remains ever being found. By no means am I an expert on any of this, but I would like to add one point of consideration from my observations surrounding this case. Many discredit the theory of them getting lost, as it was a fairly straight shot back to Yuba City. While maybe it is unlikely, it isn't impossible, and we must remember that the passengers of the vehicle, with exception to Mathias, probably wouldn't be capable of providing meaningful direction to Madruga under normal circumstances, let alone at night and after realizing they were lost. When we account for the stress of being lost, it would be safe to assume that as their concern and worry grew, their ability as a group to think rationally would degrade quickly. I do not think it is farfetched to assume they would be able to work themselves into quite a state of panic considering the circumstances. It is possible that they ultimately ended up in an 'analysis paralysis' situation and rather than stopping or turning around, they continued course in misplaced hopes they would eventually recognize a way home. Whatever the reason, I do not think it to be as unlikely a scenario as some people make it seem. People with no mental deficiencies whatsoever have made equally, if not more, bizarre decisions when thrust into a stressful situation. Foul play seems unlikely, as the suspect(s) would have had to have intercepted them between the time they left the convenience store and while they were enroute back to Yuba City. It would require their abduction to be a crime of opportunity rather than some kind of targeted attack. While pulling over to help a female in distress and then being ambushed is a possibility, it ends up requiring more 'what ifs' to reconcile a theory than it provides logical answers. Not to mention, it is hard to theorize what the motive would be for a duo of suspects to make the 5 drive up to a remote location, leave them with all of their belongings (including their car), only to simply walk off. It just doesn't add up. I think the town bully theory also falls flat on its face for some very obvious reasons. Again, the bully would have had to intercept them on their way home, after they stopped for snacks, and the likelihood of that is slim to none. Even if we were to assume the town bully hated this group to that level, the logistics of it would require too much planning for it to be feasible, especially since this was not a weekly occurrence. An ambush is best set during routine and regular behavior, as there is a level of consistency to plan around. Attempting to set an ambush for the 5 on a trip with endless variables would be nearly impossible to accomplish. The only person who leaves any doubt in my mind is Mr. Schons. However, my guess is that his involvement is minimal, if any. With no evidence to suggest any kind of previous relationship with any of the 5, I find it difficult to attribute their crossing of paths to be anything more than coincidental. Whatever his reasoning for going up the Quincy-Oroville Hwy was, I do not believe it coincided with the Yuba 5's reason for being there. My ultimate guess is like you mentioned, he either startled the 5 and scared them off or potentially had some kind of altercation with them. Whatever happened, I do think he knew more than he let on. Anyway, thank you for the incredibly well thought out and well-presented video. This is a fascinating and very tragic case and I feel for their families.

[@kissarococo2459]

Getting angry at the cops could mean he realized he might have caused their deaths by scaring them off. Alcoholics like that don't like the feeling of guilt and can lash out when made to feel that way. To him at the time they seemed like a group of dicks unwilling to help him and he had a temper and then he is told they were special needs and missing. He lied because he wanted to place his overwhelming feeling of guilt to somewhere else. He cried 3 days afterwards so it must have affected him. He was of the generation that was not allowed to show feelings in fear of being seen effeminate.

[@narcissusnarcosis614]

I’ve heard this story so many times and yours is the only rendition where I have learned something new. Thank you, and thank you for all the work you put in to your videos. ❤

[@WuTugu999]

Nice! Thanks for going over this incident, this is probably the most detailed explanation/speculation of it on youtube.

[@celestenova777]

Excellent video, the detail of your research is incredible and concise. I believe Schons is at the core of this sad tale and took his guilt to the grave with him. Your fantastic drawings really bring this story to the heart, amazing work. Thanks very much for all your hard work - always a joy to see.

