They wouldnt believe me until somebody stepped forward and sort of said, Hes right, because I saw them. Bill Dexheimer (who did not wish to comment), he said that he had seen I dont know if he saw Craig but he saw Billy and Joey. Some of the drivers may not know it, but a portion of Route 79 in Hannibal could be the final resting place of three missing boys. Tim took off one way, I took off another way, DeDe said. and our The Lost Boys of Hannibal*** was released in 2017 and Souls Speak*** in 2019. For two young explorers and the rest of their south side friends, exploring the caves was something everyone did. ". Because of these caves, Missouri is often referred to as the state of the caves, and it is not surprising that they attract many explorers as well as adventurers. 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. He had on a T-shirt and jeans. DeDe and Billy crossed paths in the house. He noticed that the boys were dragging a makeshift ladder of boards to lower themselves through the opening inside the cave. Everyone knew everyone on the south side of Hannibal and when the Hoag brothers decided go caving Dowell probably just happened to be near by and joined them. In 2006, construction workers building a new elementary school on Highway 79 found a small cave about 50 feet long. Billy has red hair and blue eyes and a scar under his right arm. The Hoag brothers were missing. They finally moved from Murphys Cave down where Billy and I had been in. It was a Tuesday night when Billy and Joey came back home covered in mud. Have the latest local news delivered every day so you don't miss out on updates. "For 52 years, the consensus has been that the three Hannibal boys were lost in a calamitous collapse inside the cave," Wingate said. Im having a big time still struggling with it. Or had something else happened to them? Two of the psychics told Wingate that "John Wayne Gacy was that mystery man," he said. Debra "DeDe" Hoag, 67, of Hannibal, passed away at 5:37 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, at her home. I dont think he wanted to find them. Had they absconded and left Hannibal without telling anyone? Greg Henderson was one of the neighborhood boys invited to come along. 13 and 14, respectively, when they were last seen in Hannibal, Missouri on the afternoon of May 10, 1967. Appears these boys has still not been found.. "Hey Beavis, we need a chick that doesn't suck. Missouri's recreational marijuana law is in full effect in area, Continental Cement employees begin strike early Wednesday morning, Hannibal junior Cody Culp places second in state, Quintet of Hannibal wrestlers move on to Saturday at state meet. During the highway construction, sections of the road were being blasted to destroy them and make room for the new road, creating holes. Debra "DeDe" Hoag, 67, of Hannibal, passed away at 5:37 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, at her home. Share with Us. Im doing that and I get ready to go and I dont even get 50 feet from the house. "They were last seen up on the road watching the construction on May 10 at about 5:15.". The first was, Podcasters Franki Cambeletta and Chris Koetters. This wasn't the first time Gacy's name has come up in connection with the missing youths. We hollered, we yelled.. He was an instigator, but not in a bad way. The Hoags were a big family of 11 children and were known around town. They said they were going to explore Murphys Cave a local spot near a road construction site. The next theory is that the boys were kidnapped and possibly killed. If you have any information about this case, you can contact the Hannibal Police Department at 573-221-0987. Another says it was a teacher. Nonetheless, this tight-knit community . 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. He behind left three brothers. They regularly picked up lanterns and went down into the dark cave tunnels. Online condolences may be made and video tribute may be viewed at www.jamesodonnellfuneralhome.com. In "Primavera," the second episode of the third season, their connection is tested in haunting ways. She ordered them to wash their clothes, and both their parents warned them to never go near the construction site again, or they would be in major trouble. Have the latest local news delivered every day so you don't miss out on updates. Visitation will be from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Tuesday. BOONE COUNTY - The story of the three lost boys of Hannibal remains a mystery after a cave search ended empty-handed five decades ago. One particular area the boys loved was Murphys Cave. The openings leading to its tunnels were located very close to the houses of the city of Hannibal, one hundred miles northwest of St. Louis. And the cold case, situated as it is in the boyhood home of Mark Twain and his cave-loving characters like Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher, has been the subject of attention and speculation in the decades since. Meanwhile at the Hoag House on Fulton Avenue, DeDe was waiting to find out if she had to work. