PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. But what quickly began as a neighborhood search expanded to a nation-wide effort. [These boys] were the all-American child, and boy, in 1967 Hannibal, Missouri. All new tunnels have been carefully inspected. Concerned citizens suggested authorities even search the various islands dotting the Mississippi River. Wingate said if Gacy were to go visit his mother, "driving from Waterloo to Little Rock, he would take Highway 61, which takes you right through Hannibal.". There was also a strange message about a man in a black cloak who was not recognized as a city resident, police officer or anyone else. The mystery man, meanwhile, "was no longer seen at that location after the boys went missing," Wingate said. Or had something else happened to them? Local panic quickly brought national attention to the tiny river town in northern Missouri. During the highway construction, sections of the road were being blasted to destroy them and make room for the new road, creating holes. Henderson also remembers a few theories as well. Since then, rumors and theories have swirled around the Mississippi River town about what happened to 13-year-old Joey Hoag, 10-year-old brother Billy Hoag, and their friend, 14-year-old Craig. Or I havent, totally. When it was dark, the Hoags went to their neighbors and someone told them that they had seen the Hoag brothers and young Dole near the Murphy Cave. Grandma hollered suppers ready.. Details of Disappearance Joel disappeared with his brother, William Hoag, and a friend, Edwin "Craig" Dowell. Craig Dowell lived over on Union Street. You have permission to edit this article. A Hannibal mystery 48 years in the making. Use the 'Report' link on "That was the start of it. There wasnt much evidence I could find that they would want to do this, and they all had plans for that evening that they never showed up for. There's no evidence to support any other theories, however. New book suggests serial killer's involvement in missing boys case, Edward Husar Special to the Courier-Post ehusar@whig.com. Many people, including Wingate, speculated that the boys likely became trapped or smothered deep underground by tons of collapsed rock after cave walls and ceilings became cracked and unstable from explosive charges used by road-building crews. Donations are accepted but not expected; the site remains free-access to all. High 59F. Greg Henderson was one of the neighborhood boys invited to come along. "For 52 years, the consensus has been that the three Hannibal boys were lost in a calamitous collapse inside the cave," Wingate said. person will not be tolerated. Joel, who was interested in snakes and geology, had been punished the night before for going to the cave without permission. He went to Murphys Cave and saw some of the boys friends there, who said they saw Billy, Joey and Craig going into the cave earlier. Fifty-four years ago this month, three boys went missing in Hannibal, Missouri, and were never seen again. Or were they the victims of a notorious serial killer? We dont know where theyre at. You really dont ever get over it. At one point, FBI experts got involved in the process. Nearly 55 years ago, two young brothers and their friend gathered shovels and flashlights on a spring afternoon to explore a cave in their hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. On Wednesday, May 10, the boys left school, changed clothes, and went walking in the direction of Murphys Cave yet again. They did not even find traces of the children. Henderson believes there were some questionable things going on behind the scenes. "It's beyond coincidence.". Spider-Man: Homecoming : Spider-Man: Homecoming is a 2017 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Spider-Man, co-produced by Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios, and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing. One of the popular south side caves at the time, Murphys Cave, was one of the first places rescuers tried to look. But at some point, 15-year-old Tim Hoag and 16-year-old DeDe lost track of their younger brothers, who slipped out of the yard and headed for another adventure. Yet there is a mystery on a portion of this roadway that has yet to be solved, a mystery as cold as a brisk Midwest winter. Billy has red hair and blue eyes and a scar under his right arm. Don't Threaten. People took off work and some of them still got paid. Be Truthful. At the time the boys went missing, machines being used to search the caves could go as far down as 39 feet but the town mayor ordered them to go no further than 37 feet. Investigators searched trains that had left Hannibal around the time the boys were last seen, perhaps wondering if they had been snatched without anyone noticing. According to an October 2020 post on John Wingates website, theres a new effort underway to keep mapping out Murphys Cave. Hart: Hannibal boys' disappearance brought back to life in book. This website uses cookies for functionality, analytics and advertising purposes as described in our, 1967 Hoag, Bill and Joey + Dowell,Craig May 10 196, http://www.hannibal.net/stories/042206/ 2003.shtml, http://www.hannibal.net/stories/042706/ 0101.shtml, http://www.whig.com/story/news/RH-Scoop-Column-011910, http://z10.invisionfree.com/usedtobedoe =2450&st=0&, http://www.hannibal.net/features/x15264 written-it, http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/05/23/lo later.html. Im having a big time still struggling with it. Their parents warned them against playing in caves, but the Hoag brothers were two of 11 siblings and let's face it, most normal parents only have four eyes between them. The brothers asked another friend of theirs, 11-year-old Greg Henderson, to go with them to the cave, but he got called in for dinner so he couldnt. Billy was a little stinker. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Joel and William had been punished the night before for going to the cave without permission, and they weren't supposed to leave their yard. When their parents returned home and asked where they were, DeDe had no idea. The boys' disappearance triggered a massive search. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Tim took off one way, I took off another way, DeDe said. Two years ago, Hannibal native John Wingate released his first book about the disappearance of three Hannibal boys who were last seen on May 10, 1967, near some cave openings on Hannibal's south side. So what do you think of this case? Billy, Id say was a little bit more mischievous than Joey. The three boys routinely explored caves in Hannibal's Southside neighborhood. Podcasters Franki Cambeletta and Chris Koetters have done a pretty deep dive into the case and even said they want to solve it. At the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, you will find a palate-dazzling smorgasbord of cuisines and cocktails in which to indulge. Wingate said he started investigating the theory a year ago -- around the same time he was making stops in Hannibal and Quincy, Ill., to sign copies of his first book. Despite the workers warning, the boys went back the next with two of their friends. One of them was 14-year-old Craig Dowell, who some sources described as a friend of theirs, others as an acquaintance. Threats of harming another each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.. Last updated June 3, 2012; picture and clothing/jewelry description added, details of disappearance updated. However, none of the parents of the missing children was able to confirm whether the sock belonged to one of the Hoag brothers or Dowell. While giving a presentation, he noticed a woman in the audience was crying and visibly upset. I dont know if it was the first day or the second day, but I was having dreams and everything; about Billy and Joey. Privacy Policy. With todays technology, Henderson believes a new search could be conducted, but the chances of that happening are non-existent. They were waiting for the moment when the construction workers at the site would go to rest. Volunteers are still trying to find the remains of the missing boys or at least their belongings. Joey and Billy came home from school, they were there in the house, and Joey went through the hallway. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. According to their sister Deborah, who went by DeDe, Billy was very mischievous while Joey was more serious and interested in science, especially astronomy. But Dowells and the Hoags bodies have never been found. Im doing that and I get ready to go and I dont even get 50 feet from the house. At 3pm, they were spotted by a casual passer-by walking to the entrance of Murphys Cave. Ive been living with that all my life. The young cave dweller told search leaders where they should be looking. 13 and 14, respectively, when they were last seen in Hannibal, Missouri on the afternoon of May 10, 1967. There are no plans to open up the cave system to the public, and the project is limited to skilled and experienced cavers, according to the post. All rights reserved. They were spotted several more times around town between 4:40 and 5:15 sometimes together, sometimes separately. The next morning, police, national guards and volunteers organized a mass search for the boys. Henderson, along with Billy and other neighborhood boys, had Royal Ambassadors meetings at the local church Wednesday nights and there wasnt enough time to do both. That claim, like so many others, would bear no fruit and the preliminary search would be called off 10 days after the disappearance. Threats of harming another In the days that followed, cavers near and far joined an extensive search-and-rescue mission. Henderson was 11 at the time and was even questioned by authorities in a room of lawyers. (I did read on a forum that the cave was actually discovered during the construction, but I cant confirm this.). But, as children often do, they didnt listen. He was spotted in many places where children were being searched. The weeks and weeks of searching turned up absolutely nothing. But these searches, just like the ones in the caves, didnt lead to much. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. People came pouring in to look for them, DeDe said. Its most well known for being the childhood home of author Mark Twain, who often wrote stories about young boys going on adventures. I cant tell you for a fact why they did it. There was a massive search for the kids that drew national attention, but ultimately, they've never been found. The case has also been a subject of a podcast, also called The Lost Boys of Hannibal, which aired its first episode in July of 2019 and appears to still be going. Because nothing was ever found, there's speculation that the children weren't lost in the cave and something else caused their disappearances. The Lost Boys of Hannibal*** was released in 2017 and Souls Speak*** in 2019. Brother Bill Dexheimer will officiate. Tim (DeDes younger brother by one year) was getting off the bus. City officials have been notified of the disappearance of the three children, who may have been lost in the cave. Hes very certain the boys are buried beneath the southbound lanes of Route 79 just before the Lovers Leap tourist sign. Partial to books, stationery, papercrafts and walking. But in 1967, three boys went on their own adventure in the town and never returned. The boys have never been heard from again. The Hoag brothers did some exploring, but were sure to be back home when expected. Every. Wingate is scheduled to sign copies of his new book from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 2, at Quincy Books and Toys, 3800 Broadway, and will sign books and give a presentation from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 3, at the Mark Twain Museum in Hannibal. You have permission to edit this article. You think theyre going to close down that highway to build on a speculation? We hollered, we yelled.. The first theory is that they ran away, but this isnt very likely. In 2015, Hannibal Police Department Lieutenant John Zerbonia said case would stay open, but there probably wouldnt be any more searches. This city is known as the birthplace of Mark Twain and in particular the Mark Twain Cave where Tom Sawyer films were made. A new book released last week puts a surprising new ending on a 52-year-old Hannibal story. Craig Dowell and brothers Bill and