[@justinszczawinski3326]

Great assessment of this story. I think the details covered from you that I had not heard in other covers of this story on youtube was great and really added the angle that Schons was indirectly responsible for them running off and given what we now know, I think that story makes the most sense, albeit with some parts that are hard to explain. Namely, was how the guys got up there in the first place and when they went past Oroville, how not one of the 5 realized they were traveling in the complete wrong direction, even with their mental handicaps factored into everything. They would have had to driven over the Bidwell Bar Bridge and even in the dark, it just seems hard to believe that not one of the five noticed and instead of pulling over and getting help or asking for directions or using one of the maps discovered in the car, they kept driving. Schons taking a drunk joyride up a road in a snowstorm that he knows will eventually go high enough in elevation that it would become snow covered and, he does exactly that. The part about the car behind him following would make sense if it was the boys and they were paniced and trying to get his attention. They finally stop he gets out and yells and or threatens them and they run off. That would explain why they would leave a car with gas they could stay warm in and why it was discovered in the position it was. I think the most likely outcome was after the game one of the guys convinced the others to take a detour on the way home for whatever non nefarious reason and while doing this, they got lost and ended up on that mountain road and encountered Schons and Schons only. There was no group of 12 people or a pickup truck. Schons was drinking that day and his initial story of being followed by a car until he got stuck aligns perfectly with the car and the way it was found. It aligns perfectly with him getting stuck in front of the found Mercury and he gets out and they have words and in a panic they all run off and slowly die to the elements.

[@jerrnelson437]

Truly a sad story. You did a great job reporting the facts and you were very respectful and thoughtful in giving the many options of what possibly had happened to everyone evolved.

[@owejay7981]

Another fine job. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I've always thought that Schons was just a very odd coincidence but your explanation seems pretty reasonable. As you and everyone else here recognizes, the real mystery is why they were there in the first place but I think you nailed it as far as what happened once they got there. I'd love to hear from anyone with the Yuba County Sheriff's Department in the comments section. I'm sure those guys have heard lots of rumors and theories.

[@rocker0304]

wow. this is probably the most intriguing case to me, and i hadn’t heard 90% of the information regarding Schons. I have watched all of the popular YT vids on the subject and these two uploads blow all of them out of the water. great work!

[@i.p.956]

I have heard about this case multiple times but your videos are the first ones to actually look into the background of the boys rather than just the boys and how they were found. I had never looked into the man who had the heart attack in so much detail.

[@nigelcreighton2411]

This is the best presentation of this case on KZbin hands down. Great work. As stated already the key point to the whole case is why did the boys leave the highway, Schoens involvement is pivotal this mystery and the incident involving his daughter and Gary Mathias requires further investigation to establish motivation. Again great work and we’ll done, thank you.

[@traviskelly4941]

" incident involving his daughter and Gary Mathias" I don't believe this incident was covered in this video. I know Schon's daughter was also mentally handicapped, and I've suspected that Schon might have led the boys up the mountain. Do you have a source for this?

[@stewartj3407]

I’ve been fascinated with this story for a long time, but this is by far the most detailed video you will find. Good job on the research.

[@maxwellschneiter]

Outstanding work. It never fails to amaze me how you are able to discover new information when covering these same cases which have been done to death on KZbin.

[@matthewwelborn8083]

I've seen in another video about this case that a shell casing was found on the scene near the Montego. I don't recall if that was confirmed in the police report or not. If a gun was fired, I can easily see it being the catalyst to send the boys into a panic and run from the safety of their vehicle. Thank you for putting together the most comprehensive and thorough look inside this tragic case that I have seen!

[@nickyblue4866]

I've seen that as well on a video by Explore With Us

[@nigelcreighton2411]

That would explain a flight into an unfamiliar frozen forest in the middle of the night without adequate clothing.

[@rockstarofredondo]

The problem is, it was a hunting area, so it wasn’t unusual to find that there.

[@matthewwelborn8083]

@@rockstarofredondo that’s a good point!

[@ssummers78]

Seen this story many times. There was so much more information in these 2 videos covering this case. Well done

[@erickg9011]

one thing you might have missed, the exit was far different at the time (to Oroville), and would have been far harder to accidentally take, I was born in Yuba city, and now live in the Chico area. the exit was changed in the last ten years. I have been haunted by these boys disappearance after hearing about it two years ago. Thanks for the video!