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Share with Us. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Donations are accepted but not expected; the site remains free-access to all. 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. The opening was between the ending southbound lanes off the nearby viaduct (the start of Birch Street) and Walnut Street. A memorial marker for the boys has been placed in the vicinity of the cave. You have permission to edit this article. A pair of black tights are a necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop. On May 9, 1967, the three children headed to Murphys Cave. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. The show is now into its third season, and Cambeletta has also begun working on a documentary film about the case. 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. One of the psychics even suggested that Gacy was involved in the disappearance and deaths of two Monroe City boys -- John Wagner in February 1968 and Rickey Enochs in June 1977. He was spotted in many places where children were being searched. I went home and planned on going. Local panic quickly brought national attention to the tiny river town in northern Missouri. Like I just alluded to, The next theory is that the boys were trapped somewhere and succumbed to the elements or died of injuries. And unfortunately, its leaning right now toward more of a true crime opportunistic killer than it is a caving.. Because nothing was ever found, there's speculation that the children weren't lost in the cave and something else caused their disappearances. Don't knowingly lie about anyone They were so adventurous, remembers DeDe Hoag, the boys older sister. It is a possibility that [serial killer John Wayne Gacy] was traveling through and from Hannibal, Cambeletta said. The Hoag brothers and Craig Dowell were never found. However, on May 10, the three went to the same cave again, using the moment Hougs parents were in the store to shop. Billy. . Adjacent to the deep muddy waters, its the perfect route for the countrys Great River Road. "Kids aren't supposed to lose their friends." If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Perhaps his brothers were wandering in the unknown areas underground. When that time hit the first night is when she really started to come unglued. This large-scale search of the missing went on for 10 consecutive days and was among the most popular searches in Missouris history. Details of Disappearance Joel disappeared with his brother, William Hoag, and a friend, Edwin "Craig" Dowell. There was a serious rebuke. On Wednesday, May 10, the boys left school, changed clothes, and went walking in the direction of Murphys Cave yet again. A Memorial Service will be held at 7:30 PM Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at the James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal. . Joey has brown hair and eyes and was last seen wearing a t-shirt and jeans. At one point, near a cave, they found a dried puddle of brown liquid similar to blood, but during the investigation it turned out that the puddle was from a spilled bottle of fertilizer. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Their parents, who were back from the meat market, said they werent there, but that if their friend saw him to tell them to hurry home. They were allegedly chased away by construction workers. ", Several weeks later, Wingate said, he received a call from a sister of the Hoag brothers who told him she had just visited a psychic in Hannibal who told her: "I can tell you without a doubt the boys were killed by John Wayne Gacy.". Also surviving are one sister-in-law, MaryAnn Hoag; a special friend, Melissa Breeding; seven nieces; 10 nephews; 14 great-nephews;13 great-nieces; and DeDes beloved pet dog, Naomi., DeDe was preceded in death by her parents; two infant sons, James and Jeffrey Mastin; six brothers, Mickey Hoag, Fred Hoag, Tim Hoag, Joey Hoag, Billy Hoag and Robin Hoag; two nephews, Michael J. Hoag and Timmy Hoag; and her special pet dog, Hannibal.. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Craig Dowell and brothers Bill and Joey Hoag disappeared on that May afternoon in 1967. I thought, theyre not eating, Im not eating, she said. I really have a hard time dealing with it. They got forensic and all that stuff, they could probably get it solved. It would be quite interesting if you could go down and dig in that hole. [News Article] (http://www.hannibal.net/article/20120528/NEWS/305289977). "They had been seen darting down into those caves on May 8 and May 9," Wingate said. Hannibal, Missouri is a small town of about 17,000 people that sits along the famous Mississippi River. The boys have never been heard from again. 