Keystone Cold Cases

Episode #146: Dolores Della Penna - Murdered (1972) - Part 2

Join KCC with the conclusion of the case of Dolores Della Penna, the 17-year-old that was horrifically murdered July 12, 1972.

Episode #145: Dolores Della Penna - Murdered (1972) - Part 1

In 1972, 17-year-old Dolores Della Penna, a high school student from Philadelphia, vanished just blocks from her home. Known for her kind nature and bright smile, her disappearance shocked her tight-knit community. Days later, disturbing discoveries pointed to a horrifying fate. To this day, questions linger about who was truly behind her tragic end and why justice remains elusive.

Episode #144: West Manchester John Doe - Murdered (2013)

In today's episode, we discuss the case of the West Manchester John Doe. Found in 2013, the remains could have been in their resting pace for up to 20 years. The Bureau of Justice Assistance estimates that 4,400 unidentified remains are discovered annually in the United States. At any given time, there may be up to 40,000 unidentified remains across the country. It's truly heartbreaking to think about. How do families and friends not claim these remains?

Episode #143: Holly Branagan - Murdered (1979)

KCC delves into the tragic and unsolved murder of Holly Branagan, a high school senior from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. On March 28, 1979, Holly was brutally stabbed to death in her own home. The police pieced together Holly's timeline through phone calls she made that day, but despite their efforts, they have never caught her killer. Over 40 years later, the question remains: who killed Holly Branagan?

Episode #142: Jason Andrew Knapp - Missing (1998)

Jason Andrew Knapp, a young man from York, Pennsylvania, vanished without a trace on April 12, 1998. Jason was a sophomore at Clemson University, excelling academically and involved in the ROTC program. He was last seen on Easter weekend, and his car was found a week later at Table Rock State Park in South Carolina, but Jason himself was never located. What could have happened to this accomplished student?

Episode #141: Jennifer Higgins - Suspicious Death (1994)

Jennifer Higgins was an accomplished a young woman.  A field hockey star in high school, she attended Temple University on scholarship. Toward the end of her sophomore year, just ahead of summer break, Jennifer was found hanged by a necktie in her bedroom, her death ruled a suicide. But was it? Jennifer's story is one of profound sadness and unanswered questions, as her sudden death left her family and friends in shock and grief.

Episode #140: Philadelphia County Jane Doe - Murdered (1984)

A young girl's skeletal remains were discovered on November 25, 1984, in a wooded area near Collom Street in Philadelphia. The remains, which included a skull, jaw, and three other bones, were found by a resident’s dog. Authorities believe the Jane Doe was a Black girl between the ages of 4 and 6, who died approximately one year before her remains were discovered. Join the KCC team as they discuss the details of this case and the theories around the identity of this little angel.

Bonus Holiday Episode: Christy Mirack - Murdered (1992)

The holidays at the end of the year are supposed to be joyous. We celebrate traditions that run in our culture and families. Plus we celebrate another year around the sun. I know for me I personally enjoy my days off, time with family, and yummy food. In 1992 Lancaster PA suffered a horrific loss of their community. It was the Monday before Christmas and a class of 6th grade kids of Rohrerstown Elementary School were gathering for the start of school. Problem was their teacher Christy Mirack did not show up. This was totally out of character. The principal was so concerned about this no show he drove to her house. He walked into a nightmare that would rock this town for 32 years. 

Episode #139: Betty McClellan - Murdered (2009)

Betty Jane McClellan was a respected and deeply religious woman from Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. In March 2009, Betty and her husband, Jake McClellan, were brutally attacked in their trailer during a home invasion. While Jake survived with serious injuries, Betty tragically lost her life. Despite extensive investigations, the case remains unsolved, casting a shadow over the small community of Greene County.

Episode #138: Sabrina Kahler - Missing (2002)

According to World Population review this year in PA there are 504 open missing person cases and 320 unidentified. I was astonished at that staggering number because that seems steep right? But the rate is only 3.9 per 100K which seems lower. According to NamUs most cases are resolved and the percentage that aren’t is under 1%. The people that are found were either lost, made the conscious decision to leave, or were taken. The case we are covering today is over 20 years old. Police were never able to locate her living or dead. No one has heard a word from her since June 24th, 2002. Unfortunately, Sabrina Mae Kahler is part of that 1%.