He said the mayor at the time was aware the machines used in the search for the three boys could go as deep as 39 feet, but instead the mayor told searchers to not go more than 37 feet. Times just go on and on and on, and you pray, you try to get an answer. Like I just alluded to, The next theory is that the boys were trapped somewhere and succumbed to the elements or died of injuries. Updated 2 times since October 12, 2004. 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. Extensive search-and-rescue efforts turned up no sign of any of them, however. According to another version, the boys may have accidentally entered a completely new tunneling system that other researchers have not noticed. 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. Brothers Billy and Joey Hoag, ages 11 and 13, along with their friend Craig Dowell, 14, were last observed carrying shovels and flashlights around 5 p.m. May 10, 1967. Searching for the missing, identifying those with no name.Missing and Unidentified Persons Cases, Moderators:Nut44x4, tatertot, rain, burnsjl2003, Begood, wv171. Updated 2 times since October 12, 2004. When their parents returned home and asked where they were, DeDe had no idea. In 2006, construction workers building a new elementary school on Highway 79 found a small cave about 50 feet long. Local panic quickly brought national attention to the tiny river town in northern Missouri. According to an October 2020 post on John Wingates website, theres a new effort underway to keep mapping out Murphys Cave. 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. Will says . The hometown of one of Americas most enduring and beloved authors is also the site of a decades-old mystery. We had a little bit of a meeting and went outside for some odd reason and thats when we found out, Henderson said. When she found out she was going to pass it was just a matter of time she said I sure wish I would find out something before I died. Sister to the missing Hoag boys Billy and Joey, Denise Hoag, and daughter Candace Hoag sit down with Chris and Franki to discuss Charles Stewart, but before that . The Hoag brothers and the Dowell boy were last seen by Lynn Strube, 14, of 405 Smith, and John Janes, 13, 1125 Sierra, Wednesday . She enjoyed being around water. Billy and Joey, as they were more commonly called, also had nine other siblings. The Hoag Family was hoping and hoping for a sign of something positive in search efforts, but nothing ever came to light. After a long search, the conclusion was reached however no one is for certain that the boys were exploring and the walls of the cave collapsed and trapped them. And unfortunately, its leaning right now toward more of a true crime opportunistic killer than it is a caving.. He said all three women identified some of the same key locations in connection with Gacy and the missing boys. The weeks and weeks of searching turned up absolutely nothing. "That was the start of it. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Will they ever? Debra DeDe Hoag, 67, of Hannibal, Missouri, passed away at 5:37 AM Thursday, February 15, 2018 at her home. The first was A Sorrow of the Heart by Charles Stewart***, published in either 2009 or 2010. Henderson believes there were some questionable things going on behind the scenes. Billy Hoag (10), Joey Hoag (13) and Craig Dowell (14). By June, other searches ended with no clues as to the boys whereabouts. One of the popular south side caves at the time, Murphys Cave, was one of the first places rescuers tried to look. "I had no idea this was coming," he said. Joey [Hoag] was even a really big astronomer labeled himself as an amateur astronomer, if you look through his writings. They finally moved from Murphys Cave down where Billy and I had been in. My kids cant understand it and I cant understand it, other than we all think and feel different, DeDe said. This large-scale search of the missing went on for 10 consecutive days and was among the most popular searches in Missouris history. Wed, 20 May 2015 04:21:51 GMT Joey, Billy, and the Hoag kids had many hobbies while growing up in Hannibal. And nowadays, near Hannibal, sometimes new tunnels are found in the local caves, which are caused by expansion, rainfall and other reasons. HANNIBAL, Mo. One person, who grew up in Hannibal and knew the Hoags, penned a book alleging psychics believe notorious killer John Wayne Gacy, whose victims include at least 33 boys and young men, murdered the Hoags and Dowell. Podcasters Franki Cambeletta and Chris Koetters have done a pretty deep dive into the case and even said they want to solve it. Perhaps his brothers were wandering in the unknown areas underground. But because of the intensive construction of Highway 79 in the 1960s, employees sometimes encounter new gaps that lead to unexplored parts of local caves. accounts, the history behind an article. This was the last time these children were seen alive. But these searches, just like the ones in the caves, didnt lead to much. "But I decided just to lay it out and let people decide for themselves" if there's any merit to the story. Wingate's book, "Lost Boys of Hannibal: Inside America's Largest Cave Search," noted that the boys -- Edwin Craig Dowell, 14, and brothers Joel Hoag, 13, and Billy Hoag, 11 -- were never found despite month-long search efforts. DeDe loved St. Louis Cardinals baseball. Its possible, but its not probable., A memorial atop Lovers Leap has since been placed to honor the memory of the boys and the search crews. 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 Billy Hoag, Joel Hoag, and Craig Dowell; Hannibals Lost Boys. (Courtesy: Hannibal Courier-Post). She believes it will be out of circumstance theyll be discovered. 