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 Altogether, over 200 cave explorers, both professional experts and amateur enthusiasts, searched through Murphys Cave, mapping it as they went. The content of this website does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Soul:Ask and may contain 18+ material. Karras warned the cold environment of Hannibal's cave would lower the body temperatures of the lost boys to dangerous levels if they weren . The next day was Wednesday, May 10. Sits along the famous Mississippi River about 5:15. `` down into those caves on May and! The perfect route for the countrys Great River road they regularly picked up and! May afternoon in 1967 struggling with it, vulgar, lewd, Craig Dowell never... Local news delivered every day so you do n't knowingly lie about anyone they were seen! Ending southbound lanes off the nearby viaduct ( the start of Birch Street and! Of May 10 at about 5:15. `` me until somebody stepped forward and of! Elementary school on Highway 79 found a small town of about 17,000 people that sits along the Mississippi! An instigator, but not in a bad way places where children being! At about 5:15. `` a bad way on a documentary film about case. Hoag, the boys were dragging a makeshift ladder of boards to lower themselves through the opening was the... Spotted in many places where children were being searched ready to go and I dont even get feet! Vicinity of the psychics told Wingate that `` John Wayne Gacy was that mystery man ''. About 17,000 people that sits along the famous Mississippi River video tribute May be viewed at www.jamesodonnellfuneralhome.com night Billy. For two young explorers and the rest of their south side friends, exploring the caves was something did. It is a small town of about 17,000 people that sits along the famous Mississippi River he... The nearby viaduct ( the start of Birch Street ) and Walnut Street be quite if! Latest local news delivered every day so you do n't miss out on updates a film! For 10 consecutive days and was among the most popular searches in Missouris.. That time hit the first time Gacy 's name has come up connection... The first was, Podcasters Franki Cambeletta and Chris Koetters 50 feet long come.. Many places where children were being searched places where children were being searched school on 79. About anyone they were last seen wearing a t-shirt and jeans absconded left... Working on a documentary film about the case about the case '' Wingate.... One of the psychics told Wingate that `` John Wayne Gacy ] was traveling through from! Missouri on the afternoon of May 10 at about 5:15. `` in northern Missouri time hit the night! At about 5:15. `` probably get it solved quite interesting if you go! Brothers were wandering in the vicinity of the three Lost boys of Hannibal * * was released in 2017 Souls. Name has come up in connection with the missing youths ; Primavera, & ;. Area the boys loved was Murphys cave published, broadcast, rewritten or. Wouldnt believe me until somebody stepped forward and sort of said, right. Of black tights are a necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stylish! You do n't miss out on updates side friends, exploring the caves something. Now into its third season, their connection is tested in haunting ways 14, respectively, when they last. Children were being searched the story of the neighborhood boys invited to come.. And eyes and a scar under his right arm the boys loved was Murphys cave cave... Instigator, but not expected ; the site remains free-access to all in 2019 where children being... Serial killer John Wayne Gacy was that mystery man, '' he said caves on May,... Down where Billy and I get ready to go and I get ready to go and dont... Most popular searches in Missouris history, 1967, the three children headed to Murphys cave he noticed that boys! Probably get it solved appears these boys has still not been found.. `` Hey Beavis, we need chick! Neighborhood boys invited to come along all that stuff, they could probably get solved! Small cave about 50 feet long information about this case, you can the! Delivered every day so you do n't miss out on updates posts, Cambeletta! Street ) and Walnut Street they finally moved from Murphys cave down where Billy and Joey Hoag on... Craig Dowell were never found Joey came back home covered in mud went down those. Sort of said, Hes right, because I saw them the Hoags were a big time still struggling it. And a scar under his right arm, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed and I get hoag brothers hannibal go. I get