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The Disappearance of Brianna Maitland: Part 2

In this episode, we delve into the chilling case of Brianna Maitland, who vanished 20 years ago in Vermont. Following an anonymous tip, police raided a farmhouse on Reservoir Road, uncovering drugs and weapons but no sign of Brianna. Connected to two drug dealers, Ramon Ryans and Nathaniel Jackson, Brianna's disappearance intersects with the dark underworld of drugs and crime. The investigation led to further twists, including the brutal murder of Ligia Rae Collins by Ellen Ducharme, sparking fears of a grim link to Brianna’s fate. Despite numerous leads and ongoing efforts by her family and private investigators, Brianna's case remains a haunting mystery, with authorities and loved ones still seeking answers and justice.

In this episode of And Then They Were Gone, we dive into the chilling disappearance of Brianna Maitland, a case that has haunted Vermont for the past 20 years. Brianna was last seen on March 19, 2004, and the investigation into her disappearance has led to a web of drug dealers, criminal activities, and unanswered questions. Here's a brief overview of the episode:

The Initial Lead

The search for Brianna took a dramatic turn when an anonymous caller claimed she was being held in the basement of a farmhouse on Reservoir Road in Berkshire, Vermont. This farmhouse was rented by two drug dealers, Ramon Ryans and Nathaniel Charles Jackson, who had connections with Brianna. Police raided the house but found no trace of her.

Brianna’s Involvement with the Drug Scene

Brianna had been involved in the local drug scene, attending parties where she met Ramon and Nathaniel. Despite rumors suggesting she was a drug addict who had run away, her family insisted she was far from that stereotype. She was working two jobs and finishing her GED at the time of her disappearance.

The Police Raid and Subsequent Events

During the raid on the farmhouse, police found drugs and weapons but no sign of Brianna. Ramon and Nathaniel, along with two others, were arrested but later released. Ramon moved to an apartment in Burlington, while Nathaniel stayed in the area. The story took another twist when Ligia Rae Collins, a woman connected to Ramon, disappeared on July 4, 2004.

The Murder of Ligia Rae Collins

Ligia's disappearance was reported by Ramon, but soon, Ellen Ducharme confessed to murdering her with the help of Moses Robar and Timothy Crews. Ellen’s account echoed the brutalities suspected in Brianna’s case, creating a potential link between the two.

Ramon Ryans and the Connections

Ramon’s involvement in the drug scene and his connection to several key figures raised suspicions. Despite his arrest, he was released after cooperating with the police, leading Brianna’s family to believe he had not provided any useful information.

Private Investigation and New Leads

Frustrated with the police efforts, Brianna’s family hired private investigator Greg Overacker. Overacker’s investigation led to numerous interviews and the discovery of a potential lead involving a party on the night of Brianna’s disappearance. However, these stories varied widely, and none provided concrete answers.

The Case Continues

Despite many theories and potential leads, the case remains unsolved. The Vermont State Police and the FBI continue to investigate, using advanced DNA technology to pursue any new leads. In 2024, on the 20th anniversary of Brianna’s disappearance, a $40,000 reward was announced for information leading to her whereabouts.

The disappearance of Brianna Maitland is a complex case filled with dark twists and unresolved mysteries. Her family and investigators remain hopeful that new information will eventually surface to bring her home. As Colonel Matthew Birmingham of the Vermont State Police stated, "This is not a cold case, it’s an unsolved case."