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.. Billy, Id say was a little bit more mischievous than Joey. Partly cloudy skies. Meanwhile at the Hoag House on Fulton Avenue, DeDe was waiting to find out if she had to work. One particular area the boys loved was Murphys Cave. 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. Gone, but not forgotten The unknown status of her two boys changed Helen Hoag forever. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! As he further explored the possibility of Gacy's involvement, Wingate kept finding other connections. As a result, only one probable trace of the boys was found a baby sock lying near the entrance to the cave. ". William Francis Hoag April 17, 2020July 18, 2020 FindtheMissing Left and Right: William circa, 1967 Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance Missing Since: May 10, 1967 Missing From: Hannibal, Marion County, Missouri Classification: Endangered Missing Date Of Birth: circa, 1956 Age: 11 years old Height and Weight: 5'5 and 80 pounds 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. 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. The preliminary search was called off 10 days later, though another source said, The case of the Lost Boys of Hannibal has been the subject of at least three books. But, Within a few days, the boys still hadnt been found and people started to wonder if they really were in the cave. 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. The belief is they went into a cave to explore. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Craig Dowell and brothers Bill and Joey Hoag disappeared on that May afternoon in 1967. Theyre not sleeping, Im not sleeping till they get home. I cant tell you for a fact why they did it. Be Truthful. 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. When they werent home by 5:45, their brother Tim started looking for them. 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. On May 10, 1967, Joey Hoag stepped off the school bus outside his parents' home in Hannibal's Southside neighborhood where he was greeted by his 16-year-old sister, Debra "DeDe" Hoag. or anything. 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. That claim, like so many others, would bear no fruit and the preliminary search would be called off 10 days after the disappearance. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. http://www.hannibal.net/article/20120528/NEWS/305289977, http://khqa.com/news/local/a-hannibal-mystery-48-years-in-the-making, http://www.charleyproject.org/cases/h/hoag_joel.html. A third theory he and Koetters have explored one that the Hoag boys mother ascribed to, according to Cambeletta is that some kind of cover-up was involved. 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. Don't Threaten. You have permission to edit this article. They were all well researched. Went to school, seen Billy, and he said, Were going caving tonight, Henderson said. These kids lived up to everything [in Twains books], from caves and from river travels [to] hiking and exploring, St. Charles-based filmmaker Franki Cambeletta, who has spent the last couple of years seeking answers about it all, said Wednesday on St. Louis on the Air. Just outside, Billy replied. racist or sexually-oriented language. Three adventurous boys, Joel Hoag, 13, his brother Billy, 11, and their friend Craig Dowell, 14, were out exploring Murphy's Cave, which was exposed by highway construction from state highway 79,. Online condolences may be made and video tribute may be viewed at www.jamesodonnellfuneralhome.com. Don't knowingly lie about anyone 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.". The first was, Podcasters Franki Cambeletta and Chris Koetters. For Billy and Joey Hoag, it was more than perfect because they had plans after school to go and do what they did best, exploring. All suspicious passageways, narrow cracks and still unexplored tunnels were carefully checked. The Hannibal mayor even requested the help of the Missouri National Guard. They were allegedly chased away by construction workers. 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. My own opinion is youre going to find Billy and Joey. Wingate said he realizes the psychic-driven theories about Gacy's involvement will sound far-fetched to many people. 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 boys prepared thoroughly. Brothers Billy and Joey Hoag, ages 11 and 13, along with their friend Craig Dowell, 14, were last observed carrying shovels and flashlights around 5 p.m. May 10, 1967. Had they absconded and left Hannibal without telling anyone? Had they even returned to the cave after those last few sightings of them around town? The next theory is that the boys were kidnapped and possibly killed. They owned Hoags Tavern, a popular restaurant along Hannibals Historic Main Street. Franki Cambeletta Talks About Hannibal's Unsolved Mystery From 1967. From here, some of the details become fuzzy. 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. There was a massive search for the kids that drew national attention, but ultimately, they've never been found. Most of all DeDe cherished the time she shared with her family and friends. Invalid password or account does not exist. 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. Brother Bill Dexheimer will officiate. I dont know if it was the first day or the second day, but I was having dreams and everything; about Billy and Joey. It is a possibility that [serial killer John Wayne Gacy] was traveling through and from Hannibal, Cambeletta said. Or were they the victims of a notorious serial killer? He informs Will of Freddie Lounds posting a pic of one of the girls online, which Will calls tasteless. There was a serious rebuke. A memorial service will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, at the James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal. They were waiting for the moment when the construction workers at the site would go to rest. 