[@karlosk5773]

Thank you for this amazing series. A part 3 detailing the brawl that apparently has taken place on the parking lot at behr's market that night would be the icing on the cake. I think there is still more info out there that could lead to a clearer picture as to why they ended up in that remote area in the first place.

[@traviskelly4941]

Excellent video, great illustrations. One commenter below mentioned an incident involving Gary Matthias and Schon's daughter, who was also mentally handicapped. If this did happen, and Schon was furious and vengeful, it's possible he organized the detour up the mountain -- rendezvoused with the boys in Oroville by prior arrangement, for "a party" in a mt. cabin (that's why the boys bought all the snacks). The boys would not told their parents, who would probably have forbidden the detour. Maybe Schon colluded with the red pickup driver, so the boys were blocked in.

[@TommyTheCat42]

I’ve been waiting since part 1, thank you!

[@AbIllinois]

YES!!! I DIDN'T THINK PART 2 WOULD BE SO SOON!

[@shannsimms9072]

Yaaay. Have been waiting for part 2!!

[@kylebarnette8277]

I have read probably dozens of articles about this case, watched double that in youtube vids over the years …. This is the first theory I’ve heard that makes any sense at all…. I’ve always found the story of the heart attack sus. I haven’t fact checked every point to death, but it definitely tracks with the facts i can recall off hand. Nice work man, great food for thought at the very least.

[@Mr.M3ATBAG]

I've seen this case covered many times, and you by far have been the most detailed, and I love the sketches.

[@bradg5910]

I watched heaps of videos on this topic. Nothing I've ever watched is covered in as much detail or clarity as you've covered it. Fantastic job!!

[@giantfatberg]

Brilliant. Captivating. Professional documentary level. As usual. I look forward to Missing Enigma episodes more than all other channels including those that cover the “strange, dark, and mysterious.”

[@coldboogeronapaperplate6495]

Schon sounds like he was trashed, driving a VW into a snowstorm, passing out, vomiting, crapping, then wanting water & aspirin. I'm not sure he even had a clue what happened. He might have been ashamed/afraid to admit he was in an alcohol-induced blackout, so he just kept knitting different pieces of what he could remember together. I'm wondering if the boys could have become targets of bullying after the game? Maybe they were coerced to drive up the mountain by a gang of hoodlums. They could have traveled together, but in two vehicles. The bullies could have abandoned the Y5, leaving in their own vehicle after having their 'fun'. The boys might have fled, traumatized and not knowing how to get unstuck and turned around. They may have wanted to go in the opposite direction of their tormenters to seek help. Guess we'll never know what happened, for sure. Great doc and illustrations, tho!

[@joeylamuel5828]

They weren't stuck.

[@drewmunny]

This is a super well done series, man! Absolutely loving it

[@yommmrr]

Imagine being lost with schizophrenia and no medication. This story is so weird and a perfect storm for a mystery.

[@sylvianapalma958]

I have schizophrenia, however, I have never gone a day without my medication, so I have no idea what it would feel like to be in the same situation as Gary. It was probably very horrifying for him and I feel really bad for him.

[@alicedrewe2330]

Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into this. You did an amazing job and it is a very fitting tribute to the memories of those poor boys. God bless you.

[@heliosdelsol]

Thanks for getting part two out so fast! 👍🏼

[@haruki456]

By far, your explanation makes the most even if it still leaves so many unanswered questions. I fear this may be the best we ever get.

[@justinhicks1248]

The content on this channel is impeccable. I love it

[@alynrumbold2780]

Well done -- this was by far the most detailed and thorough account of this tragic mystery that I've ever heard or read.

[@Dearest_orugitas]

I have seen so many videos dissecting this case and yours is by far *the* best I have seen. A lot of information that I didn’t know about.

[@ScottyRules33]

Great content. Always enjoy a new upload. Thanks!

