Ongoing Mysteries: Updates on Three High-Profile Missing Persons Cases
The narratives surrounding the disappearances of Michael Vaughan, Alicia Navarro, and Codi Bigsby continue to unravel, leaving us with some answers, but more questions. Michael's case took a surprising turn with charges against Sarah Wondra, only to face dismissal, leaving the search for answers open-ended. Alicia's safe return brought relief but unfolded into a disturbing revelation involving Edmund "Eddie" Davis, raising questions about her time in Montana. Meanwhile, Codi's tragic story involves a father's indictment, unsettling statements, and a trial postponed to March 2024.
In the world of true crime, some cases continue to unfold with unexpected twists and turns, keeping us on the edge of our seats. In this week’s episode, we have updates on three high-profile missing persons cases that we’ve covered on previous episodes. From arrests to reunions and ongoing investigations, here's the latest on Michael Vaughan, Alicia Navarro, and Codi Bigsby.
Michael Vaughan's Disappearance
On July 27, 2021, 5-year-old Michael Vaughan went missing in Fruitland, Idaho, leading to a massive search. After over a year and a half, an arrest was made, with Sarah Wondra facing charges related to Michael's disappearance. However, the case took unexpected turns, including the dismissal of charges against Sarah Wondra. As of September 2023, the prosecutor is careful with potential charges, and the case remains active.
Alicia Navarro's Safe Return
Alicia Navarro disappeared from her Glendale, Arizona home in 2019, sparking fears of an online predator's involvement. In a surprising turn of events, Alicia was found safe in Havre, Montana, in July 2023, seeking to live life independently as an adult. However, the story took a dark turn with the arrest of Edmund "Eddie" Davis on child sex abuse charges. Alicia has been reunited with her family, but the investigation into Davis continues.
3. Codi Bigsby's Tragic Case
Four-year-old Codi Bigsby went missing in Hampton Roads, Virginia, in 2022. His father, Cory Bigsby, was later indicted for his murder, with disturbing details emerging during hearings. Cory, initially deemed unfit for trial, underwent restoration services and now faces charges related to his son's death. The trial, initially set for November 6, 2023, has been postponed to March 4, 2024, as the legal proceedings unfold.
Listen to the full episode of ‘And Then They Were Gone’ on your favorite podcast app.
Codi Bigsby Disappearance: Latest Developments in Murder Case - Indictment of Cory Bigsby
The case of Codi Bigsby's disappearance has been ongoing since January 2022. Codi's father, Cory Bigsby, reported his son missing from their Buckroe townhome, and police named him as the only person of interest in their investigation. After months of investigation, the authorities have concluded that Codi is dead, and on June 5, 2023, Cory Bigsby was indicted for the murder and concealment of Codi's body. This update on the case will explore the latest developments in the investigation and the efforts to find Codi.
The Search for Codi
On January 31, 2022, Cory Bigsby reported his 4-year-old son, Codi, missing from their Buckroe townhome. A search immediately ensued, but Codi was nowhere to be found. Police named Cory as the only person of interest in their investigation. The authorities have long presumed that Codi is dead, although his body has never been found.
From the first minutes of the investigation, Hampton Police Chief Mark Talbot said that the evidence about what likely occurred has been very clear. There is little about this that has been mysterious. Since then, the authorities have been working tirelessly to find Codi's body and bring justice to his family.
Cory Bigsby's Arrest and Mental Competency
During the initial investigation, Cory Bigsby was taken down to the station for questioning, which turned into an interrogation that spanned days. He was subsequently arrested on multiple charges of child neglect, and since then, he has remained in jail. His mental competency has been called into question, and after several hearings, a grand jury was convened and on June 5, 2023, Cory Bigsby was indicted for the murder and concealment of Codi's body.
The Mental Health Evaluation
A recently released mental health evaluation reveals that Cory Bigsby is competent to stand trial. Dr. Weare Zwermer conducted an evaluation of Cory Bigsby in February and March, during which he determined that Bigsby seemed to understand the legal process ahead of him but not the seriousness of the charges against him. The evaluation also detailed Bigsby's "escalating paranoia" and a series of "bizarre" behaviors during his time at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail.
In March, Bigsby's team requested a judge to dismiss the charges against him after they say the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office obtained evidence that wasn't submitted to the defense for months. The evidence is a written statement Bigsby wrote while in jail. Bigsby's defense team said the Commonwealth got a copy of that letter on Aug. 3 but did not share it with the defense team until November.
The Competency Restoration Services
Bigsby was behind bars without bail at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail until a judge ordered him to Eastern State Hospital in March to receive competency restoration services after an exam found him incompetent to stand trial. Licensed Clinical Psychologist William McKenna evaluated the father on May 30 and determined he is now competent to stand trial.