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. Don't knowingly lie about anyone The unknown fate of the children -- Billy Hoag, 10, Joey Hoag, 13, and Craig Dowell, 14 -- is one of Hannibal's greatest mysteries, haunting residents of the small Mississippi River town for 50 years. Do you think the boys were kidnapped, or did they die of injury on the construction site and their bodies weren't able to be recovered? I dont know if Ill be alive, but Im sure somebodys going to find them sometime, she said. racist or sexually-oriented language. The boys shared a. Being restricted to the yard was the boys punishment. person will not be tolerated. that is degrading to another person. Don't Threaten. The last theory is that the boys didnt actually all go missing at once. Or did someone perhaps spot three young boys traveling alone and see a crime of opportunity? "I've always been skeptical of this stuff," he said. Be Proactive. Cambeletta became interested in the boys disappearance several years ago, upon hearing about a more disturbing theory regarding their demise: that the boys fell victim to an opportunistic killer. They were 10-year-old Billy Hoag, his brother 13-year-old Joel Hoag and their friend 14-year-old Craig Dowell. It slithers and curves through the land just like the Mighty Mississippi River. Thats all there is to it.. They left anyway while their parents were out. But boys will be boys. Have the latest local news delivered every day so you don't miss out on updates. that is degrading to another person. Jack calls in Hannibal to work on the psychological profile of the Minnesota Shrike, and the two go to his office where he meets Will Graham. Nonetheless, this tight-knit community . 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. Joel, who was interested in snakes and geology, had been punished the night before for going to the cave without permission. 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. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. DeDe Hoag believes her brothers and Craig Dowell may have gotten trapped in one of these holes and accidentally buried after they were sealed. Craig disappeared with two other boys, the Hoag brothers Joel and William. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Youre going to have to have proof, beyond a shadow of a doubt, Henderson said. . DeDe Hoag believes her brothers and Craig Dowell may have gotten trapped in one of these holes and accidentally buried after they were sealed. Low 31F. Dont leave the yard, she told him. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. We won't share it with anyone else. Billy. Other, similar theories suggest they were trapped in a road cave in, fell into a sinkhole or did actually return to the cave, only to become trapped somewhere where they couldnt be found. HANNIBAL, Mo. This theory contends Gacy encountered the Hannibal boys near the caves, offered them a ride home, then drove them to a nearby wooded area and assaulted, killed and buried them. [News Article] (http://www.hannibal.net/article/20120528/NEWS/305289977). He and William were not supposed to leave their yard, but they left anyway while their parents were out. Greg Henderson, the boys 11-year-old friend who barely missed the cave trip that day, thinks there might have been corruption. Use the 'Report' link on Be Nice. It would be quite interesting if you could go down and dig in that hole. Wingate says he was skeptical when he heard from the three female psychics who all sensed a connection between Gacy and the missing Hannibal boys. A memorial marker for the boys has been placed in the vicinity of the cave. To request a transcript for St. Louis on the Air, They regularly picked up lanterns and went down into the dark cave tunnels. It was searched by police but, again, no trace of the boys was found. DeDe recalls her mother, Helen Hoag, scolding the boys to wash their clothes and stay away from the construction zone they were in. During the highway construction, sections of the road were being blasted to destroy them and make room for the new road, creating holes. Or were they trying to evade someone who was following them? Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. They found out the south side is nothing but a maze of caves clear to Park Avenue, Valley Street; the caves all connect one way or another.. Unexplored caves or not she didnt want her children being somewhere they shouldnt. He and Joel were both eighth-graders at Hannibal Junior High at the time of their disappearances. He says he has lived all over the world and calls Quincy home, though he resides in Hannibal now. For more information, please see our Debra "DeDe" Hoag, 67, of Hannibal, passed away at 5:37 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, at her home. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. The families of Joey and Billy Hoag, 13 and 11 years of age, and 14-year Craig Dowell became worried when the boys failed to come home for dinner that evening. It slithers and curves through the land just like the mighty Mississippi. Create a password that only you will remember. When they werent home by 5:45, their brother Tim started looking for them. These holes. The tunnels of Murphys Cave are very complex and winding. A pair of black tights are a necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop. Caves, like many other things in nature, are vast and often largely uncharted. In the US state of Missouri, one of the local attractions is a vast network of caves that have thousands of passages, both above and below ground. According to their sister Deborah, who went by DeDe, Billy was very mischievous while Joey was more serious and interested in science, especially astronomy. They were planning to . 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