Joey Hoag disappeared on that May afternoon in 1967. On March 10th, 1967, the three boys set off with flashlights and a shovel to go on an adventure, but sadly to never return home. But who could stop the curious children? Lets go over some theories and speculation. Tim came back after doing a quick cave search of his own. DeDe retired after working many years in retail sales as a manager. William and Joel left behind five brothers and four sisters. Send questions and comments about this story to feedback@stlpublicradio.org. However, on May 10, the three went to the same cave again, using the moment Hougs parents were in the store to shop. May 1967 - Hannibal, Missouri - three boys, brothers Bill Hoag, 11, and Joey Hoag, 13, and their friend Craig Dowell, 14, decided to go cave exploring. They were all reportedly spotted in and around Murphys Cave on the day they disappeared, but some of these sightings were not of all three of them, meaning they separated at some point. Will they ever? Yet they were reportedly sighted near Murphys Cave as late as 5:15, likely with dirty shoes and clothes that they would have then had to go home and clean up. They just kept asking, Where do you think they are? According to various accounts over the years, they were last seen between 4:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. For more than a week, members of the Mark Twain Emergency Squad and the National Speleological Society searched Murphys Cave and others subterranean systems for any trace of the boys, due to fears they may have been trapped via a cave-in. They were carrying shovels and a flashlight, and said they were going to explore Murphy's Cave, near the Highway 79 construction project. The sun shined brightly in the blue sky and the temperature was very pleasant. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. Henderson found it odd that Billy wasnt there. This season will maybe mark the end of the search, Cambeletta said. They began to pray that nothing bad would happen to the boys. The sock wasnt dirty, so it obviously hadnt been in that place for a long time. Joey Hoag, Billy Hoag, and Craig Dowell had simply vanished without a trace. Because of the circumstances, authorities theorized the three boys were trapped inside the cave when it collapsed and weren't able to get out. Like I just alluded to, The next theory is that the boys were trapped somewhere and succumbed to the elements or died of injuries. If you have any information about this case, you can contact the Hannibal Police Department at 573-221-0987. Had they even returned to the cave after those last few sightings of them around town? Hannigram is the slash ship between Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter from the Hannibal fandom. When they werent home by 5:45, their brother Tim started looking for them. The boys were last seen on the south side of Hannibal, Missouri between 4:20 and 5:00 p.m. Then, searchers began looking around the surrounding forests, abandoned houses and old mines. Motorists are always making their way along Route 79 at its origin, along the calm banks of Hannibal, and for many its just a daily routine. [News Article] (http://www.hannibal.net/article/20120528/NEWS/305289977). I thought, theyre not eating, Im not eating, she said. Brother Bill Dexheimer will officiate. HANNIBAL, Mo. Visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the James O'Donnell Funeral Home. In 2010, author Charles Stewart published a book about them, titled A Sorrow of the Heart. Missing Since: May 10, 1967 Missing From: Hannibal, Marion County, Missouri Classification: Endangered Missing Date Of Birth: circa, 1953 Age: 14 years old Height and Weight: 5'0 and 100 pounds Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian Male, Edwin usually goes by his middle name "Craig" Details of Disappearance They were always home by 9 oclock, DeDe said. A new book released last week puts a surprising new ending on a 52-year-old Hannibal story. They were just saying help, help, help. No human remains have been found during this exploration. According to one of the first versions, the children were buried alive when one of the cave tunnels collapsed, but as mentioned above, all possible tunnels of the nearest caves were checked by search crew and they did not find any traces of fresh collapses there. Years later, a Hoag brother that was in law enforcement researched the whereabouts of a prolific serial killer of young boys and discovered that he had been less than 40 miles away from Hannibal, on business, at the time the boys disappeared. Was this just a case of kids being irresponsible, as kids often are? I dont think they felt like doing it.. This file image shows search efforts for three Hannibal boys who were last seen May 10, 1967 near cave openings on Hannibal's south side. Billy and Joey, as they were more commonly called, On Monday, May 8, 1967, Billy and Joey were, The next day was Wednesday, May 10. All three suggested they had similar visions that Gacy was to blame for the disappearance and deaths of the Hannibal boys. Craig Dowell, he was an acquaintance, Henderson said. And I said, Mom, maybe youll just have to find out on the other side if theyre there. DeDe herself still struggles with her brothers disappearance despite 45 years passing by. accounts, the history behind an article. Joey [Hoag] was even a really big astronomer labeled himself as an amateur astronomer, if you look through his writings. Lost Boys of Hannibal on Apple Podcasts 44 episodes This Podcast sets out to solve one of Hannibal Missouri's biggest mystery, The Lost boys of Hannibal Missouri snd the events surrounding their disappearance in 1967. Search the various islands dotting the Mississippi River you have any information about this story to feedback stlpublicradio.org. So it obviously hadnt been in that place for a long time,... Theory is that they ran away, but there probably wouldnt be any more searches to! ; the site remains free-access to all be back home when expected was an acquaintance, Henderson believes new. Joey and billy came home from school, they were spotted by a casual passer-by walking to the tiny town... 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