During his hospitalization, Bigsby's thought process was "goal-directed" and did not contain "overt delusional ideation, obsessions, or phobias," according to the report. He also denied having any auditory or visual hallucinations. A doctor diagnosed him with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and prescribed him medication.
Bigsby began competency restoration services on April 19 and addressed several concerns that Zwermer highlighted in his evaluation of the father that happened in the spring. Those included conflicting background information that Bigsby gave several medical providers, which the father said had been "misinterpreted." He also told the counselor that he gave erroneous biographical information to at least one evaluation because "he believed the evaluator did not need to know such personal details," the report states.
The Indictment
On June 5, 2023, a grand jury indicted Cory Bigsby on charges of murder and concealment of a dead body. The paperwork associated with the indictment has not been filed yet in Hampton Circuit Court, according to clerks in that office. He's also facing 30 charges connected to the alleged abuse and neglect of Codi and his brothers.
Codi's Legacy
Codi's disappearance has had a profound effect on his family, friends, and the community at large. Despite the challenges of this case, Codi's memory lives on through the efforts of those who have worked tirelessly to find him and bring justice to his family.
Sources:
Cory Bigsby headed to Eastern State Hospital for further mental health evaluation | WAVY.com
Hampton judge orders doctor's examination to determine 'sanity' of Cory Bigsby
Sources: Cory Bigsby charged in death of 4-year-old son, Codi
https://www.wavy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/cory-bigsby-grand-jury-charges.pdf
https://twitter.com/AndyFoxWAVY/status/1488635547933417486?s=20&t=aZRMB2PCGDGcuFhv3duQdw
Arrest warrant: Codi Bigsby father admits to leaving children home alone on 'several occasions'
Father of missing Codi Bigsby denied bond at child neglect hearing
https://twitter.com/JonDowding/status/1492669287215026176?s=20&t=vCxUtzVeK967bvDBIS8U8A
Cori Bigsby Update: Police Address Bones & Clothes Found During Search | YourTango
Cory Bigsby, Codi Bigsby's Father: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know
Timeline: Breakdown of events surrounding Codi Bigsby's disappearance
Father of missing boy Codi Bigsby indicted on 30 counts | Court TV
Father of missing Hampton boy Codi Bigsby faces judge before trial in November
As new year approaches, many holding on to hope for answers in search for Codi Bigsby
Photos:
Transcript:
The Mysterious Disappearance of Codi Bigsby: Is the Father a Suspect or a Victim?
Codi Bigsby, a 4-year-old boy, was reported missing on January 31, 2022, when his father, Cory, woke up and found his son's bed empty. A search immediately ensued in their Hampton, Virginia neighborhood, but Codi was nowhere to be found. Police took Cory down to the station for questioning, but this interview turned into a brutal interrogation that spanned days and led to Cory being arrested on multiple charges.
In this true crime podcast episode, we delve into the details of the Codi Bigsby case and explore the question on everyone's mind: is Cory a suspect or a victim? The police believe that he is responsible for his son's disappearance, but does the evidence support this theory? Or has tunnel vision led to a terrified father being left in jail, unable to search for his son, who has yet to be found?
With our trademark attention to detail and insightful analysis, we examine the facts of the case and explore the possible scenarios that could have led to Codi's disappearance. We discuss the impact of the case on the community and the emotional toll it has taken on the Bigsby family and the Hampton community.
So if you're looking for a true crime podcast that goes beyond the headlines and offers an inside look at some of the most fascinating cases in recent history, be sure to tune in to our latest episode. You won't want to miss our discussion of the Codi Bigsby case and the ongoing efforts to find out what happened to this young boy. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.
Sources:
https://twitter.com/AndyFoxWAVY/status/1488635547933417486?s=20&t=aZRMB2PCGDGcuFhv3duQdw
Arrest warrant: Codi Bigsby father admits to leaving children home alone on 'several occasions'
Father of missing Codi Bigsby denied bond at child neglect hearing
https://twitter.com/JonDowding/status/1492669287215026176?s=20&t=vCxUtzVeK967bvDBIS8U8A
Cori Bigsby Update: Police Address Bones & Clothes Found During Search | YourTango
Cory Bigsby, Codi Bigsby's Father: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know
Timeline: Breakdown of events surrounding Codi Bigsby's disappearance
Father of missing boy Codi Bigsby indicted on 30 counts | Court TV
Father of missing Hampton boy Codi Bigsby faces judge before trial in November
As new year approaches, many holding on to hope for answers in search for Codi Bigsby