Megyn Kelly Investigates: Disappearance of "Baby Lisa" Series - Megyn's "True Crime" Mega-Episode
The Megyn Kelly Show Podcast Recap
Published:
Duration: 3 hr 34 min
Guests: Jim Spellman, Callahan Walsh, Marissa Randazzo, Sean O'Brien, Christy Schiller, Bill Stanton, Phil Houston, Cindy Short, Joe Tacopina, Megan Wright, Missy Rasmussen, Jackie Heller, Cindy Lorette, Chad Huber
Summary
This episode of The Megyn Kelly Show explores the mysterious disappearance of Baby Lisa Irwin in 2011. Megyn Kelly investigates various theories, potential suspects, and the police's handling of the case.
What Happened
The disappearance of Baby Lisa Irwin on October 4, 2011, in Kansas City, Missouri, remains unresolved. Her father, Jeremy Irwin, found signs of a break-in when he returned home that night. This sparked a massive investigation, drawing in search crews, police, and media attention. Despite efforts to find her, Baby Lisa's whereabouts remain unknown.
Deborah Bradley, Lisa's mother, was heavily scrutinized due to her admission of excessive drinking on the night of the disappearance. She took a polygraph test, which she believed she failed, and was criticized for ceasing cooperation with the police. However, CIA expert Phil Houston concluded that Bradley was truthful in denying involvement in her daughter's disappearance.
A neighbor reported seeing a man carrying a baby around the time Lisa vanished. Surveillance footage and witness testimonies suggested potential leads, including sightings of a man with a baby and a dumpster fire near the area. Despite these leads, the police did not aggressively pursue them, leading to criticism of their investigation.
John Tanko, a handyman with a criminal record, became a person of interest due to his proximity to the neighborhood and a phone call made from a stolen phone to his ex-girlfriend, Megan Wright. Despite suspicions, Tanko denied involvement and was never charged in connection with the case.
Megan Wright's phone was used the night of the disappearance, but she claimed it was in the hands of others. Her background and connection to Tanko fueled theories of a potential plot. However, no concrete evidence linked her to the case.
Several theories emerged about Baby Lisa's fate, including possible abduction for illegal adoption or sale. Family members, like Deborah's aunt Cindy Lorette, actively searched for clues, while others speculated about Lisa's potential death, though no remains have been found.
The case remains unsolved, with no arrests made. Despite the media frenzy and numerous theories, Baby Lisa's disappearance continues to haunt her family and raises questions about the effectiveness of the investigation.
Megyn Kelly's investigation attempts to shed light on this cold case by revisiting old leads and questioning key individuals. Her approach, alongside experts like Phil Houston and Bill Stanton, aims to uncover new information and push for a renewed investigation.
Key Insights
- Baby Lisa Irwin disappeared on October 4, 2011, under suspicious circumstances involving a potential break-in at her home. Her father found the house in disarray, prompting a widespread investigation that remains unresolved.
- Deborah Bradley, Lisa's mother, admitted to heavy drinking the night of the disappearance, raising suspicion. However, expert Phil Houston found her statements about not being involved to be truthful.
- John Tanko, known as Jersey, was considered a suspect due to his criminal history and proximity to the neighborhood. Despite a phone call linking him to the case, he was never charged.
- Various theories about Baby Lisa's fate include abduction for illegal adoption or trafficking. Despite extensive investigations and media coverage, no substantial leads have resulted in arrests or the discovery of Lisa's whereabouts.