[@JR-ld2xx]

Wow! You did a bang up job! I have read, & watched KZbin channels on this mystery. Yours the best! You broke it down really well. I appreciate you doing two episodes. The drawings are well done. The music was not overbearing & your speaking rhythm is great. The speculation is excellent! Thank you. 😁

[@endtimesninja1235]

Best missing persons channel on KZbin hands down. Thanks for the content 👌

[@endtimesninja1235]

@Have a nice day thanks for your opinion I don't care about.

[@endtimesninja1235]

@Have a nice day the art is unmatched. The detail he goes into in regards to the circumstances surrounding the cases isn't either. He doesn't care to speculate and theorize, and he does so within the parameters of concrete logic. I don't expect you to understand the work that goes into this, because your comment feels 11 years old. If that's the case, you don't know your ass from a hole in the ground. Let alone great scripting, illustration, and narration.

[@KingNoTail]

​@Have a nice day Learn how to spell and use punctuation, then come back and talk your shit. You can also take that finger and shove it up your arse.

[@teaspoonsofpeanutbutter6425]

​@Have a nice day sod off elsewhere, then. Bye bye.

[@toddlinder-flowman6687]

@Have a nice day that you Paulides?

[@davidlancaster8152]

Thanks for another great episode. You're one of a kind.

[@paultasker9759]

Love your channel. You do a great job putting these together and my whole family look forward to the next video. Thanks for doing them.

[@afmo13]

Unfortunately I believe this is just a sad instance of compounding errors and no one possessing the faculties to recover from it.

[@libby2012]

Two that had been in the military had the faculties. They had problems, but not nearly as much as the others. The gang of bullies were known to pick on Gary and his family and a lot of others too. Another commenter said the bully had family in law enforcement. Even if that’s not entirely true - law enforcement let him get away with it continually for whatever reason. That is the ultimate cause here. The community, including law enforcement, could not stop the bully and his gang.

[@ViperPilot16]

What a birthday gift lol, gonna watch this when I get home from work. Also this channel is amazing. I really appreciate that you lean more into what is known then speculating on what could of happened. Bedtime Stories as great as that channel is tends to lean more on the conspiracy/supernatural side. Which is enjoyable, but also very common.

[@MackerelCat]

The most detailed look at this case I have seen, thanks for your hard work.

[@TAStormChasing]

Was waiting for this! Thanks for the quick upload. Have a good weekend.

[@LostInThe0zone]

A sad tale which will never be solved.

[@SunRabbit]

Getting lost really bad can happen to anyone, even under the best of circumstances. I was going home from Michigan to New Jersey middle of summer and the route I would always take was Route 80. Going west is easy but coming back, there's a split in Ohio right beofre Pennsylvania and I missed that split because the trucks in the middle lanes obscured my view of the sign. I knew right away that I was on the wrong highway and tried getting back on 80 East, but kept getting more and more lost until I finally seen a sign that said Welcome to West Virginia at which point I FREAKED because in my mind, W. Virginia = Virginia = suburb of Washington DC. I had no money and no map, so I made a collect call to my boss and she just said "well, find 80 East," something I already knew. Gradually I made my way to Pittsburg, and a guy at a gas station gave me pretty good directions to get back home. But man, when I seen that sign I almost had a heart attack myself because I did not expect that at all. Later on I checked out the map and noticed that West Virginia has a panhandle going north, and I had somehow entered it.

[@belakko3048]

This channel is outstanding. I'm once again impressed how much effort you put in your research. Heard this case before on like 10 other channels but your videos changed my view completely. And btw your intro, this small guitar piece, in it's simplicity and clarity fits perfectly for your channel.

[@SageWhite-Rose]

By far the best and most thorough version of this story I have ever heard! You took most of the mystery out of it. But there's still enough left to keep me coming back. ❤️🌹

[@lepkember6913]

I really appreciate you defending Mathias in this video. I have watched 2-3 videos about this incident prior to yours, and while I mostly enjoyed those too, the way he was usually portrayed as a prime suspect always rubbed me the wrong way. People have the tendency to demonize people with mental illnesses, especially schitzophrenia, and have doubts about violent or criminal people being able to better themselves.