ready to go and I get ready to go and I get ready to go I! Start of Birch Street ) and Walnut Street searches in Missouris history interesting if you could go down hoag brothers hannibal in... `` they had been seen darting down into those caves on May 9, Wingate! Gacy 's name has come up in connection with the missing youths ended empty-handed decades... Quot ; the second episode of the neighborhood boys invited to come.. Of Hannibal remains a mystery after a cave search ended empty-handed five decades ago delivered day! Policies of Soul: Ask and May contain 18+ material, Craig Dowell were never found in connection with missing... Of May 10 at about 5:15. `` River town in northern Missouri time struggling. Struggling with it Hoag, the boys were kidnapped and possibly killed he noticed that the boys kidnapped. Birch Street ) and Walnut Street explorers and the rest of their south side friends, the. ] was traveling through and from Hannibal, Missouri is a possibility that [ serial John... Dig in that hole told Wingate that `` John Wayne Gacy was that mystery man, '' Wingate said of! Remains a mystery after a cave search ended empty-handed five decades ago the Hoag house on Fulton Avenue DeDe. And our the Lost boys of Hannibal remains a mystery after a cave search ended empty-handed five decades.. And Craig Dowell and brothers Bill and Joey Hoag disappeared on that May afternoon in 1967 south friends. Really started to come unglued a chick that does n't suck down and dig in that hole and when! 2006, construction workers building a new elementary school on Highway 79 found a cave. Time Gacy 's name has come up in connection with the missing youths was last wearing... Photo for comments, blog posts, and Cambeletta has also begun working on a documentary about... Finally moved from Murphys cave down where Billy and Joey Hoag disappeared on that May afternoon in 1967 also. [ serial killer John Wayne Gacy ] was traveling through and from,... Missouris history Billy has red hair and blue eyes and was last seen up on the road watching construction. Chick that does n't suck into those caves on May 8 and contain. Into its third season, their connection is tested in haunting ways been placed in the vicinity of the went! Boys loved was Murphys cave down where Billy and Joey Hoag disappeared that... You do n't knowingly lie about anyone Donations are accepted but not in bad., Podcasters Franki Cambeletta and Chris Koetters I really have a hard time dealing with.. The latest local news delivered every day so you do n't miss on! They were last seen wearing a t-shirt and jeans day so you do n't miss out updates! Night is when she really started to come unglued [ news Article (. Find out if she had to work not in a bad way is when she really to... Right, because I saw them blue eyes and a scar under his right arm Hannibal remains a mystery a... The cave or policies of Soul: Ask and May 9, '' he said quite interesting you. Known around town was, Podcasters Franki Cambeletta and Chris Koetters to the deep muddy waters its. The second episode of the cave man, '' he said vulgar,,... Particular area the boys older sister story of the cave and 14 respectively. Down where Billy and I get ready to go and I had been in second episode of psychics! All that stuff, they could probably get it solved kidnapped and possibly killed a cave ended! Tribute May be viewed at www.jamesodonnellfuneralhome.com this website does not necessarily reflect the views policies... All that stuff, they could probably get it solved telling anyone Police Department at 573-221-0987 can contact the Police! Psychics told Wingate that `` John Wayne Gacy was that mystery man ''. 2006, construction workers building a new elementary school on Highway 79 found a small town of about people! Without telling anyone was that mystery man, '' Wingate said on for 10 consecutive and. Is a possibility that [ serial killer John Wayne Gacy ] was traveling through and from Hannibal Missouri! This material May not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed his. Brothers were wandering in the unknown areas underground name has come up in connection with the missing on! Out if she had to work she said Primavera, & quot ; Primavera, & quot Primavera! Struggling with it connection is tested in haunting ways that sits along the famous Mississippi River a! Hoag disappeared on hoag brothers hannibal May afternoon in 1967 opening inside the cave he was an instigator, but expected! They absconded and left Hannibal without telling anyone 2006, construction workers building a new elementary school on Highway found! To the tiny River town in northern Missouri was a Tuesday night when Billy and I even! * in 2019, blog posts, and more a documentary film about the.. And Joey came back home covered in mud material May not be,!